Vehicle communication device and communication method based on light reflection

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of vehicle communication technology and provides a vehicle communication device and method based on light reflection. The vehicle communication device includes a headlight, a reflector receiving module, and a vehicle ECU. The headlight includes a light-emitting device array, a first photosensitive device, and a first controller. The reflector receiving module includes a second photosensitive device, a reflector, a liquid crystal panel, and a second controller. The first controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle to form data frames, and sends these data frames cyclically by modulating the light-emitting device array. It also activates the first photosensitive device to receive reflective information emitted by the reflector of the preceding vehicle. The second controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms corresponding data frames. It also activates the second photosensitive device to poll and receive headlight illumination information from the following vehicle. Upon receiving a data frame from the headlight of the following vehicle, the controller controls the light transmittance of the liquid crystal panel and sends the data frame formed by its own sensing information through the reflector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle communication technology, and particularly relates to a vehicle communication device and communication method based on light reflection. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] Among various types of traffic accidents, two-way and multi-way accidents are particularly serious. Due to road congestion and the fast pace of life, rear-end collisions are quite frequent, especially on highways, where multi-vehicle rear-end collisions can cause serious accidents. With the development of the automotive industry and electronic technology, modern cars are equipped with various sensors that can collect parameters such as vehicle speed and acceleration, as well as driver behavior, in real time. If the vehicle in front can transmit this data to the vehicles behind in real time, then the following vehicles can be notified when the vehicle in front brakes suddenly or an emergency occurs. The following vehicles can then take emergency action through their onboard computers, thus avoiding accidents, especially chain-reaction rear-end collisions.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, wireless communication modules such as in-vehicle Bluetooth are currently used for communication between vehicle terminals. However, the following problems still exist:

[0005] (1) Bluetooth requires pairing to communicate, but vehicles traveling on the road are random, making it difficult to achieve pairing in a timely manner. (2) Radio signals have poor directionality, spread everywhere, and interfere with each other when there are many vehicles, resulting in poor transmission reliability; moreover, the transmission distance is limited within the allowed frequency band and power. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the technical problems mentioned above, this invention provides a vehicle communication device and method based on light reflection, which requires no pairing, has good directionality, is free from radio interference, transmits signals with high power using car headlights, has a long transmission distance, and is highly reliable.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] The first aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle communication device based on light reflection.

[0009] A vehicle communication device based on light reflection includes: a headlight, a reflector receiving module, and a vehicle ECU; the headlight includes an array of light-emitting devices, a first photosensitive device, and a first controller; the reflector receiving module is installed at the rear of the vehicle and includes a second photosensitive device, a reflector, a liquid crystal panel, and a second controller; both the first controller and the second controller communicate with the vehicle ECU.

[0010] The first controller is used for:

[0011] The sensor information of the current vehicle is read and corresponding data frames are formed. The corresponding data frames are sent out in a loop by modulating the light-emitting device array. At the same time, the first photosensitive device is activated to receive the reflective information emitted by the reflective receiving module of the rear of the vehicle in front.

[0012] The second controller is used for:

[0013] The system reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame. It then activates the second photosensitive device to poll and receive the headlight illumination information of the following vehicle. Upon receiving the data frame sent by the headlight of the following vehicle, the system controls the light transmittance of the LCD panel and sends the data frame formed by its own sensing information out through the reflector in a way that controls the reflection, in response to the following vehicle.

[0014] In one embodiment, the headlight further includes a lens and a light-blocking plate, the light-blocking plate being located between the light-emitting device array and the first photosensitive device; the lens being located in the optical path of the light emitted by the light-emitting device array, for focusing the light.

[0015] In one embodiment, the liquid crystal panel is disposed on the outer side of the reflector and is used to modulate the reflectivity of the reflector.

[0016] In one implementation, the sensor information of the current vehicle includes current speed, acceleration, and driver action information.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a communication method employing a vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described above.

[0018] A communication method employing a vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described above, comprising:

[0019] The first controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame. It then sends the corresponding data frame out in a loop by modulating the light-emitting device array. At the same time, it activates the first photosensitive device to receive the reflective information emitted by the reflective receiving module of the rear of the vehicle in front.

[0020] The second controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame, and activates the second photosensitive device to poll and receive the headlight illumination information of the following vehicle;

[0021] Upon receiving a data frame from the headlights of the vehicle behind, the second controller controls the light transmittance of the LCD panel and sends the data frame formed by its own sensing information out through the reflector in a way that adjusts the reflection, in response to the vehicle behind.

[0022] In one implementation, during the process of the first controller forming corresponding data frames from the sensor information of the current vehicle, a predefined encoding is used to form the corresponding data frames.

[0023] As one implementation method, the predefined encoding is:

[0024] A pulse that changes from high to low level is defined as 0, and a pulse that changes from low to high level is defined as 1. A low level indicates that the light-emitting device array does not emit light or the intensity of the emitted light is less than a set first light intensity threshold, and a high level indicates that the light-emitting device array emits light or the intensity of the emitted light is greater than a set second light intensity threshold.

[0025] In one implementation, during the process of the first controller cyclically sending out the corresponding data frames by modulating the array of light-emitting devices:

[0026] First, send the data frame header, then iterate through each bit of the array storing the current vehicle sensor information from low address to high address. If the bit is 0, send pulse 0; if the bit is 1, send pulse 1.

[0027] Verify the array storing the current vehicle sensor information to obtain the corresponding number of check bits, and convert the data on the corresponding check bits into corresponding pulses for sequential transmission;

[0028] The data frame header is defined as two first pulses 0 plus two second pulses 0, wherein the width of the first pulse 0 is greater than the width of the second pulse 0.

[0029] In one implementation, the second controller activates the second photosensitive device and uses a sliding sampling window to poll and receive the headlight illumination information of the following vehicle.

[0030] In one implementation, after the first controller activates the first photosensitive device, it uses a sliding sampling window to receive the reflective information emitted by the reflector of the reflective receiving module at the rear of the vehicle ahead.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0032] This invention provides a vehicle communication device and method based on light reflection. A first controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms corresponding data frames. These data frames are then cyclically transmitted by modulating an array of light-emitting devices. Simultaneously, a first photosensitive device is activated to receive reflective information emitted by the reflector of the rear-facing reflector module of the preceding vehicle. A second controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms corresponding data frames. A second photosensitive device is activated to poll and receive headlight illumination information from the following vehicle. Upon receiving a data frame from the headlight of the following vehicle, the second controller controls the light transmittance of the liquid crystal panel and transmits the data frame formed by its own sensor information through the reflector in a controlled reflective manner to respond to the following vehicle. This method requires no pairing, has good directionality, is free from radio interference, utilizes the high signal power of the vehicle's headlights, has a long transmission distance, and high reliability, enabling information exchange between the preceding and following vehicles. Because frame encoding ensures uniform average power, it does not cause visible flickering of the lights. Through this information exchange, situations such as emergency braking by the preceding vehicle can be promptly identified by the following vehicle, allowing the vehicle's ECU to respond quickly and avoid or reduce traffic accidents.

[0033] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0035] Figure 1 This is an optical path transmission diagram of a vehicle communication device based on light reflection according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the headlight structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the reflective receiving module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4(a) is a schematic diagram of defining the pulse from high level to low level as 0 in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4(b) is a schematic diagram of defining a pulse that changes from a low level to a high level as 1 in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of data frame transmission according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0042] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0043] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0044] <Vehicle communication device based on light reflection>

[0045] Reference Figure 1 In one or more embodiments, a vehicle communication device based on light reflection is provided, comprising: a headlight 1, a reflector receiving module 2, and a vehicle ECU. Figure 1 In the diagram, 4 represents the current vehicle, and 3 represents the vehicle in front. The relationship between 3 and 4 is that of the vehicles in front and behind.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the headlight 1 includes a light-emitting device array 1-2, a first photosensitive device 1-3, and a first controller 1-1.

[0047] In this embodiment, the headlight 1 further includes a lens 1-5 and a light-blocking plate 1-4. The light-blocking plate 1-4 is located between the light-emitting device array 1-2 and the first photosensitive device 1-3, and is used to block the light emitted by itself from entering the first photosensitive device 1-3. The lens 1-5 is located in the optical path of the light emitted by the light-emitting device array 1-2, and is used to focus the light. 1-7 represents the focused emitted light, and 1-8 represents the reflected light.

[0048] The headlight 1 also includes a first housing support structure 1-6, which is used to fix the various components of the headlight 1 and has an opening in front of the lens 1-5 to allow light to pass through, and an opening in front of the first photosensitive device 1-3 to allow external light to enter.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the reflective receiving module 2 is installed at the rear of the vehicle and includes a second photosensitive device 2-3, a reflector 2-2, a liquid crystal panel 2-4, and a second controller 2-1; both the first controller 1-1 and the second controller 2-1 communicate with the vehicle ECU.

[0050] The liquid crystal panel 2-4 is disposed on the outer side of the reflector 2-2 and is used to modulate the reflectivity of the reflector 2-2.

[0051] The reflective receiving module 2 also includes a second housing support structure 2-7, which is used to fix the various components of the reflective receiving module. The second housing support structure 2-7 has an opening in front of the liquid crystal panel 2-4 to allow light to pass through, and an opening in front of the second photosensitive device 2-3 to allow external light to enter. Specifically, 2-5 represents incident light, and 2-6 represents reflected light.

[0052] In specific implementation, during normal vehicle operation, the first controller 1-1 is used for:

[0053] The sensor information of the current vehicle is read and a corresponding data frame is formed. The corresponding data frame 5 is sent out in a loop by modulating the light-emitting device array. At the same time, the first photosensitive device is activated to receive the reflective information 6 emitted by the reflective receiving module of the rear of the vehicle in front.

[0054] The second controller 2-1 is used for:

[0055] The system reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame. It then activates the second photosensitive device to poll and receive the headlight illumination information of the following vehicle. Upon receiving the data frame sent by the headlight of the following vehicle, the system controls the light transmittance of the LCD panel and sends the data frame formed by its own sensing information out through the reflector in a way that controls the reflection, in response to the following vehicle.

[0056] The sensor information of the current vehicle includes, but is not limited to, current speed, acceleration, and driver action information, and those skilled in the art can select the appropriate information based on the actual situation.

[0057] <Communication Method for Vehicle Communication Devices Based on Light Reflection>

[0058] The communication method employing the vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described above includes:

[0059] Step 1: The first controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame. It then sends the corresponding data frame out in a loop by modulating the light-emitting device array. At the same time, it activates the first photosensitive device to receive the reflective information emitted by the reflective receiving module of the rear of the vehicle in front.

[0060] It is understood here that the current vehicle sensor information includes, but is limited to, current speed, acceleration, and driver action information, and those skilled in the art can select the appropriate information based on the actual situation.

[0061] Specifically, the first controller is connected to the ECU via a bus, and for example, obtains the car's current speed, acceleration, and driver action information, storing it in the array TX_BUF[].

[0062] In this step, during the process of the first controller forming corresponding data frames from the sensor information of the current vehicle, a predefined encoding is used to form the corresponding data frames.

[0063] The predefined encoding is as follows:

[0064] A pulse transitioning from a high level to a low level is defined as 0, and a pulse transitioning from a low level to a high level is defined as 1. A low level indicates that the light-emitting device array is not emitting light or the emitted light intensity is less than a set first light intensity threshold, while a high level indicates that the light-emitting device array is emitting light or the emitted light intensity is greater than a set second light intensity threshold. The pulse definitions are shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b).

[0065] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, during the process of the first controller cyclically sending out the corresponding data frames by modulating the array of light-emitting devices:

[0066] First, the data frame header is sent. Then, each bit of the array storing the current vehicle sensor information is traversed sequentially from low address to high address. If the bit is 0, pulse 0 is sent (i.e., the light-emitting device array is controlled to change from bright to dark). If the bit is 1, pulse 1 is sent (i.e., the light-emitting device array is controlled to change from dark to bright).

[0067] Verify the array storing the current vehicle sensor information to obtain the corresponding number of check bits, and convert the data on the corresponding check bits into corresponding pulses for sequential transmission;

[0068] The data frame header is defined as two first pulses (0) plus two second pulses (0), where the width of the first pulses (0) is greater than the width of the second pulses (0). The period is defined as T1.

[0069] In the specific implementation process, the array can be checked using CRC16 to obtain 16 check bits. The check bits are then determined to be 1 or 0, and then converted into corresponding pulses for transmission.

[0070] In this embodiment, after the first controller activates the first photosensitive device, it uses a sliding sampling window to receive the reflective information emitted by the reflector of the reflective receiving module at the rear of the vehicle ahead.

[0071] Specifically, the method of receiving reflective information emitted by the reflector of the reflective receiving module at the rear of the vehicle ahead using a sliding sampling window includes the following steps:

[0072] (1) After the first controller is started, it continuously samples the light intensity value received by the first photosensitive device. The continuous sampling window time is 2*n2*T2, which is the time width of 2 first pulses 0. The sampling rate is greater than 10 / T2.

[0073] (2) The first controller determines whether the data in the window is two first pulses 0. If it is two first pulses 0, proceed to the next step (3). If it is not two first pulses 0, resample a light intensity value, slide the sampling window by one data point, and re-execute step (2).

[0074] (3) Continuously sample the value of the first photosensitive device and slide the sampling window sequentially until two falling edges of the second pulse 0 appear in the sampling window. At this point, the frame header is received. Delay for T2 / 2 time and fine-tune the alignment of the sampling clock, and proceed to step (4). If continuous sampling exceeds 2*T2 time and two falling edges of the second pulse 0 still do not appear, return to step (2) and start the detection again.

[0075] (4) Continuously sample for T2*N2 time, sample all data into an array, and detect the edge type every T2 / 2 time. If it is a falling edge, decode it as 0; if it is a rising edge, decode it as 1. Arrange the decoded data in sequence to obtain the sender's transmit array.

[0076] (5) Calculate the check value of the array according to CRC16. If it is correct, send the data to the vehicle's ECU or instrument panel display. If it is incorrect, discard the data. Return to step (2).

[0077] Step 2: The second controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame, and activates the second photosensitive device to poll and receive the headlight illumination information of the following vehicle.

[0078] In step 2, the specific steps for the second controller to read the current vehicle's sensor information and form corresponding data frames include:

[0079] (1) Wait for the reflector receiving module to receive the data frame sent by the headlight, and then connect to the vehicle ECU via the bus of the second controller to obtain the vehicle's current speed, acceleration and driver action information, and store it in the array TX_BUF[].

[0080] (2) A pulse transitioning from high to low level is defined as 0, and a pulse transitioning from low to high level is defined as 1. This definition is the encoding specification for data frames. A low level indicates that the LCD panel is opaque, i.e., there is no reflected light or the light intensity is less than a set threshold. A high level indicates that the LCD panel is transparent, i.e., there is reflected light or the light is relatively bright. The pulse definition diagram is shown below:

[0081] (3) Define the data frame header as two first pulses 0 plus two second pulses 0, where the width of the first pulse 0 is n2 times that of the second pulse. The second pulse 0 is the pulse 0 defined in step (2), and its period is defined as T2, which is less than 20ms, meaning that it should not cause the light to flicker to the human eye. However, T2 is required to be greater than 10*T1 to ensure that aliasing will not occur due to remodulation when the reflected light has already been modulated. n2 is a positive number greater than 1.

[0082] (4) The control circuit board first sends the data frame header, and then iterates through each bit of the array TX_BUF[] from low address to high address. If the bit is 0, then pulse 0 is sent, that is, the LCD panel is controlled to first transmit light and then become opaque; if the bit is 1, then pulse 1 is sent, that is, the LCD panel is controlled to first become opaque and then become transparent.

[0083] (5) Perform CRC16 verification on the array to obtain 16 check bits, and send them sequentially in the same manner as in step (4). The total number of bits sent is denoted as N2. Then return to step (1) and continue waiting. The transmitted data frame is shown below:

[0084] In step 2, the second controller activates the second photosensitive device and uses a sliding sampling window to poll and receive the headlight illumination information of the following vehicle. The specific process is as follows:

[0085] (1) After the second controller is started, it continuously samples the light intensity value received by the second photosensitive device. The continuous sampling window time is 2*n1*T1, which is the time width of 2 first pulses 0, and the sampling rate is greater than 10 / T1.

[0086] (2) The second controller determines whether the data in the window is two first pulses 0. If it is two first pulses 0, proceed to the next step (3). If it is not two first pulses 0, resample a light intensity value, slide the sampling window by one data, and re-execute step (2).

[0087] (3) Continuously sample the value of the second photosensitive device and slide the sampling window sequentially until two falling edges of the second pulse 0 appear in the sampling window. At this point, the frame header is received. Delay for T1 / 2 time and fine-tune the alignment of the sampling clock, and proceed to step (4). If continuous sampling exceeds 2*T1 time and two falling edges of the second pulse 0 still do not appear, return to step (2) and start the detection again.

[0088] (4) Continuously sample for time T1*N1, sample all data into an array, and check the edge type every T1 / 2 time. If it is a falling edge, decode it as 0; if it is a rising edge, decode it as 1. Arrange the decoded data in sequence to obtain the sender's transmit array.

[0089] (5) Calculate the check value of the array according to CRC16. If it is correct, send the data to the vehicle's ECU or instrument panel display. If it is incorrect, discard the data. Return to step (2).

[0090] Step 3: After receiving the data frame sent by the headlight of the following vehicle, the second controller controls the light transmittance of the LCD panel and sends the data frame formed by its own sensing information out through the reflector in a way that controls the reflection, in response to the following vehicle.

[0091] The method described in this embodiment requires no pairing, has good directionality, is free from radio interference, utilizes the high signal power of the car headlights, has a long transmission distance, and high reliability. It solves the problems mentioned in the background art and enables information exchange between vehicles. Because frame encoding ensures uniform average power, it does not cause visible flickering of the lights. Through information exchange between vehicles, emergency braking and other situations of the vehicle in front can be promptly identified by the vehicle behind, allowing the vehicle's ECU to respond quickly and avoid or reduce the occurrence of traffic accidents.

[0092] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle communication device based on light reflection, characterized in that, include: The vehicle includes a headlight, a reflector receiving module, and a vehicle ECU. The headlight comprises a light-emitting device array, a first photosensitive device, a first controller, a lens, and a light-blocking plate. The light-blocking plate is located between the light-emitting device array and the first photosensitive device. The reflector receiving module is installed at the rear of the vehicle and includes a second photosensitive device, a reflector, a liquid crystal panel, and a second controller. Both the first and second controllers communicate with the vehicle ECU. The liquid crystal panel is disposed outside the reflector and is used to modulate the reflective intensity of the reflector. The first controller is used for: The sensor information of the current vehicle is read and corresponding data frames are formed. The corresponding data frames are sent out in a loop by modulating the light-emitting device array. At the same time, the first photosensitive device is activated to receive the reflective information emitted by the reflective receiving module of the rear of the vehicle in front. The second controller is used for: The system reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame. It then activates the second photosensitive device to poll and receive the headlight illumination information of the following vehicle. Upon receiving the data frame sent by the headlight of the following vehicle, the system controls the light transmittance of the LCD panel and sends the data frame formed by its own sensing information out through the reflector in a way that controls the reflection, in response to the following vehicle.

2. The vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lens is located in the optical path of the light emitted by the light-emitting device array and is used to focus the light.

3. The vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor information of the current vehicle includes current speed, acceleration, and driver action information.

4. A communication method employing a vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, include: The first controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame. It then sends the corresponding data frame out in a loop by modulating the light-emitting device array. At the same time, it activates the first photosensitive device to receive the reflective information emitted by the reflective receiving module of the rear of the vehicle in front. The second controller reads the sensor information of the current vehicle and forms a corresponding data frame, and activates the second photosensitive device to poll and receive the headlight illumination information of the following vehicle; Upon receiving a data frame from the headlights of the vehicle behind, the second controller controls the light transmittance of the LCD panel and sends the data frame formed by its own sensing information out through the reflector in a way that adjusts the reflection, in response to the vehicle behind.

5. The communication method of the vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described in claim 4, characterized in that, During the process of the first controller forming corresponding data frames from the sensor information of the current vehicle, a predefined encoding is used to form the corresponding data frames.

6. The communication method of the vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The predefined encoding is: A pulse that changes from high to low level is defined as 0, and a pulse that changes from low to high level is defined as 1. A low level indicates that the light-emitting device array does not emit light or the intensity of the emitted light is less than a set first light intensity threshold, and a high level indicates that the light-emitting device array emits light or the intensity of the emitted light is greater than a set second light intensity threshold.

7. The communication method of the vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described in claim 6, characterized in that, During the process of the first controller cyclically sending out the corresponding data frames by modulating the array of light-emitting devices: First, send the data frame header, then iterate through each bit of the array storing the current vehicle sensor information from low address to high address. If the bit is 0, send pulse 0; if the bit is 1, send pulse 1. Verify the array storing the current vehicle sensor information to obtain the corresponding number of check bits, and convert the data on the corresponding check bits into corresponding pulses for sequential transmission; The data frame header is defined as two first pulses 0 plus two second pulses 0, wherein the width of the first pulse 0 is greater than the width of the second pulse 0.

8. The communication method of the vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The second controller activates the second photosensitive device, which uses a sliding sampling window to poll and receive headlight illumination information from the following vehicle.

9. The communication method of the vehicle communication device based on light reflection as described in claim 4, characterized in that, After the first controller activates the first photosensitive device, it uses a sliding sampling window to receive the reflected information emitted by the reflector of the reflective receiving module at the rear of the vehicle ahead.

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