GB2527757A

GB2527757A - Seat belt management system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2527757A
Application number: GB1411547.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Karl Richards; Simon OWEN
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2014-06-30
Filing date: 2014-06-30
Publication date: 2016-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-30
Also published as: GB2527757B; GB201616522D0; GB2544863A; GB201411547D0; GB2544863B

Abstract

A certain embodiment of the present invention provides a seat belt management system for a vehicle, the system being switchable between an active state and an override state. In the active state the seat belt management system is configured to prevent extension of a seat belt when one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied. In the override state extension of the seat belt is permitted. The seat belt management system is configured to switch from the active state to the override state when the one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied and when one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Description

Seat Belt Management System and Method

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of the invention relate to a seat belt management system and method. Other aspects of the invention relate to a method of controlling a seat belt, computer software for performing a method of controlling a seat belt, and a vehicle including a seat belt management system and/or computer software for performing a method of controlling a seat belt.

BACKGROUND

Certain vehicles include means to lock a seat belt (e.g. using tensioners) when certain conditions are met. For example, in off road situations the incline of the vehicle may cause the seat belt to lock and prevent any further extension of the seat belt so as to provide protection for the drver. However, for such systems, the seat belt is not unlocked until the conditions that caused the locking revert to a normal state.

As an example, a vehicle may drive onto an incline, such as a hill, which causes the seat belt to lock to provide support to the driver. The driver may wish to take off the seat belt and exit the vehicle to assess the surroundings. In off road conditions, it is common practice to make a visual inspection over the brow of a hUl before proceeding down the hill in the vehicle. However, since the vehicle is still on an incline, the seat belt will remain in a locked configuration that prevents the seat belt from extending. Therefore, once the driver re-enters the vehicle the seat belt is in a locked, reeled in, configuration and the driver is unable to extend the seat belt so as to secure the seat belt around the driver. Only when the vehicle reaches flat ground (or a less steep incline) may the seat belt be unlocked and the driver be permitted to secure the seat belt around him/herself.

Additionally, drivers often find that the seat belt locks them into a position that does not offer an optimal viewing point or that is not particularly comfortable. This is particularly relevant when considering a vehicle travelling along an incline where the driver may wish to lean slightly forward so as to obtain a better view of the upcoming terrain.

Itis an object of embodiments of the invention to at least mitigate one or more of the

problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seat belt management system for a vehicle, the system being switchable between an active state and an override state; where in the active state the seat belt management system is configured to prevent extension of a seat belt when one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied; and in the override state extension of the seat belt is permitted; wherein the seat belt management system is configured to switch from the active state to the override state when the one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied and when one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied.

Therefore, subject to certain conditions being met, the seat belt management system may switch to the override state and permit extension of the seat belt when it would otherwise be locked. Seat belt management systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may therefore be useful in off-road vehicles to selectively permit extension of the seat bet where off-road conditions may otherwise cause the seat belt to become locked.

The one or more second predetermined conditions may include one or more of: a driver door of the vehicle being open; a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed; an automatic transmission of the vehicle being in a park gear; and a parking brake of the vehice being engaged.

The one or more second predetermined conditions may additionally include an assessment of whether a driver is present in a driver seat of the vehicle which may be determined by a driver seat sensor, wherein the driver seat sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. However, in the absence of this direct assessment, other one or more second predetermined conditions may indirectly indicate the presence of a driver (e.g. a depressed foot brake implies the presence of the driver).

The first predetermined conditions may incude one or more of: an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold; the velocity of the vehicle exceeding a first predetermined velocity threshold; and the acceleration of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold.

The first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold may include a longitudinal angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined longitudinal angle threshold. The first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold may include a lateral angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined lateral angle threshold.

The one or more second predetermined conditions may be satisfied when the seat belt is in an unlatched condition and at least one other of the one or more second predetermined conditions is satisfied.

Extension of the seat belt may be limited to a predetermined reeling length in the override state. In particular, extension of the seat belt may be limited to the predetermined reeling length in the override state when one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied. The one or more third predetermined conditions may include the seat belt being in a latched condition. The one or more third predetermined conditions may be satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied. The one or more third predetermined conditions may be satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition, a limited reeling mode is active and at east one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied. The limited reeling mode may be activatable by a user interaction. The predetermined reeling length may be determined by one or more of an angle of the vehicle, a current length of the seat belt, and a past length of the seat belt. The past length of the seat belt may be an average length of the seat belt over a preceding time period. The preceding time period may begin when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle. The preceding time period may begin when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle and the seat belt is detected as being in a latched condition.

The one or more third predetermined concFtions may include one or more of: the velocity of the vehicle being below a second predetermined velocity threshold; and a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling a seat belt, comprising: receiving first vehicle data indicative of one or more aspects of a state of a vehicle; determining if the received first vehicle data satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions; sending a locking signal to lock the seat belt when the one or more first predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied, wherein locking the seat belt prevents extension of the seat belt; receiving second vehicle data indicative of one or more aspects of a state of a vehicle; determining if the received second vehicle data satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions; and sending an unlocking signal to unlock the seat belt when the one or more first predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied and the one or more second predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied, wherein unlocking the seat belt permits extension of the seat belt.

In certain embodiments, the second vehicle data is indicative of one or more aspects of the state of the vehicle that depends on the presence of a driver and provides information regarding whether the driver is in a control situation in which extension of the seat belt would not jeopardise driver safety.

The one or more second predetermined conditions may additionally include an assessment of whether a driver is present in a driver seat of the vehicle which may be determined by a driver seat sensor, wherein the driver seat sensor may comprise a pressure sensor. However, in the absence of this direct assessment, other one or more second predetermined conditions may indirectly indicate the presence of a driver (e.g. a depressed foot brake implies the presence of a driver).

Extension of the seat belt may be limited to a predetermined reeling length when the unlocking signal is sent to unlock the seat belt. In particular, extension of the seat belt may be limited to the predetermined reeling length when one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied. The one or more third predetermined conditions may include the seat belt being in a latched condition. The one or more third predetermined conditions may be satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied. The one or more third predetermined conditions may be satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition, a limited reeling mode is active and at east one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied. The limited reeling mode may be activatable by a user interaction.

The predetermined reeling length may be determined by one or more of an angle of the vehicle, a current length of the seat belt, and a past length of the seat belt.

The past length of the seat belt may be an average length of the seat belt over a preceding time period. The preceding time period may begin when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle. The preceding time period may begin when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle and the seat belt is detected as being in a latched condition.

The one or more third predetermined condtions may include one or more of: the velocity of the vehicle being below a second predetermined velocity threshold; and a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided computer software which, when executed by a processor, is arranged to perform the above-described method.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including the computer software.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer readable storage medium storing the computer software.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tangible computer readable storage medium storing the computer software.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including the computer readable storage medium or tangible computer readable storage medium.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle including the above-described seat belt management system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a flow chart depicting a method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a flow chart depicting a method according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a flow chart depicting a method according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a flow chart depicting a method according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 shows a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Methods of controlling a seat belt of a vehicle according to certain embodments of the present invention are depicted in the flow charts shown in Figures 1 to 4. Aspects of the present invention additionally relate to seat belt management systems for controlling a seat belt. Additionally, aspects of the present invention relate to computer software for executing methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, and computer readable storage medium storing the computer software. Additionally, aspects of the present invention relate to a vehicle that includes any or all of a seat belt management system, computer software, and computer readable storage medium in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a method 100 of controlling a seat belt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where the method 100 starts at step 110. At step 112, it is determined whether or not one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied. As a result of this determination, a seat belt management system is either put into an active state 114 causing the seat belt to be locked and preventing further extension by reeling out, or the seat belt management system is put into a passive state 116 where the seat belt is in an unlocked configuration where extension is permitted. For the avoidance of doubt, throughout the present specification the terms "extension" and "extend" (and similar terms) in relation to a seat belt are in reference to the seat belt reeling out and not any elastic extension of the seat belt material. Consequently, the terms "extend" and "reeling out" (and equivalents) are used interchangeably throughout the present specification.

In certain embodiments, the one or more first predetermined conditions may be any suitable condition or combination of conditions that are indicative of a situation where it would be desirable to lock the seat belt to improve driver safety. In particular, the one or more first predetermined conditions may be indicative of an off-road condition.

As examples, the one or more first predetermined conditions may include any one or more of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold, the velocity of the vehicle exceeding a first predetermined velocity threshold, and the acceleration of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined threshold. With regards to the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold, this may be, for example, a longitudinal angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined longitudinal angle threshold, or a lateral angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined lateral angle threshold. Vehicle data used to determine whether the one or more first predetermined conditions may be acquired by any suitable means including sensors. For example, vehicle data relating to an angle of the vehicle may be obtained using one or more accelerometers.

If the one or more first predetermined conditions are found to not be satisfied at step 112, the seat belt management system is put into the passive state 116 and step 112 is repeated once again to determine whether or not the one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied. Therefore, the seat belt management system remains in the passive state until the one or more first predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied. That is, the seat belt may extend under normal driving conditions but be capable of being locked if those conditions change (as determined by step 112).

When in the active state, a determination is made at step 118 to assess whether one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied. If the one or more second predetermined conditions are found to be satisfied at step 118, the seat belt management system is put into an override state 130 in which extension of the seat belt is permitted even though the one or more first predetermined conditions were determined at step 112 to be satisfied causing the seat belt to be locked.

In certain embodiments, the one or more second predetermined conditions may be any suitable condition or conditions that are indicative of a situation in which it would be safe to permit reeling out of the seat belt. For example, the one or more second predetermined conditions may be used to determine whether the driver is present and is in a control situation such that reeling out of the seat belt would not jeopardise driver safety notwithstanding that the one or more first predetermined conditions were found to be satisfied and initiated locking of the seat belt. As examples, the one or more second predetermined conditions may include any one or more of a driver door of the vehicle being open, a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed, an automatic transmission of the vehicle being in a park gear, and a parking brake of the vehicle being engaged. The one or more predetermined conditions may be determined by any suitable means, e.g. sensors. In certain embodiments, the one or more second predetermined conditions may additionally include an assessment of whether a driver is present in a driver seat of the vehicle. This may be determined directly (e.g. by a driver seat sensor which may be in the form of a pressure sensor) or it may be inferred indirectly from one or more of the other second predetermined conditions (e.g. a foot brake being depressed).

If the one or more second predetermined conditions are found to not be satisfied at step 118, the seat belt management system remains in the active state and the step 112 is repeated to determine whether the one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied and thereby re-check whether the seat belt management system should remain in the active state 114 or change to the passive state 116.

The method 100 therefore permits the active state 114 to be overridden by changing to the override state 130. The one or more second predetermined conditions may be selected such that this override takes place when a locked seat belt would be inconvenient or unnecessary but when it would not expose the driver to an unacceptable level of risk.

When in override state 130, step 112 is repeated to determine whether the vehicle is still on an incline and so whether the system should be put into the active state 114 or passive state 116. A time delay may be introduced or another one or more predetermined conditions may need to be satisfied before step 114 is repeated once in the override state 130 so as to permit the required or desired reeling before the method 100 is repeated.

Further embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to Figures 2 to 4.

Figure 2 shows a method 200 of controlling a seat belt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where the method 200 starts at step 210. In the method 200 of Figure 2, the one or more first predetermined conditions are chosen so as to determine whether the vehicle is on an incline or not (e.g. if one or more angles of the vehicle exceed associated thresholds), as shown at step 212. If the vehicle is determined to be on an incline at step 212, the seat belt management system is put into the active state 214 causing the seat belt to be locked. If the vehicle is determined to not be on an incline at step 212, the seat belt management system is put into the passive state 216 where the seat belt is unlocked.

If put into the active state 214, a determination is made at 218 as to whether or not the driver is present and in a control situation (e.g. to make an assessment of whether or not it would be safe to permt extension of the seat belt). If step 218 determines that the driver is not present and in a control situation, then the seat belt management system remains in the active state and step 212 is repeated to determine if the vehicle is still on an incline. If, on the other hand, step 218 determines that the driver is present and in a control situation, then step 220 determines whether or not the seat belt is latched. The seat belt is latched if it is secured around the seat occupant (e.g. a tongue of the seat belt is engaged in a buckle). If step 220 determines that the seat belt is not latched, then the seat belt management system is put into the overrde state 230 permitting reeling out of the seat belt. If, on the other hand, step 220 determines that the seat belt is latched, then the seat belt management system remains in the active state and step 212 is repeated to determine if the vehicle is still on an incline.

When in override state 230, step 212 is repeated to determine whether the vehicle is still on an incline and so whether the system should be put into the active state 214 or passive state 216. A time delay may be introduced or another one or more predetermined conditions may need to be satisfied before step 212 is repeated once in the override state 230 so as to permit the required or desired reeling before the method 200 is repeated.

The method 200 shown in Figure 2 therefore only permits a change to the override state when the seat belt is in an unlatched configuration. This may be useful in a situation where the driver has unlatched the seat belt but where the incline of the vehicle might otherwise cause the seat belt to remain in a locked configuration and not permit the unreeling of the seat belt to allow the driver to re-latch the seat belt. If the seat belt is determined to already be latched, no change is made so the seat belt management system remains in the active state and the seat belt remains locked.

Step 212 is a specific example of one situation that the possible one or more first predetermined conditions may be indicative of. In alternative embodiments, other one or more frst predetermined conditions may be selected such that, if satisfied, the one or more conditions are indicative of another situation that determines whether the seat belt management system is put into the active state 214 or the passive state 216.

Similarly, steps 218 and 220 are specific examples of one combination of the one or more second predetermined conditions. In alternative embodiments, other one or more second predetermined conditions may be selected such that, if satisfied, the seat belt management system is put into the override state 230.

Figure 3 shows a method 300 of controlling a seat belt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where the method 300 is a variation of the method 200 shown in Figure 2, and starts at 310. In the method 300 of Figure 3, the one or more first predetermined conditions are chosen so as to determine whether the vehicle is on an incline or not, as shown at step 312. If the vehicle is determined to be on an incline at step 312, the seat belt management system is put into the active state 314 causing the seat belt to be locked. If the vehicle is determined to not be on an incline at step 312, the seat belt management system is put into the passive state 316 where the seat belt is unlocked.

If put into the active state 314, a determination is made at 318 as to whether or not the driver is present and in a control situation. If step 318 determines that the driver is not present and in a control situation, then the seat belt management system remains in the active state and step 312 is repeated to determine if the vehicle is still on an incline. If, on the other hand, step 318 determines that the driver is present and in a control situation, then step 320 determines whether or not the seat belt is latched. If step 320 determines that the seat belt is not latched, then the seat belt management system is put into an override state 330a permitting reeling out of the seat belt. When in the override state 330a, step 320 is repeated to re-check whether the seat belt is latched. Therefore, the seat belt management system remains in the override state 330a untU the seat belt is latched. When step 320 determines that the seat belt is latched, the seat belt management system is put into an override state 33Db where reeling is permitted but limited 332. Limited reeling out of a latched seat bet may be useful in certain situations where a non-extendable (i.e. locked) seat belt would be inconvenient or uncomfortable to the wearer (e.g. when the driver is attempting to lean forward to gain a better viewpoint when travelling along an incline).

When in override state 330b with limited permitted reeling 332, step 312 is repeated to determine whether the vehicle is still on an incline and so whether the system should be put into the active state 314 or the passive state 316. A time delay may be introduced or another one or more predetermined conditions may need to be satisfied before step 312 is repeated once in the override state 330b with limited permitted reeling 332 so as to permit the required or desired reeling before the method 300 is repeated.

Step 312 is a specific example of one situation that the possible one or more first predetermined conditions may be indicative of. In alternative embodiments, other one or more frst predetermined conditions may be selected such that, if satisfied, the one or more conditions are indicative of another situation that determines whether the seat belt management system is put into the active state 314 or the passive state 316.

Similarly, steps 318 and 320 are specific examples of one combination of the one or more second predetermined conditions. In alternative embodiments, other one or more second predetermined conditions may be selected such that, if satisfied, the seat belt management system is put into the override states 330a, 33Db. The seat belt being in a latched state (as determined at step 320) is an example of one or more third predetermined conditions that may be satisfied to cause the seat belt management system to be put into the override state 33Db with limited permitted reeling 332. Other suitable one or more third predetermined conditions may be selected, however. For example, the one or more third predetermined conditions may additionally or alternatively include one or more of the velocity of the vehicle being below a velocity threshold, and a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed.

Figure 4 shows a method 400 of controlling a seat belt in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, where the method 400 is a further variation of the method 200 shown in Figure 2 and the method 300 shown in Figure 3, and starts at 410. In the method 400 of Figure 4, the one or more first predetermined conditions are chosen so as to determine whether the vehicle is on an incline or not, as shown at step 412. If the vehicle is determined to be on an incline at step 412, the seat belt management system is put into the active state 414 causing the seat belt to be locked. If the vehicle is determined to not be on an incline at step 412, the seat belt management system is put into the passive state 416 where the seat belt is unlocked.

If put into the active state 414, a determination is made at 418 as to whether or not the driver is present and in a control situation. If step 418 determines that the driver is not present and in a control situation, then the seat belt management system remains in the active state and step 412 is repeated to determine if the vehicle is still on an incline. If, on the other hand, step 418 determines that the driver is present and in a control situation, then step 420 determines whether or not the seat belt is latched. If step 420 determines that the seat belt is not latched, then the seat belt management system is put into an override state 430a permitting reeling out of the seat belt. When in the override state 430a, step 420 is repeated to re-check whether the seat belt is latched. Therefore, the seat belt management system remains in the override state 430a untU the seat belt is latched. When step 420 determines that the seat belt is latched, a determination is made at step 422 as to whether or not a limited reeling mode is active. If step 422 determines that the limited reeling mode is active, the seat belt management system is put into an override state 430b where reeling is permitted but limited 432. If step 422 determines that the limited reeling mode is not active then step 412 is repeated to determine whether the vehicle is still on an incline and so whether the system should be put into the active state 414 or the passive state 416.

The limited reeling mode may be activated by a user interaction (e.g. by pressing a button or otherwise interacting with a user interface), or it may be activated in response to one or more predetermined conditions being satisfied.

When in override state 430b with limited permitted reeling 432, step 412 is repeated to determine whether the vehicle is still on an incline and so whether the system should be put into the active state 414 or the passive state 416. A time delay may be introduced or another one or more predetermined conditions may need to be satisfied before step 412 is repeated once in the override state 430b with limited permitted reeling 432 so as to permit the required or desired reeling before the method 400 is repeated.

Step 412 is a specific example of one situation that the possible one or more first predetermined conditions may be indicative of. In alternative embodiments, other one or more frst predetermined conditions may be selected such that, if satisfied, the one or more conditions are indicative of another situation that determines whether the seat belt management system is put into the active state 414 or the passive state 416.

Similarly, steps 418 and 420 are specific examples of one combination of the one or more second predetermined conditions. In alternative embodiments, other one or more second predetermined conditions may be selected such that, if satisfied, the seat belt management system is put into the override state 430a. The seat belt being in a latched state (as determined at step 420) and the limited reeling mode being active (as determined at step 422) are examples of one or more predetermined third conditions that may be satisfied to cause the seat belt management system to be put into the override state 430b with limited permitted reeling 432. Other suitable one or more third predetermined conditions may be selected, however. For example, the one or more third predetermined conditions may additionally or alternatively include one or more of the velocity of the vehicle being below a velocity threshold, and a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed.

In any embodiment where limited reeling of the seat belt is permitted, the seat belt may be permitted to extend (i.e. reel out) by a predetermined reeling length. The predetermined reeling length may be determined, for example, by one or more of an angle of the vehicle, a current length of the seat belt, and a past length of the seat belt. The predetermined reeling length may therefore be set so as to only permit an appropriate and safe amount of extension. In the case where the predetermined reeling length is determined by a past length of the seat belt, the predetermined reeling length may be set based on an average length of the seat belt during a preceding time period, where the time perod may begin at the start of a drve cycle.

For example, the time period may begin when any one or more of the following conditions are satisfied: a driver is detected as being present, the seat belt is latched, and the engine is started. Such an arrangement may therefore account for drivers of different sizes and different driving positions to determine an appropriate predetermined reeling length.

In any embodiment, any suitable mechanism may be employed to cause locking, unlocking and temporary unlocking (e.g. in the override state) of the seat belt. For example, override means may be employed with existing seat belt locking mechanisms where the override means disengages the locking mechanism when in the overrde state. When not in the override state, the locking mechanism may lock as normal, where the seat belt is in an unlocked configuration when not locked and when the override means is not disengaging the locking mechanism (i.e. in the passive state). As an example, the locking mechanism may be an inertia switch or other suitable switch. The override means may take the form of an electrical control, such as an electromagnet. An electrical control such as an electromagnet has the advantage that if electrical power to the electrical control is disrupted (e.g. f there is an electrical fault) then "normal" operation is resumed where the seat belt management system may switch between active and passive states thereby avoiding the possibility of the electrical control undesirably disengaging the locking mechanism in the event of a fault and potentially putting the driver at risk.

Figure 5 shows a vehicle 500 that may include any or all of a seat belt management system for implementing any of the above described methods, computer software for executing any of the above described methods, and a computer readable storage medium for storing the computer software.

Certain aspects of the present invention are defined in the following numbered paragraphs: 1. A seat belt management system for a vehicle, the system being switchable between an active state and an override state; where in the active state the seat belt management system is configured to prevent extension of a seat belt when one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied; and in the override state extension of the seat belt is permitted; wherein the seat belt management system is configured to switch from the active state to the override state when the one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied and when one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied.

2. The seat belt management system of paragraph 1, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions includes one or more of: a driver door of the vehicle being open; a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed; an automatic transmission of the vehicle being in a park gear; and a parking brake of the vehice being engaged.

3. The seat belt management system of paragraph 2, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions additionally includes a driver being present in a driver seat of the vehicle as determined by a driver seat sensor.

4. The seat belt management system of paragraph 3, wherein the driver seat sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

5. The seat belt management system of paragraph 1, wherein the first predetermined conditions includes one or more of: an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold; the velocity of the vehicle exceeding a first predetermined velocity threshold; and the acceleration of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold.

6. The seat belt management system of paragraph 5, wherein the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold includes a longitudinal angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined longitudinal angle threshold.

7. The seat belt management system of paragraph 5, wherein the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold includes a lateral angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined lateral angle threshold.

8. The seat belt management system of paragraph 1, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in an unlatched condition and at least one other of the one or more second predetermined conditions is satisfied.

9. The seat belt management system of paragraph 1, wherein extension of the seat belt is limited to a predetermined reeling length in the override state.

10. The seat belt management system of paragraph 9, wherein extension of the seat belt is limited to the predetermined reeling length in the override state when one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied.

11. The seat belt management system of paragraph 10, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions includes the seat belt being in a latched condition.

12. The seat belt management system of paragraph 11, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied.

13. The seat belt management system of paragraph 12, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition, a limited reeling mode is active and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied.

14. The seat belt management system of paragraph 13, wherein the limited reeling mode is activatable by a user interaction.

15. The seat belt management system of paragraph 9, wherein the predetermined reeling length is determined by one or more of: an angle of the vehicle; a current length of the seat belt; and a past length of the seat belt.

16. The seat belt management system of paragraph 15, wherein the past length of the seat belt is an average length of the seat belt over a preceding time period.

17. The seat belt management system of paragraph 16, wherein the preceding time period begins when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle.

18. The seat belt management system of paragraph 17, wherein the preceding time period begins when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle and the seat belt is detected as being in a latched condition.

19. The seat belt management system of paragraph 10, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions includes one or more of: the velocity of the vehicle being below a second predetermined velocity threshold; and a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed.

20. A method of controlling a seat belt, comprising: receiving first vehicle data indicative of one or more aspects of a state of a vehicle; determining if the received first vehicle data satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions; sending a locking signal to lock the seat belt when the one or more first predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied, wherein locking the seat belt prevents extension of the seat belt; receiving second vehicle data indicative of one or more aspects of a state of a vehicle; determining if the received second vehicle data satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions; and sending an unlocking signal to unlock the seat belt when the one or more first predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied and the one or more second predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied, wherein unlocking the seat belt permits extension of the seat belt.

21. The method of paragraph 20, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions includes one or more of: a driver door of the vehicle being open; a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed; an automatic transmission of the vehicle being in a park gear; and a parking brake of the vehice being engaged.

22. The method of paragraph 21, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions additionally includes a driver being present in a driver seat of the vehicle as determined by a driver seat sensor.

23. The method of paragraph 22, wherein the driver seat sensor comprises a pressure sensor.

24. The method of paragraph 20, wherein the first predetermined conditions includes one or more of: an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold; the velocity of the vehicle exceeding a first predetermined velocity threshold; and the acceleration of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold.

25. The method of paragraph 24, wherein the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold includes a longitudinal angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined longitudinal angle threshold.

26. The method of paragraph 24, wherein the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold includes a lateral angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined lateral angle threshold.

27. The method of paragraph 20, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in an unlatched condition and at least one other of the one or more second predetermined conditions is satisfied.

28. The method of paragraph 20, wherein extension of the seat belt is limited to a predetermined reeling length when the unlocking signal is sent to unlock the seat belt.

29. The method of paragraph 28, wherein extension of the seat belt is limited to the predetermined reeling length when one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied.

30. The method of paragraph 29, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions includes the seat belt being in a latched condition.

31. The method of paragraph 30, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied.

32. The method of paragraph 31, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition, a limited reeling mode is active and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied.

33. The method of paragraph 32, wherein the limited reeling mode is activatable by a user interaction.

34. The method of paragraph 30, wherein the predetermined reeling length is determined by one or more of: an angle of the vehicle; a current length of the seat belt; and a past length of the seat belt.

35. The method of paragraph 34, wherein the past length of the seat belt is an average length of the seat belt over a preceding time period.

36. The method of paragraph 35, wherein the preceding time period begins when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle.

37. The method of paragraph 36, wherein the preceding time period begins when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle and the seat belt is detected as being in a latched condition.

38. The method of paragraph 29, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions includes one or more of: the velocity of the vehicle being below a second predetermined velocity threshold; and a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed.

39. Computer software which, when executed by a processor, is arranged to perform the method of paragraph 20.

40. A computer readable storage medium storing the computer software of paragraph 39.

41. A tangible computer readable storage medium storing the computer software of paragraph 39.

42. A vehicle including the seat belt management system of paragraph 1.

43. A vehicle including the computer software of paragraph 39.

44. A vehicle including the computer readable storage medium of paragraph 40.

45. A vehicle including the computer readable storage medium of paragraph 41.

Whilst the above described embodiments are largely described with reference to the driver and the seat belt of the driver, the skilled person will appreciate that they may equally apply to other vehicle occupants and the seat belts of the other vehicle occupants unless expressly stated otherwise.

It will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specificaton (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed. The claims should not be construed to cover merely the foregoing embodiments, but also any embodiments which fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seat belt management system for a vehicle, the system being switchable between an active state and an override state; where in the active state the seat belt management system is configured to prevent extension of a seat belt when one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied; and in the override state extension of the seat belt is permitted; wherein the seat belt management system is configured to switch from the active state to the override state when the one or more first predetermined conditions are satisfied and when one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied.
2. The seat belt management system of claim 1, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions includes one or more of: a driver door of the vehicle being open; a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed; an automatic transmission of the vehicle being in a park gear; and a parking brake of the vehice being engaged.
3. The seat belt management system of claim 2, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions additionally includes a driver being present in a driver seat of the vehicle as determined by a driver seat sensor.
4. The seat belt management system of claim 3, wherein the driver seat sensor comprises a pressure sensor.
5. The seat belt management system of any preceding claim, wherein the first predetermined conditions includes one or more of: an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold; the velocity of the vehicle exceeding a first predetermined velocity threshold; and the acceleration of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold.
6. The seat belt management system of claim 5, wherein the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold includes a longitudinal angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined longitudinal angle threshold.
7. The seat belt management system of claim 5 or 6, wherein the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold includes a lateral angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined lateral angle threshold.
8. The seat belt management system of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in an unlatched condition and at least one other of the one or more second predetermined conditions is satisfied.
9. The seat belt management system of any preceding claim, wherein extension of the seat belt is limited to a predetermined reeling length in the override state.
10. The seat belt management system of claim 9, wherein extension of the seat belt is limited to the predetermined reeling length in the override state when one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied.
11. The seat belt management system of claim 10, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions includes the seat belt being in a latched condition.
12. The seat belt management system of claim 11, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied.
13. The seat belt management system of claim 12, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition, a limited reeling mode is active and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied.
14. The seat belt management system of claim 13, wherein the limited reeling mode is activatable by a user interaction.
15. The seat belt management system of any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the predetermined reeling length is determined by one or more of: an angle of the vehicle; a current length of the seat belt; and a past length of the seat belt.
16. The seat belt management system of claim 15 wherein the past length of the seat belt is an average length of the seat belt over a preceding time period.
17. The seat belt management system of claim 16, wherein the preceding time period begins when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle.
18. The seat belt management system of claim 17, wherein the preceding time period begins when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle and the seat belt is detected as being in a latched condition.
19. The seat belt management system of any of claim 10 or any of claims 11 to 18 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions includes one or more of: the velocity of the vehicle being below a second predetermined velocity threshold; and a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed.
20. A method of controlling a seat belt, comprising: receiving first vehicle data indicative of one or more aspects at a state ofavehicle; determining if the received first vehicle data satisfies one or more first predetermined conditions; sending a locking signal to lock the seat belt when the one or more first predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied, wherein locking the seat belt prevents extension of the seat belt; receiving second vehicle data indicative of one or more aspects of a state of a vehicle; determining if the received second vehicle data satisfies one or more second predetermined conditions; and sending an unlocking signal to unlock the seat belt when the one or more first predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied and the one or more second predetermined conditions are determined to be satisfied, wherein unlocking the seat belt permits extension of the seat belt.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions includes one or more of: a driver door of the vehicle being open; a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed; an automatic transmission of the vehicle being in a park gear; and a parking brake of the vehice being engaged.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions additionally includes a driver being present in a driver seat of the vehicle as determined by a driver seat sensor.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the driver seat sensor comprises a pressure sensor.
24. The method of any of claims 20 to 23, wherein the first predetermined conditions includes one or more of: an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold; the velocity of the vehicle exceeding a first predetermined velocity threshold; and the acceleration of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined acceleration threshold.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold includes a longitudinal angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined longitudinal angle threshold.
26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the first predetermined condition of an angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined angle threshold includes a lateral angle of the vehicle exceeding a predetermined lateral angle threshold.
27. The method of any of claims 20 to 26, wherein the one or more second predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in an unlatched condition and at least one other of the one or more second predetermined conditions is satisfied.
28. The method of any of claims 20 to 27, wherein extension of the seat belt is limited to a predetermined reeling length when the unlocking signal is sent to unlock the seat belt.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein extension of the seat belt is limited to the predetermined reeling length when one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions includes the seat belt being in a latched condition.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions are satisfied when the seat belt is in a latched condition, a limited reeling mode is active and at least one other of the one or more third predetermined conditions is satisfied.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein the limited reeling mode is activatable by a user interaction.
34. The method of any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the predetermined reeling length is determined by one or more of: an angle of the vehicle; a current length of the seat belt; and a past length of the seat belt.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein the past length of the seat belt is an average length of the seat belt over a preceding time period.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the preceding time period begins when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the preceding time period begins when a driver is detected as being present in a driver seat of the vehicle and the seat belt is detected as being in a latched condition.
38. The method of claim 29 or any of claims 30 to 37 when dependent on claim 29, wherein the one or more third predetermined conditions includes one or more of: the velocity of the vehicle being below a second predetermined velocity threshold; and a foot brake of the vehicle being depressed.
39. Computer software which, when executed by a processor, is arranged to perform the method of any of claims 20 to 38.
40. A computer readable storage medium storing the computer software of claim 39.
41. A vehicle including the seat belt management system of any of claims ito 19.
42. A vehicle including the computer software of claim 39.
43. A vehicle including the computer readable storage medium of claim 40.
44. A seat belt management system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
45. A method of controlling a seat belt substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.