DE102018205577A1 - Method for protecting a vehicle occupant in an accident situation - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for protecting a vehicle occupant in an accident situation comprising the following steps: a) receiving at least one input signal, which includes an indication of an accident situation, b) evaluating the at least one input signal to generate an output signal which is used to control a stimulation actuator with which a reflex of the vehicle occupant is specifically stimulated, and c) providing the output signal for driving the stimulation actuator.

Description

State of the art

According to the current state of the art, various systems for improving occupant protection in the event of vehicle crashes are known. With the help of various sensor technologies, the situation inside and outside the vehicle can be recorded. With the help of suitable computers and algorithms, an interpretation and classification of the situation before, during and after a crash is already possible today. Depending on the situation thus detected, certain actions are performed which serve the occupant protection. Example of this is the issuing of warnings (visual, acoustic, haptic) to the driver, the initiation of emergency braking of the vehicle, the activation of restraint systems (eg of belt tensioner or airbag systems) or else the triggering of an automatic emergency call (often also e-mail). Called Call).

Disclosure of the invention

On this basis, another system for occupant protection in an accident situation is to be presented, which further improves the protection of a person.

1. a) Empfangen eines Eingangssignals, welches einen Hinweis auf eine Unfallsituation beinhaltet,
2. b) Auswerten des Eingangssignals, um ein Ausgangssignal zu erzeugen welches zur Ansteuerung eines Stimulations-Aktuators dient mit welchem ein Reflex des Fahrzeuginsassen gezielt stimuliert wird, und
3. c) Bereitstellen des Ausgangssignals zur Ansteuerung des Stimulations-Aktuators.

Described herein is a method for protecting a vehicle occupant in an accident situation, comprising the following steps:

1. a) receiving an input signal which contains an indication of an accident situation,
2. b) evaluating the input signal to generate an output signal which serves to control a stimulation actuator with which a reflex of the vehicle occupant is specifically stimulated, and
3. c) providing the output signal for driving the stimulation actuator.

The terms "vehicle occupant" and "occupant" are used interchangeably below.

The input signal may be the output signal of a control unit which is used in the motor vehicle for assessing a (possible) accident situation. The input signal can come directly from a sensor for detecting an accident situation (in particular from a so-called pre-crash sensor).

The input signal, which provides an indication of an accident situation, is particularly preferably based on the signal of an environment sensor for monitoring the vehicle environment. Such environmental sensors are often referred to as PreCrash sensors. Typical measurement methods of such sensors are e.g. Radar, video, lidar, ultrasound etc.

The method is particularly advantageous when the reflex, which is stimulated with the stimulation actuator, is a blink reflex of the vehicle occupant

The so-called "eyelid reflex" is also called orbicularis oculi reflex, corneal reflex or blinking reflex. This reflex is a reflex protective mechanism of the eye. It is usually triggered by mechanical effects on the cornea and the nearer eye environment and manifests itself by a rapid closure of the eyelids. It serves to protect the eyes from foreign bodies, dehydration and damage to the eyeball. An involuntary eyelid closure also occurs with strong light irritation to the eye as well as with spontaneous acoustic stimuli, as well as a consequence of a startling sensation. The reflex occurs within about 250 ms.

The eyelid reflex especially occurs when foreign bodies move quickly towards the eye or even bright light shines into the eye.

However, the method can not be used only for targeted stimulation of a cleft reflex. It is also possible to use the method for stimulating another reflex, which may be positive for the protection of the vehicle occupant.

Particularly advantageous is that described here, if in step b) It is weighed whether the advantages of the reflex for the protection of the occupant outweigh the disadvantages of a possible impairment of the reactivity of the vehicle occupant by the reflex in the present accident situation and the output signal is provided only in this case.

For example, it is considered here whether the responsiveness of an occupant, who is still in need of the driver of the motor vehicle to handle the present accident situation, and whether the reflex to be triggered will hinder the occupant in this case. This is balanced against the possible additional protection of the occupant by the reflex.

The method described here thus makes use of a human reflex (in particular the eyelid reflex). During an accident situation or especially in a situation shortly before the accident occurs (during the PreCrash phase), it can be very helpful to use this self-protective mechanism of the human eye. In In an accident situation, moving objects (splinters or the like) can easily damage the human eye. The eyelid reflex protects against this.

The aim of the method described here, in conjunction with other (classic) occupant protection systems, is to further reduce the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in an accident situation. For this purpose, the "human factor" (for example possible occupant's own movement before the crash) is suitably utilized in particular already during the PreCrash phase. In laboratory tests, this "human factor" is largely excluded by the use of crash test dummies under standardized test conditions. In this respect, the method according to the invention aims for a benefit in real crash events. Common crash test dummies are unable to simulate corresponding human reflexes using the method described here.

In this special case, the system according to the invention serves for the targeted triggering of the human eyelid reflex during the PreCrash phase.

In contrast to conventional actuators (for example warning tone, belt tensioners), the method described here exceeds the prior art in that it triggers a self-reflexive movement of the human body in order to positively influence the situation even before the crash in the context of occupant protection. In conjunction with classic occupant protection systems, there is thus a further improvement, i. Reduction of the risk of injury, possible.

The method is particularly advantageous if in step a) the recognized accident situation is a preliminary phase to a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle on the basis of the input signal.

The obstacle may be another vehicle. The obstacle can also be a dormant obstacle, such as a wall or a tree.

In addition, the method is particularly advantageous when it is checked in the evaluation of the input signal and the generation of the output signal (step b) whether the vehicle occupant wears glasses or not. The generation of the output signal may then occur depending on whether the vehicle occupant wears glasses or not.
Optionally, an output signal in step b) is generated only when the vehicle occupant wears glasses.

In particular, when the eyelid reflex is triggered before a collision to protect the eyes from splinters, flying objects or the vehicle operator's own glasses, this results in a considerable additional protection of the occupant's eyesight.

One advantage of the method described is that it specifically promotes the occurrence of a human reflex that should generally occur under normal conditions in the vehicle occupant. The occurrence of the human reflex is thus promoted or supported by the method.

An important aspect of the method described is that it has no or little disturbing interaction with or influences on other (conventional) occupant protection systems. In the absence of the human reflex despite stimulation, the other (conventional) occupant protection systems continue to be fully available. However, due to biophysiological laws, human reflexes have a very high reproducibility with targeted stimulation.

The described method can be applied to vehicle occupants at different seating positions in the vehicle, for example occupants in the driver's seat, occupants in the front passenger seat or occupants in other seats. Preferably, a stimulation actuator is present at each seating position, with which the reflex for the seated at this sitting position vehicle occupants can be specifically called out.

The method described is also applicable to a wide variety of accident situations (or crash types), for example, for front, rear, side, Rollover crashes. It is preferred in step b) determines what type of crash it is and whether the activation of the actuator for stimulating the eyelid reflex is advantageous.

The method is particularly preferred if in step a) at least one input signal is received which contains information regarding a head and / or eye position of a vehicle occupant ( 5 ) includes.

This at least one input signal may be another input signal besides one in step a) received input signal from an accident sensor. Preferably, the output signal for controlling the stimulation actuator is only generated or generated as a function of the head and / or eye position of the vehicle occupant in order to avoid an inappropriate due to a particular head and / or eye position additional stimulation. Even more preferably, it can even be determined with the interior sensor if a Reflex already occurs without stimulation to a sufficient extent. The output signal for the stimulation actuator is then output only if no sufficient reflex occurs.

The interior sensor is, for example, an interior camera. The interior sensor can also use any other sensor principle which is suitable to monitor the interior of the motor vehicle.

Particularly preferably takes place in step b) a data fusion & situation interpretation data of an environmental sensor of the motor vehicle for detecting an accident situation and data regarding the interior of the motor vehicle. These different sensor information is merged in step b). Very particularly preferably, for example, the creation of a vehicle-environment model, as well as an occupant model. From these two models, the probability and possibly also the possibility of additional protection of the occupant by means of the described method or with the help of (additional) stimulation of the reflexes of the occupant is detected.

As part of step b) in particular an interpretation of the sensor data and evaluation regarding crash criticality (eg collision probability)

Also to be described here is a device for protecting a vehicle occupant in an accident situation, having a control device which is set up to carry out the method described above, comprising an input for an input signal and an output for an output signal.

The advantages and design features of the method described above are applicable to the device described herein and transferable. The same applies to the particular advantages and design features of the device described below, which are applicable to the method described and transferable.

The device preferably has a stimulation actuator ( 3 ), which is connected to the output, wherein the stimulation actuator is provided for a position between an occupant and a windshield in the motor vehicle. If the device is installed in a conventional motor vehicle, then the stimulation actuator is preferably arranged at this position.

In the case of automatic vehicles in which, if necessary, no occupant is actively involved in the driving task, the stimulation actuator may be installed in alternative installation locations. For example, integration of pacing actuators into seats is possible.

Further preferred is the device, if it has an interior sensor for monitoring the interior of the motor vehicle, which is connected to the input of the control unit.

As explained above in connection with the described method, the stimulation actuator is used in particular for triggering the eyelid reflex in a vehicle occupant.

The stimulation actuator can address different senses of the human being.

In preferred embodiments, the stimulation actuator is integrated in an interior mirror of the motor vehicle. In further preferred embodiments, the stimulation actuator is arranged in the headliner or in the dashboard of the motor vehicle (also regularly called console).

Depending on the embodiment, however, the stimulation actuator can also be arranged or integrated in the area of the windshield.

Particularly preferred are optical stimulation actuators

In this variant of stimulation actuators, eyelid closure is triggered by means of an optical stimulus. This method is particularly suitable for eyeglass wearers, because an optical stimulus also passes through glasses to the eye of the vehicle occupant.
For example, an optical stimulation actuator is a bright light (eg, a light with LED technology) that illuminates the eye of the vehicle occupant.

Such a stimulation actuator may optionally include a beam splitter to communicate with a light source 2 or to be able to generate several beams. Thus, stimulations can be generated with a light source for several eyes of an occupant or of different occupants.

Furthermore, the stimulation actuator may include a deflection device (mechanical or optical, see LED headlights), with which a light beam can be directed specifically to an eye or in the eyes of the respective vehicle occupant.

According to further embodiments, the stimulation actuator comprises a diffuse light source and / or a discrete diffuser to achieve a broad coverage of the emitted light or to bring a stimulation pulse regardless of the exact position of the eye of the vehicle occupant to the eye of the vehicle occupant.

Also more preferred are variants with multiple stimulation actuators, e.g. are arranged laterally in the vehicle, in rear seats, etc., in order to reach the occupants depending on the current pose and line of sight.

More preferably, the stimulation actuator is configured to generate a hologram of an object and thus to simulate an object that moves rapidly towards the eye. Such a simulated object can very reliably trigger the reflex in the vehicle occupant. This is known, for example, from 3d objects in a 3d cinema that move quickly to the viewer.

In addition, it is particularly preferred if the stimulation actuator comprises an acoustic stimulation actuator.

In this variant of the method according to the invention the eyelid closure is triggered by means of an acoustic stimulus. An acoustic stimulation actuator in particular comprises a loudspeaker or a siren. It is particularly preferred if such a stimulation actuator generates a stereo tone or a multi-channel tone. It is further preferred if the acoustic stimulation actuator generates a surround sound which, for the occupant, is perceived to be acoustically moving towards the occupant. Such an acoustic stimulus can trigger a reflex in the occupant.

It is further preferred if the stimulation actuator comprises a tactile stimulation actuator.

A tactile stimulation for the generation of a reflex is based on the surface sensitivity of the human eye. It is particularly suitable for inmates who do not wear glasses.

In this variant, for example, the eyelid closure reflex is triggered by means of a compressed air impact on the eye region of the occupant. Such a stimulation actuator is thus able, for example, to generate a compressed-air pulse. Depending on the performance of the (optional) interior sensor system, the occupant's eye positions are known to within a few millimeters. A suitably executed tactile stimulation actuator, for example, has an optional deflection unit with which the compressed air impact can be directed in the desired direction to the eye of the occupant.

In a preferred embodiment, the stimulation actuator consists of a pneumatic system for tactile stimulation of the eyelid closure reflex. In the event of an impending collision, a trigger signal is generated by the control unit or the accident sensor during the PreCrash phase, which signal serves to trigger a pneumatic valve of the stimulation actuator. The pneumatic valve is then opened and the outflow of air from an overpressure container occurs. A deflecting unit (for example mechanically designed and likewise electrically controllable) deflects the air jet, which bundles strongly with the aid of a nozzle and thus impinges punctually on the eye of the occupant.

Due to the spontaneous startle response of humans, the eye-catching reflex usually occurs in both eyes, even if only one eye is specifically addressed (for example, by a jet of air). Therefore, it is often sufficient if only one eye of an occupant is stimulated with the stimulation actuator.

Alternatively, the system described above can be carried out in two channels, so that both eyes of the occupant are stimulated in parallel tactile, optical or acoustic, in particular by independent air jets. In a further embodiment, a fan-shaped or cone-shaped spreading of a single air jet is possible, which can be achieved by means of a correspondingly shaped outflow opening of a nozzle. In this case, it is possible to reach a wider area with a single jet of air and both eyes in the normal sitting position of the occupant.

• 1: ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einer beschriebenen Vorrichtung, eingerichtet zur Durchführung des beschriebenen Verfahrens,
• 2: ein Ablaufdiagramm des beschriebenen Verfahrens, und
• 3 eine mögliche Ausführungsvariante eines taktilen Stimulations-Aktuators.

The method, the device and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the figures show preferred embodiments, are only schematic and the method and the device are not limited thereto. Show it:

• 1 a motor vehicle with a described device, set up to carry out the method described,
• 2 a flow chart of the described method, and
• 3 a possible embodiment of a tactile stimulation actuator.

In 1 is a motor vehicle 1 shown which has an interior 14 has in this example an inmate 5 Took a seat. In the motor vehicle 1 is an interior sensor 4 for monitoring the interior 14 of the motor vehicle 1 under the headliner 2 of the motor vehicle 1 arranged. There is also a stimulation actuator 3 arranged. The interior sensor 4 and the stimulation actuator may be in any suitable position in the motor vehicle, for example also on or in a console 6 of the motor vehicle 1 , on the windshield 12 or at another suitable position 13 be arranged.

The car 1 has at least one accident sensor 15 with which an accident situation of the motor vehicle 1 can be sensed. The accident sensor 15 , the interior sensor 4 and the stimulation actuator 3 are via a control unit 9 connected to each other and together with the controller preferably form the device described here 16 , The interior sensor 4 and the accident sensor 15 are at an entrance 10 of the control unit 9 connected. The stimulation actuator 3 is at an exit 11 of the control unit 9 connected.

The stimulation actuator 3 is arranged so that he prefers the head 7 of the occupant 5 and most preferably on the eye 8th of the occupant 5 can specifically trigger a reflex to the occupants 5 or his head 7 or its eye 8th to protect.

The in the 3 illustrated embodiment of the tactile stimulation actuator 3 has a pressure vessel 17 in which pressurized air is kept ready. In addition, there is a deflection unit 18 with which a jet of air 19 targeted towards an eye 8th an occupant of the motor vehicle can be steered. The stimulation actuator is controlled by the deflection unit 18 and a valve 20 controllable. The output signal of a control unit thus serves to control the deflection unit 18 and / or the valve 20 ,

Claims (13)

A method for protecting a vehicle occupant in an accident situation comprising the following steps: a) receiving at least one input signal which contains an indication of an accident situation, b) evaluating the at least one input signal to generate an output signal which serves to control a stimulation actuator with which a reflex of the vehicle occupant is specifically stimulated, and c) providing the output signal for driving the stimulation actuator. Method according to Claim 1 wherein the reflex stimulated with the stimulation actuator is a cleft reflex of the vehicle occupant. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it is weighed in step b) whether the advantages of the reflex to protect the occupant outweigh the disadvantages of a possible impairment of the reactivity of the vehicle occupant by the reflex in the present accident situation and the output signal is provided only in this case , Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the accident situation detected in step a) on the basis of the input signal is a preliminary phase to a collision of the vehicle with an obstacle. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step b) it is checked whether the vehicle occupant wears spectacles, and this is taken into account in the generation of the output signal. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step b) from the at least one input signal, a type of accident situation is determined and the output signal is generated suitably depending on the nature of the accident situation. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step a) at least one input signal is received, which includes information regarding a head and / or eye position of a vehicle occupant (5). Device for protecting a vehicle occupant in an accident situation, having a control device (9) which is set up for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an input (10) for an input signal and an output (11) for an output signal. Device after Claim 8 comprising a stimulation actuator (3) connected to the output (11), wherein the stimulation actuator (3) for a position (13) between an occupant (5) and a windshield (12) in the motor vehicle ( 1) is provided. Device after Claim 9 wherein the stimulation actuator (3) comprises an optical stimulation actuator. Device after Claim 9 or 10 wherein the stimulation actuator (3) comprises an acoustic stimulation actuator. Device according to one of Claims 9 to 11 wherein the stimulation actuator (3) comprises a tactile stimulation actuator (3). Device according to one of Claims 8 to 12 , comprising an interior sensor (4) for monitoring the interior (14) of the motor vehicle, which is connected to the input (10) of the control unit (9).

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