Parking alarm system and method and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of parking alarm, provides a parking alarm system and method and a vehicle, is applied to the vehicle, and comprises a thermal imaging unit, a camera unit, a distance sensor, a controller and an alarm. The thermal imaging unit is used for acquiring infrared images of obstacles around the vehicle; the camera unit is used for acquiring visible images of obstacles around the vehicle; the controller is in communication connection with the thermal imaging unit, the camera shooting unit and the distance sensor, and the controller is used for generating different alarm information according to the infrared image, the visible image and the distance; and the alarm is in communication connection with the controller and is used for giving an alarm in different modes according to different alarm information. According to the scheme, through combination of the infrared thermal imager and the ultrasonic radar, the system can comprehensively capture information of the surrounding environment, the system can recognize different types of obstacles, more detailed information is provided for drivers, and the drivers are helped to make safer parking decisions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of parking alarms, and in particular to a parking alarm system, method and vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the rapid development of the automobile industry and the significant increase in the number of cars, the problem of parking difficulties in cities has become increasingly prominent, especially in busy areas and parking lots with limited space, where drivers face great parking challenges.

[0003] In the existing technology, parking distance control systems mainly rely on ultrasonic radar technology to detect surrounding obstacles and provide distance information to obstacles. However, these systems have relatively limited ability to identify obstacle types. They can only provide distance data but cannot distinguish the specific types of obstacles, resulting in a single alarm method and difficulty in meeting safety requirements in different scenarios. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a parking alarm system, method and vehicle to improve the accuracy of parking alarm.

[0005] To achieve the above-mentioned and other related purposes, the present invention provides a parking alarm system, applied to a vehicle, comprising:

[0006] A thermal imaging unit, used to obtain infrared images of obstacles around the vehicle;

[0007] A distance sensor, used to obtain the distance of obstacles around the vehicle;

[0008] A camera unit, the camera unit is used to obtain visible images of obstacles around the vehicle;

[0009] A controller, which is in communication with the thermal imaging unit, the camera unit and the distance sensor, and is used to generate different alarm information according to the infrared image, the visible image and the distance;

[0010] An alarm is connected to the controller for communication, and the alarm is used to issue an alarm in different ways according to different alarm information.

[0011] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the camera unit and the thermal imaging unit are arranged at the same position of the vehicle.

[0012] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the camera unit and the thermal imaging unit are directed toward the front and / or rear of the vehicle.

[0013] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the alarm includes a buzzer, and the alarm information includes the frequency, loudness and sound interval of the buzzer.

[0014] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the alarm device includes a speaker, and the alarm information includes voice broadcast information.

[0015] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the speakers are arranged inside and outside the vehicle.

[0016] The present invention also provides a parking alarm method, which is applied to a vehicle having a thermal imaging unit, a camera unit, a distance sensor and an alarm, and comprises the following steps:

[0017] Acquire infrared images, visible images and distances of obstacles around the vehicle respectively through the thermal imaging unit, the camera unit and the distance sensor;

[0018] generating alarm information according to the infrared image, the visible image and the distance;

[0019] The alarm is controlled to sound an alarm according to the alarm information.

[0020] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, in the step of generating alarm information according to the infrared image, the visible image and the distance, the infrared image and the visible image are images at the same time.

[0021] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is applied to a vehicle having a camera unit.

[0022] The step of generating the alarm information includes: obtaining a visible image of obstacles around the vehicle through the camera unit;

[0023] The step of generating alarm information includes: generating alarm information according to the visible image.

[0024] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the step of generating alarm information includes:

[0025] Obtaining obstacle types through image recognition based on the visible image and the infrared image;

[0026] generating an alarm type according to the obstacle type;

[0027] generating an alarm urgency based on the distance;

[0028] The alarm type and the alarm urgency are used as alarm information.

[0029] The present invention also provides a vehicle, comprising the parking alarm system as described above.

[0030] The present invention proposes a parking alarm system, method and vehicle. In the above scheme, by combining a camera, an infrared thermal imager and an ultrasonic radar, the system can fully capture information about the surrounding environment. The system can identify different types of obstacles (such as pedestrians, vehicles or static obstacles), provide drivers with more detailed information, and help them make safer parking decisions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without paying creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a parking alarm method in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 A flowchart of controlling the alarm device to give an alarm according to the alarm information in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 Detailed steps of a parking alarm method according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention by specific examples, and those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the contents disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified or changed in various ways based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the following embodiments and features in the embodiments can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0036] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only used to schematically illustrate the basic concept of the present invention, and thus the illustrations only show components related to the present invention rather than being drawn according to the number, shape and size of components in actual implementation. In actual implementation, the type, quantity and proportion of each component may be changed arbitrarily, and the component layout may also be more complicated.

[0037] With the rapid development of the automobile industry and the significant increase in the number of cars, the problem of parking difficulties in cities has become increasingly prominent, especially in busy areas and parking lots with limited space, where drivers face great parking challenges. Traditional parking distance control systems mainly rely on ultrasonic radar technology to detect surrounding obstacles and provide distance information to the obstacles. However, these systems are relatively limited in their ability to identify obstacle types, and can only provide distance data but cannot distinguish the specific types of obstacles (such as pedestrians, other vehicles or walls, etc.).

[0038] Due to the lack of accurate identification of obstacle types, the alarm mechanism of traditional parking distance control systems is often single and insufficient to meet the safety needs of complex parking scenarios. For example, the system may issue an alarm when the distance is close without considering the risk level and potential threats of different types of obstacles. This limits the driver's ability to make wise judgments when parking and increases the risk of collision accidents.

[0039] At present, although some innovative technologies (such as cameras and lidar) have gradually entered the market, most parking systems are still based on ultrasonic radar, which leads to insufficient obstacle detection capabilities in complex environments. In order to improve parking safety and the overall performance of the system, it is urgent to develop an advanced parking distance control system that can comprehensively utilize information from multiple sensors and improve obstacle detection and recognition capabilities.

[0040] The parking distance control system of the future needs not only to provide accurate distance information, but also to have the ability to intelligently identify obstacle types so as to intelligently adjust the alarm method according to different scenarios, ensuring that drivers have higher safety and convenience during the parking process.

[0041] To achieve the above-mentioned object and other related objects, the present invention provides a parking alarm system applied to a vehicle, comprising a thermal imaging unit, a camera unit, a distance sensor, a controller and an alarm.

[0042] The thermal imaging unit is used to obtain infrared images of obstacles around the vehicle. The thermal imaging unit can be a short-wave infrared (SWIR) imaging system, an infrared thermal imager, etc., specifically an infrared thermal imager, and the infrared image includes obstacle temperature and contour information. By obtaining thermal images of obstacles around the vehicle through infrared sensors, heat sources can be effectively detected, including pedestrians, animals or other vehicles. At night or in low-light environments, the thermal imaging unit can provide clear obstacle information, improve the reliability of detection, and ensure accurate identification of the surrounding environment even in dim conditions. Use infrared detectors to sense the thermal radiation emitted by objects. It is capable of detecting temperature differences in complete darkness or low visibility conditions, and is suitable for identifying living things (such as pedestrians or animals). It can also accurately distinguish between animals and general obstacles by the temperature of the object.

[0043] The distance sensor is used to obtain the distance of the surrounding obstacles of the vehicle. The distance sensor can accurately sense the distance of the obstacle and provide real-time distance data to the controller. This information helps to obtain the spatial position of the obstacle, reduce the risk of collision and improve safety. The distance sensor can be an ultrasonic sensor, a laser ranging sensor, an infrared distance sensor, a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor, a microwave radar sensor, etc., specifically an ultrasonic radar. Ultrasonic radar calculates the distance to the obstacle by emitting an ultrasonic signal and measuring the time it takes for it to reflect back. It is suitable for short-distance measurement and has a fast response, and is used for obstacle detection at the rear and front of the car.

[0044] The alarm is connected to the controller for communication, and the alarm is used to sound an alarm in different ways according to different alarm information. The alarm is sounded in various ways (such as sound and visual warning) according to different alarm information generated by the controller. The alarm can timely remind the driver to pay attention to surrounding obstacles through sound or light signals, especially when approaching obstacles, and improve the warning effect through diversified alarm methods (such as different tones, frequencies, etc.), thereby effectively enhancing the driver's safety awareness.

[0045] The camera unit is used to obtain visible images of obstacles around the vehicle. The controller is connected to the thermal imaging unit and the distance sensor in communication. The controller is the core of the system. The controller receives data from the thermal imaging unit and the ultrasonic sensor, analyzes and processes it, and generates corresponding alarm information. The controller can combine the infrared image and distance information to determine the type and relative position of the obstacle, and output customized alarm information based on this information to optimize the driver's parking decision process. The camera unit is connected to the controller in communication, and the controller generates different alarm information based on the visible image, the infrared image and the distance. The camera unit provides clear visible light images to help the driver better understand the surrounding environment. Combined with the infrared image and distance information, the type and position of the surrounding obstacles can be more comprehensively determined, thereby reducing the potential risk of collision. The camera unit can capture details and identify different types of obstacles (such as pedestrians, other vehicles, objects, etc.). The controller can generate corresponding alarm information according to different types of obstacles to improve the accuracy and responsiveness of the system. The camera unit can capture real-time images and provide dynamic monitoring. When parking or driving at low speed, the driver can quickly obtain information about changes in the surrounding environment to improve safety. The information between the camera unit and the infrared and distance sensors complement each other. By comprehensively utilizing various types of data, a more accurate and comprehensive obstacle detection system can be built to enhance the overall function.

[0046] The camera unit can be a high-definition digital camera, a fisheye camera, a low-light camera, etc., specifically a fisheye camera. The fisheye camera can provide a field of view of up to 180 degrees or wider, covering almost all angles around the vehicle. It can effectively eliminate blind spots, and the driver can observe the surrounding environment more comprehensively when parking, enhancing safety. Due to its wide-angle characteristics, the fisheye camera can provide more scene information in a small space, which is suitable for urban environments and crowded parking lots. Improve spatial perception when parking and reduce the risk of collision.

[0047] The key point of the above scheme is to combine infrared images and visible images to comprehensively judge the obstacle type. A single image source (such as only visible light or only infrared image) is usually limited by environmental conditions or object characteristics, resulting in inaccurate recognition results. For example: visible light images may not be able to effectively identify objects at night or under strong light interference conditions; infrared images have difficulty distinguishing the physical category of heat sources (such as vehicles, pedestrians or other obstacles), especially when different obstacles have similar thermal characteristics. In certain tasks, only identifying the obstacle category (such as vehicles) may not be sufficient. For more complex scenarios, such as determining whether the vehicle is turned off or started, a single image source is difficult to provide enough information to support decision-making.

[0048] Visible light image characteristics provide detailed information such as the shape, color, and texture of objects, which are used to accurately identify the appearance category of objects (such as vehicles, trees, pedestrians, etc.).

[0049] Infrared image characteristics reflect the thermal characteristics of an object and are used to detect the temperature distribution of an object. For example, infrared images can provide the temperature characteristics of an object (such as the heat source of a vehicle engine) by detecting the location and contour of the heat source.

[0050] According to the existing image fusion technology, this application may adopt one of the following methods to achieve multimodal fusion:

[0051] Pixel-level fusion: The visible light image and infrared image are fused at the pixel level to form a new image containing both types of information through methods such as image overlay and heat map generation.

[0052] Feature-level fusion: Use a deep learning model to extract features of the two images separately and fuse them at the feature level. For example, visible light features can be used to determine the object category, and infrared features can be used to supplement the object's temperature information.

[0053] Decision-level fusion: The two images are processed separately through independent classifiers, and finally the output results of the two classifiers are combined to make a comprehensive judgment.

[0054] Through the joint analysis of visible light and infrared images, this application can achieve a more detailed classification of obstacle types. For example:

[0055] Identification of vehicle type:

[0056] Visible light image: detect the shape and color of the object to confirm whether it is a vehicle;

[0057] Infrared image: The engine position and temperature distribution of the vehicle can be determined by the shape of the heat source, and the specific status of the vehicle (off or on) can be further distinguished.

[0058] Segmentation of complex obstacle scenes:

[0059] For obstacles with unclear temperature differences (such as rocks and metal objects), visible light images can provide clear clues about the shape and material of the object;

[0060] For obstacles with heat source characteristics (such as people, animals, and machinery and equipment), infrared images can assist in classification.

[0061] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the camera unit and the thermal imaging unit are arranged at the same position of the vehicle. The same position means that the camera unit and the thermal imaging unit are arranged close to each other. The two image sensors are arranged at the same position to ensure that they obtain image data from the same viewing angle and spatial position. This can reduce the complexity of image alignment (calibration) and spatial transformation, and avoid image mismatch problems caused by differences in sensor positions.

[0062] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the camera unit and the thermal imaging unit are directed to the front and / or rear of the vehicle. The monitoring of the front and rear ensures that the dynamic situation around the vehicle can be obtained in real time. The driver can fully understand the obstacles in front and behind, effectively reducing blind spots and improving driving safety.

[0063] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the alarm includes a buzzer, and the alarm information includes the frequency, loudness and sound interval of the buzzer. The alarm sound emitted by the buzzer is usually very loud and clear. It can effectively attract the driver's attention and ensure that the driver is aware of potential risks in time. By adjusting the frequency, loudness and sound interval, corresponding alarm methods can be designed according to different emergency situations. In high-risk situations, the tone and loudness can be set higher to attract more attention, while a lower volume can be used in ordinary alarms to avoid unnecessary disturbances. By setting different sound intervals, different alarm levels or urgency can be conveyed. For example, a continuous buzzing sound can indicate a serious warning (there are pedestrians behind), while an intermittent sound can indicate precautions (there are general stationary obstacles behind), so that the driver can better judge the situation.

[0064] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the alarm includes a speaker, and the alarm information includes voice broadcast information. Voice broadcast can convey information in clear language, avoiding the ambiguity of a single tone. The driver can quickly understand the alarm content and reduce the possibility of misunderstanding. Through voice broadcast, more complex information can be conveyed, such as specific instructions such as "there is an obstacle at the rear" and "1 meter away from the obstacle". The voice broadcast information includes specific obstacle categories, such as "there are pedestrians at the rear" and "there are vehicles at the rear". Detailed warning content is provided so that the driver can respond more accurately. Clear obstacle category information allows the driver to clearly understand the surrounding environment. Reduce judgment errors caused by uncertainty and help drivers quickly assess risks. When the system points out a specific obstacle, the driver can quickly respond.

[0065] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the speakers are arranged inside and outside the vehicle. The external speakers can clearly convey information to the surrounding pedestrians or vehicles. For example, "Pedestrians, please note that the vehicle is reversing" can effectively remind the surrounding people and reduce the risk of accidents. The external announcement of the vehicle enables pedestrians and other drivers to understand the vehicle dynamics in a timely manner. Through specific voice broadcasts, the misunderstanding of the vehicle's actions by bystanders is reduced. Clear warning information can prevent confusion caused by unclear warnings. According to different types of obstacles, the system can flexibly adjust the broadcast content. In other situations, information such as "There is a vehicle behind" and "Please note that there is an obstacle behind" can also be broadcast to enhance practicality.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention also provides a parking alarm method, which is applied to a vehicle having a thermal imaging unit, a distance sensor and an alarm, and comprises the following steps:

[0067] S1. Obtain infrared images, distances and visible images of obstacles around the vehicle through the thermal imaging unit, the distance sensor and the camera unit, respectively. Capture infrared images through the thermal imaging unit to identify temperature differences, thereby detecting surrounding obstacles (such as pedestrians, vehicles, etc.). Use a distance sensor to measure the distance between the obstacle and the vehicle, and provide spatial data to assess safety. Obtaining visible images through the camera unit helps to identify the surrounding environment and the appearance of objects. Through the collaborative work of different sensors, comprehensive monitoring of the surrounding environment is achieved, and the recognition rate of obstacles is improved. Ensure that the system is aware of the surrounding situation at any time and enhance the safety and intelligence level of the vehicle.

[0068] S2. Generate alarm information according to the infrared image, distance and visible image.

[0069] The images and distance data obtained from different sensors are comprehensively analyzed. According to the identification of obstacles, distance information and their types (such as pedestrians, vehicles, etc.), corresponding alarm information is generated. Through multi-dimensional data fusion, the accuracy of alarm information is improved, and efficient and reliable early warning is achieved. Targeted alarms are generated according to different situations, so that drivers can be aware of potential risks around them in a timely manner. The infrared image and the visible image are images of the same moment, so that the two can more accurately reflect the state of the same scene under different spectra. In this way, the system does not need to perform complex time matching or interpolation operations when fusing the two images, thereby improving the accuracy of the fused data. When dealing with moving objects (such as pedestrians and vehicles), time synchronization is crucial. If there is a deviation in the image acquisition time, the position or state of the moving object in the infrared image and the visible light image may be inconsistent, affecting the recognition effect.

[0070] S3. Control the alarm device to sound an alarm according to the alarm information.

[0071] According to the generated alarm information, the alarm inside and outside the vehicle is controlled to issue corresponding warning sounds or voice prompts. Through clear sound or information response, the driver and surrounding people are reminded to pay attention. Ensure that the alarm is immediately issued when the obstacle is identified, increase the reaction time, and help the driver make an appropriate response. By prompting the surrounding pedestrians and other vehicles, the safety of the environment is improved and the possibility of accidents is reduced.

[0072] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is applied to a vehicle having a camera unit.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, step S3 includes:

[0074] S31. Obtain obstacle types through image recognition based on the visible image and the infrared image.

[0075] Image recognition technology can be convolutional neural network (CNN), object detection, feature extraction and matching, traditional machine learning methods, image classification, infrared image processing, etc. The combination of visible light and infrared images can provide more comprehensive information and help to correctly identify the type of obstacles. Even in complex or low-light environments, the system can accurately determine obstacles such as pedestrians, vehicles or other obstacles. Combining two different types of image data can more comprehensively analyze and understand the surrounding environment. Improve the responsiveness to dynamic scenes and make the system more sensitive to potential dangers. By analyzing different types of images, you can obtain information such as the size, shape, and heat of the obstacle. Help drivers better judge the safe distance from obstacles and optimize driving strategies. Ability to optimize recognition algorithms according to different application scenarios and focus on specific types of obstacle recognition. Improve the recognition ability of pedestrians, moving objects or static obstacles, etc., and improve overall safety.

[0076] S32: Generate an alarm type according to the obstacle type.

[0077] Alarm type refers to the type of sound that can distinguish categories, such as the frequency, timbre, loudness, and voice information of the broadcast sound. Using specific alarm sounds for different types of obstacles can help drivers quickly understand potential risks. Drivers can quickly determine the measures to be taken based on the characteristics of the sound and improve their reaction speed. By changing the audio characteristics (such as frequency and loudness), the driver's attention can be attracted and alertness can be enhanced. In complex environments, specific sounds can effectively remind drivers to pay attention to the dynamic situation around them. Clear sound categories can reduce confusion between different alarms and avoid misunderstandings. Improve the reliability of the alarm system so that drivers can clearly identify the meaning of each alarm. The type and frequency of the alarm sound can be set according to user preferences to provide a personalized driving experience. Improve the driver's acceptance and satisfaction with the system and increase their initiative to use it.

[0078] S33: Generate an alarm urgency based on the distance.

[0079] Alarm urgency refers to the beeping interval, speech speed, tone, specific distance information, etc. The closer the distance to the obstacle, the higher the alarm urgency, the faster the corresponding beeping speed, faster speech speed, and stronger tone. The alarm urgency is dynamically adjusted according to the distance to the obstacle, and can respond to changes in the surrounding environment in real time. The driver can immediately understand the risk level of the obstacle and improve the reaction speed. Closer obstacles generate stronger alarms, allowing drivers to respond quickly in emergencies. Reduce the possibility of accidents and protect the safety of drivers and pedestrians. By adjusting the beeping frequency and speech speed, different alarm levels can be clearly indicated. Allow drivers to clearly judge the current degree of danger and avoid confusion. Convey important information through changes in sound, suitable for situations where drivers cannot immediately view visual information. Enhance the perception of potential dangers and increase vigilance.

[0080] S34, using the alarm type and the alarm urgency as alarm information. Combining the alarm type and the urgency can convey information about the surrounding environment more comprehensively. The driver has more information when judging risks, which helps to make more informed decisions.

[0081] like Figure 3 Shown are the specific steps of the method of the present invention:

[0082] The system self-checks whether there are abnormal conditions. If so, it continues to self-check and issues an abnormal alarm. Otherwise, it executes the subsequent steps.

[0083] The system functions remain on continuously after power-on to ensure real-time monitoring. The fisheye camera captures images around the vehicle in real time, the infrared thermal imager senses whether there are any living things around, and the ultrasonic radar transmits and receives ultrasonic signals.

[0084] The processor processes the camera image to identify the obstacle type; processes the temperature and profile information of the obstacle identified by the infrared thermal imager; and calculates the distance of the ultrasonic signal to determine the distance of the obstacle. Combining the obstacle type, temperature profile and distance information, the processor determines whether an alarm is needed and issues a corresponding type of sound alarm.

[0085] The obstacle type is determined. If the obstacle type is a high-risk obstacle such as a pedestrian or a child, and the in-vehicle voice broadcast module is not equipped, an alarm type 1 is issued, such as a high-pitched and rapid alarm sound;

[0086] If the obstacle type is a stationary object or a fixed obstacle, and the vehicle is not equipped with an in-vehicle voice broadcast module, an alarm type 2 - for example, a low-frequency continuous alarm sound - is issued.

[0087] If the obstacle type is a high-risk obstacle such as a pedestrian or child, and the in-vehicle voice broadcast module is equipped, an alarm type 3-voice broadcast of the identified object will be issued;

[0088] If the obstacle type is a stationary object or a fixed obstacle, and the vehicle is equipped with an in-vehicle voice broadcast module, an alarm type 3-voice broadcast of the identified object will be issued.

[0089] The present invention also provides a vehicle, comprising the parking alarm system as described above.

[0090] In summary, the present invention proposes a parking alarm system, method and vehicle. In the above scheme, by combining a camera, an infrared thermal imager and an ultrasonic radar, the system can fully capture information about the surrounding environment, and the system can identify different types of obstacles (such as pedestrians, vehicles or static obstacles), providing drivers with more detailed information to help them make safer parking decisions. The system can provide various sound alarm options, and can emit different alarm sounds according to the type and distance of the obstacle, meet the needs of humanized design, and enable drivers to understand the surrounding environment more intuitively. Through accurate obstacle type identification and diversified alarm methods, the system can improve the driver's safety alertness in complex environments and effectively reduce the occurrence of collision accidents. The infrared thermal imager can effectively detect obstacles under low light or bad weather conditions, enhancing the applicability of the system in various parking environments. The system can provide intuitive obstacle detection information and alarm status through the vehicle display or mobile phone application, so that the driver can grasp the parking environment in time and improve the overall user experience.

[0091] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone familiar with the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed by the present invention shall still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

[0092] In the description herein, many specific details, such as examples of components and / or methods, are provided to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other devices, systems, components, methods, components, materials, parts, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the present invention.

[0093] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "a specific embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, various appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in a specific embodiment" in different places throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the invention may be combined with one or more other embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein may be possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered part of the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0094] It should also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the figures may also be implemented in a more separate or more integrated manner, or even removed because they are inoperable in certain circumstances or provided because they may be useful depending on the application.

[0095] In addition, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, any marking arrows in the drawings should be regarded as exemplary only and not limiting. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" used herein is generally intended to mean "and / or". In the case where the term is not clear because it is anticipated that the ability to separate or combine is provided, the combination of components or steps will also be regarded as indicated.

[0096] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless otherwise indicated. Likewise, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless otherwise indicated.

[0097] The above description of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention (including the contents described in the Abstract) is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the present invention to the precise form disclosed herein. Although specific embodiments of the present invention and examples of the present invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention as will be recognized and appreciated by those skilled in the art. As noted, these modifications may be made to the present invention in accordance with the above description of the embodiments described in the present invention, and these modifications will be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0098] Systems and methods have been generally described herein as details that aid in understanding the present invention. In addition, various specific details have been given to provide an overall understanding of embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or may be practiced using other devices, systems, accessories, methods, components, materials, parts, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, and / or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid confusion with various aspects of embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] Thus, although the invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof, freedom of modification, various changes and substitutions are also within the foregoing disclosure, and it should be understood that in some cases, some features of the invention will be employed without the corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the proposed invention. Thus, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular environment or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms used in the claims below and / or the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention, but the invention will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Thus, the scope of the invention will be determined solely by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A parking alarm system, characterized in that: Applied to vehicles, including: A thermal imaging unit, used to obtain infrared images of obstacles around the vehicle; A distance sensor, used to obtain the distance of obstacles around the vehicle; A camera unit, the camera unit is used to obtain visible images of obstacles around the vehicle; A controller, which is in communication with the thermal imaging unit, the camera unit and the distance sensor, and is used to generate different alarm information according to the infrared image, the visible image and the distance; An alarm is connected to the controller for communication, and the alarm is used to issue an alarm in different ways according to different alarm information.

2. The parking alarm system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera unit and the thermal imaging unit are arranged at the same position of the vehicle.

3. The parking alarm system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The camera unit and the thermal imaging unit are directed toward the front and / or rear of the vehicle.

4. The parking alarm system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alarm includes a buzzer, and the alarm information includes the frequency, loudness and sound interval of the buzzer.

5. The parking alarm system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The alarm device includes a speaker, and the alarm information includes voice broadcast information.

6. The parking alarm system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The speakers are disposed inside and outside the vehicle.

7. A parking alarm method, characterized in that: The method is applied to a vehicle having a thermal imaging unit, a camera unit, a distance sensor and an alarm, and includes the following steps: Acquire infrared images, visible images and distances of obstacles around the vehicle respectively through the thermal imaging unit, the camera unit and the distance sensor; generating alarm information according to the infrared image, the visible image and the distance; The alarm is controlled to sound an alarm according to the alarm information.

8. The parking alarm method according to claim 7, characterized in that: In the step of generating alarm information according to the infrared image, the visible image and the distance, the infrared image and the visible image are images at the same time.

9. The parking alarm method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of generating alarm information includes: Obtaining obstacle types through image recognition based on the visible image and the infrared image; generating an alarm type according to the obstacle type; generating an alarm urgency based on the distance; The alarm type and the alarm urgency are used as alarm information.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises a parking alarm system as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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