Unmanned vehicle warning system, method and unmanned vehicle

Abstract

The present invention discloses an unmanned vehicle warning system, method and unmanned vehicle, the warning system comprises: a sensing module, comprising a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor generates a first sensing signal when the flipping device is in a first position, and the second sensor generates a second sensing signal when the flipping device is in a second position; a control module, receiving the sensing signal of the sensing module; and a warning module, receiving the control signal of the control module; wherein when the control module does not receive the first sensing signal and does not receive the second sensing signal, the warning module is controlled to send out a warning signal. The unmanned vehicle warning system, method and unmanned vehicle provided by the present invention monitor the specific position status of the flipping device by setting a sensing module, and control the warning module to send out or turn off the warning signal in a timely manner, thereby reminding the personnel around the unmanned vehicle and reducing the safety risks in the loading and unloading operations of the unmanned vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of vehicle-mounted electronic technology, and in particular relates to an unmanned vehicle warning system, method and unmanned vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of information technology and automation technology, driverless vehicles are increasingly used in the field of express logistics. Through highly automated operation, driverless vehicles can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of logistics distribution and reduce labor costs, especially in densely populated or traffic-congested areas. However, behind this technological advancement, safety issues have gradually become an important factor restricting the widespread use of driverless vehicles.

[0003] Existing unmanned vehicle technologies mainly focus on improving navigation accuracy, enhancing environmental perception capabilities, and optimizing path planning. Although these technological advances have greatly improved the autonomous operation capabilities of unmanned vehicles, in actual operations, especially in operations such as loading and unloading express deliveries, there is a lack of effective safety warning systems. During loading and unloading operations, unmanned vehicles need to pause at specific locations to perform loading and unloading tasks. At this time, the environment around the unmanned vehicle is complex and changeable, such as pedestrians passing through and other vehicles approaching, which increases potential safety risks during operations.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new solution to the above technical problems. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an unmanned vehicle warning system, method and unmanned vehicle, which can provide safety warnings during the loading and unloading process of the unmanned vehicle.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows:

[0007] In the first aspect, the present invention provides an unmanned vehicle warning system, wherein the unmanned vehicle includes a vehicle body and a flipping device that can be flipped relative to the vehicle body, the flipping device can flip between a first position and a second position, and the warning system includes: a sensing module, a control module and a warning module; the sensing module includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor generates a first sensing signal when the flipping device is in the first position, and the second sensor generates a second sensing signal when the flipping device is in the second position; the control module is connected to the sensing module and receives the sensing signal of the sensing module; the warning module is connected to the control module and receives the control signal of the control module; when the control module does not receive the first sensing signal and does not receive the second sensing signal, the warning module is controlled to send a warning signal; when the control module receives the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal, the warning module is controlled to turn off the warning signal.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the warning module includes a warning light, and when the control module does not receive the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, the warning light is controlled to flash.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the control module controls the warning light to illuminate when receiving a braking command from the unmanned vehicle.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the warning system also includes an in-place detection module connected to the control module, the in-place detection module includes an in-place detection sensor and an in-place detection light, the in-place detection sensor generates an in-place sensing signal when the item on the flipping device is loaded in place, and the control module controls the in-place detection light according to the in-place sensing signal.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, when the control module does not receive the arrival signal, the control module controls the arrival detection light to emit red light; when the control module receives the arrival signal, the control module controls the arrival detection light to emit green light.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the in-place detection sensor and the in-place detection light are installed on the flipping device.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the warning system also includes an obstacle detection module connected to the control module, the obstacle detection module includes a laser radar and a speaker, the laser radar generates an obstacle signal when it identifies an obstacle behind the unmanned vehicle, and the control module controls the speaker to issue a voice warning according to the obstacle signal.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, during the flipping process of the flipping device of the unmanned vehicle, if the laser radar identifies an obstacle behind the unmanned vehicle and generates an obstacle signal, the control module controls the flipping device to stop flipping according to the obstacle signal.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a warning method for an unmanned vehicle, wherein the unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a warning system, and a flipping device capable of flipping relative to the vehicle body, wherein the flipping device can flip between a first position and a second position; the method comprises:

[0016] Identify the position of the flipping device, generate a first sensing signal when the flipping device is in a first position, and generate a second sensing signal when the flipping device is in a second position; send out a warning signal when the warning system does not receive the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal; turn off the warning signal when the warning system receives the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal.

[0017] In a third aspect, the present invention provides an unmanned vehicle, which includes the unmanned vehicle warning system as described above.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the unmanned vehicle warning system, method and unmanned vehicle provided by the present invention monitor the specific position status of the flipping device by setting a sensing module, and then transmit this status information to the control module. The control module controls the warning module according to the received information to issue or turn off the warning signal in a timely manner, thereby reminding the people around the unmanned vehicle and reducing the safety risks in the loading and unloading operations of the unmanned vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the prior art descriptions are briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention, and for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an unmanned vehicle warning system in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 Flow chart of an unmanned vehicle warning method in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions in the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, throughout the specification and claims, the term “comprise” or variations such as “include” or “comprising”, etc., will be understood to include the stated elements or components but not to exclude other elements or components.

[0024] In the field of express logistics, the widespread use of unmanned vehicles provides an effective way to improve delivery efficiency and reduce labor costs. With the development of technology, the autonomy and intelligence level of unmanned vehicles in performing tasks are constantly improving. However, with these technological advances, the safety issues of unmanned vehicles in specific operations such as loading and unloading express delivery have gradually become prominent. Especially in the process of express delivery loading and unloading, the environment around the unmanned vehicle is complex and changeable, which is easy to cause safety accidents. The existence of this problem has limited the further application and development of unmanned vehicles in this field.

[0025] Based on an in-depth analysis of the prior art, the inventors realized that in order to improve the safety of unmanned vehicles during express loading and unloading operations, it is necessary to develop a safety warning system that can effectively warn surrounding pedestrians and vehicles.

[0026] The technical implementation idea of ​​the present invention is to use the position change of the flipping device on the unmanned vehicle to control the issuance of the warning signal in real time, so as to achieve the purpose of reminding the surrounding personnel and vehicles to pay attention to safety. Specifically, the present invention monitors the specific position status of the flipping device by setting a sensing module, and then transmits this status information to the control module. The control module controls the warning module according to the received information to issue or turn off the warning signal in a timely manner. This real-time warning mechanism based on the position status of the flipping device is intended to solve the safety risks that may arise when the unmanned vehicle performs express loading and unloading operations, thereby significantly improving the safety of the unmanned vehicle operation process.

[0027] The unmanned vehicle warning system in one embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an unmanned vehicle for express logistics. The unmanned vehicle may include a vehicle body and a flipping device that can flip relative to the vehicle body, and the flipping device can flip between a first position and a second position.

[0028] Specifically, the vehicle body is the main structure of the unmanned vehicle, providing the basic framework and power system of the entire vehicle. It usually includes a drive system (such as an electric motor), a power source (such as a battery), a control system, and other necessary components (such as sensors, communication equipment, etc.).

[0029] The flipping device is a mechanical device installed on the vehicle body for flipping the express cage box, which can realize the loading and unloading operation of the express. The device can be driven by electric, hydraulic or pneumatic means to realize the flipping action. The flipping device may include a flipping frame, a drive mechanism (such as an electric drive or a hydraulic cylinder) and a control unit. The flipping frame is used to fix the express cage box and realizes flipping through the action of the drive mechanism. The control unit is responsible for receiving the flipping command and controlling the drive mechanism to work as required.

[0030] It should be noted that the first position refers to the position where the cage is loaded, that is, after the cage is flipped to the first position with the flipping device, the cage can be placed in the predetermined loading completion position. The second position refers to the position where the cage is loaded, that is, after the cage is flipped to the second position with the flipping device, the cage on the flipping device can be unloaded at this position.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the warning system 100 includes a sensing module 101 , a control module 102 and a warning module 103 .

[0032] The sensing module 101 includes a first sensor and a second sensor. When the flip device is in the first position, the first sensor generates a first sensing signal. When the flip device is in the second position, the second sensor generates a second sensing signal. The control module 102 is connected to the sensing module 101 and receives the sensing signal of the sensing module 101. The warning module 103 is connected to the control module 102 and receives the control signal of the control module 102.

[0033] When the control module 102 does not receive the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, the control module 102 controls the warning module 103 to send out a warning signal. When the control module 102 receives the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal, the control module 103 controls the warning module 103 to turn off the warning signal.

[0034] It should be noted that the sensing module 101 includes a first sensor and a second sensor, which correspond to the two positions (first position and second position) of the flip device respectively. When the flip device is in the first position, the first sensor generates a first sensing signal; when the flip device is in the second position, the second sensor generates a second sensing signal. This design allows the operating status of the unmanned vehicle (such as loading and unloading status) to be accurately sensed through the position of the flip device, providing real-time and accurate trigger conditions for subsequent safety warnings.

[0035] The sensing module 101 can be a limit switch (physical contact switch). When the flip device moves to a specific position, the mechanical action triggers the switch to close or open, generating an electrical signal. It can be a photoelectric sensor that uses a light beam and a photosensitive element to detect the existence and position of an object; when the flip device blocks or reflects the light emitted by the sensor, the sensor generates a signal. It can also be a magnetic sensor that uses the principle of magnetic induction to detect the position of the flip device; when the magnet on the flip device moves to a specific position, it changes the magnetic field around the sensor, thereby triggering the sensor to generate a signal. It can also be an ultrasonic sensor that detects the position of an object by emitting and receiving ultrasonic pulses; when the flip device is in a specific position, the reflected ultrasonic pulse changes, thereby generating a signal.

[0036] The main function of the control module 102 is to receive the sensing signal from the sensing module 101 and control the behavior of the warning module 103 accordingly. Specifically, when the control module 102 does not receive any sensing signal (i.e., the flipping device is neither in the first position nor in the second position), it will control the warning module 103 to send out a warning signal; and once the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal is received, the control module 102 controls the warning module 103 to turn off the warning signal. This mechanism ensures that when the unmanned vehicle is in place (the flipping device is in one of the two set positions and the flipping action is not being performed), the warning signal will not be mistakenly sent, and when the flipping device is in the process of flipping (the flipping action is being performed), an alarm will be automatically issued to remind the surrounding people and vehicles to pay attention to safety.

[0037] The control module 102 may be a microprocessor or microcontroller (MCU), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a relay, a logic circuit, etc. The control module 102 may be integrated in an IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment).

[0038] The warning module 103 is responsible for issuing intuitive warning signals, including but not limited to sound and light signals, to alert pedestrians and other vehicles around. By issuing warning signals, the module creates a safety warning area during the loading and unloading operation of the unmanned vehicle, significantly reducing the risk of safety accidents that may be caused by unclear operation status.

[0039] Specifically, the warning module 103 includes a warning light. When the control module 102 does not receive the first sensing signal and does not receive the second sensing signal, the warning light is controlled to flash. The warning module 103 is mainly composed of a warning light, which is responsible for issuing a visual warning signal under specific conditions. The warning module 103 may include a group of LED lights, which may be of different colors, such as red, yellow or orange, so that they can be clearly seen in different environments and light conditions. The warning light can be designed to have a variety of flashing modes, such as fast flashing, slow flashing, alternating flashing, etc., to meet different warning needs.

[0040] Furthermore, the control module is not only connected to the sensing module 101, but also needs to be connected to the main control system of the unmanned vehicle (e.g., a central processing unit or an onboard computer) in order to receive signals about the braking operation of the unmanned vehicle. When the control module 102 receives the braking command from the unmanned vehicle, it can control the warning light to light up, thereby playing a braking warning role.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the warning system further includes an in-place detection module 104 connected to the control module 102, the in-place detection module 104 includes an in-place detection sensor and an in-place detection light, the in-place detection sensor generates an in-place sensing signal when the article on the flipping device is loaded in place, and the control module 102 controls the in-place detection light according to the in-place sensing signal. The in-place detection sensor and the in-place detection light can be installed on the flipping device of the unmanned vehicle.

[0042] The in-place detection module 104 is responsible for monitoring whether the items (such as cage boxes) on the flip device are loaded in place, and provides intuitive feedback to the operator or the surrounding environment through the in-place detection light. The control module 102 controls the state change (such as color change or on / off state) of the in-place detection light according to the signal received from the in-place detection sensor. This intuitive feedback mechanism provides the operator with a clear indication of the loading status, which helps to reduce operating errors and improve work efficiency. The in-place detection module 104 can ensure that the items are correctly loaded in place and prevent item losses or safety accidents caused by improper loading.

[0043] Specifically, when the control module 102 does not receive the in-position signal, the control module 102 controls the in-position detection light to emit red light; when the control module 102 receives the in-position signal, the control module 102 controls the in-position detection light to emit green light.

[0044] The control module 102 controls the arrival detection light to emit light of corresponding color according to the received signal processing result. When the arrival signal is not received, the red light is emitted to indicate that it is not in place, and when the arrival signal is received, the green light is emitted to indicate that it is in place, providing intuitive loading status feedback.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the warning system also includes an obstacle detection module 105 connected to the control module 102. The obstacle detection module 105 includes a laser radar and a speaker. When the laser radar identifies an obstacle behind the unmanned vehicle, it generates an obstacle signal. The control module 102 controls the speaker to issue a voice warning based on the obstacle signal.

[0046] In the warning system of the unmanned vehicle, the role of the obstacle detection module 105 is to monitor in real time whether there are obstacles around the unmanned vehicle to prevent collision accidents, especially in loading and unloading operations, to ensure the safety of the surrounding area. The obstacle detection module 105 is mainly composed of a laser radar and a speaker, which is used to detect whether there are obstacles behind the unmanned vehicle and alert surrounding personnel or operators through voice alarms.

[0047] LIDAR accurately detects and locates obstacles in the surrounding environment by emitting laser pulses and measuring the reflected pulses. LIDAR can provide high-precision distance measurement and is suitable for obstacle detection in complex environments. The speaker is used to issue voice warnings, which can be a simple buzzer to sound an alarm or a more advanced audio playback device to play pre-recorded or real-time generated voice messages.

[0048] Specifically, during the flipping process of the flipping device of the unmanned vehicle, if the laser radar identifies an obstacle behind the unmanned vehicle and generates an obstacle signal, the control module 102 controls the flipping device to stop flipping according to the obstacle signal.

[0049] When the flipping device is flipping and the laser radar detects an obstacle behind the unmanned vehicle, an obstacle signal is generated. The control module 102 then receives the signal and controls the flipping device to stop flipping, thereby avoiding possible collision or injury.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 2 As shown, based on the same inventive concept as the aforementioned unmanned vehicle warning system 100, the present invention also provides an unmanned vehicle warning method, the method comprising the following steps:

[0051] S201: Identify the position of the flipping device, generate a first sensing signal when the flipping device is in a first position, and generate a second sensing signal when the flipping device is in a second position.

[0052] The unmanned vehicle warning system first needs to identify the current position of the flip device. Through the position sensor installed on the flip device, the system can accurately determine whether the flip device is in the first position (the loading position) or the second position (the unloading position). When the flip device reaches one of the two preset positions, the corresponding sensor will generate a first sensing signal or a second sensing signal.

[0053] S202: When the warning system does not receive the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, the warning system issues a warning signal; when the warning system receives the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal, the warning system turns off the warning signal.

[0054] When the warning system does not receive any sensing signals at the first position and the second position, it means that the flip device may be in motion or in an unexpected position, and the system will automatically send out a warning signal. This can be achieved by flashing a warning light, sounding an alarm, or other forms of warning signals to remind people around to pay attention to safety.

[0055] When the warning system receives the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal, it indicates that the flipping device has safely reached the preset position. At this time, the working environment is considered to be safe, and the system will turn off the previously issued warning signal.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, an unmanned vehicle is provided, which can be used for express delivery. The unmanned vehicle includes the unmanned vehicle warning system as described above.

[0057] To sum up, the unmanned vehicle warning system, method and unmanned vehicle provided by the present invention monitor the specific position status of the flipping device by setting a sensing module, and then transmit this status information to the control module. The control module controls the warning module according to the received information to issue or turn off the warning signal in a timely manner, thereby reminding the people around the unmanned vehicle and reducing the safety risks in the loading and unloading operations of the unmanned vehicle.

[0058] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalent elements of the claims be included in the invention. Any reference numeral in a claim should not be considered as limiting the claim to which it relates.

[0059] In addition, it should be understood that although the present specification is described according to implementation modes, not every implementation mode contains only one independent technical solution. This description of the specification is only for the sake of clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in each embodiment may also be appropriately combined to form other implementation modes that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An unmanned vehicle warning system, characterized in that: The unmanned vehicle includes a vehicle body and a flipping device that can flip relative to the vehicle body, wherein the flipping device can flip between a first position and a second position, and the warning system includes: The sensing module comprises a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor generates a first sensing signal when the flipping device is in a first position, and the second sensor generates a second sensing signal when the flipping device is in a second position; A control module, connected to the sensing module and receiving a sensing signal from the sensing module; An alarm module is connected to the control module and receives a control signal from the control module; Wherein, when the control module does not receive the first sensing signal and does not receive the second sensing signal, the control module controls the warning module to send out a warning signal; When the control module receives the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal, the control module controls the warning module to turn off the warning signal.

2. The unmanned vehicle warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The warning module includes a warning light. When the control module does not receive the first sensing signal and the second sensing signal, the warning light is controlled to flash.

3. The unmanned vehicle warning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the control module receives a braking command from the unmanned vehicle, it controls the warning light to illuminate.

4. The unmanned vehicle warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The warning system also includes an in-place detection module connected to the control module, the in-place detection module includes an in-place detection sensor and an in-place detection light, the in-place detection sensor generates an in-place sensing signal when the article on the flipping device is loaded in place, and the control module controls the in-place detection light according to the in-place sensing signal.

5. The unmanned vehicle warning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the control module does not receive the arrival signal, the control module controls the arrival detection light to emit red light; when the control module receives the arrival signal, the control module controls the arrival detection light to emit green light.

6. The unmanned vehicle warning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The in-place detection sensor and the in-place detection lamp are installed on the turning device.

7. The unmanned vehicle warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The warning system also includes an obstacle detection module connected to the control module, the obstacle detection module includes a laser radar and a speaker, the laser radar generates an obstacle signal when it recognizes that there is an obstacle behind the unmanned vehicle, and the control module controls the speaker to issue a voice warning according to the obstacle signal.

8. The unmanned vehicle warning system according to claim 7, characterized in that: During the flipping process of the flipping device of the unmanned vehicle, if the laser radar identifies an obstacle behind the unmanned vehicle and generates an obstacle signal, the control module controls the flipping device to stop flipping according to the obstacle signal.

9. A method for warning an unmanned vehicle, characterized in that: The unmanned vehicle comprises a vehicle body, a warning system and a flipping device capable of flipping relative to the vehicle body, wherein the flipping device can flip between a first position and a second position; the method comprises: Identifying the position of the flipping device, generating a first sensing signal when the flipping device is in a first position, and generating a second sensing signal when the flipping device is in a second position; When the warning system does not receive the first sensing signal and does not receive the second sensing signal, the warning system sends a warning signal; When the warning system receives the first sensing signal or the second sensing signal, the warning signal is turned off.

10. An unmanned vehicle, characterized in that: The invention comprises an unmanned vehicle warning system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

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