Vehicle intelligent sunshade system and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an intelligent vehicle sunshade system and control method. The method includes: identifying weather conditions and sunlight angles using a vehicle's external camera; calculating the incident sunlight angle in real time as a relative vehicle reference coordinate vector; and, based on the calculated results, controlling a sunshade adjustment mechanism to automatically adjust the shade area and angle. The intelligent sunshade system not only addresses the inconvenient operation and poor performance of traditional sunshade devices, but also protects the driver's field of view, providing effective sunshade while ensuring the driver can clearly observe important traffic elements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle intelligent control, and in particular to a vehicle intelligent sunshade system and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] During driving, direct sunlight is one of the important factors that affect the driver's vision, especially during periods of low sun angles such as sunrise and sunset. Strong sunlight may cause blurred vision for the driver, increasing driving risks. Traditional vehicle sunshades usually use fixed sun visors that require manual adjustment by the driver. This is not only inconvenient to operate, but also unable to adjust the shading angle and range in real time according to changes in sunlight. In addition, fixed sun visors often block part of the driver's field of vision, affecting driving safety. Traditional vehicle sunshade methods mainly rely on manual adjustment of the sun visor, which has the following problems:

[0003] 1. Inconvenient adjustment: The driver needs to make manual adjustments, which distracts the driver and affects driving safety;

[0004] 2. Poor shading effect: Fixed sun visors cannot be adjusted in real time according to changes in sunlight angle, which can easily lead to insufficient or excessive shading;

[0005] 3. Limited vision: The sun visor is fixed in position, which can easily block the driver's vision and affect the observation of traffic conditions;

[0006] 4. Low comfort: It cannot be precisely adjusted according to the driver's personal needs and preferences. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a vehicle intelligent sunshade system and a control method thereof, which can automatically adjust the position and angle of the sunshade in real time according to the sunlight incident angle and the driver's vision requirements, thereby improving driving comfort and safety.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle intelligent sunshade system, comprising:

[0009] Vehicle exterior cameras to identify weather and sun angles;

[0010] A processor, configured to calculate the incident angle of sunlight into a relative vehicle reference coordinate vector in real time based on data collected by the vehicle's external camera;

[0011] A controller, configured to control the sunshade adjustment mechanism to automatically adjust the shading area and angle according to the calculation result of the processor;

[0012] The sunshade adjustment mechanism is used to execute controller instructions to block light that affects the driver's driving.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sunshade adjustment mechanism includes a flexible rack, a drive motor and a rack guide rail, wherein the rack guide rail is connected to the vehicle body ceiling interior panel and extends to the cockpit, and the motor output gear applies torque to the flexible rack to achieve axial movement; the sunshade is connected to the sunshade adjustment mechanism.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the sunshade adjustment mechanism includes two, which are respectively installed on both sides of the front windshield; the two opposite sides of the sunshade are respectively connected to the sunshade adjustment mechanisms on both sides.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the system further includes: a camera in the cab, used to measure the coordinates of the driver's observation position; and an external sensor, used to calculate the coordinates of each external traffic element.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, the external traffic elements include traffic lights and major traffic signs, vehicles, and people.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present invention, the vector formed by the driver and the lines connecting each element is calculated based on the driver's observation position coordinates measured by the camera in the cab and the element coordinates calculated by the sensor outside the vehicle; the intersection of the vector and the sunshade plane is calculated, and the two highest points in the Z direction are selected to form the sunshade adjustment vector.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the extension length of the flexible rack is calculated based on the sunshade adjustment vector and the rack guide direction vector of the sunshade adjustment mechanism; and the driving motor is controlled to drive the flexible rack to move the corresponding length.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a noise sensor for detecting environmental noise; and the controller is further configured to control the speed of the driving machine according to the environmental noise detected by the noise sensor.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, the system further includes an emergency exit physical button for quickly retracting the sunshade in an emergency.

[0021] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle intelligent sunshade method, comprising:

[0022] Identify weather and sun angles through vehicle exterior cameras;

[0023] Calculate the incident angle of sunlight into a relative vehicle reference coordinate vector in real time;

[0024] According to the solution results, the sunshade adjustment mechanism is controlled to automatically adjust the shading area and angle.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coordinates of the driver's observation position are calculated by a camera inside the cab; and the coordinates of various traffic elements outside the vehicle are calculated by sensors outside the vehicle.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, the vector formed by the driver and the lines connecting each element is calculated based on the driver's observation position coordinates and the element coordinates; the intersection of the vector and the sunshade plane is calculated, and the two highest points in the Z direction are selected to form the sunshade adjustment vector.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the extension length of the flexible rack is calculated based on the sunshade adjustment vector and the rack guide direction vector of the sunshade adjustment mechanism; and the driving motor is controlled to drive the flexible rack to move the corresponding length.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the ambient noise is detected by a noise sensor; and the speed of the driving machine is controlled according to the detected ambient noise.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention include:

[0030] 1. Improve driver comfort: The intelligent sunshade system of the present invention can automatically adjust the position and angle of the sunshade according to the incident angle of sunlight, providing the driver with the best sunshade effect, greatly improving driving comfort, and especially meeting the important demand of female drivers for vehicle sunshade.

[0031] 2. Lower the temperature inside the car: By intelligently adjusting the sunshade, you can effectively block direct sunlight, lower the temperature inside the car, and improve the comfort of the interior environment.

[0032] 3. Improve driving safety and vision: The system of the present invention can adjust the sunshade in real time according to the driver's line of sight and the external environment, while providing sunshade effect, ensuring that the driver's view of important traffic elements is not blocked, thereby improving driving safety.

[0033] 4. Improved sense of quality: The intelligent sunshade system adds a sense of technology and high-end to the vehicle, and improves the quality of the entire vehicle.

[0034] 5. Automation and intelligence: The system of the present invention can automatically identify the angle of sunlight and adjust it without the need for manual operation by the driver, which greatly improves convenience and safety.

[0035] 6. Noise control: The motor speed is controlled by a noise sensor to avoid the noise generated during the sunshade adjustment process from disturbing the driver.

[0036] 7. Emergency exit function: A physical emergency exit button is set to ensure that the sunshade can be quickly retracted in an emergency to ensure safety.

[0037] The intelligent sunshade system of this invention not only solves the inconvenient operation and poor effectiveness of traditional sunshade devices, but also protects the driver's field of vision, providing effective sun protection while ensuring a clear view of important traffic elements. Furthermore, the invention takes into account noise control and emergency response, further enhancing the system's practicality and safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, the drawings of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. These drawings are only used for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a vehicle intelligent sunshade system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a vehicle intelligent sunshade method provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 4 This is a calculation description of a vehicle intelligent sunshade method provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0043] Figure 5 This is a calculation description of a vehicle intelligent sunshade method provided by an embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0044] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of a sunshade angle adjustment system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 7 This is a control block diagram of a sunshade angle adjustment system provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Below through Figures 1 to 7 The technical solutions of the present invention (including preferred technical solutions) are further described in detail by listing some optional embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] Example 1

[0048] This embodiment provides a vehicle intelligent sunshade system based on the incident angle of sunlight, the system comprising:

[0049] 1. The sunshade adjustment mechanism 100 is used to execute the controller instructions to block the light that affects the driver's driving. Figure 1 As shown, the sunshade adjustment mechanism includes a flexible rack 1, a drive motor 2 and a rack guide rail 3. The rack guide rail 3 is connected to the vehicle body ceiling interior panel 4 and extends to the cockpit. The output gear of the drive motor 2 applies torque to the flexible rack 1 to achieve axial movement. The sunshade hanging point 5 is installed on the flexible rack 1 through a connecting mechanism. The flexible rack 1 slides on the rack guide rail 3, and a chamber for accommodating the flexible rack is also provided at the end of the rack guide rail. This can also help to store the flexible rack, thereby saving space and making this mechanism take up less space.

[0050] 2. Vehicle exterior camera: installed at an appropriate location outside the vehicle to identify weather and sunlight angles.

[0051] 3. Processor: Receives and processes data from the vehicle's external cameras, and converts the sunlight incident angle into a relative vehicle reference coordinate vector in real time.

[0052] 4. Controller: According to the calculation results of the processor, the sunshade adjustment mechanism is controlled to automatically adjust the shading area and angle.

[0053] 5. Camera in the cab: used to measure the coordinates of the driver's observation position.

[0054] 6. External sensors: used to calculate the coordinates of various external traffic elements.

[0055] 7. Noise sensor: used to detect environmental noise and provide data to the controller to adjust the motor speed.

[0056] 8. Emergency exit physical button: used to quickly retract the sunshade in an emergency.

[0057] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the external traffic elements include traffic lights and major traffic signs, vehicles, people and other elements.

[0058] In some optional embodiments of the present invention, the sunshade adjustment mechanism includes two, one mounted on each side of the front windshield. The system's workflow is as follows:

[0059] 1. System initialization: After starting the vehicle, the system automatically enters the working state.

[0060] 2. Environmental data collection: The vehicle's external cameras continuously collect weather and sunlight angle data; the camera inside the cab calculates the coordinates of the driver's observation position; and the external sensors calculate the coordinates of important elements outside the vehicle.

[0061] 3. Data processing: The processor receives data from each sensor and performs the following calculations:

[0062] a) Calculate the incident angle of sunlight into a reference coordinate vector relative to the vehicle;

[0063] b) Calculate the vector formed by the lines connecting the driver and each important element;

[0064] c) Calculate the intersection of the above vector and the sunshade plane, and select the two highest points in the Z direction to form the sunshade adjustment vector.

[0065] 4. Sunshade adjustment: The controller performs the following operations based on the calculation results of the processor:

[0066] a) Calculate the ideal extension length of the rack;

[0067] b) Consider the "extended length factor" (e.g. 0.9) and calculate the actual extended length;

[0068] c) Control the gear motor to drive the flexible rack to move the corresponding length.

[0069] 5. Noise control: The noise sensor detects the ambient noise in real time, and the controller adjusts the motor running speed according to the noise level to reduce interference to the driver.

[0070] 6. Continuous monitoring and adjustment: The system continuously monitors environmental changes, such as vehicle steering or changes in sunlight, and adjusts the position and angle of the sunshade in real time.

[0071] 7. Emergency handling: When the driver presses the emergency exit button, the system immediately retracts the sunshade to ensure driving safety.

[0072] Example 2:

[0073] Based on the system of Example 1, this embodiment further optimizes the sunshade adjustment algorithm to improve the accuracy and adaptability of the system. The specific improvements are as follows:

[0074] 1. Plane modeling of sunshade:

[0075] Since the actuators on both sides of the windshield are fixed and the rack's extension into the guide rail is rigid, we can establish the sunshade's reference plane relative to the vehicle as Plane_(sun_block). Furthermore, based on the orientation of the guide rail, we establish the directions in which the two actuators extend into and out of the rack guide rail as vectors V_(motor1) and V_(motor2).

[0076] 2. Calculation of sunlight incident vector:

[0077] Taking the windshield as an example, assume that the incident sunlight vector relative to the vehicle coordinate system is V_(sun).

[0078] 3. Calculation of driver's sight vector:

[0079] The camera inside the cab measures the driver's observation position coordinates, P_(Driver). External sensors calculate elements outside the vehicle, such as traffic lights, major traffic signs, vehicles, and people. The highest contour point of each element is selected to generate coordinates P_(Object1), P_(Object2), P_(Object3), ..., P_(Objectn), and so on. Connecting P_(Driver) and P_(Object1, 2, 3, ..., n) yields V_(Object1, 2, 3, ..., n).

[0080] 4. Calculation of sunshade adjustment vector:

[0081] Calculate the intersection point P_(SunBlock_MDriver1, 2, 3…n) of the vector V_(Object1, 2, 3…n) formed by each element of interest and the driver's observation point with Plane_(sun_block). Select the two highest points in the Z direction of P_(SunBlock_MDriver1, 2, 3…n) on the sunshade to form a straight line V_(sun_block).

[0082] Specifically, if the driver needs to observe these elements, this means that the sunshade's solid surface Plane_(sun_block) (X1≤X≤X2, Y1≤Y≤Y2, Z1≤Z≤Z2) (X1, X2, Y1, Y2, Z1, Z2 correspond to the sunshade's boundaries in the X, Y, and Z directions, respectively) must not intersect with the vector V_(Object1, 2, 3…n), otherwise it will block the driver's view. Therefore, the two highest points in the Z direction of P_(SunBlock_MDriver1, 2, 3…n) on the sunshade are selected to form a straight line V_(sun_block). This vector is theoretically tangent to the vertices of each external traffic element, ensuring that the driver can see each external traffic element.

[0083] 5. Calculation of rack extension length:

[0084] Calculate the intersection of V_(sun_block) and the direction vectors V_(motor1) and V_(motor2) of the two actuators extending into / out of the rack guide, and solve for the length of each actuator extending out of the rack.

[0085] 6. Length coefficient adjustment:

[0086] Introduce the global coefficient "extension length coefficient". If it is set to 0.9, the actual extension length will be 90% of the calculated length.

[0087] 7. Limit control:

[0088] The maximum extension length of the front windshield sunshade must not exceed the rearview mirror area to avoid blocking the rearview mirror.

[0089] Example 3:

[0090] This embodiment provides a vehicle intelligent sunshade method based on the incident angle of sunlight, which can be applied to the systems described in Examples 1 and 2. The specific steps are as follows:

[0091] 1. Environmental data collection:

[0092] a) Continuously identify weather conditions and sun angles using the vehicle's external cameras;

[0093] b) Calculate the driver's observation position coordinates through the camera in the cab;

[0094] c) Calculate the coordinates of traffic lights, major traffic signs, vehicles, people and other elements outside the vehicle through external sensors.

[0095] 2. Data processing:

[0096] a) Calculate the incident angle of sunlight into a relative vehicle reference coordinate vector in real time;

[0097] b) Calculate the vector formed by the line connecting the driver and each element based on the driver's observation position coordinates and the element coordinates;

[0098] c) Calculate the intersection of the above vector and the sunshade plane, and select the two highest points in the Z direction to form the sunshade adjustment vector.

[0099] 3. Sunshade adjustment calculation:

[0100] a) Calculate the ideal extension length of the rack based on the sunshade adjustment vector and the direction vector of the rack guide rail of the sunshade adjustment mechanism;

[0101] b) Apply the extension length factor to calculate the actual extension length.

[0102] 4. Execute adjustments:

[0103] The gear motor is controlled to drive the flexible rack to move a corresponding length.

[0104] 5. Noise control:

[0105] a) Continuously detect ambient noise through noise sensors;

[0106] b) Adjust the operating speed of the gear motor in real time according to the detected ambient noise.

[0107] 6. Continuous monitoring and adjustment:

[0108] Repeat steps 1-5 to continuously monitor environmental changes and adjust the position and angle of the sunshade.

[0109] 7. Emergency handling:

[0110] Monitor the status of the emergency exit physical button, and once pressed, immediately retract the sunshade.

[0111] The advantages of this method are:

[0112] 1. Strong real-time performance: the sunshade can be adjusted in real time according to environmental changes;

[0113] 2. High accuracy: It takes into account multiple factors, including sunlight angle, driver’s sight line, important traffic elements, etc.

[0114] 3. High degree of intelligence: no manual operation by the driver is required, the whole process is automated;

[0115] 4. Good safety: emergency exit function ensures safety in emergency situations;

[0116] 5. Strong comfort: reduce interference to the driver through noise control.

[0117] Example 4: Environment-based intelligent control

[0118] In this embodiment, the system first determines the current weather conditions. If it is not a sunny day (such as a cloudy day, night or in a tunnel), the system will not start.

[0119] On clear days, if the onboard camera can directly observe the sun, the system determines the sun's coordinates relative to the vehicle's coordinate system and fits them into a vector. The system then calculates the optimal sunshade angle based on the current scene and driver behavior, and outputs the result to the actuator.

[0120] If the camera can't directly observe the sun, the system checks for shadows. If so, the system determines the angle of sunlight based on the length and angle of the obstacle's shadow and adjusts the sunshade accordingly. If no shadows are observed for a period of time, the system retracts the sunshade completely and continues to monitor the environment.

[0121] Example 5: Multi-mode intelligent control

[0122] The system provides multiple operation modes to adapt to different scenarios:

[0123] 1. Single-driver mode: Only the sunshade adjustment mechanism for the front windshield and the cab row is activated.

[0124] 2. Multi-person mode: Activate the sunshade adjustment mechanism of the entire vehicle to provide a comfortable experience for all passengers.

[0125] 3. Viewing mode: Turn off the sunshade adjustment function to make it easier for passengers to enjoy the scenery outside the window.

[0126] Example 6: Noise Control Optimization

[0127] To enhance the user experience, the system also includes an actuator power control subsystem. This subsystem dynamically adjusts the actuator's output power and operating noise based on the noise level inside the vehicle. This prevents excessive noise from frequent sunshade adjustments, ensuring a comfortable interior environment.

[0128] Example 7: Adaptive Adjustment Based on Driver Behavior

[0129] In one specific embodiment, the system first determines whether the vehicle is facing the setting sun. If so, the system adjusts the sunshade extension coefficient to 0.5 to prioritize the driver's field of vision. If the driver still lowers their head, the system exits the adjustment.

[0130] If the vehicle is not facing the setting sun, the system will activate facial recognition. For new users, the system defaults to a "Stand-Out Length Factor" of 1 and enables all P_Object groups. For recognized users, the system loads the driver's previously saved "Stand-Out Length Factor" and P_Object grouping parameters.

[0131] The system continuously monitors the driver's behavior. If the driver frequently lowers their head, the system multiplies the extension factor by 0.9 and continues monitoring. If the problem persists, the system multiplies the factor by 0.9 again. Once the driver stops frequently lowering their head, the system records the current extension factor and associates it with the driver's identity for future use.

[0132] Example 8: Dynamic Adjustment Based on Direct Sunlight

[0133] In another embodiment, the system monitors the driver's eyes for direct sunlight or squinting. If this is detected, the system begins discarding elements in the P_Object group that are not important, and continuously monitors the effect. If the problem persists, the system continues to remove elements based on a pre-set priority.

[0134] Once the system detects that the sunlight is no longer directly in the driver's eyes and the driver no longer lowers his head, the system will record the current function group settings and bind the driver's identity and seat adjustment parameters together for future use.

[0135] Example 9: Intelligent Response to Composite Behaviors

[0136] If the system detects both the driver's head down and squinting, it further determines whether the driver's head is moving frequently. If so, the system issues a voice prompt and adjusts the extension factor to prioritize field of view. If not, the system readjusts the element grouping to find the optimal balance.

[0137] These examples detail how a sunshade angle adjustment system intelligently adjusts the sunshade to provide an optimal driving experience based on different conditions. By comprehensively considering environmental factors, driver behavior, and personal preferences, the system achieves a highly personalized and intelligent sunshade effect.

[0138] It will be easily understood by those skilled in the art that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, combinations, replacements, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle intelligent sunshade system, characterized in that: include: Vehicle exterior cameras to identify weather and sun angles; A processor, configured to calculate the incident angle of sunlight into a relative vehicle reference coordinate vector in real time based on data collected by the vehicle's external camera; A controller, configured to control the sunshade adjustment mechanism to automatically adjust the shading area and angle according to the calculation result of the processor; The sunshade adjustment mechanism is used to execute the controller's instructions to block the light that affects the driver's driving; The camera in the cab is used to measure the coordinates of the driver's observation position; External sensors are used to calculate the coordinates of various external traffic elements; Calculating a vector formed by a line connecting the driver and each element based on the driver's observation position coordinates measured by the camera inside the cab and the element coordinates calculated by the sensor outside the vehicle; The intersection point of the vector and the sunshade plane is calculated, and the two highest points in the vertical direction are selected to form the sunshade adjustment vector.

2. The vehicle intelligent sunshade system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sunshade adjustment mechanism includes a flexible rack, a drive motor and a rack guide rail, wherein the rack guide rail is connected to the vehicle body ceiling interior panel and extends to the cockpit, and the motor output gear applies torque to the flexible rack to achieve axial movement; the sunshade is connected to the sunshade adjustment mechanism.

3. The vehicle intelligent sunshade system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sunshade curtain adjusting mechanisms include two, which are respectively installed on both sides of the front windshield; and the two opposite sides of the sunshade curtain are respectively connected to the sunshade curtain adjusting mechanisms on both sides.

4. The vehicle intelligent sunshade system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The extension length of the flexible rack is calculated according to the sunshade adjustment vector and the rack guide direction vector of the sunshade adjustment mechanism; and the driving motor is controlled to drive the flexible rack to move the corresponding length.

5. A vehicle intelligent sunshade method, comprising: Identify weather and sun angles through vehicle exterior cameras; Calculate the incident angle of sunlight into a relative vehicle reference coordinate vector in real time; According to the solution results, the sunshade adjustment mechanism is controlled to automatically adjust the shading area and angle; The driver's observation position coordinates are calculated through the camera in the cab; the coordinates of various traffic elements outside the vehicle are calculated through the external sensors; According to the driver's observation position coordinates and element coordinates, the vector formed by the driver and the lines connecting each element is calculated; the intersection of the vector and the sunshade plane is calculated, and the two highest points in the vertical direction are selected to form the sunshade adjustment vector.

6. The vehicle intelligent sunshade method according to claim 5, characterized in that: The extension length of the flexible rack is calculated according to the sunshade adjustment vector and the rack guide direction vector of the sunshade adjustment mechanism; and the driving machine is controlled to drive the flexible rack to move the corresponding length.

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