Rockfall protection device, vehicle control method and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a rockfall protection device, a vehicle control method and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of vehicles. The device comprises a protective net, a buffer component, a telescopic supporting component and a controller, the buffer component is arranged below the protective net; the supporting component is fixed to a car roof and fixedly connected with the corners of the protective net. After the controller receives the starting trigger, the supporting component is triggered to stretch, and the protective net and the buffering component are driven to be unfolded; after the controller receives closing triggering, the supporting component is triggered to contract, and the protective net and the buffering component are driven to be folded. According to the embodiment, the roof can be protected after the vehicle enters the target rockfall-prone area, and the probability that the vehicle is damaged by rockfall is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a rockfall protection device, a vehicle control method, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing popularity of vehicles, they have gradually become one of the most important means of transportation in people's daily lives. While driving, it's inevitable to pass through mountainous areas and other regions where rockfalls may occur. Rockfalls are a common disaster in mountainous areas, affecting not only roads but also vehicles traveling on them, causing damage and compromising driving safety. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, embodiments of the present invention provide a rockfall protection device, a vehicle control method, and a vehicle, which can protect the roof of the vehicle after it enters a target area prone to rockfall, thereby reducing the probability of the vehicle being damaged by falling rocks.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a rockfall protection device is provided, comprising:

[0005] Protective netting, buffer components, retractable support components, and controllers;

[0006] The aforementioned buffer components are located below the aforementioned protective netting;

[0007] The aforementioned support components are fixed to the roof of the vehicle and are fixedly connected to the corners of the aforementioned protective netting;

[0008] Upon receiving a start trigger, the controller activates the support components to extend, thereby deploying the protective net and the buffer components.

[0009] Upon receiving a shutdown trigger, the controller causes the support components to retract, which in turn causes the protective net and the buffer components to fold.

[0010] Optionally, after receiving the control command, the controller adjusts the length difference between the support member located on one side of the vehicle width and the support member located on the other side of the vehicle width according to the tilt angle indicated by the control command, so as to adjust the tilt angle of the protective net.

[0011] The tilt angle of the aforementioned protective net is directly proportional to the mass of the object falling into it.

[0012] Optionally, the mesh density of the aforementioned protective net is proportional to the distance from the center of the protective net.

[0013] Optionally, the aforementioned cushioning component includes a soft pad or an inflatable airbag;

[0014] When the aforementioned cushioning component includes the aforementioned inflatable airbag, the inflatable airbag is inflated with gas as it unfolds; and the inflatable airbag is deflated with gas as it folds.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle control method is provided, comprising:

[0016] Identify the target areas prone to rockfall along the current navigation route;

[0017] In response to a vehicle entering the aforementioned target area prone to falling rocks, the rockfall protection device as described in this embodiment of the invention is activated, and obstacles and their dimensions are detected in the road.

[0018] In response to the detection of the aforementioned obstacle, the presence of vehicle passage conditions is identified based on the size of the obstacle;

[0019] If the identification results indicate that there are conditions for vehicle passage, control the vehicle to continue driving;

[0020] After the vehicle leaves the target area prone to falling rocks, the rockfall protection device is activated and shut down.

[0021] Optionally, the above-mentioned acquisition of target rockfall-prone areas along the current navigation route includes:

[0022] In response to the start of vehicle navigation, the current navigation route is uploaded to the cloud so that the cloud can determine the location distribution of rockfall-prone areas based on integrated natural environment information, and determine the target rockfall-prone area located on the current navigation route based on the current navigation route and the location distribution of rockfall-prone areas.

[0023] Receive the aforementioned target rockfall-prone area sent from the cloud.

[0024] Optionally, the above-mentioned identification of whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the obstacle size includes:

[0025] Compare the obstacle height indicated by the obstacle size above with the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension;

[0026] In response to a comparison result indicating that the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension is higher than the height of the obstacle and the height difference between the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension and the height of the obstacle is greater than or equal to a first preset difference threshold, the presence of vehicle passage conditions is identified based on the distance between the obstacle and the road edge.

[0027] Optionally, the above-mentioned identification of whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the distance between the obstacle and the road edge includes:

[0028] Identify the distances between the aforementioned obstacles and the adjacent road edges on both sides of the road width direction;

[0029] In response to the fact that the distance between the obstacle and the nearest road edge on either side of the road width direction is greater than the width of the vehicle and the width difference between the distance and the width of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a second preset difference threshold, an identification result indicating the presence of vehicle passage conditions is generated;

[0030] In response to the fact that the distance between the obstacle and the road edge it is close to in the road width direction is greater than the width of the vehicle and the width difference between the distance and the width of the vehicle is less than a second preset difference threshold, an identification result indicating that there is no vehicle passage condition is generated.

[0031] In response to the fact that the distance between each of the two sides of the obstacle in the road width direction and the nearest road edge is less than the width of the vehicle, an identification result indicating that there are no conditions for vehicle passage is generated.

[0032] Optionally, the above method further includes:

[0033] If the identification result indicates that there are no conditions for vehicle passage, control the vehicle to stop driving and generate a prompt message indicating that passage is temporarily impossible.

[0034] Optionally, the above method further includes:

[0035] Obtain the mass of the falling rocks sent by the aforementioned rockfall protection device;

[0036] Based on the mass of the falling rocks, an adjustment command is generated for the tilt angle of the rockfall protection device.

[0037] To achieve the above objectives, according to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided.

[0038] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a vehicle infotainment system and a rockfall protection device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the vehicle infotainment system is used to execute the vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] One embodiment of the above invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: the above-mentioned rockfall protection device is provided with a protective net, a buffer component, a telescopic component, and a controller. After the controller receives a start trigger, it can trigger the support component to extend, causing the protective net and buffer component to unfold to cover the roof of the vehicle. The protective net and buffer component can catch objects falling onto the roof of the vehicle and buffer the impact of the falling objects to prevent them from damaging the vehicle. After the controller receives a stop trigger, it can trigger the support component to retract, causing the protective net and buffer component to fold, so that they can be stored when the rockfall protection device is not in use.

[0040] At the same time, the length of the support components located on both sides of the vehicle width can be adjusted based on the mass of the object falling into the protective net. The greater the mass of the object, the greater the tilt angle of the protective net, so that the object can roll off.

[0041] The further effects of the aforementioned unconventional alternative methods will be explained below in conjunction with specific implementation methods. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the invention and are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the invention. Wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rockfall protection device in use according to an embodiment of the present invention, with an inclination angle of 0°.

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rockfall protection device in use according to an embodiment of the present invention, with an inclination angle of 15°.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rockfall protection device in a non-use state, which is installed on the roof of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 5 This is an exemplary system architecture diagram in which embodiments of the present invention can be applied;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing the vehicle control method of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0049] Figure label:

[0050] 1-Rockfall protection device; 11-Protective net; 12-Buffer component; 13-Support component; 131-First support component; 132-Second support component. Detailed Implementation

[0051] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present invention, including various details to aid understanding. These details should be considered merely exemplary. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Similarly, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures are omitted in the following description.

[0052] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the technical features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0053] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rockfall protection device 1 of this embodiment mainly includes: a protective net 11, a buffer component 12, a retractable support component 13, and a controller.

[0054] The protective net 11 can be made of a soft mesh material. As an example, the protective net 11 can be made of lightweight and flexible synthetic fiber material, which can effectively catch falling rocks and reduce the impact of falling rocks, thereby reducing damage to the roof of the vehicle. It is also easy to fold and unfold, which is beneficial to store the protective net 11 when the aforementioned rockfall protection device 1 is switched from being activated to being deactivated, thereby reducing the volume occupied by the rockfall protection device 1 in the deactivated state.

[0055] The aforementioned buffer component 12 is disposed below the aforementioned protective net 11 to buffer the impact of falling rocks on the aforementioned protective net 11, further reducing the damage of falling rocks to the roof of the vehicle. The area of ​​the side of the buffer component facing the aforementioned protective net 11 after it is unfolded can be equal to or slightly smaller than the area of ​​the protective net 11.

[0056] The aforementioned support component 13 is fixed to the roof of the vehicle and is fixedly connected to the corner of the aforementioned protective net 11. Specifically, one end of the support component 13 is fixed to the roof of the vehicle, and the other end is fixedly connected to the corner of the protective net 11 to pull the protective net 11 and drive the protective net 11 to fold and unfold.

[0057] Preferably, the other end of the support member 13 can also be fixedly connected to the four corners of the buffer member 12 to pull the buffer member 12 and drive the buffer member 12 to fold and unfold.

[0058] The support component 13 can be telescopically extended or retracted using a telescopic sleeve structure or other similar means, but is not limited to this.

[0059] Upon receiving a start trigger, the controller triggers the support component 13 to extend, thereby unfolding the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12; upon receiving a stop trigger, the controller triggers the support component 13 to retract, thereby folding the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12.

[0060] It is understandable that the aforementioned rockfall protection device 1 has two states: a working state and a non-working state. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in use, the aforementioned support member 13 extends, and the protective net 11 and buffer member 12 unfold to catch falling rocks that may fall from above the vehicle; Figure 3As shown, in the non-use state, the aforementioned support member 13 is retracted, and the protective net 11 and the buffer member 12 are folded.

[0061] In an optional embodiment, after receiving the control command, the controller adjusts the length difference between the support member 13 located on one side of the vehicle width and the support member 13 located on the other side of the vehicle width according to the tilt angle indicated by the control command, so as to adjust the tilt angle of the protective net 11.

[0062] The tilt angle range of the protective net 11 is preset to avoid the protective net 11 tilting too far and thus failing to cover the entire roof. At the same time, it reduces the probability of falling objects falling directly from the higher side of the protective net 11 onto the roof and causing damage to the vehicle.

[0063] Preferably, the tilt angle can range from 0° to 40°. For example, such as... Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 A rockfall protection device with a tilt angle of 0° is shown.

[0064] More preferably, the tilt angle can be in the range of 15° to 30°. For example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, Figure 1 A rockfall protection device with a tilt angle of 15° is shown.

[0065] The support component 13 includes a first support component 131 located on one side of the vehicle width and a second support component 132 located on the other side of the vehicle width. The first support component 131 supports one side of the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12, and the second support component 132 supports the other side of the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12. Specifically, the first support component 131 can be installed perpendicular to the vehicle roof, and the second support component 132 can be installed at an angle to the vehicle roof, thereby adjusting the length difference between the first support component 131 and the second support component 132 by controlling the length of the first support component 131. When the tilt angle of the protective net 11 is at the lower limit of the tilt angle range, the length between the first support component 131 and the second support component 132 is the first length difference; when the tilt angle of the protective net 11 is at the upper limit of the tilt angle range, the length between the first support component 131 and the second support component 132 is the second length difference.

[0066] The tilt angle difference is calculated based on the upper limit and lower limit of the tilt angle range. The difference between the first length difference and the second length difference is calculated. By using the correspondence between the tilt angle difference and the difference, the length difference corresponding to any angle within the tilt angle range can be calculated. After determining the tilt angle to be adjusted, the tilt angle can be adjusted by the length difference, thus achieving stepless adjustment of the tilt angle. As an example, with an upper limit of 30° and a lower limit of 15° for the tilt angle range, the tilt angle difference can be calculated to be 15. With a first length difference of 20cm and a second length difference of 40cm, the difference between the two can be calculated to be 20. The corresponding relationship between the tilt angle difference and the difference is y = 0.75x, where y represents the tilt angle difference and x represents the difference. After determining the target tilt angle of the protective net 11 to be 25° based on the mass of the object falling into the protective net 11, the difference between the target tilt angle and the lower limit of the tilt angle range is 10. Based on the above correspondence, the difference between the target length difference and the first length difference can be further determined to be 13.3, so the target length difference is 23.3.

[0067] In addition to the stepless adjustment method based on the correspondence mentioned above, multiple mapping relationships between tilt angles and length differences can be set within the tilt angle range and the length difference range between the first and second length differences, based on the pre-tested relationship between the tilt angle and length difference. For example, the rockfall protection device 1 can be tested before installation on a vehicle. The test results can determine that the first mapping relationship is a length difference of 30cm when the tilt angle is 15°; the second mapping relationship is a length difference of 35cm when the tilt angle is 20°; and the third mapping relationship is a length difference of 38cm when the tilt angle is 25°.

[0068] By setting the tilt angle of the protective net 11, objects can roll off the protective net 11, thus preventing objects from accumulating on the protective net 11.

[0069] Preferably, the tilt angle of the protective net 11 is proportional to the mass of the object falling into the protective net 11. The greater the mass of the object falling into the protective net 11, the more serious the damage to the roof may be. Furthermore, because the object is of large mass, it is not easy for it to roll off the protective net 11. Therefore, the tilt angle can be set to be proportional to the mass of the object falling into the protective net 11 to further promote the rolling off of the object.

[0070] Furthermore, the aforementioned rockfall protection device 1 may also include a weight sensor for measuring the mass of the object carried by the protective net 11. The weight sensor may be disposed between the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12.

[0071] In an optional embodiment, the mesh density of the protective net 11 is proportional to the distance from the center of the protective net 11, so that the protective net 11 presents a network structure with a dense center and sparse edges. Since the object is affected by gravity and initial velocity when it falls, the trajectory is mostly concentrated in the central area of ​​the protective net 11. Therefore, the above structure can more reliably intercept falling objects and focus on protecting the energy concentration area.

[0072] In one optional embodiment, the aforementioned cushioning component 12 includes a soft pad or an inflatable airbag. The soft pad may be made of materials such as plastic, rubber, or synthetic fibers; the inflatable airbag may be made of materials such as polyamide, polyurethane, or polyvinyl chloride. It is understood that the material of the cushioning component 12 is not limited to these; other lightweight materials with elasticity, toughness, high strength, and ease of folding may be used depending on the actual situation.

[0073] When the aforementioned buffer component 12 includes the aforementioned inflatable airbag, the inflatable airbag is inflated with gas as it unfolds; and the inflatable airbag is deflated with gas as it folds.

[0074] Furthermore, when the buffer component 12 includes an inflatable airbag, the device further includes an inflation / deflation component. Specifically, after the controller receives a start trigger, it triggers the support component 13 to extend, thereby causing the buffer component 12 to unfold, and simultaneously triggers the inflation / deflation component to inflate the buffer component 12, so that the inflatable airbag is inflated during the unfolding process; after the controller receives a stop trigger, it triggers the support component 13 to retract, thereby causing the buffer component 12 to fold, and simultaneously triggers the inflation / deflation component to deflate the buffer component 12, so that the inflatable airbag releases gas during the folding process, facilitating folding.

[0075] In one alternative embodiment, the rockfall protection device 1 in the closed state can be installed on the roof surface or in the hollow area between the vehicle shell and the interior panel on the roof.

[0076] When the aforementioned rockfall protection device 1 is installed on the roof surface, during the process of switching from the active state to the inactive state, the support member 13 retracts, causing the protective net 11 and buffer member 12 covering the roof to fold, so that the support member 13, protective net 11, and buffer member 12 retract to the side of the roof in the vehicle width direction. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 During the process of switching the aforementioned rockfall protection device 1 from the non-use state to the use state, the support component 13 extends, causing the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12 to unfold from one side of the vehicle roof to cover the vehicle roof.

[0077] When the aforementioned rockfall protection device 1 is installed in the hollow area between the vehicle body and the interior panel on the roof, the vehicle body can be provided with openings to facilitate the unfolding and retraction of the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12. During the process of switching the rockfall protection device 1 from a non-use state to a use state, the support component 13, the protective net 11, and the buffer component 12 can extend from the hollow area through the aforementioned openings to protect the roof. During the process of switching the rockfall protection device 1 from a use state to a non-use state, the support component 13, the protective net 11, and the buffer component 12 can be retracted from the roof into the hollow area through the aforementioned openings, thereby completely concealing the rockfall protection device 1 when it is in a non-use state.

[0078] Furthermore, the opening can be fitted with a protective cover so that when the rockfall protection device 1 is hidden in the hollow area, the protective cover is closed to prevent rainwater, dust, etc. from entering the hollow area through the opening.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rockfall protection device 1, by setting up a protective net 11, a buffer component 12, a telescopic component, and a controller, can trigger the support component 13 to extend after the controller receives a start trigger, thereby causing the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12 to unfold to cover the roof of the vehicle. The protective net and the buffer component 12 can catch objects falling onto the roof of the vehicle and buffer the impact of the falling objects to prevent them from damaging the vehicle. After the controller receives a stop trigger, it can trigger the support component 13 to retract, thereby causing the protective net 11 and the buffer component 12 to fold, so that the rockfall protection device 1 can be stored when not in use.

[0080] Meanwhile, the length of the support components 13 located on both sides of the vehicle width can be adjusted based on the mass of the object falling into the protective net 11. The greater the mass of the object, the greater the tilt angle of the protective net 11, so that the object can roll off.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart of a vehicle control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the vehicle control method of this embodiment includes the following steps S401 to S405:

[0082] Step S401: Obtain the target rockfall-prone areas existing in the current navigation route;

[0083] After identifying the target rockfall-prone areas (e.g., mountainous sections, areas with loose soil) on the current navigation route, these areas can be marked on the current navigation route. This allows for quick identification of whether the vehicle has entered or left the target rockfall area while traveling along the current navigation route.

[0084] Step S402: In response to the vehicle entering the aforementioned target rockfall-prone area, the rockfall protection device of this embodiment of the invention is activated, and obstacles and their size are detected in the road.

[0085] By triggering the aforementioned rockfall protection device, the roof of the vehicle can be protected, reducing the probability of damage to the vehicle from falling objects.

[0086] Simultaneously, the vehicle uses radar sensors and / or image sensors to detect the presence of obstacles on the road and, if an obstacle is detected, identifies its dimensions. The obstacle dimensions include at least its height. Here, the obstacle's height refers to its height relative to the vehicle's height.

[0087] In order to facilitate the detection of obstacles on the road, radar sensors and image sensors may be installed on the front grille, front bumper, roof, or left and right sides of the vehicle, etc., without specific restrictions.

[0088] Step S403: In response to detecting the obstacle, identify whether there are conditions for vehicle passage based on the size of the obstacle;

[0089] It is understandable that the size of obstacles may affect the normal driving of vehicles. Therefore, it is necessary to further identify whether the road with such obstacles still has the conditions for vehicle passage based on the size of the obstacles.

[0090] Step S404: If the identification result indicates that there are conditions for vehicle passage, control the vehicle to continue driving;

[0091] In addition, if the recognition result indicates that there are no conditions for vehicle passage, the vehicle is controlled to stop driving and a prompt message indicating that the vehicle cannot pass temporarily is generated to inform the user that the vehicle cannot pass through the road with the aforementioned obstacles.

[0092] Furthermore, the prompts indicating that the above-mentioned route is temporarily unavailable may also include prompts for users to move obstacles or change routes, so that users can take appropriate action in a timely manner and avoid affecting their trip.

[0093] Step S405: After the vehicle leaves the target area prone to falling rocks, the rockfall protection device is activated to close.

[0094] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned acquisition of the target rockfall-prone area existing in the current navigation route includes: in response to the start of vehicle navigation, uploading the current navigation route to the cloud, so that the cloud determines the location distribution of the rockfall-prone area based on integrated natural environment information, and determines the target rockfall-prone area located on the current navigation route based on the current navigation route and the location distribution of the rockfall-prone area; and receiving the target rockfall-prone area sent by the cloud.

[0095] To avoid increasing the data processing burden on the vehicle's infotainment system, which has limited processing capabilities, the current navigation route can be uploaded to the cloud for processing.

[0096] The cloud can store and periodically update integrated natural environment information. This integrated natural environment information refers to information obtained by combining data from geographic information websites, natural resource information websites, and user-uploaded road condition information in navigation software. This integrated natural environment information includes at least the location information of areas where rockfalls have occurred and areas prone to rockfalls. Therefore, the location distribution of rockfall-prone areas can be determined using this integrated natural environment information, thereby identifying rockfall-prone areas located on the current navigation route as target rockfall-prone areas and sending this information to the vehicle's infotainment system.

[0097] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned identification of whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the obstacle size includes: comparing the obstacle height indicated by the obstacle size with the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension; in response to the comparison result indicating that the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension is higher than the obstacle height and the height difference between the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension and the obstacle height is greater than or equal to a first preset difference threshold, identifying whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the distance between the obstacle and the road edge.

[0098] If the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension is higher than the height of the obstacle, in order to further ensure that the vehicle can pass normally and will not be affected by the obstacle, it can be further identified whether the height difference between the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension and the height of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first preset difference threshold.

[0099] If the height difference between the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension and the height of the obstacle is less than a first preset difference threshold, an identification result indicating that there are no conditions for vehicle passage is generated; if the height difference between the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension and the height of the obstacle is greater than or equal to the first preset difference threshold, it indicates that the obstacle height will not affect the normal passage of the vehicle in the height dimension.

[0100] The maximum lift height of a vehicle suspension refers to the maximum lift height that a vehicle equipped with a suspension that can be raised or lowered can raise.

[0101] Optionally, when there are conditions for vehicle passage, the vehicle suspension can be directly raised to its maximum height, or the height of the vehicle suspension can be adjusted according to the height of the obstacle and the first preset difference threshold, so that the height of the vehicle suspension is greater than or equal to the sum of the height of the obstacle and the first preset difference threshold.

[0102] Furthermore, the above-mentioned identification of whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the distance between the obstacle and the road edge includes: identifying the distance between the obstacle and the road edge it is close to on both sides in the road width direction;

[0103] In response to the fact that the distance between the obstacle and the road edge it is close to in the road width direction is greater than the width of the vehicle and the width difference between the distance and the width of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a second preset difference threshold, an identification result indicating the presence of vehicle passage conditions is generated.

[0104] In response to the fact that the distance between the obstacle and the road edge it is close to in the road width direction is greater than the width of the vehicle and the width difference between the distance and the width of the vehicle is less than a second preset difference threshold, an identification result indicating that there is no vehicle passage condition is generated.

[0105] In response to the fact that the distance between each of the two sides of the obstacle in the road width direction and the nearest road edge is less than the width of the vehicle, an identification result indicating that there are no conditions for vehicle passage is generated.

[0106] If the distance between the obstacle and the nearest road edge on either side of the obstacle in the road width direction is greater than the width of the vehicle, in order to further ensure that the vehicle can pass normally without being affected by the obstacle, it can be further identified whether the width difference between the distance and the width of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a second preset difference threshold. If the width difference is greater than or equal to the second preset difference threshold, it indicates that the width on that side is sufficient for the vehicle to pass normally.

[0107] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: obtaining the mass of the falling rock sent by the rockfall protection device; and generating an adjustment command for the tilt angle of the rockfall protection device based on the mass of the falling rock.

[0108] By determining the mass of the falling rocks within the rockfall protection device, the tilt angle of the protective net within the device can be further established, thereby accelerating the fall of the rocks from the net.

[0109] According to the vehicle control method of the present invention, by acquiring the target rockfall-prone area in the current navigation route, once the vehicle is identified to enter the target rockfall-prone area, the rockfall protection device is activated to protect the roof of the vehicle to avoid damage to the roof from falling rocks. The method also automatically detects obstacles in the road and their sizes, and determines whether there are conditions for vehicle passage based on the obstacle size. If conditions for vehicle passage exist, the method controls the vehicle to continue driving to pass through the current road. When the vehicle leaves the target rockfall-prone area, the rockfall protection device can be triggered to close, thereby achieving efficient obstacle recognition, avoiding damage to the vehicle from falling rocks or obstacles, and increasing the probability of the vehicle safely passing through the target rockfall-prone area.

[0110] This invention also provides a vehicle, including: an in-vehicle infotainment system and a rockfall protection device according to this invention. The in-vehicle infotainment system is used to execute the vehicle control method of this invention.

[0111] A vehicle-mounted system for executing the vehicle control method of the present invention includes: an acquisition module for acquiring a target rockfall-prone area on the current navigation route; a first trigger module for triggering the rockfall protection device of the present invention to activate and detect obstacles and their sizes in the road in response to the vehicle entering the target rockfall-prone area; an identification module for identifying whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the size of the detected obstacles; a control module for controlling the vehicle to continue driving if the identification result indicates that vehicle passage conditions exist; and a second trigger module for triggering the rockfall protection device to deactivate after the vehicle leaves the target rockfall-prone area.

[0112] According to embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle equipped with an in-vehicle infotainment system and a rockfall protection device for executing the above-described vehicle control method can quickly acquire a target rockfall-prone area on the current navigation route. When the vehicle enters the target rockfall-prone area, the rockfall protection device is rapidly activated, and obstacles and their dimensions are detected in real time to determine whether there are conditions for vehicle passage. If conditions for vehicle passage exist, the vehicle is controlled to continue driving. The vehicle can quickly acquire the target rockfall-prone area and identify obstacles, ensuring safe vehicle operation.

[0113] Figure 5 An exemplary system architecture 500 to which the vehicle control method of embodiments of the present invention can be applied is shown.

[0114] like Figure 5 As shown, system architecture 500 may include vehicle 501, network 502, and cloud 503. Network 502 serves as the medium for providing a communication link between vehicle 501 and cloud 503. Network 502 may include various connection types, such as wireless communication links.

[0115] Vehicle 501 interacts with cloud 503 via network 502 to send the current navigation route or receive information about areas prone to rockfalls. Vehicle 501 may be equipped with various devices, equipment, or systems for or to assist in driving the vehicle.

[0116] The cloud 503 may include servers that provide various services, such as servers that support the current navigation route sent by vehicle 501. The server can analyze and process the acquired current navigation route and feed back the processing results (such as the target area prone to rockfalls) to the vehicle.

[0117] It should be understood that Figure 5 The number of vehicles, networks, and cloud components shown is merely illustrative. Any number of vehicles, networks, and cloud components can be included depending on implementation needs.

[0118] The following is for reference. Figure 6 It shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system 600 suitable for implementing the vehicle control method of the present invention. Figure 6 The computer system 600 shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0119] like Figure 6 As shown, the computer system 600 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 601, which can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) 602 or programs loaded from storage section 608 into random access memory (RAM) 603. The RAM 603 also stores various programs and data required for the operation of the computer system 600. The CPU 601, ROM 602, and RAM 603 are interconnected via a bus 604. An input / output (I / O) interface 605 is also connected to the bus 604.

[0120] The following components are connected to I / O interface 605: an input section 606 including a keyboard, mouse, etc.; an output section 607 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and speakers, etc.; a storage section 608 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 609 including a network interface card such as a LAN card, modem, etc. The communication section 609 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 610 is also connected to I / O interface 605 as needed. A removable medium 611, such as a disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on drive 610 as needed so that computer programs read from it can be installed into storage section 608 as needed.

[0121] In particular, according to the embodiments disclosed in this invention, the processes described above with reference to the flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments disclosed in this invention include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 609, and / or installed from removable medium 611. When the computer program is executed by central processing unit (CPU) 601, it performs the functions defined above in the system of this invention.

[0122] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in this 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 a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection having one or more wires, 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, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this 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 this 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. Such propagated data signals can take various forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination thereof. Computer-readable signal media can also be any computer-readable medium other than computer-readable storage media, which can send, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wire, optical fiber, RF, etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0123] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram or flowchart, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0124] The modules described in the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in software or hardware. The described modules can also be housed in a processor; for example, a processor may be described as including an acquisition module, a first trigger module, an identification module, a control module, and a second trigger module. The names of these modules do not necessarily limit the module itself. For example, the acquisition module may be described as "a module for acquiring a target rockfall-prone area on the current navigation route"; the first trigger module may be described as "a module that, in response to a vehicle entering the target rockfall-prone area, triggers the rockfall protection device as described in the embodiments of the present invention to activate and detects obstacles and their sizes on the road"; the identification module may be described as "a module that, in response to detecting the obstacle, identifies whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the obstacle's size"; the control module may be described as "a module that, if the identification result indicates that vehicle passage conditions exist, controls the vehicle to continue driving"; and the second trigger module may be described as "a module that, after the vehicle leaves the target rockfall-prone area, triggers the rockfall protection device to close."

[0125] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a computer-readable medium, which may be included in the device described in the above embodiments; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the device. The computer-readable medium carries one or more programs that, when executed by the device, cause the device to: acquire a target rockfall-prone area on the current navigation route; in response to a vehicle entering the target rockfall-prone area, trigger the rockfall protection device of the present invention to activate and detect obstacles and their dimensions in the road; in response to detecting the obstacles, identify whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the obstacle dimensions; if the identification result indicates that vehicle passage conditions exist, control the vehicle to continue driving; and after the vehicle leaves the target rockfall-prone area, trigger the rockfall protection device to deactivate.

[0126] According to the technical solution of the present invention, a target rockfall-prone area can be obtained in the current navigation route. Once a vehicle is detected entering the target rockfall-prone area, a rockfall protection device is activated to protect the roof of the vehicle to prevent damage from falling rocks. The device also automatically detects obstacles and their sizes in the road and determines whether there are conditions for vehicle passage based on the obstacle size. If conditions for vehicle passage exist, the vehicle is controlled to continue driving to pass through the current road. When the vehicle leaves the target rockfall-prone area, the rockfall protection device can be triggered to close, thereby achieving efficient obstacle recognition, preventing damage to the vehicle from falling rocks or obstacles, and increasing the probability of the vehicle safely passing through the target rockfall-prone area.

[0127] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can occur depending on design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A rockfall protection device, characterized in that, include: Protective netting, buffer components, retractable support components, and controllers; The buffer component is located below the protective net; The supporting component is fixed to the roof of the vehicle and is fixedly connected to the corner of the protective net; Upon receiving a start trigger, the controller triggers the extension of the support component, thereby causing the protective net and the buffer component to unfold. Upon receiving a shutdown trigger, the controller causes the support component to retract, thereby causing the protective net and the buffer component to fold.

2. The rockfall protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, After receiving the control command, the controller adjusts the length difference between the support component on one side of the vehicle width and the support component on the other side of the vehicle width according to the tilt angle indicated by the control command, so as to adjust the tilt angle of the protective net. The tilt angle of the protective net is directly proportional to the mass of the object falling into it.

3. The rockfall protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mesh density of the protective net is proportional to the distance from the center of the net.

4. The rockfall protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cushioning component includes a soft pad or an inflatable airbag; When the buffer component includes the inflatable airbag, the inflatable airbag is inflated with gas as it unfolds; and the inflatable airbag is deflated with gas as it folds.

5. A vehicle control method, characterized in that, include: Identify the target areas prone to rockfall along the current navigation route; In response to a vehicle entering the target rockfall-prone area, the rockfall protection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 is activated, and obstacles and their dimensions are detected in the road. In response to the detection of the obstacle, the presence of vehicle passage conditions is identified based on the size of the obstacle; If the identification results indicate that there are conditions for vehicle passage, control the vehicle to continue driving; After the vehicle leaves the target area prone to falling rocks, the rockfall protection device is triggered to shut down.

6. The vehicle control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the target rockfall-prone area on the current navigation route includes: In response to the start of vehicle navigation, the current navigation route is uploaded to the cloud so that the cloud can determine the location distribution of rockfall-prone areas based on integrated natural environment information, and determine the target rockfall-prone area located on the current navigation route based on the current navigation route and the location distribution of rockfall-prone areas. Receive the target rockfall-prone area sent by the cloud.

7. The vehicle control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of identifying whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the obstacle size includes: Compare the obstacle height indicated by the obstacle size with the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension; In response to a comparison result indicating that the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension is higher than the height of the obstacle and the height difference between the maximum lift height of the vehicle suspension and the height of the obstacle is greater than or equal to a first preset difference threshold, the presence of vehicle passage conditions is identified based on the distance between the obstacle and the road edge.

8. The vehicle control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of identifying whether vehicle passage conditions exist based on the distance between the obstacle and the road edge includes: Identify the distance between the obstacle and the nearest road edge on each side of the road width direction; In response to the fact that the distance between the obstacle and the nearest road edge on either side of the road width direction is greater than the width of the vehicle and the width difference between the distance and the width of the vehicle is greater than or equal to a second preset difference threshold, the presence of vehicle passage conditions is identified based on the distance between the obstacle and the road edge. In response to the obstacle having a distance greater than the width of the vehicle on either side of the road width direction and the road edge it is close to, and the width difference between the distance and the width of the vehicle being less than a second preset difference threshold, an identification result indicating that there are no vehicle passage conditions is generated. In response to the fact that the distance between each side of the obstacle and the nearest road edge in the road width direction is less than the width of the vehicle, an identification result indicating that there are no conditions for vehicle passage is generated.

9. The vehicle control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the identification result indicates that there are no conditions for vehicle passage, controlling the vehicle to stop driving and generating a prompt message indicating that passage is temporarily impossible; And / or, The method further includes: obtaining the mass of the falling rock sent by the rockfall protection device; and generating an adjustment command for the tilt angle of the rockfall protection device based on the mass of the falling rock.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: The vehicle infotainment system and the rockfall protection device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vehicle infotainment system is used to execute the vehicle control method as described in any one of claims 5 to 9.

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