Intelligent vehicle key, vehicle searching method and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an intelligent vehicle key, a vehicle searching method and a vehicle, and belongs to the technical field of intelligent vehicle keys. According to one specific embodiment, the method comprises the steps that a controller contained in the intelligent vehicle key can respond to triggering of a vehicle searching key, short-distance connection between the intelligent vehicle key and a vehicle is triggered to be established, the relative position between a key body and the vehicle is estimated, and a vehicle searching guide image is generated according to the relative position; a projection device is further used for projecting a vehicle searching guide image on the ground according to the position of the key body; according to the embodiment of the invention, information such as the direction and the distance of the vehicle is provided for the owner of the intelligent vehicle key through various information contained in the vehicle searching guide image, so that the precision and the accuracy of searching the vehicle by using the vehicle key are improved, and the vehicle searching experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of smart car keys, and in particular to a smart car key, a vehicle finding method and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] For scenarios where vehicle occupants are searching for their vehicles in a large parking area, existing methods typically utilize radio frequency signals from car keys to trigger the vehicle to emit a sound, allowing the occupants to locate the vehicle based on the direction of the sound.

[0003] However, due to factors such as building obstruction and radio frequency signal transmission distance limitations, existing methods result in low accuracy and efficiency in finding the car using the car key, affecting the passengers' car experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a smart car key, a car search method and a vehicle, which can utilize the controller included in the smart car key to trigger the establishment of a short-range connection between the smart car key and the vehicle in response to the vehicle search key being triggered, estimate the relative position between the key body and the vehicle, and generate a car search guidance image based on the relative position; further utilize a projection device to project the car search guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body; the embodiment of the present invention provides the holder of the smart car key with information such as the vehicle's direction and distance through the various information contained in the car search guidance image, thereby improving the precision and accuracy of using the car key to find the vehicle, and improving the user's car search experience.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a smart car key, comprising: a key body, a communication module, a controller and a projection device arranged on the key body; the controller triggers the communication module to establish a short-distance connection with the vehicle in response to the vehicle search key of the key body being triggered, and when the short-distance connection is successful, the relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle is estimated based on the short-distance connection, and a vehicle search guidance image is generated according to the relative position; the projection device is used to project the vehicle search guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

[0007] Optionally, the smart car key also includes a posture detection module arranged on the key body; the posture detection module is used to detect the orientation of the key body; the controller is used to obtain the orientation of the key body detected by the posture detection module; generate a vehicle-finding guidance image including an arrow indicating the orientation; and dynamically change the indicated direction of the arrow according to the change in orientation.

[0008] Optionally, the smart car key also includes a display device arranged on the key body; the controller is used to obtain detailed parking information of the vehicle from the service end; wherein, the parking details include one or more information of the floor information where the vehicle is located, parking space identification, elevator information, and the distance between the vehicle and the elevator; the display device is used to display the detailed parking information.

[0009] Optionally, the controller is used to locate the target elevator closest to the smart car key and send the information of the target elevator to the display device when the short-distance connection fails; the display device is used to display the information of the target elevator to guide the holder of the smart car key to the target elevator; the communication module re-establishes a short-distance connection with the vehicle at the position corresponding to the target elevator.

[0010] Optionally, the controller is used to calculate the real-time distance between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle based on the real-time relative position between the key body and the vehicle during the position change of the key body; and generate a vehicle-finding guidance image including the orientation of the key body and the real-time distance; wherein the vehicle-finding guidance image also includes the communication connection status between the key body and the vehicle, parking details and one or more information of the vehicle status; the display device is also used to synchronously display the orientation and / or real-time distance of the key body.

[0011] Optionally, the smart car key also includes a prompt device arranged on the key body; the controller is used to control the prompt device to generate and provide prompt information when it is determined that the orientation of the key body is consistent with the orientation of the vehicle; and when it is determined that the real-time distance between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle is gradually shortened, control the prompt device to increase the prompt intensity.

[0012] Optionally, when the real-time distance is less than or equal to a first set distance threshold and greater than a second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a first short-distance connection with the vehicle; when the real-time distance is less than or equal to the second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a second short-distance connection with the vehicle based on its stored ultra-wideband communication protocol until it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle; and / or, when it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle, the vehicle search guide image is updated so that the arrow in the projected updated vehicle search guide image is separated from the vehicle search guide image in animated form and points directly to the vehicle.

[0013] Optionally, the projection device includes: a light-emitting diode matrix and a lens; the light-emitting diode matrix and the lens cooperate to project a vehicle-finding guidance image on the ground; the projection device also includes a heat dissipation device; the heat dissipation device is used to reduce the temperature of the projection device during the projection process.

[0014] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for finding a vehicle using the smart vehicle key of the first aspect, comprising:

[0015] The controller included in the smart car key responds to the vehicle search button of the smart car key being triggered, triggering the communication module included in the smart car key to establish a short-distance connection with the vehicle. When the short-distance connection is successful, the relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle is estimated based on the short-distance connection, and a vehicle search guidance image is generated according to the relative position; the projection device included in the smart car key is used to project the vehicle search guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

[0016] Optionally, the smart car key also includes a posture detection module arranged on the key body; the posture detection module is used to detect the orientation of the key body; the controller is used to obtain the orientation of the key body detected by the posture detection module; a vehicle-finding guidance image including an arrow indicating the orientation is generated; and the indicated direction of the arrow is dynamically changed according to the change in orientation.

[0017] Optionally, the smart car key also includes a display device arranged on the key body; the controller is used to obtain the vehicle's parking details from the server; wherein the parking details include one or more information of the floor information where the vehicle is located, parking space identification, elevator information, and the distance between the vehicle and the elevator; the display device is used to display the parking details.

[0018] Optionally, when it is determined that the short-distance connection has failed, the controller locates the target elevator closest to the smart car key and sends the information of the target elevator to the display device; the display device displays the information of the target elevator to guide the holder of the smart car key to the target elevator; and the communication module re-establishes the short-distance connection with the vehicle at the position corresponding to the target elevator.

[0019] Optionally, the controller calculates the real-time distance between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle based on the real-time relative position between the key body and the vehicle during the position change of the key body; and generates a vehicle-finding guidance image including the orientation of the key body and the real-time distance; wherein the vehicle-finding guidance image also includes one or more information of the communication connection status between the key body and the vehicle, parking details and vehicle status; and the display device is used to synchronously display the orientation and / or real-time distance of the key body.

[0020] Optionally, the smart car key also includes a prompt device arranged on the key body; the controller controls the prompt device to generate and provide prompt information when it determines that the orientation of the key body is consistent with the orientation of the vehicle; and when it is determined that the real-time distance between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle is gradually shortened, the prompt device is controlled to increase the prompt intensity.

[0021] Optionally, when the real-time distance is less than or equal to a first set distance threshold and greater than a second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a first short-distance connection with the vehicle; when the real-time distance is less than or equal to the second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a second short-distance connection with the vehicle based on its stored ultra-wideband communication protocol until it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle; and / or, when it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle, the vehicle search guide image is updated so that the arrow in the projected updated vehicle search guide image is separated from the vehicle search guide image in animated form and points directly to the vehicle.

[0022] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides an electronic device, including:

[0023] one or more processors;

[0024] a storage device for storing one or more programs,

[0025] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the vehicle search method applied to the smart car key in the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium on which is stored a computer program for implementing a vehicle search method applied to a smart car key. When the computer program is executed by an on-board processor, the vehicle search method applied to a smart car key according to an embodiment of the present invention is implemented.

[0027] In a fifth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising: an on-board sensor, an on-board controller, and an on-board communication module;

[0028] The onboard sensor is used to collect environmental images of the vehicle in the parking area;

[0029] The vehicle controller is used to identify parking details of the vehicle based on the environment image; wherein the parking details include one or more information of the floor where the vehicle is located, parking space identification, elevator information, and the distance between the vehicle and the elevator;

[0030] The vehicle-mounted communication module is used to upload detailed parking information to the server, so that the smart car key described in the first aspect can obtain the parking location of the vehicle from the server.

[0031] In a sixth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle finding system, which includes: the smart car key as described in the first aspect and the vehicle as described in the fifth aspect.

[0032] The technical solution of the above invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: it can utilize the controller contained in the smart car key in response to the vehicle search key being triggered to trigger the establishment of a short-distance connection between the smart car key and the vehicle, estimate the relative position between the key body and the vehicle, and generate a vehicle search guidance image based on the relative position; further utilize the projection device to project the vehicle search guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body; the embodiment of the present invention provides the holder of the smart car key with information such as the vehicle's direction and distance through the various information contained in the vehicle search guidance image, thereby improving the precision and accuracy of finding the vehicle using the car key and improving the occupant's vehicle search experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a smart car key provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle-finding guidance image provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2B is another schematic diagram of a vehicle-finding guidance image provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2C This is another schematic diagram of a vehicle-finding guidance image provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a vehicle search method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a vehicle search system provided according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which various details of the embodiments of the present invention are included to facilitate understanding. These details should be considered as merely exemplary. Therefore, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Similarly, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0041] It should be pointed out that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments of the present invention and the technical features therein may be combined with each other.

[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., used in the embodiments of the present invention, are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific number or order. It should be understood that such terms are interchangeable where appropriate, and are merely a means of distinguishing objects with the same attributes in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle involved in the embodiment of the present invention may be an internal combustion engine vehicle using an engine as a power source, a hybrid vehicle using an engine and an electric motor as power sources, an electric vehicle using an electric motor as a power source, or the like.

[0044] Figure 1 The structure diagram of the smart car key provided by the embodiment of the present invention is shown as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes a key body 100 (of a smart car key), a communication module T, a controller C, and a projection device P disposed on the key body 100; the key body 100 also includes a display device S, a car finder button B, a posture detection module W, and a prompt device Z. It should be noted that in this embodiment of the present invention, the smart car key and the key body refer to the same subject.

[0045] The functions of the various components in the key body of the smart car key are described below. Among them, the communication module T, the controller C, the posture detection module W, and the prompt device Z are encapsulated inside the key body and are not visible.

[0046] Specifically, when the user uses the smart car key to find the car, the user can trigger the smart car key's car search process by pressing the car search button (for example, the car lock button) on the key body of the smart car key.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, before the user presses the find-car button on the key body to trigger the smart car key's car find process, the vehicle's parking details can be displayed on the key body's display device; wherein, the parking details are stored on a server (e.g., a traffic management platform), and the parking details are collected, identified, and uploaded to the server by the vehicle through onboard sensors (e.g., cameras, radars, etc.). The parking details include one or more of the following information: the floor where the vehicle is located, the parking space identification, the elevator information, and the distance between the vehicle and the elevator; that is, the controller is used to obtain the vehicle's parking details from the server; the parking details include, for example: -2nd floor (i.e., floor information), parking space No. 366 (i.e., parking space identification), 20 meters from elevator entrance No. 1, 50 meters from elevator entrance No. 3, etc.

[0048] Furthermore, the smart car key body includes a display device (e.g., a display screen) for displaying parking details. The user can use the parking details to obtain the floor where the vehicle is located; then, after reaching the floor where the vehicle is located, press the car search button on the smart car key body to locate the vehicle.

[0049] Furthermore, in response to the vehicle search button on the key body being triggered, the controller triggers the communication module to establish a short-distance connection with the vehicle. If the short-distance connection is successful, the relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle is estimated based on the short-distance connection, and a vehicle search guidance image is generated according to the relative position; the projection device is used to project the vehicle search guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the projection device includes: a light-emitting diode matrix and a lens; the light-emitting diode matrix and the lens cooperate to project a vehicle-finding guidance image on the ground; further, the projection device also includes a heat dissipation device; the heat dissipation device is used to reduce the temperature of the projection device during the projection process and improve the operating stability of the projection device.

[0051] By arranging a projection device on the key body of the smart car key and projecting a car-finding guidance image on the ground (in front of the user) in real time, the efficiency of the user in finding the car using the smart car key is improved.

[0052] Specifically, in an embodiment of the present invention, the communication module can support multiple short-range communication protocols, such as ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth; the controller can trigger the communication module to establish a short-range connection with the vehicle based on the corresponding communication protocols of ultra-wideband (UWB), Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth respectively; by establishing connections based on UWB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth at the same time, a richer, more convenient, and safer short-range connection is provided to achieve further interaction between the smart car key and the vehicle. And the communication connection status of the short-range connection is determined. When any one or more short-range connections are successful, the relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle is estimated based on the short-range connection. Specifically, the controller can obtain the strength or signal flight time of different antenna signals from multiple antennas of the vehicle based on the short-range connection, estimate the distance between the key body and each vehicle antenna based on the signal attenuation degree or signal flight time, and further estimate the position of the vehicle using the triangulation principle or the three-sided positioning algorithm, that is, estimate the relative position between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle.

[0053] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to locate the target elevator closest to the smart car key in the event of a short-distance connection failure and transmit the target elevator information to a display device; the display device is configured to display the target elevator information to guide the holder of the smart car key to the target elevator; and the communication module re-establishes a short-distance connection with the vehicle at the location corresponding to the target elevator. Specifically, if the user triggers the find-car button before reaching the floor where the vehicle is located, the short-distance connection between the smart car key and the vehicle may fail to establish a short-distance connection. In this scenario, an embodiment of the present invention can locate the target elevator closest to the smart car key, such as elevator 2, based on the location of the smart car key and display the target elevator information on the display device to prompt and guide the holder of the smart car key (i.e., the user) to the target elevator. It is understood that a car-finding guidance image can also be generated based on the target elevator information; and a projection device can be used to project the car-finding guidance image onto the ground to guide the user toward the target elevator. Furthermore, after the user reaches the location of the target elevator, the communication module can be used to re-attempt to establish a short-distance connection between the smart car key and the vehicle.

[0054] Furthermore, after estimating the relative position between the key body and the vehicle, a vehicle-finding guidance image is generated according to the relative position; and the projection device is used to project the vehicle-finding guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

[0055] Specifically, the vehicle search guidance image may include one or more guidance information; Figures 2A to 2C The following is a schematic diagram of the vehicle search guidance image:

[0056] Figure 2A A vehicle search guidance image is shown in a scenario where the connection between a smart car key and a vehicle fails.

[0057] like Figure 2A The schematic diagram of the vehicle-finding guidance image shown includes four directions: N represents north, S represents south, W represents west, and E represents east; the A1 area can display the communication connection status between the key body and the vehicle. For example, the A1 area can display "Weak signal, please try to move to a different location"; the A2 area can display parking details. For example, the A2 area can display "Parking location: B2, parking space 203, 30 meters away from elevator No. 1"; that is, the vehicle-finding guidance image also includes the communication connection status between the key body and the vehicle, parking details and one or more information of the vehicle status.

[0058] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, the controller is also used to locate the target elevator closest to the smart car key when it is determined that the short-distance connection fails, and generate a car-finding guidance image including the target elevator (not shown in the figure).

[0059] Figure 2B The following figure shows a vehicle search guidance image corresponding to a scene in the vehicle search process after a smart car key is successfully connected to the vehicle:

[0060] like Figure 2B As shown, N represents north, S represents south, W represents west, and E represents east; it includes an arrow indicating direction; the X1 area can display real-time distance. For example, the X1 area can display "50 meters," which represents the real-time distance between the smart car key and the vehicle; the X2 area can display parking details. For example, the X2 area can display "Parking location: B2, parking space 203, 30 meters from elevator number 1." The direction indicated by the arrow is consistent with the vehicle's location. As the user moves, the arrow's direction changes dynamically based on changes in the key's local orientation. The smart car key also includes a posture detection module disposed on the key body; the posture detection module is used to detect the orientation of the key body; the controller is used to obtain the orientation of the key body detected by the posture detection module; generate a vehicle-finding guidance image including an arrow indicating the orientation; and dynamically change the arrow's direction based on changes in the orientation. Specifically, the posture detection module can be an inertial sensor (such as a gyroscope, an accelerometer superimposed with a magnetometer, etc.). By detecting the orientation of the key body, the user can use the direction of the arrow in the car-finding guidance image to indicate the moving direction, thereby improving the user's car-finding experience.

[0061] Furthermore, as the user holding the smart car key moves, the real-time distance between the smart car key and the vehicle and the orientation of the smart car key are calculated in real time, thereby providing dynamic and real-time vehicle-finding guidance for the user. The controller is configured to calculate the real-time distance between the key body and the vehicle's parking position based on the real-time relative position of the key body and the vehicle as the key body's position changes; and generate a vehicle-finding guidance image that includes the key body's orientation and real-time distance; wherein the vehicle-finding guidance image also includes one or more of the key body's communication connection status, parking details, and vehicle status;

[0062] Furthermore, the display device can also be used to synchronously display the direction and / or real-time distance of the key body. It is understandable that in the embodiment of the present invention, the display device can synchronously display all the information contained in the car-finding guidance image, or it can display part of the information.

[0063] Furthermore, the smart car key also includes a prompt device provided on the key body; the controller is used to control the prompt device to generate and provide prompt information when it is determined that the orientation of the key body is consistent with the orientation of the vehicle; and when it is determined that the real-time distance between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle is gradually shortening, control the prompt device to increase the prompt intensity. Specifically, the prompt device can cause the key body to produce prompts in the form of vibration, light, sound, etc., and when it is determined that the user's orientation is consistent with the orientation of the vehicle, it can prompt the user to the correctness of the moving direction through vibration, light, sound, etc.; further, when it is determined that the real-time distance between the user's location and the vehicle is less than a set range (for example, 10 meters, 20 meters, etc.), it can also increase the prompt intensity (for example, gradually increase the vibration, gradually increase the sound, increase the light frequency, etc.) to prompt the user that they are gradually approaching the vehicle.

[0064] Preferably, in an embodiment of the present invention, when the real-time distance is less than or equal to a first set distance threshold and greater than a second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a first short-range connection with the vehicle; when the real-time distance is less than or equal to the second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a second short-range connection with the vehicle based on its stored ultra-wideband communication protocol until it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle; specifically, the first set distance threshold is, for example, 100 meters, and the second set distance threshold is, for example, 10 meters. When the real-time distance is less than or equal to the first set distance threshold and greater than the second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a first short-range connection (for example, a Wi-Fi connection or a Bluetooth connection) with the vehicle; further, when the real-time distance is less than or equal to the second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a second short-range connection with the vehicle based on its stored ultra-wideband communication protocol, and maintains the short-range connection in the ultra-wideband communication protocol mode until it is determined that the user has reached the parking position of the vehicle (i.e., it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle). The ultra-wideband communication protocol has the characteristics of high-precision positioning (centimeter level), anti-interference and penetration, and high-speed data transmission, which improves the positioning accuracy and vehicle search efficiency of the vehicle.

[0065] Figure 2C The following figure shows a corresponding vehicle-finding guidance image after the positions of a smart car key and a vehicle coincide with each other:

[0066] like Figure 2CAs shown: N represents north, S represents south, W represents west, and E represents east; the Y1 area can display the real-time distance between the smart car key and the vehicle. For example, the Y1 area can display "Arrived at vehicle", indicating that the real-time distance between the smart car key and the vehicle is 0 meters. The Y1 area can also display a headlight icon indicating the status of the headlights. For example, the Y1 area can also display "Headlights activated" and display the headlight icon corresponding to the vehicle status of "Headlights activated".

[0067] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, upon determining that the user (smart key) has arrived at the vehicle's location, the vehicle's lights can be automatically illuminated, the vehicle-finding guidance image can be altered, and an arrow in the projected guidance image can be animated to "fly" toward the vehicle. A circular pattern, indicating the end of the search, can be displayed in the guidance image in place of the arrow. In other words, if the smart key's location coincides with the vehicle's parking location, the guidance image can be updated so that the arrow in the projected updated guidance image is animated and separated from the guidance image, pointing directly toward the vehicle.

[0068] That is, the smart car key provided by an embodiment of the present invention includes: a key body, a communication module, a controller and a projection device arranged on the key body; the controller triggers the communication module to establish a short-distance connection with the vehicle in response to the vehicle search key of the smart car key being triggered. When the short-distance connection is successful, the relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle is estimated based on the short-distance connection, and a vehicle search guidance image is generated according to the relative position; the projection device is used to project the vehicle search guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

[0069] It will be understood that the circular outline of the vehicle-finding guidance image provided in the embodiment of the present invention is merely an example, and the present invention does not limit the specific shape and style of the vehicle-finding guidance image.

[0070] By projecting car-finding guidance images with different display contents at different stages of car-finding, the guidance efficiency of the car-finding guidance images is improved, and the user's car-finding experience is greatly enhanced.

[0071] Figure 3 FIG. 1 shows a flow chart of a method for finding a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. Figure 3 As shown, it includes the following main steps:

[0072] Step S301: Start.

[0073] Step S302: The user triggers the car search button of the smart car key.

[0074] Step S303: Trigger the smart car key to establish a short-distance connection with the vehicle.

[0075] Step S304: Determine whether the connection status of the short-distance connection is successful. If successful (K1), execute step S305; otherwise (K2), execute step S302 and try again.

[0076] Step S305: estimating the relative position and real-time distance between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle, and obtaining the orientation of the key body.

[0077] Step S306: Generate a vehicle-finding guidance image including the direction (arrow) of the key body and the real-time distance, and project the vehicle-finding guidance image on the ground using a projection device.

[0078] Step S307: When the user moves, the direction indicated by the arrow is dynamically changed according to the change in the orientation of the key body, and the real-time distance is updated.

[0079] Step S308: Determine whether the real-time distance between the key body and the vehicle is less than or equal to the first set distance threshold and greater than the second set distance threshold. If so (K3), execute step S309; ​​otherwise (K4) if the real-time distance is less than or equal to the second set distance threshold, execute step S310.

[0080] Step S309: Maintain the communication protocol (WiFi or Bluetooth) used for the first short-distance connection between the smart car key and the vehicle, and re-execute step S308 after the real-time distance changes.

[0081] Step S310: establishing a second short-range connection between the smart car key and the vehicle based on the ultra-wideband communication protocol.

[0082] Step S311: Update the direction, real-time distance, communication connection status and other information in the vehicle-finding guidance image and project it.

[0083] Step S312: Determine whether the position of the smart car key coincides with the vehicle.

[0084] Step S313: End the vehicle search process.

[0085] The description of steps S301 to S313 is: a car finding method implemented based on the smart car key provided in an embodiment of the present invention, including: using the controller contained in the smart car key in response to the car finding key of the smart car key being triggered, triggering the communication module contained in the smart car key to establish a short-distance connection with the vehicle; when the short-distance connection is successful, based on the short-distance connection, estimating the relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle, and generating a car finding guidance image according to the relative position; using the projection device contained in the smart car key to project the car finding guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

[0086] The controller is used to obtain the orientation of the key body detected by the posture detection module; generate a vehicle-finding guidance image including an arrow indicating the orientation; and dynamically change the indicated direction of the arrow according to the change of the orientation.

[0087] The controller calculates the real-time distance between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle based on the real-time relative position between the key body and the vehicle during the position change of the key body; and generates a vehicle-finding guidance image including the orientation of the key body and the real-time distance; wherein the vehicle-finding guidance image also includes one or more information including the communication connection status between the key body and the vehicle, parking details and vehicle status.

[0088] Furthermore, when the real-time distance is less than or equal to the first set distance threshold and greater than the second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a first short-distance connection with the vehicle; when the real-time distance is less than or equal to the second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a second short-distance connection with the vehicle based on its stored ultra-wideband communication protocol until it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle.

[0089] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle search system provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which includes: a vehicle V, a smart car key K and a server F.

[0090] The vehicle V includes onboard sensors, an onboard controller, and an onboard communication module. The onboard sensors are used to capture images of the vehicle's surroundings within the parking area. The onboard controller is used to identify detailed parking information for the vehicle based on the images. The parking information may include one or more of the following: the vehicle's floor, parking space identification, elevator information, and the distance between the vehicle and the elevator. The onboard communication module is used to upload the detailed parking information to a server F, which may be a parking management platform or a cloud server, allowing the smart car key to obtain the vehicle's parking location from the server. In an embodiment of the present invention, the steps of analyzing and identifying the vehicle's parking information based on the vehicle's surroundings can be performed based on machine vision and an artificial intelligence network, thereby obtaining the parking information.

[0091] The smart car key K can obtain the parking details (ie, the parking location) of the vehicle V from the server F through the communication module it contains; and display the parking details using a display device.

[0092] Furthermore, the smart car key K can also use a vehicle-finding guidance image projected on the ground to display one or more information including the communication connection status between the key body and the vehicle, parking details, and vehicle status.

[0093] The vehicle's floor information is displayed to the user through a display device and / or a projected vehicle search guidance image, and the user can be guided to move to the floor where the vehicle is located. Usually, when the smart car key (user) and the vehicle are on the same plane (floor), the user clicks the vehicle search button to trigger the vehicle search, so that the smart car key K responds to the vehicle search button being triggered, triggering the communication module to establish a short-distance connection with the vehicle. When the short-distance connection is successful, the relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle is estimated based on the short-distance connection, and a vehicle search guidance image is generated according to the relative position; the projection device is used to project the vehicle search guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

[0094] The interaction of providing parking details to the server through the vehicle and providing it to the smart car key through the server improves the accuracy and detail of the information contained in the vehicle-finding guidance image projected by the smart car key.

[0095] Reference below Figure 5 , which shows a schematic structural diagram of a computer system 500 suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The computer system shown is only an example and should not limit the functions and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0096] like Figure 5 As shown, the computer system 500 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 501, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to a program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 502 or a program loaded from a storage unit 508 into a random access memory (RAM) 503. Various programs and data required for the operation of the system 500 are also stored in the RAM 503. The CPU 501, ROM 502, and RAM 503 are connected to each other via a bus 504. An input / output (I / O) interface 505 is also connected to the bus 504.

[0097] The following components are connected to the I / O interface 505: an input section 506; an output section 507 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), and a speaker; a storage section 508 including a hard disk; and a communication section 509 including a network interface card such as a LAN card or a modem. The communication section 509 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 510 is also connected to the I / O interface 505 as needed. A removable medium 511, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, is installed in the drive 510 as needed, so that a computer program read therefrom can be installed in the storage section 508 as needed.

[0098] In particular, according to the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program comprising program code for executing the method shown in the flowchart. In such an embodiment, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via the communication section 509, and / or installed from a removable medium 511. When the computer program is executed by the central processing unit (CPU) 501, the above-mentioned functions defined in the system of the present invention are performed.

[0099] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium described in the present invention can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium, or any combination thereof. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media can include, but are not limited to, an electrical connection having one or more conductors, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. In the present invention, a computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal propagated in baseband or as part of a carrier wave, carrying computer-readable program code. This propagated data signal can take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may also be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium that can transmit, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0100] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible implementation architecture, functions and operations of the systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in the flowchart or block diagram can represent a module, program segment, or a part of code, and the above-mentioned module, program segment, or a part of code contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box can also occur in an order different from that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two boxes represented in succession can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram or flowchart, and the combination of boxes in the block diagram or flowchart, can be implemented with a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or can be implemented with a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0101] As another aspect, the present invention further provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device described in the above embodiment; or may exist independently and not be assembled into the device. The computer-readable medium carries one or more programs, and when the one or more programs are executed by the device, the device includes: using a controller included in a smart car key to trigger a communication module included in the smart car key to establish a short-range connection with the vehicle in response to the vehicle search key of the smart car key being triggered; if the short-range connection is successful, estimating the relative position between the key body of the smart car key and the vehicle based on the short-range connection, and generating a vehicle search guidance image based on the relative position; and using a projection device included in the smart car key to project the vehicle search guidance image on the ground based on the position of the key body.

[0102] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions may occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart car key, characterized in that: include: A key body, a communication module, a controller and a projection device provided on the key body; The controller triggers the communication module to establish a short-distance connection with the vehicle in response to a vehicle search key on the key body being triggered, and if the short-distance connection is successful, estimates a relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle based on the short-distance connection, and generates a vehicle search guidance image based on the relative position; The projection device is used to project the vehicle-finding guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

2. The smart car key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The smart car key also includes a posture detection module provided on the key body; The posture detection module is used to detect the orientation of the key body; The controller is used to obtain the orientation of the key body detected by the posture detection module; generate a vehicle-finding guidance image including an arrow indicating the orientation; and dynamically change the indication direction of the arrow according to the change of the orientation.

3. The smart car key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The smart car key further includes a display device provided on the key body; The controller is used to obtain parking details of the vehicle from the server; wherein the parking details include one or more information of the floor where the vehicle is located, parking space identification, elevator information, and the distance between the vehicle and the elevator; The display device is used to display the parking detailed information.

4. The smart car key according to claim 3, characterized in that: The controller is used to locate the target elevator closest to the smart car key when the short-distance connection fails, and send information about the target elevator to the display device; The display device is used to display information of the target elevator to guide the holder of the smart car key to travel to the target elevator; The communication module re-establishes a short-distance connection with the vehicle at a position corresponding to the target elevator.

5. The smart car key according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The controller is configured to calculate, in real time, a real-time distance between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle based on the real-time relative position between the key body and the vehicle during the position change of the key body; and generate a vehicle-finding guidance image including the orientation of the key body and the real-time distance; wherein the vehicle-finding guidance image also includes one or more information of the communication connection status between the key body and the vehicle, the parking detailed information, and the vehicle status; The display device is used to synchronously display the direction of the key body and / or the real-time distance.

6. The smart car key according to claim 5, characterized in that: The smart car key further includes a prompting device provided on the key body; The controller is used to control the prompt device to generate and provide prompt information when it is determined that the orientation of the key body is consistent with the orientation of the vehicle; as well as, When it is determined that the real-time distance between the key body and the parking position of the vehicle is gradually shortened, the prompt device is controlled to increase the prompt intensity.

7. The smart car key according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the real-time distance is less than or equal to the first set distance threshold and greater than the second set distance threshold, The communication module establishes a first short-range connection with the vehicle; When the real-time distance is less than or equal to a second set distance threshold, the communication module establishes a second short-range connection with the vehicle based on the stored ultra-wideband communication protocol until it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle; and / or, When it is determined that the position of the smart car key coincides with the parking position of the vehicle, the vehicle search guide image is updated so that the arrow in the projected updated vehicle search guide image is separated from the vehicle search guide image in an animated form and directly points to the vehicle.

8. The smart car key according to claim 1, characterized in that: The projection device includes: a light emitting diode matrix and a lens; the light emitting diode matrix and the lens cooperate to project the vehicle-finding guidance image on the ground; The projection device further comprises a heat dissipation device; the heat dissipation device is used to reduce the temperature of the projection device during the projection process.

9. A method for finding a vehicle using the smart vehicle key according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: Applicable to the smart car key, including: The controller included in the smart car key triggers the communication module included in the smart car key to establish a short-range connection with the vehicle in response to the vehicle search key of the smart car key being triggered. If the short-range connection is successful, the controller estimates the relative position between the key body and the determined parking position of the vehicle based on the short-range connection, and generates a vehicle search guidance image according to the relative position; The projection device included in the smart car key is used to project the car-finding guidance image on the ground according to the position of the key body.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: include: On-board sensors, on-board controllers, and on-board communication modules; The vehicle-mounted sensor is used to collect environmental images of the vehicle in the parking area; The vehicle controller is used to identify parking details of the vehicle based on the environment image; wherein the parking details include one or more information of the floor where the vehicle is located, parking space identification, elevator information, and the distance between the vehicle and the elevator; The vehicle-mounted communication module is used to upload the detailed parking information to the server, so that the smart car key described in any one of claims 1 to 8 obtains the parking location of the vehicle from the server.

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