System for determining position of person in automobile and automobile

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a system for determining the position of a person in an automobile and the automobile. The system for determining the position of the person in the automobile is used for the automobile and comprises a plurality of ultrasonic transmitting units, an ultrasonic receiving unit, a processor and a power supply unit. The number of the ultrasonic transmitting units is at least two, and the processor is used for controlling each ultrasonic transmitting unit to transmit an ultrasonic signal in a polling manner; the ultrasonic transmitting unit, the ultrasonic receiving unit and the power supply unit are respectively connected with the processor. According to the technical scheme provided by the embodiment of the invention, the cost of providing customized services for users in the automobile can be reduced to a certain extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this specification relate to the technical field of intelligent vehicles, and more particularly to a system for determining the position of vehicle occupants and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the profound influence and transformation of technology in the automotive industry, cars have gradually evolved from traditional driving tools into intelligent cockpits. Intelligent cockpits are usually equipped with high-definition displays and advanced multimedia systems, supporting touchscreens, gesture control, or voice control. Passengers can enjoy diverse entertainment content and information services through these systems. The intelligent cockpit can automatically adjust the seat position, ambient lighting, audio system, etc. according to the preferences of the driver and passengers, providing a personalized driving and riding experience. All of the above intelligent services require positioning the specific positions of vehicle occupants inside the vehicle to provide them with intelligent services. Existing methods for positioning vehicle occupants require additional installation of position sensors to determine which seat the user is specifically in inside the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, multiple embodiments of this specification are dedicated to providing a system for determining the position of vehicle occupants and a vehicle, so as to reduce the cost of providing customized services for users in the vehicle to a certain extent.

[0004] The embodiments of this specification propose a system for determining the position of vehicle occupants. The system for determining the position of vehicle occupants is used for a vehicle and includes: a plurality of ultrasonic transmitting units, an ultrasonic receiving unit, a processor, and a power supply unit; the number of ultrasonic transmitting units is at least 2. Among them, the processor is used to control each ultrasonic transmitting unit to poll and transmit ultrasonic signals; the ultrasonic transmitting unit, the ultrasonic receiving unit, and the power supply unit are respectively connected to the processor.

[0005] In an optional embodiment, the ultrasonic transmitting unit is a speaker.

[0006] In an optional embodiment, the ultrasonic receiving unit is a microphone.

[0007] In an optional embodiment, the system for determining the position of vehicle occupants further includes: a power-off detection module.

[0008] In an optional embodiment, the system for determining the position of vehicle occupants further includes: a communication unit; the communication unit is used to send a notification message to the user terminal when the vehicle is powered off and human activities are detected inside the vehicle.

[0009] On the other hand, the embodiments of this specification propose a vehicle, which includes the system for determining the position of vehicle occupants described in the above embodiments.

[0010] In the embodiment of this specification, the processor controls several ultrasonic transmitting units to poll and transmit ultrasonic signals. Then, the ultrasonic receiving unit receives multiple frames of ultrasonic signals emitted by each ultrasonic transmitting unit. Then, the processor processes the ultrasonic signals emitted by each ultrasonic transmitting unit to obtain the distance difference between the ultrasonic reflection signal and the ultrasonic direct signal passing through the human body. Then, it continues to process the ultrasonic signals emitted by the next ultrasonic transmitting unit to obtain multiple groups of distance differences between the ultrasonic reflection signals and the ultrasonic direct signals passing through the human body. Finally, these distance differences can be comprehensively judged to obtain the seat position of the vehicle occupant inside the vehicle. The seat position of the vehicle occupant can be obtained directly by using the speaker and microphone inside the vehicle, without laying additional sensor devices inside the vehicle, thereby reducing the cost of providing customized services for users in the vehicle to a certain extent. Description of the Drawings

[0011] Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic structural diagram of a system for determining the position of a vehicle occupant provided by an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 The figure shows a schematic layout diagram of an ultrasonic transmitting unit and an ultrasonic receiving unit inside a vehicle provided by an embodiment.

[0013] Description of the Reference Numerals:

[0014] 10. Ultrasonic transmitting unit; 20. Ultrasonic receiving unit; 30. Processor; 40. Power supply unit; 50. Power-off detection module; 60. Communication unit. Detailed Embodiment

[0015] In order to enable those skilled in the art of this technology to better understand the solutions of this specification, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of this specification. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this specification, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0016] With the profound impact and transformation of technology in the automotive industry, cars have gradually evolved from traditional driving tools to intelligent cockpits. An intelligent cockpit is usually equipped with high-definition displays and advanced multimedia systems that support touchscreens, gesture control, or voice control, allowing passengers to enjoy diverse entertainment content and information services through these systems. The intelligent cockpit can automatically adjust the seat position, ambient lighting, audio system, etc., according to the preferences of the driver and passengers, providing a personalized driving and riding experience. All of the above intelligent services require locating the specific positions of the people inside the vehicle to provide intelligent services for them. Existing methods for locating people inside the vehicle require additional installation of position sensors to determine which seat the user is specifically in inside the vehicle.

[0017] For example, cameras can be used to obtain images inside the vehicle, and image processing and analysis techniques can be used to detect and track the positions of passengers. Technologies such as face recognition and pose estimation can be used to locate the positions of passengers. It is also possible to use RFID tags or cards carried by passengers, and the readers inside the vehicle can identify and determine the positions of passengers. This method requires passengers to be equipped with RFID tags and is suitable for specific in-vehicle positioning requirements. Infrared sensors can also be used to detect the heat distribution inside the vehicle to determine the positions of passengers. If the above solutions use cameras to judge the positions of passengers, it may affect user privacy. If RFID tags or infrared are used, additional hardware devices may be required, thus increasing the cost of customized services for intelligent cockpits.

[0018] Therefore, the embodiments of this specification provide a system for determining the positions of people inside a vehicle, which can determine the seat where the user is located without installing additional sensors inside the vehicle, thereby providing customized services for users and reducing the cost of providing customized services inside the vehicle to a certain extent.

[0019] Please refer to Figure 1 , the embodiments of this specification provide a system for determining the positions of people inside a vehicle. The system for determining the positions of people inside a vehicle is used for an automobile. The system for determining the positions of people inside a vehicle may include: a plurality of ultrasonic transmitting units 10, an ultrasonic receiving unit 20, a processor 30, and a power supply unit 40;

[0020] The number of the ultrasonic transmitting units 10 is at least 2. Among them, the processor 30 is used to control each ultrasonic transmitting unit 10 to poll and transmit ultrasonic signals;

[0021] The ultrasonic transmitting unit 10, the ultrasonic receiving unit 20, and the power supply unit 40 are respectively connected to the processor 30.

[0022] In some cases, ultrasonic waves are generated by an ultrasonic sensor and propagate into the air or a medium. When the ultrasonic waves encounter an object surface, a part of the wave energy will be reflected back by the object surface, forming a reflected wave. For ultrasonic reflection, when the emitted ultrasonic waves encounter a stationary object, the frequency of the reflected wave is the same as that of the emitted wave. However, if the object itself is in motion, such as approaching or moving away from the transmitter or receiver, then the frequency of the reflected wave will change. Therefore, the ultrasonic emission signals at two different times can be used for comparison to determine whether there is someone in the car.

[0023] Since there may be a situation where there are two or more positions in the car where the detected result of a single ultrasonic emission unit 10 is equal to a specific value, it is impossible to determine which seat the person in the car is in at this time, and there may be a misjudgment. Therefore, at least two ultrasonic emission units 10 and one ultrasonic receiving unit 20 can be set in the car. Then, by controlling each ultrasonic emission unit 10 to poll and emit ultrasonic signals, and then the ultrasonic receiving unit 20 receives the ultrasonic signals, the difference between the direct ultrasonic signal and the ultrasonic reflected signal of the ultrasonic emission unit 10 can be obtained. Finally, based on multiple groups of results, it can be jointly determined which position in the car the person is in.

[0024] Please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 which includes 4 ultrasonic emission units 10, respectively installed on the door side. The ultrasonic signal is emitted by the 1st ultrasonic emission unit 10 (speaker1), and then the ultrasonic receiving unit 20 (mic1) receives the ultrasonic signal. The straight-line distance between the ultrasonic emission unit 10 and the ultrasonic receiving unit 20 measured is 0.425 meters, and the distance from the ultrasonic wave reflected by the human body to the ultrasonic receiving unit is 0.425 meters. Then, the ultrasonic signal is emitted by the 2nd ultrasonic emission unit (speaker1), and then the ultrasonic receiving unit (mic1) receives the ultrasonic signal. The straight-line distance between the ultrasonic emission unit and the ultrasonic receiving unit measured is 0.875 meters, and the distance from the ultrasonic wave reflected by the human body to the ultrasonic receiving unit is 0.875 meters. The ultrasonic signal is emitted by the 3rd ultrasonic emission unit (speaker3), and then the ultrasonic receiving unit (mic1) receives the ultrasonic signal. The straight-line distance between the ultrasonic emission unit and the ultrasonic receiving unit measured is 1.375 meters, and the distance from the ultrasonic wave reflected by the human body to the ultrasonic receiving unit is 1.375 meters. The ultrasonic signal is emitted by the 4th ultrasonic emission unit (speaker4), and then the ultrasonic receiving unit (mic1) receives the ultrasonic signal. The straight-line distance between the ultrasonic emission unit and the ultrasonic receiving unit measured is 1.625 meters, and the distance from the ultrasonic wave reflected by the human body to the ultrasonic receiving unit is 1.625 meters. Based on this, it can be roughly estimated that the person in the car is in the driver's seat.

[0025] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic transmitting unit 10 may be a piezoelectric ultrasonic transmitter, a magnetostrictive ultrasonic transmitter, an electromagnetic ultrasonic transmitter, a pneumatic ultrasonic transmitter, a speaker, etc. For an automobile, the ultrasonic transmitting unit 10 may be a speaker of the in-vehicle system's built-in audio system or an external ultrasonic transmitting module. The embodiments of this specification do not limit the specific form of the ultrasonic transmitting unit 10.

[0026] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic receiving unit 20 may be a piezoelectric ultrasonic receiver, a magnetostrictive ultrasonic receiver, an electromagnetic ultrasonic receiver, a pneumatic ultrasonic receiver, a microphone, etc. For an automobile, the ultrasonic receiving unit 20 may be a microphone of the in-vehicle system's built-in audio system or an external ultrasonic receiving module. The embodiments of this specification do not limit the specific form of the ultrasonic receiving unit 20.

[0027] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 40 is used to supply power to the in-vehicle personnel's position determination system. The power supply unit 40 may be a power supply module inside the vehicle or an external separate power supply module. The embodiments of this specification do not limit the specific form of the power supply unit 40 here.

[0028] In this embodiment, the processor 30 is used to control each ultrasonic transmitting unit 10 to poll and emit ultrasonic signals. Then, after the ultrasonic receiving unit receives the ultrasonic signal, it can return the result to the processor 30. The processor 30 can first analyze the ultrasonic direct signal and the ultrasonic reflection signal whose ultrasonic signal has changed based on the ultrasonic signal emitted by one of the ultrasonic transmitting units 10. Based on this, the propagation distance difference between the changed ultrasonic reflection signal and the ultrasonic direct signal can be analyzed. Then, analyze the ultrasonic signals emitted by other ultrasonic transmitting units 10 to obtain the ultrasonic direct signal and the ultrasonic reflection signal whose ultrasonic signal has changed therein. Based on this, multiple groups of propagation distance differences can be obtained, and the seat position of the in-vehicle personnel at this time can be determined.

[0029] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic transmitting unit 10 may be a speaker.

[0030] In this embodiment, the speakers are devices specifically designed to emit ultrasonic signals. They usually have high-frequency response capabilities and can operate in the frequency range of dozens of kilohertz to several megahertz. By inputting the ultrasonic signal into the ultrasonic speaker, it will convert the signal into ultrasonic waves and emit them. The speakers may be the speakers built into the vehicle. Since there may be multiple speakers inside the vehicle, 2 of them can be selected to emit ultrasonic signals.

[0031] In some embodiments, the ultrasound receiving unit 20 may be a microphone.

[0032] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic signal refers to a high-frequency signal whose frequency exceeds the human audible frequency range (20Hz-20kHz). A designed microphone, such as a piezoelectric microphone or a quartz microphone, has a high frequency response capability and can receive ultrasonic signals. These microphones usually operate in a frequency range of tens of kilohertz to several megahertz. The microphone can be a microphone built into the car. Since the car may include multiple microphones, one of them can be selected to receive ultrasonic signals.

[0033] In some implementations, the system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle further includes: a power failure detection module 50 .

[0034] In this embodiment, the power-off detection module 50 can be used to detect whether the car is currently in a power-off state (for example, the vehicle is not started). When the power-off detection module 50 detects that the car is not started, it means that there is no one in the car. At this time, it is only necessary to control one ultrasonic transmitting unit 10 and one ultrasonic receiving unit 20 at a certain time interval to determine whether there is someone in the car. When the power-off detection module 50 detects that the car is in the started state, it means that there may be human activities in the car. At this time, it is necessary to locate the position of the person in the car, and provide customized services for the person at that position based on the position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle may further include: a communication unit 60; the communication unit 60 is used to send notification information to a user terminal when the vehicle is powered off and human activity is detected in the vehicle.

[0036] In this embodiment, when the power-off detection module 50 detects that the car is in a power-off or non-starting mode, there is a high probability that no one is in the car at this moment. Therefore, when the ultrasonic signal in the car is detected to be changed, it may be that the user has left a baby or pet in the car, or the items in the car have been stolen. At this time, it is necessary to promptly notify the user of the mobile object in the car through the communication unit 60 so that the user can take corresponding measures. The communication unit 60 can use a SIM card to realize the function of sending messages and networking of the anti-theft alarm in the car.

[0037] In some embodiments, a car may be provided, comprising the system for determining the position of a person in the car as described in the above embodiments.

[0038] Regarding the specific functions and effects achieved by the automobile, please refer to other implementation methods of this specification for comparative explanation, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] Among multiple embodiments of this specification, a progressive approach is adopted for description. Different embodiments focus on describing parts that are different from other embodiments. After reading this specification, those skilled in the art can learn about multiple embodiments in this specification and multiple technical features disclosed by the embodiments, and can make more combinations. For the sake of concise description, all possible combinations of each technical feature in the embodiments are not described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0040] It should also be noted that the term "comprising", "including" or any other variant thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, commodity or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, commodity or device. Without further limitation, an element defined by the statement "including one..." does not exclude the existence of another identical element in the process, method, commodity or device including the said element.

[0041] Multiple embodiments in this specification themselves all focus on emphasizing parts that are different from other embodiments, and the embodiments can be mutually compared and explained. Any combination of multiple embodiments in this specification by those skilled in the art based on general technical knowledge is covered within the scope disclosed by this specification.

[0042] The above description is only for the embodiments of this case and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the claims of this case. For those skilled in the art, various changes and modifications can be made to this case. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of this case shall be included within the scope of the claims of this case.

Claims

1. A system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle, characterized in that: The system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle is used in a vehicle, and comprises: a plurality of ultrasonic transmitting units (10), an ultrasonic receiving unit (20), a processor (30), and a power supply unit (40); The number of the ultrasonic transmitting units (10) is at least 2, wherein the processor (30) is used to control each ultrasonic transmitting unit (10) to transmit ultrasonic signals in turn; The ultrasonic transmitting unit (10), the ultrasonic receiving unit (20) and the power supply unit (40) are respectively connected to the processor (30).

2. The system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic transmitting unit (10) is a speaker.

3. The system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic receiving unit (20) is a microphone.

4. The system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle further comprises: a power failure detection module (50).

5. The system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that: The system for determining the position of a person in a vehicle further comprises: a communication unit (60); The communication unit (60) is used to send notification information to a user terminal when the car is powered off and human activity is detected in the car.

6. A car, characterized in that: The car comprises the system for determining the position of the person in the car according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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