Security system

Abstract

A safety system for use in a vehicle includes a first device for mounting at a first location of the vehicle, a second device for mounting at a second location of the vehicle different from the first location, where the first device includes a first image capture module facing a first direction, a first object detection module for detecting the presence of an object outside the vehicle, and a second image capture module facing a second direction. The second device comprises a second image capture module facing a second direction different from the first direction, a second object detection module for detecting the presence of an object outside the vehicle, and the first device and the second device are configured to be coupled with each other so as to transmit data captured by the second device to the first device in a communication manner; the first object detection module and the second object detection module are arranged in a combined mode to provide object detection in a safe area around the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a safety system for prevention, and more particularly but not exclusively to a safety system that can be installed in a vehicle. Prior Art

[0002] On-vehicle cameras, and more generally on-vehicle digital video recorders (DVRs), sometimes referred to as "dash cams" because they are installed on or near the vehicle's dashboard, are becoming increasingly popular and are often added by users as "aftermarket" or "post-market" vehicle modifications or personalized components after the vehicle is fully manufactured. In addition, rear cameras are also used and can be installed next to or on the vehicle's rear window to provide a view through the vehicle's rear window.

[0003] Examples of other aftermarket products that can be used in vehicles include in-vehicle head units, which can provide processing power for a variety of external modular peripheral sensors. Such interface devices include reverse sensors, screens, lights, radios, and other devices. These in-vehicle head units are separate and distinct units from the interface devices and typically require installation and calibration by a professional technician, and sometimes even vehicle modification to accommodate the head unit. For example, some head units are installed inside the vehicle's glove box or other concealed areas within the vehicle and require drilling holes in the vehicle body for installation. Such modifications cannot be reversed and often deter users from the start. In addition, the installation requires a professional technician, which may also reduce the likelihood of users installing the device in their vehicle.

[0004] Typically, when the vehicle is in motion, the dash cam records images of the journey and provides a certain degree of protection for the driver / user's liability, providing evidence by recording adverse events. For example, in the event of a traffic accident, the video data may be used for subsequent investigations. Increasingly, dash cam video data is being used as evidence in some courts.

[0005] However, when the vehicle is unattended, there is still a risk of damage, break-in, or theft, but due to power consumption, battery depletion, and technical implementation concerns, the dash cam is typically not enabled when the vehicle is stationary.

[0006] The various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have been designed in view of the above circumstances. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safety system for a vehicle, comprising a first device configured to be installed at a first position of the vehicle and a second device configured to be installed at a second position different from the first position of the vehicle. The first device includes: a first image capture module facing a first direction; and a first object detection module for detecting the presence of an external object of the vehicle where the first device can be installed. The second device includes: a second image capture module facing a second direction different from the first direction; and a second object detection module for detecting the presence of an external object of the vehicle where the first and second devices can be installed. The first device and the second device are configured to be coupled to each other to communicatively transmit the data captured by the second device to the first device. The first object detection module and the second object detection module are arranged in combination to provide object detection within the perimeter safety area of the vehicle where the first device and the second device can be installed.

[0008] The coupling between the first device and the second device allows data sharing between the two devices and provides the areas inside and outside the vehicle to be monitored for security threats. This means that 360-degree movement detection around the vehicle is provided. In addition, the use of the object detection module means that when the vehicle is stationary and not moving, the image capture module can be turned off, thus minimizing the power consumption of the device and reducing the consumption of the vehicle's internal power source (e.g., battery). When a security threat occurs (e.g., a pedestrian approaches when the vehicle is parked and stationary), the object detection module first detects the threat and then "wakes up" the image capture module to record the overall image area around the vehicle. Since the respective fields of view of the object detection module and the image capture module overlap, a person approaching the vehicle can be detected and then recorded from any direction.

[0009] In addition, the system provides a simple upgrade to existing vehicles to provide complete security coverage inside and outside the vehicle. Such a security system does not require installation by a professional technician.

[0010] Optionally, the first object detection module further includes: at least one signal transmitter for transmitting an object ranging signal; and at least two signal receivers for each of the at least one signal transmitter and for receiving the reflection of the transmitted object ranging signal. The at least one signal transmitter and the at least two signal receivers for each of the at least one signal transmitter are arranged relative to each other to reduce the reflection of the object ranging signal from the surface of the protective component. The protective component is located near the at least one signal transmitter and the transmitted signal passes through the surface. The use of two signal receivers provides sufficient parallax between the radar receiver pairs to provide spatial information for detecting an object. In addition, the arrangement of the signal transmitter relative to the corresponding signal receiver minimizes reflection and reduces saturation of the signal receiver.

[0011] Optionally, at least one signal transmitter includes two signal transmitters, and at least two signal receivers include four signal receivers, with each signal transmitter corresponding to a pair of signal receivers. Two signal transmitters each having a pair of signal receivers provide the advantage of enhanced object detection coverage in a larger field of view.

[0012] Optionally, the direction of the first signal transmitter among the two signal transmitters is set such that the direction of the signal it has transmitted forms a first angle with respect to the central focal line of the field of view of the first image capture module, while the direction of the second signal transmitter is set such that the direction of the signal it has transmitted forms a second angle with respect to the central focal line of the field of view of the first image capture module.

[0013] Optionally, the fields of view of the first signal transmitter and the second signal transmitter among the two signal transmitters intersect in front of the vehicle in which the first device may be installed. This provides object detection coverage in front of the vehicle equipped with the safety device and ensures that the signals of the two signal transmitters on the periphery are sufficient to detect objects. If they do not overlap, there will be gaps in object detection coverage.

[0014] Optionally, the first angle and the second angle are equal and opposite.

[0015] Optionally, the first angle and the second angle range from 50 degrees to 70 degrees.

[0016] Optionally, the first angle and the second angle are 60 degrees.

[0017] Optionally, the first device further includes a third image capture module oriented in a third direction different from the first direction.

[0018] Optionally, the direction of the third image module is towards the interior of the vehicle in which the first device is located. Recording images and / or videos of the interior of the vehicle has various uses, such as driver or passenger monitoring, and capturing videos of potential safety threats on the side of the vehicle.

[0019] Optionally, the third image capture module of the first device is a wide-angle lens. Using a wide-angle lens can provide a wide field of view covering the side of the vehicle and the windows in the door area, increasing the function as a safety device because the third image capture device can record pictures and / or images to capture threats on the side of the vehicle.

[0020] Optionally, the first device or the second device further includes an inertial measurement unit for measuring the angular velocity and / or acceleration of the device in which it is located.

[0021] Optionally, the data transmitted between the first device and the second device is video data; and / or angular velocity and / or acceleration data; and / or motion detection data; and / or computer vision reasoning classification data; and / or detected security threats; and / or audio data; and / or static image data; and / or time data

[0022] Optionally, the connection between the first device and the second device is a wired electrical connection.

[0023] Optionally, the wired electrical connection is an Ethernet connection.

[0024] Optionally, the motion detection module is a radar module and / or a lidar module. Radar allows the device to operate in a lower power mode when stationary, thereby extending the use time of the security device. In addition, lidar can detect the presence of objects in the surrounding safety zone and "wake up" the device to a higher power state to provide more functions, such as recording videos.

[0025] Optionally, the peripheral safety area is 1 meter to 5 meters.

[0026] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first device according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided.

[0027] According to one aspect of the present invention, a second device according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] According to various aspects of the present invention, one or more specific embodiments will be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A general overview of a vehicle safety system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A plan view of a vehicle viewed from above is shown according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c Different orthographic views of a first device of a vehicle safety system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0032] Figure 4a and Figure 4b Different orthographic projection views of a second device of an in-vehicle safety system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention are shown;

[0033] Figure 5 is an illustrative block diagram of a first device and a second device of a vehicle safety system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 Illustrative top - down schematic views of a first device and a second device of an in - vehicle safety system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 a schematic diagram of the axis of direction;

[0036] Figure 8 Top - down view of a vehicle showing one or more radar coverage areas according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 Top - down view of a vehicle showing one or more radar coverage areas according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; and

[0038] Figure 10 Illustrative diagram showing the relative positions of some components of a first device of an in - vehicle safety system according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Description

[0039] Figure 1 Is an illustrative schematic diagram showing a general overview of a safety system 10 for use in a vehicle (such as an automobile) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, it will be referred to as "safety system 10". The safety system 10 includes a first device 100, which is electrically connected to an optional second device 200 through a wired connection 300. The wired connection 300 is a detachable electrical connection, meaning that the first device 100 and the second device 200 can be detachably connected to each other.

[0040] The wired connection 300 between the first device 100 and the second device 200 includes an electromechanical coupling, where the wireless connection is terminated mechanically with an electrical connector and can be mechanically engaged to the corresponding devices 100, 200, for example, by friction between connection pins and corresponding sockets, allowing data and power transmission between the devices. When coupled to the first device 100, the second device 200 receives power from the first device 100 through the electromechanical coupling (wired connection 300) and can transmit its captured data to the first device 100 through the electromechanical coupling (wired connection 300).

[0041] The safety system 10 generally includes one or more sensors capable of video recording, audio recording, acceleration sensing, and radar detection functions in a single "aftermarket" system and can be retrofitted into a vehicle. These sensors are configured to capture corresponding data from inside the vehicle (e.g., the cockpit) and the external area around the vehicle. Such an external area can extend several meters beyond the outer surface of the vehicle to monitor its surrounding environment similar to a security protection area. The scope of the external area is a design option, but technicians should consider a sufficient scope to detect potential threats while reducing false alarms caused by normal movement (such as objects like pedestrians, bicycles, or other vehicle traffic that can pass by the vehicle).

[0042] In this regard, the external area can extend several meters outside the vehicle body. For example, if only the close - range area of the vehicle needs to be monitored (such as when the vehicle is parked by the roadside and other vehicles and pedestrians can pass by), the external area can extend to about 1 meter; alternatively, in an environment with less vehicle or pedestrian traffic (such as a parking lot), it would be more appropriate for the external area to extend to 2 to 3 meters or approximately so. If the vehicle is parked in an open area for a long time, a larger external area (e.g., extending more than 3 meters to 10 meters, or even larger) may be more suitable.

[0043] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, an option for the user to select the scope of the external area can be provided, for example, according to the environment where the vehicle is parked.

[0044] Positioning definition

[0045] To help understand the installation positions of the first device 100 and the second device 200 in the vehicle, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 which is a schematic view looking down on the car 80 from above. The first device is located at the front of the car 80. The front surface (not shown) of the first device faces the direction indicated by the arrow 104, towards the external area in front of the vehicle where the first device can be installed. The rear surface (not shown) of the first device 100 opposite to the front surface faces the direction indicated by the arrow 112, towards the interior area of the vehicle, sometimes referred to as the cockpit area or cockpit direction. The rear device 200 is installed at the rear of the car 80. The front surface (not shown) of the rear device 200 faces the direction indicated by the arrow 92, that is, the external area behind the car 80.

[0046] The first device 100

[0047] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c are illustrative line diagrams showing the external components of the first device 100 from different angles according to an embodiment of the present invention. The first device 100 is described with reference to these drawings.

[0048] The first device 100 is a dashcam device, including a hanging part 101 below, which is rotatably connected to a circular mounting end 103 through a connection point 105. The mounting end 103 of the device 100 is configured to be fixed on the windshield of a vehicle (not shown in the figure), and the angle of the hanging part 101 is adjusted by rotating through the connection point 105. The mounting end 103 can be fixed on the windshield through an adhesive pad 107 (such as 3M TM adhesive pad). The adhesive pad 107 is generally regarded as non-removable. However, if the user wishes to remove the first device 100, it can be disassembled through the detachable part 109 of the mounting end 103. The first device 100 can be released or separated from the detachable part 109 in a sliding manner (not shown), leaving the adhesive pad 107 fixed on the windshield.

[0049] The mounting end includes components that need to be aligned with the sky above the vehicle, such as a 4th generation mobile communication technology / long term evolution (4G / LTE) module and a global positioning system (GPS) module.

[0050] When in use, the hanging part 101 keeps the first image capture device 102 facing the horizon direction 104, towards the external area in front of the vehicle. The inclination angle of the vehicle windshield varies according to the vehicle model. For example, the inclination angles of buses and trucks are close to 90 degrees relative to the ground, while those of cars, especially sports cars, are close to 45 degrees to 70 degrees. To adapt to this change, the rotation angle 160 between the hanging part 101 and the mounting end 103 can be adjusted within a range of 90 degrees. One limit is that the front surface 106 of the first device 100 is substantially parallel to the plane of the adhesive pad 107; the other limit is when the front surface 106 of the first device 100 is perpendicular to the plane of the adhesive pad 107 (i.e., Figure 3b the angle α shown is approximately the midpoint of the 90-degree range).

[0051] The rotatable characteristic of the hanging part 103 relative to the mounting end 103 enables the device 100 to be installed on a variety of different vehicles while maintaining good visibility of the horizon in the external area in front of the vehicle.

[0052] As mentioned above, the first device 100 is a dashcam device. A first image capture device 102 (sometimes called "the first camera 102") is provided on the front surface 106 of the device 100. The first image capture device 102 faces the first direction 104 and towards the external area in front of the vehicle where it can be installed. The first camera 102 supports video recording of image data with a resolution of 4K and has a field of view of 125 degrees in the first direction 104.

[0053] The first device 100 additionally includes a second image capture device 108 (sometimes referred to as the "cockpit camera 108" or "second camera"), which is located on the rear surface 110 of the device 100 and faces the second direction 112. The cockpit camera 108 generally faces the vehicle interior direction 112 and has a wide-angle lens with a resolution of 1440P and a field of view of approximately 190 degrees, capable of capturing images and videos inside the cockpit and extending to the external areas on both sides of the vehicle (such as Figure 2 as indicated by the arrow 94). As Figure 3b shown, the cockpit camera 108 is at a downward angle relative to the axis of the first camera 102. The cockpit camera 108 is located at the lower end of the hanging portion 101 (i.e., the part farthest from the mounting end 103) to be as close as possible to the center of the windshield without obstructing the driver's view. Positioning the cockpit camera 108 as low as possible in the vertical direction ensures that its field of view is not blocked by the rearview mirror. Additionally, the lower the position of the cockpit lens 108, the wider the field of view outside the vehicle, as this field of view will not be blocked by the door frame, enabling the device 100 to capture images and videos of people approaching the sides of the vehicle. Of course, it is conceivable that increasing the coverage on both sides of the cockpit area, namely the doors and side windows, will enhance the ability of the safety device to detect and record situations where someone attempts to break into the vehicle through those means.

[0054] As can be understood, only the external lenses or external barrels of the first image capture device 102 and the second image capture device 106 are shown in the figure. As part of the two image capture devices, there are other components not shown in the figure, such as digital image capture sensors, focusing components (such as lenses, filters, and other optical components). Examples of digital image capture sensors include charge-coupled device (CCD) chips or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) sensors.

[0055] The first device 100 also includes one or more vents 134 to facilitate the entry and exit of air from the device housing as a means of convective heat dissipation management. Other or additional heat dissipation management methods within the first device 100 may include heat sinks or cooling fins (not shown).

[0056] In some embodiments, the mounting end 103 may include a speaker 136 that can overcome background noise during vehicle operation to issue warnings to vehicle occupants or potential intruders. The first device may also include a memory card slot 140 for inserting a removable electronic data storage device, such as an SD TM card, flash memory card, or other electronic data storage devices.

[0057] The second device 200

[0058] Figure 4a and Figure 4bIllustrative schematic line diagrams showing the external components of the second device 200 from different perspectives according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The second device 200 of the security system 10 is described with reference to these drawings.

[0059] As Figure 1 mentioned in the description, the second device 200 is an optional auxiliary device, which is connected to the first device 100 through a wired connection. The second device 200 includes a diamond-shaped part 400, and the diamond-shaped part 400 is rotatably connected to a circular mounting part 402. The mounting part 402 is similar to the circular mounting end 103 of the first device 100 and includes an adhesive pad part 406 for fixedly mounting on a support structure, such as the rear windshield (not shown). The lower diamond-shaped part 400 is movable relative to the mounting part to allow the user to adjust the field of view. This mobility is provided by a "ball and socket" joint 408, whose arrangement is substantially similar to the structures described in UK Patent Application Nos. GB2582140A 1 and GB2581850A 1 and UK Patent Gazette No. GB2581851 B 1.

[0060] The second device includes a third image capture device 410 (sometimes referred to as the "third camera 410" or "rear camera"), which has image capture and video recording functions. When installed on a vehicle, the third image capture device 410 faces the external area 92 behind the vehicle (as Figure 2 shown), providing a view of the area behind the vehicle. In one embodiment, the image capture device 410 has a resolution of 1440P and a field of view of 125 degrees.

[0061] As Figure 1 described, the second device 200 can be detachably connected to the first device 100 through a wired connection, as shown by the wired connection 300 in Figure 4b .

[0062] When connected to the first device 100, the first camera 102, the cockpit camera 108, and the third camera 410 form a multi-directional camera assembly, providing a view of almost all the external areas around the vehicle and the cockpit area inside the vehicle, that is, a 360-degree vehicle peripheral view range. The images and videos captured by the rear camera device can be transmitted to the front device through the wired connection 300 for storage and further processing.

[0063] Security system components

[0064] Figure 5 is an illustrative block diagram showing more details of the internal and external components of the security system 10. The arrows in the figure indicate the data and / or power connections between the components. As described in the previous reference to Figure 1 , the security system 10 includes the first device 100 and the second device 200. Generally speaking,Figure 5 The left - hand side of [the device] contains the input components / sensors of the first device 100. In this embodiment, the first device includes a front - facing camera 102, a rear - facing camera 108, a motion detection and ranging module 502, a light sensor 504, a microphone unit 406, an inertial measurement unit 508 (IMU), and a global navigation satellite system receiver 510 (GNSS). The output components / interfaces are shown on Figure 5 the right - hand side of [the device], including but not limited to: a speaker output 512, a 4G / LTE module 514, a Wi - Fi module 516, a communication port 518, a removable memory card slot 520, and a plurality of light - emitting diodes 522. The first device also includes various internal components, such as a processor 526, an internal memory 528 (such as dynamic random access memory (RAM) or flash memory), and a digital signal processor 531 (DSP).

[0065] The motion detection and ranging module 502 further includes a microcontroller unit 530 (MCU) electrically connected to the processor 526, the inertial measurement unit 508, and the global navigation satellite system receiver 510. The microcontroller unit 530 controls the first radar unit 532 and the second radar unit 534, both of which are designed to detect the motion, speed, angle, and position of external objects of the vehicle on which the first device 100 is installed. Each of the first radar unit 532 and the second radar unit 534 (the "radar units") includes a radar transmitter and two radar receiving antennas (not shown). The radio transmitter of each radar unit operates at 24 gigahertz (GHz) and uses a linear frequency - modulated chirp pulse (commonly known as LFMCW) to achieve accurate radial distance measurement. The two receiving antennas in each radar unit are located at different spatial positions of the first device 100 to provide sufficient parallax between each pair of radar receivers. This allows the radar unit to detect the distance of an object. In addition, these two receiving antennas allow for phase - difference - based angle estimation, thereby providing sufficient data resolution to generate a 2D map around the vehicle (examples can be seen in Figure 8 and Figure 9 which are described in detail later).

[0066] The inertial measurement unit 508 is used to detect the movement of the vehicle when it is stationary or in motion. When stationary, the inertial measurement unit 508 can detect the movement of the vehicle, such as when someone attempts to break into the vehicle or lift the vehicle to remove valuable components at the bottom. The advantage of this is that the security device can be in a low-power mode when stationary to save energy consumption (i.e., not activate the photographic device / camera), but if the inertial measurement unit 508 detects movement, it will be "awakened". Once the security device detects the movement of the vehicle, it can activate the higher-power-consuming camera and object detection device to record the event. Another option is that in the low-power mode, the radar antenna can be operated to provide object detection around the vehicle and transmit the message to the remote user device via a 4G connection when the inertial measurement unit 508 detects movement. This indicates a potential security threat.

[0067] The radar antenna 130 can be seen and is movable in Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c to adapt to different installation conditions. For example, the antenna can be rotated 90 degrees to adapt to an object such as a rearview mirror. The distance between the two antennas is set according to the frequency of the transmitter. In some embodiments, this distance is 60 millimeters (mm) to ensure a large enough ground for optimal performance.

[0068] The first device 100 is connected to a similar communication port 536 on the second device 200 via a wired connection 300 through the communication port 518 (as Figure 6 seen). The wired connection is represented by the wired connection 300 between Figure 5 and Figure 6 and can be seen in Figure 4a and Figure 4b In this embodiment, the second device is connected to the first device via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection (as Figures 3a to 3c seen on 142).

[0069] Similar to the first device 100, the second device 200 of the security system 10 also includes a motion detection and ranging module 538. The module 538 further includes a radar module 540, which is controlled by the microcontroller unit 542. The third radar module 540 helps to provide 360-degree motion detection and ranging coverage around the entire vehicle (an example is seen in Figure 7, which is described in detail later). In general use, the second device is controlled by the processor 544, but when stationary and in the low-power mode, the microcontroller unit 542 controls the radar module 540 through the channel 550. The channel 550 can be part of the wired connection 300. In this embodiment, the microcontroller unit 542 can communicate directly with the microcontroller unit 530 in any low-power mode to "wake up" the security system when any movement is detected. The details are described in the corresponding patent application shown by the agent reference number P00552483GB.

[0070] The third radar module 540 also includes a wireless transmitter and two wireless receiving antennas (not shown in this figure), similar to Figure 5 the motion detection and ranging module 502 described in

[0071] In addition, the second device 200 includes an internal memory 546, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or flash (FLASH).

[0072] Position and Angle of Radar Transmitter

[0073] A major challenge in installing radar transmitters and receivers in a vehicle is dealing with obstructions such as window pillars, seats, and vehicle body structures. These obstructions can block radar signals, resulting in blind spots in any of the two-dimensional maps generated by the three radar transmitters described previously.

[0074] Figure 6 FIG. is a schematic view of the first device 100 and the second device 200 looking down from above according to one or more embodiments of the present invention; note that the shapes of the devices in the figure are not drawn to scale and the shape designs are for reference only. The relative positioning of the two devices during use is shown in the figure, aiming to demonstrate the direction of the radar transmitter. Specifically, the first radar transmitter 602 of the first radar unit 532 and the second radar transmitter 604 of the second radar unit 534 are shown overlapping on the outer shape of the device and positioned relative to the front camera. The positioning of the transmitters is for illustrative purposes; other internal components are not shown. The directions of the first radar transmitter 602 and the second radar transmitter 604 are set such that when the front surface of the camera faces the vehicle windshield (as shown by arrow 104), the fields of view of the two transmitters cover the front and sides of the vehicle 80.

[0075] This effect is achieved by orienting the first radar transmitter 602 and the second radar transmitter 604 such that the front surface facing the transmitter makes an angle less than 90 degrees with respect to the direction 104 of the external area in front of the vehicle. Arrows 612 and 604 in the figure are perpendicular to the front surfaces of the first radar transmitter 602 and the second radar transmitter 604 respectively; the angles between line segments 601 and 604 and the front direction 104 are both less than 90 degrees. For clarity of illustration, as Figure 7As shown, the angles are labeled β and γ, both less than 90 degrees. The specific angle is 60 degrees relative to direction 104. Such a configuration directs the strongest signal outside the vehicle rather than to the interior area of cockpit region 112. The strongest signal is generally at the center of the transmitter's field of view.

[0076] This is contrary to the prior art concept, which typically mounts two radar transmitters back-to-back to achieve a maximum field of view with a 180-degree relative angle in front of the transmitters. However, depending on the direction of the two back-to-back transmitters, it means that the strongest signal may be directed at the vehicle's window pillars or cockpit region 112. It should be understood that either situation is undesirable as the number of obstacles will increase the blind spots of the safety system. Additionally, the signal strength of the transmitters in a back-to-back arrangement is limited at the periphery of the field of view, resulting in weaker motion detection in these areas. The angles with overlapping fields of view as described solve the above problems.

[0077] The resulting radar coverage is as Figure 8 shown, which depicts the automobile 80 described in the previous reference Figure 2 with an illustrative overlap of radar signals. When the first device 100 is installed in front of the vehicle as shown, the coverage area from the first radar transmitter 602 is shown as field of view 802, and the coverage area from the second radar transmitter 604 is shown as field of view 804 (or safety perimeter area). The relative directions of the first radar transmitter 602 and the second radar transmitter 604 provide a 2D map of the front and sides of the vehicle. This allows objects falling within the coverage areas of the two transmitters to be detected by the first device 100 alone. The angular directions of the two transmitters allow for sufficient overlap of the two fields of view in the outer peripheral area in front of the vehicle, enabling the detection of objects far enough in front of the vehicle. As described above, this also results in directing the minimum radar signal strength to the cockpit area of the vehicle where it can be installed.

[0078] Now returning to Figure 6 , the second device 200 is shown as being installed such that its front surface is directly opposite the first device 100 and in the direction towards the rear of the vehicle to which it can be installed (see arrow 92 and Figure 2 's description for more discussion on the relative positions in which the two devices can be installed in the vehicle). As described in reference Figure 5 , the third radio module 540 includes a radar transmitter 610 that transmits signals along direction 92 away from the rear of the vehicle. This is shown by triangle 616.

[0079] When the second device 200 is optionally added to the safety system 10, the radar coverage provided by the three transmitters (602, 604, and 610) surrounds the entire outer area of the vehicle, forming a safety perimeter area as Figure 9 shown. This figure is the same as Figure 8Similarly, the same components are denoted by the same symbols. The additional radar coverage 912 provided by the radio transmitter 710 of the second device 200 means that objects behind the vehicle 92 will be detected; by ensuring that the fields of view of all radar transmitters overlap, this provides the user with 360-degree object detection and ranging coverage of the entire exterior area of the vehicle. The range of the safety perimeter area can reach several meters, for example, 5 meters.

[0080] Another problem with installing radar transmitters in the first device 100 and the second device 200 is the shielding of the transmitted radar signals by the device itself (either through its housing or through internal components). To solve this problem, in one embodiment of the present invention, the radio transmitters (602, 604, and 610) are installed near the housing of the individual device in which they are installed. In one embodiment, the transmitters are placed 0.6 millimeters from the inner surface of the device housing. Referring back Figures 3a to 3c to the front surface 106 of the housing of the hanging portion 101 of the first device 100, it includes a chamfered area 190 to match the aforementioned angles (β, γ) of the transmitter, while maintaining a distance of 0.6 millimeters between the inner surface of the housing and the front plane of the transmitter, i.e., the two surfaces are arranged relative to each other.

[0081] The relative position between the radar receiver and the radar transmitter

[0082] Figure 10 FIG. is a schematic diagram showing the relative positions of the radar transmitter 702 and the radar receiving antenna 1004 in the first device 100 in side view and relative to the windshield 1002 according to another embodiment. The arrow 1006 indicates the direction towards the roof when the first device 100 can be installed in the vehicle, i.e., the direction opposite to the direction of gravity. This figure is not drawn to scale and the angles may vary.

[0083] In this specific embodiment, the first radar transmitter 702 is located directly below one of the respective pairs of radar receiving antennas 1004. The radar signal 1008 is transmitted by the first radar transmitter 702 in the direction 104 towards the external area in front of the vehicle and passes through the windshield 1002. A part of the radar signal 1008 is incident on the surface of the windshield 1002 and will be reflected into the vehicle at an angle equal to the angle of incidence and transmitted according to Snell's law. This phenomenon is called backscattering and is represented by the dashed arrow 1010 (referred to as backscattering 1010 here). Due to the characteristics of the vehicle windshield, it is almost impossible for the windshield inclination angle to be greater than 90 degrees (i.e., the upper edge of the windshield extends forward beyond the lower edge of the windshield). Therefore, placing the radar transmitter 702 vertically below the radar receiving antenna 1004 can ensure that the backscattering 1010 does not enter the radar receiving antenna 1004. The reason is that due to the inclination angle of the windshield, the backscattering 1010 will be guided below the radar transmitter 702, that is, in the direction indicated by the arrow 1010. As long as the radar receiver is directly above the transmitter 710, the effect of reducing the backscattering on the radar receiving antenna 1004 will always hold.

[0084] A particular advantage of this positional arrangement between the radar transmitter 702 and the radar receiver 1010 is that it can minimize the saturation phenomenon of the radar receiving antenna 1004.

[0085] It is worth noting that Figure 10 is a simplified schematic diagram that does not show any refraction effects caused by the windshield 1010. It is also worth noting that only one of the pair of radar receiving antennas is shown in the figure because this is sufficient to illustrate the effect of reducing antenna saturation by reducing backscattering. In addition, only one of the two radar units (532 and 534) is shown in the figure to simplify the image. Of course, the above also applies to the two radar units.

[0086] This application mentions that the safety system is used in automobiles. However, it must be understood that the safety system is not limited to use in automobiles; any vehicle, such as a truck, taxi, bus, or minibus, etc., can be used. Although Figure 1 the brief schematic diagram shows a wired connection 300, the connection between the various parts 100 and 200 of the system can also be a wireless connection.

[0087] The communication ports 536 and 518 are described as universal serial bus (USB) ports, but any suitable connection method, such as HDMI, RS485, Ethernet, etc., can also be used. Their connection can also be a fixed connection and cannot be disassembled.

[0088] It needs to be understood that Figures 3a to 3c and Figures 4a to 4bThe device shown is only one implementation of the safety device. For example, the first device is not limited to a hanging shape or a circular mounting end. There can also be other solutions to provide a flexible mounting system to allow for the adjustment range for Camera 102, such as a rotatable lens in a fixed mount. Those with ordinary knowledge in the art can understand that many other systems can be adopted.

[0089] 3M TM The adhesive pad 107 can be any means of fixing the first device 100 to a support structure (such as a windshield), such as a suction cup, a rubber pad, etc.

[0090] Although one or more embodiments using 4K video resolution are described, other suitable resolutions can also be used.

[0091] Those with ordinary knowledge in the art should understand that the wired connection 110 / 412 is only an example of connecting two devices to transmit data and video. Of course, there can also be other examples, including wireless connections such as Bluetooth, wireless network connection (WiFi), fourth-generation mobile communication technology (4G), radio frequency (RF), etc.

[0092] The security system 10 discloses the use of radar (RADAR) technology for object detection. Other forms of object detection and ranging technologies can be used, such as lidar (LIDAR) or time-of-flight sensors.

[0093] The mounting angles of the first radar transmitter 602 and the second radar transmitter 604 relative to the direction 104 towards the external area in front of the vehicle are described as 60 degrees. However, it should be understood that this angle is for achieving the best overlap between the two radar transmitters, and other angles can also be used to provide a sub-optimal overlap if needed. In addition, the angle depends on the selected motion detection and ranging module, and other angles can be selected to achieve the best forward overlap.

[0094] Figure 10 The relative positions of the first device 100 relative to the windshield 1002 and the transmitter and receiver are shown. However, it should be understood that the same applies to the second device 200, because it is also desired to reduce the back reflection of the transmitted signal detected by the receiver.

[0095] The first radar transmitter 602 of the first radar unit 532 and the second radar transmitter 604 of the second radar unit 534 are not limited to any specific transmitter. For example, it can be a printed circuit board (PCB) radar transmitter, a patch or microchip antenna, a flexible printed circuit board radar antenna.

[0096] Figure 10In the specific description, the transmitted radar signal passes through the windshield or windscreen of a vehicle on which the first device 100 can be mounted. However, the device can also be mounted behind other protective surfaces, such as a headlight or headlamp housing.

[0097] Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the drawings are illustrative only and that commercial devices may require additional equipment. The location of such auxiliary equipment is not part of the present invention and conforms to conventional practices in the prior art.

[0098] As described in the above embodiments, the implementation of the present invention can use at least in part a software-controlled programmable processing device, such as a general-purpose processor or a special-purpose processor, a digital signal processor, a microprocessor or other processing devices, a data processing device or a computer system. It is contemplated that a computer program for configuring a programmable device, apparatus or system to implement the method and apparatus can be an aspect of the present invention. The computer program can exist in any suitable type of coding form, such as source code, object code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, etc. The instructions can be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled and / or interpreted programming language, such as Liberate, OCAP, MHP, Flash, HTML and its related languages, JavaScript, PHP, C, C++, Python, Nodejs, Java, BASIC, Perl, Matlab, Pascal, Visual BASIC, ActiveX, assembly language, machine code, etc. Skilled artisans will understand that the term "computer" in a broad sense encompasses the programmable devices, data processing devices and computer systems described above.

[0099] Where appropriate, the computer program is stored on a machine-readable form of carrier medium. For example, the carrier medium can include memory, removable or non-removable media, erasable or non-erasable media, writable or rewritable media, digital or analog media, hard disks, floppy disks, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk recordable (CD-R), compact disk rewriteable (CD-RW), optical disks, magnetic media, magneto-optical media, removable memory cards or disks, various types of digital versatile disks (DVD), subscriber identity modules, cartridges, tapes, solid state memory, etc.

[0100] In this specification, any reference to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" means that the specific component, feature, structure, or characteristic related to the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The phrase "an embodiment" appearing throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, the features of different embodiments can be combined to create other embodiments not specifically described in this specification, and any one or more features can be combined provided they are technically and operationally compatible. If the combination of features of different embodiments is not compatible in terms of technology and / or operation, then the combination of compatible embodiment features is selected. All such embodiments are covered within the scope of this specification.

[0101] In this specification, the terms "comprising", "including", "containing", "having", or any variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a particular component need not be limited to only those components but may also include other components not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus. Additionally, unless specifically stated to the contrary, "or" means inclusive or, and not exclusive or. For example, condition A or B can be satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or absent), A is false (or absent) and B is true (or present), or both A and B are true (or present).

[0102] Furthermore, the use of "a" or "an" is for convenience in describing the components and elements of the present invention to provide a general description thereof. This description should be construed to include one or at least one, and the singular form also includes the plural form unless clearly stated otherwise.

[0103] In view of the foregoing description, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A safety system for a vehicle, comprising: a first device for mounting at a first location on a vehicle; a second device for mounting at a second location of the vehicle different from the first location; in, The first device comprises: A first image capturing module facing a first direction; a first object detection module operable to detect the presence of an object external to a vehicle in which the first device is installed; The second device comprises: A second image capturing module facing a second direction, the second direction being different from the first direction; a second object detection module operable to detect the presence of an object external to a vehicle in which the first device and the second device are installed; wherein the first device and the second device are configured to couple with each other to communicate data captured by the second device to the first device; as well as The first object detection module and the second object detection module are configured in combination to provide object detection in a safety zone surrounding a vehicle in which the first device and the second device are installed.

2. The security system of claim 1, wherein the first object detection module further comprises: at least one signal transmitter operable to transmit an object ranging signal; and at least two signal receivers, for each of the at least one signal transmitter, operable to receive reflections of the transmitted object ranging signal; Wherein the at least one signal transmitter and the at least two signal receivers used in each of the at least one signal transmitter are arranged relative to each other to reduce the reflection of the object ranging signal sent from the surface of the protective component, the protective component is located near the at least one signal transmitter and the signal sent passes through the surface.

3. The security system of claim 2, wherein the at least one signal transmitter comprises two signal transmitters and the at least two signal receivers comprise four signal receivers, each of the two signal transmitters having a pair of signal receivers.

4. A security system as described in claim 3, wherein the direction of the first signal transmitter of the two signal transmitters is set so that the direction of the transmitted signal is at a first angle relative to the central focal line of the field of view of the first image capture module; and the direction of the second signal transmitter of the two signal transmitters is set so that the direction of the transmitted signal is at a second angle relative to the central focal line of the field of view of the first image capture module.

5. The safety system of claim 4, wherein the field of view of the first of the two signal transmitters intersects the field of view of the second of the two signal transmitters in front of a vehicle in which the first device is installed.

6. The safety system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the first angle and the second angle are equal and opposite. 7 . The security system of claim 6 , wherein the first angle and the second angle range from 50 degrees to 70 degrees.

8. The security system of claim 6, wherein the first angle and the second angle are 60 degrees.

9. The security system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device further comprises a third image capture module facing a third direction different from the first direction.

10. The safety system of claim 8, wherein the direction of the third image capture module is toward the inside of a vehicle in which the first device is installed.

11. The security system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the third image capture module of the first device is a wide-angle lens.

12. The safety system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first device or the second device further comprises an inertial measurement unit, the inertial measurement unit being configured to measure the angular velocity and / or acceleration of the device in which it is located.

13. A safety system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: The data transmitted between the first device and the second device is video data; and / or angular velocity and / or acceleration data; and / or motion detection data; and / or computer vision inference classification data, and / or detected security threats; and / or audio data; and / or still image data; and / or time data.

14. A security system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connection between the first device and the second device is a wired electrical connection.

15. The security system of claim 10, wherein the wired electrical connection is an Ethernet network connection.

16. A security system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the motion detection module is a radar module and / or a LiDAR module.

17. A safety system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the peripheral safety zone is between 1 metre and 5 metres.

18. A first device as claimed in claims 1 to 17.

19. A second device as claimed in claims 1 to 17.

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