JP2021102433A - Method and apparatus for controlling occupant protection means for vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a method for controlling occupant protection means (108 and 110) for a vehicle.SOLUTION: A method includes a step of reading sensor data (114, 118, and 119) by an interface (122) to sensor mechanisms (112, 116, 106) for capturing an interior (102) of a vehicle (100). The sensor data (114, 118, and 119) represent information about the interior (102). The method also includes a step of determining a coating state of a dashboard (104) of the vehicle (100) by using the sensor data (114, 118, and 119). The coating state represents, by an object (X), a coating condition of the dashboard (104) or a non-coating condition of the dashboard (104). Furthermore, the method has a step of determining a control parameter of a control signal (130) for controlling occupant protection means (108) dependent on the coating state of the dashboard (104).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention begins with an apparatus or method according to the genus concept of the independent claims. Computer programs are also the subject of the present invention.

A passenger restraint system in a passenger car or other vehicle may operate in the event of an accident, if the operating threshold is exceeded, for example, regardless of the passenger's seat position. In doing so, the system can injure more than possible injuries if the restraint system does not work due to improper seating position. Usually attached seat recognition means can recognize, for example, whether the seat is covered, for example a person is sitting, the child seat is fixed, or the seat is uncovered. There is also the so-called "seat off position" perception, in which the actuation of the restraint can be suspended, especially if the seat, eg the passenger seat, is positioned forward enough to risk injury from the airbag.

With this in mind, the approach presented here introduces the method according to the main claims, the device using this method, and finally the corresponding computer program. The measures described in the dependent claims allow for advantageous modifications and improvements of the device presented in the independent claims.

According to embodiments, restraints for vehicles, especially with respect to restraint systems for passengers, are adapted or injunctive and in addition to, or instead of, when the risk of injury due to the activation of the restraint increases. Can be controlled so that occupant warnings can be given to. The increased risk can occur, for example, by an item on the dashboard of the vehicle, such as a cell phone or key ring on a non-slip mechanism, or by, for example, a passenger's foot on the dashboard. To prevent such risks, according to embodiments, sensors that can extend the use of indoor cameras, among other things, to the dashboard area and, in addition to, or instead, respond to, for example, pressure built into the dashboard. Can be used.

According to embodiments, it is advantageous that injury mitigation or avoidance can be achieved, among other things, both in the case of dangerous coverage of the dashboard and in the case of improper seating positions for passengers. Thus, among other things, from the information of suitable vehicle sensors, such as the recognition mat on the dashboard, and in-room surveillance using a camera in addition to or instead, the coverage of the dashboard with increased potential hazard can be recognized and this. The coverage can be signaled by the driver information system, and in addition or instead, the restraint can be acted upon or suspended accordingly. This allows, for example, to warn accordingly if an object is improperly placed on the dashboard, and in addition or instead, containment measures may be adapted for its operation. In particular, there is an indication of the increased risk dashboard coverage, and thus an indication that raises the vehicle occupant's awareness of this risk, such as wearing a seatbelt, or an indication of an increased risk seat position. obtain.

A method for controlling occupant protection measures for a vehicle is introduced, which reads sensor data by the following steps: at least one interface to at least one sensor mechanism for capturing the interior of the vehicle. Steps where the sensor data represents information about the room,
Sensor data is used to determine the coverage of the vehicle's dashboard, which indicates the coverage of the dashboard by at least one object (including the evaluation of the objects) or the uncovered state of the dashboard. Steps and
It has a step of determining at least one control parameter of the control signal for controlling the occupant protection means, depending on the coverage of the dashboard.

This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware, or in a mixed form consisting of software and hardware, eg, in a control device or device. The vehicle can be an automobile, such as a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. The at least one object can be an item, such as a cell phone, a key ring, or an analog thereof, and additionally or instead a part of the vehicle occupant's body, such as a foot, a leg, or an analog thereof. In the determination step, at least one control parameter can be selected from a large number of stored control parameters and can be adjusted in addition to or instead based on the set value. Crew protection means may include restraint means and, in addition to, or instead, occupant information means.

According to one embodiment, in the determination step, when the occupant protection means is controlled by the control signal, the occupant protection means implemented as the stopping means is not covered by the dashboard by at least one object. The control parameters that cause it to operate weaker than the coated state can be determined. The weaker actuation of the restraint can also be a complete injunction of actuation. The restraining means may have at least one air cushion or airbag. One such embodiment provides the advantage that the possible danger of the arrest means being activated when the dashboard is covered can be reliably prevented.

In the decision step, when controlling the occupant protection means by the control signal, the occupant protection means implemented as the occupant information means does not expose the dashboard to at least one vehicle occupant when the dashboard is covered by at least one object. The control parameters that cause the signal to move to the coated state can also be determined. The occupant information means may include, for example, a passenger airbag deactivation lamp, an acoustic signal output mechanism, a clear text display, or the like. One such embodiment provides the advantage that the vehicle occupant's awareness of danger can be raised and the dangerous coverage of the dashboard can be avoided.

Further, in the reading step, sensor data of at least one sensor mechanism implemented as an indoor camera of the vehicle can be read. In this case, the covering state can be determined by an image analysis method using sensor data in an optional step of determination. This sensor data can be image data provided by at least one indoor camera. One such embodiment provides the advantage that the coating state can be recognized with high reliability. Moreover, for this purpose, for example, a camera already installed in the vehicle can be utilized. In addition, additional indoor conditions that may be important in controlling occupant protection measures can be made recognizable.

In addition to this, the read step may read the sensor data of at least one sensor mechanism incorporated in the dashboard and / or in addition to it. In this case, the covering state can be determined by the threshold method using the sensor data in the step of optionally in addition to the determination. Such sensor mechanisms may be formed to respond to mechanical pressure and / or strain and temperature in addition to or instead. Based on such sensor data, the coating state can be reliably and precisely determined.

According to one embodiment, in the determination step, sensor data can be used to determine the coverage of at least one seat in the vehicle. This coverage may indicate the seat position and, in addition to or instead, the occupant position with respect to the seat. In the determination step, at least one control parameter may be determined, especially depending on the coverage of at least one seat in addition to the coverage of the dashboard. One such embodiment provides the advantage that additional potentially risky conditions in the vehicle interior may also be considered when controlling occupant protection measures. The activation of the belt tensioner can be triggered, for example, to compensate for the unfavorable occupant position on the seat.

The method may also include the step of outputting a control signal to at least one interface to the occupant protection means. In this way reliable control or control of the occupant protection means can be achieved.

The approach presented here further provides a device formed to perform, control, or perform a step in one form of the method presented herein in a corresponding mechanism. This embodiment of the invention in the form of an apparatus can also quickly and efficiently solve the underlying problems of the invention.

To this end, the device may include at least one computing unit for processing the signal or data, at least one memory unit for storing the signal or data, a data signal or control signal for reading the sensor signal from the sensor or to the actuator. It may have at least one interface to the sensor or actuator to output the data and / or at least one communication interface built into the communication protocol for reading or outputting data. The computing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, or the like, in which case the memory unit can be, for example, a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a magnetic memory unit. Communication interfaces can be formed for wireless and / or wired reading or output of data, and in this regard, communication interfaces capable of reading or outputting wired data can read or output these data, eg, electrical or. Optically, it can be read from the corresponding data transmission line or output to the corresponding data transmission line.

In the present application, the device may be an electrical device that processes a sensor signal and outputs a control signal and / or a data signal accordingly. The device may have an interface that can be formed by hardware and / or software. In the case of hardware formation, the interface can be, for example, part of a so-called system ASIC that contains a great variety of functions of the device. However, the interface can be a dedicated integrated circuit or, at least in part, consisting of separate components. In the case of software formation, the interface can be, for example, a software module that exists with other software modules on one microcontroller.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device controls or controls occupant protection means of the vehicle. To this end, the device can access, for example, sensor data, such as camera signals, pressure sensor signals, and the like. The device can further adjust at least one control parameter of the control signal depending on the dashboard coverage recognized based on the sensor data. This device is formed to provide a control signal having at least one control parameter as an output, and this control signal is suitable for controlling the occupant protection means. Control signals can be used to control actuators, such as airbag actuation mechanisms or analogs and occupant information means in addition to or instead. This device may be part of an airbag control device or vehicle airbag control device or part of another control device of the vehicle.

It can be stored on a machine-readable medium or memory medium, such as a semiconductor memory, hard disk memory, or optical memory, and is used to perform, perform, and / or control the steps of a method according to one of the above embodiments. A computer program product or computer program that has program code is also advantageous, especially if the program product or program is executed on a computer or device.

Illustrative embodiments of the approach presented here are shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below.

It is the schematic of the vehicle provided with the device by one exemplary embodiment. It is the schematic of the vehicle provided with the device by one exemplary embodiment. It is a flow chart of the control method by one exemplary embodiment.

In the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, the same or similar reference numerals are used for similarly acting elements shown in different figures, wherein these elements are repeatedly described. do not.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 100 with device 120 according to one exemplary embodiment. Vehicle 100 is an automobile, such as a land-running vehicle, especially a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. The vehicle 100 has a dashboard 104 and seats 106, particularly an interior 102 in which a passenger seat is located. The vehicle 100 is further according to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein, in the form of restraint means 108, especially in the form of passenger airbags located within or on the surface of the dashboard 104. It has occupant protection means in the form of occupant information means 110. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the vehicle 100 also has a sensor mechanism in the form of an indoor camera 112 and a pressure sensor 116.

The sensor mechanism, namely the indoor camera 112 and the pressure sensor 116, is formed to capture the interior 102 of the vehicle 100 and to provide sensor data 114, 118 representing information about the interior 102. In this case, the indoor camera 112 is formed to provide sensor data 114 having image data, and the pressure sensor 116 is formed to provide sensor data 118 having pressure measurements. The indoor camera 112 is arranged to capture at least a part of the room 102 including the dashboard 104. The pressure sensor 116 is located or incorporated in the dashboard 104 or on the surface of the dashboard 104. The pressure sensor 116, in this case, is formed to capture a pressure measurement that represents the mechanical pressure load on the dashboard 104.

The vehicle 100 also has a device 120. The device 120 or control device is formed to control the occupant protection means, in this case the restraint means 108 and / or the occupant information means 110. The device 120 is connected to the occupant protection means, that is, the stopping means 108 and the occupant information means 110, and the sensor mechanism, that is, the indoor camera 112 and the pressure sensor 116 so as to be able to transmit signals.

The device 120 is formed to read sensor data 114, 118 by at least one sensor mechanism, in this case an input interface 122 to the indoor camera 112 and / or the pressure sensor 116. The determination mechanism 124 of the device 120 is formed to determine the covering state of the dashboard 104 using the sensor data 114 and 118. The covered state indicates a covered state of the dashboard 104 or an uncovered state of the dashboard 104 by at least one object X. The determination mechanism 126 of the device 120, which is signal-transmissible and connected to the determination mechanism 124, provides occupant protection means, i.e., stop means 108 and / or occupant information means 110, depending on the determined coverage of the dashboard 104. It is formed to determine at least one control parameter of the control signal 130 for control. The device 120 is also formed to output the control signal 130 to the occupant protection means, i.e., the stop means 108 and / or the output interface 128 to the occupant information means 110.

According to one exemplary embodiment, in the determination mechanism 126, when the occupant protection means is controlled by the control signal 130, the occupant protection means implemented as the restraint means 108 is the dashboard 104 by at least one object X. It is formed to determine the control parameters that cause the dashboard 104 to operate weaker or not at all in the coated state than in the uncoated state. In addition to or instead, the determination mechanism 126 is such that when the control signal 130 controls the occupant protection means, the occupant protection means implemented as the occupant information means 110 covers the dashboard 104 with at least one object X. Is formed to determine the control parameters that cause at least one vehicle occupant to signal to move the dashboard 104 to an uncovered state. The occupant information means 110 includes, for example, a passenger airbag deactivation lamp or an analog thereof, according to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein. According to another exemplary embodiment, the occupant information means 110 may include an acoustic signal output mechanism, a clear text display, or an analog thereof.

When the sensor data 114 of the indoor camera 112 having the sensor data in the form of image data is present, the determination mechanism 124 is used, for example, to determine the covering state by an image analysis method using such sensor data 114. It is formed. If the sensor data 118 of the pressure sensor 116 having the sensor data in the form of a pressure measurement is present, the determination mechanism 124 may determine the covering state, for example, by a threshold method using such sensor data 118. It is formed.

According to one exemplary embodiment, the determination mechanism 124 also uses sensor data 114 and / or additional sensor data 119 with image data from the indoor camera 112 to determine the coverage of the seat 106. It is formed. Such a determined coverage indicates the seat position and / or the occupant position with respect to the seat 106. In this case, the determination mechanism 126 is formed to determine at least one control parameter depending on the covering state of the seat 106.

In the description of FIG. 1, the object X is located on the dashboard 104. Object X is, among other things, on dashboard 104. Object X is an item, such as a mobile phone or analog thereof, or a part of the vehicle occupant's body, especially the passenger's feet or legs. Object X, in position on the dashboard 104, injures the vehicle occupants in connection with the activation of occupant protection measures, or more precisely, stop means 108 located within the dashboard 104 or on the surface of the dashboard 104. There can be a risk of injuring. The device 120 recognizes the object X and, in response to it, modifies the operation of the restraint means 108 to minimize the risk of injury and / or the object to the vehicle occupant under the control of the occupant information means 110. At least one control parameter of the control signal 130 is adjusted to draw attention to the coverage of the dashboard 104 by X and remove the object X.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 100 with device 120 according to one exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 100 is suitable or similar to the vehicle from FIG. Of the vehicle 100, in addition to the device 120, in FIG. 2, the indoor camera 112, the pressure sensor 116, and the motion sensor 216, for example, as the sensor mechanism, and the plurality of stopping means 108, especially in the form of an airbag, as the occupant protection mechanism. 208, 208n and a plurality of occupant information means 110, 210, 210n in the form of, for example, passenger airbag indicators, clear text indicators, and at least one additional means of information are shown. Optionally, the vehicle 100 has an external control device 240, through which the external control device 240 allows the device 120 to read sensor signals from a plurality of additional sensor mechanisms 250, 260, 270.

The device 120 is suitable or similar to the device from FIG. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, device 120 is implemented as an airbag control device, as part of an airbag control device, or as part of another control device. In this case, among the devices 120, in the description of FIG. 2, there are a data acquisition mechanism 222 of sensor data, a data evaluation mechanism 224 using the evaluation standard 223, and a situation in which a normal situation exists or the risk is increased. A determination mechanism 225, an operation algorithm mechanism 226a, and an occupant information mechanism 226b for carrying out the determination of whether or not the vehicle is used are shown. The operation algorithm mechanism 226a is connected to a plurality of stopping means 108, 208, 208n so as to be able to transmit signals. The occupant information mechanism 226b is connected to a plurality of occupant information means 110, 210, 210n so as to be able to transmit signals. When the determination mechanism 225 confirms the existence of a normal situation, the actuation algorithm mechanism 226a is implemented as standard. On the other hand, if the determination mechanism 225 confirms the existence of an increased risk situation, the actuation algorithm mechanism 226a is modified and implemented, and instead or in addition, the occupant information mechanism 226b is activated.

In other words, the device 120 or the airbag control device collects sensor data or signals from the sensor mechanisms 112, 116, 216 and / or 250, 260, 270 or an external sensor at an appropriate sampling rate. Based on this, software algorithms infer the dashboard coverage and / or passenger seating position. For example, normal seating position, sitting posture leaning forward, legs placed on the dashboard, items on the dashboard, etc. Then, based on the recognized covering condition and / or the recognized seat position and passenger posture, a software algorithm is used to warn the vehicle occupants and how strongly the restraints 108, 208, 208n are activated. It is judged. As a basis for this determination, knowledge about the type of injury and the severity of the injury based on the accident investigation can be referred to. A possible example of such a determination is the injunction and / or information to the vehicle occupants of the airbag in the case of the dashboard covering state by the object. A further possible example of such a determination is a modification of the airbag activation if the passenger is leaning forward, which in extreme cases can be an injunction of activation. Alternatively or in addition is a modification of the belt tensioner operation. When using reversible containment measures, controls can be modified by occupant position recognition associated with forward-looking accident sensor systems such as radar sensors, rider sensors, camera sensors, and ultrasonic sensors.

FIG. 3 shows a flow chart of the control method 300 according to one exemplary embodiment. Method 300 can be implemented to control occupant protection means for the vehicle. Method 300 can be implemented, among other things, to control occupant protection measures such as the occupant protection means from FIG. 1 or FIG. In doing so, method 300 can be performed in connection with the device from FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 or a similar device. The control method 300 has a read step 310, a determination step 320, and a determination step 330.

In reading step 310, sensor data is read by one or more interfaces to at least one sensor mechanism for capturing the interior of the vehicle. This sensor data represents information about the interior of the vehicle. Then, in the confirmation step 320, the covering state of the dashboard of the vehicle is determined using the sensor data. This covered state indicates the covered state of the dashboard or the uncovered state of the dashboard by at least one object. Then, in step 330 of the determination, at least one control parameter of the control signal for controlling the occupant protection means is determined depending on the covering state of the dashboard.

According to one exemplary embodiment, control method 300 also includes step 340 of outputting control signals to one or more interfaces to and in addition to or instead to occupant protection means to an information output mechanism. ..

If one exemplary embodiment contains a "and / or" bond between the first feature and the second feature, this is because this exemplary embodiment is the first feature according to one embodiment. Should also have a second feature and should be read as having only the first feature or only the second feature according to one further embodiment.

Claims (10)

A method (300) for controlling occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n) for a vehicle, wherein the method (300) is the following step, that is, of the vehicle (100). In step (310) of reading sensor data (114, 118) by at least one interface (122) to at least one sensor mechanism (112, 116; 216; 250, 260, 270) for capturing the room (102). A reading step (310), wherein the sensor data (114, 118) represents information about the room (102).
A step (320) of determining the coverage of the dashboard (104) of the vehicle (100) using the sensor data (114, 118), wherein the coverage depends on at least one object (X). Step (320) to determine the covered state of the dashboard (104) or the uncovered state of the dashboard (104), and
Depending on the coverage of the dashboard (104), at least one control parameter of the control signal (130) for controlling the occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n) is determined. A method having a step (330) and. The determination step (330) is performed as a restraining means (108; 208, 208n) when the occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n) is controlled by the control signal (130). That the occupant protection means is activated less or not at all in the covered state of the dashboard (104) by at least one object (X) than in the uncovered state of the dashboard (104). The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein the control parameter to be triggered is determined. In the determination step (330), when the occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n) is controlled by the control signal (130), the occupant information means (110; 210, 210n) is used. The implemented occupant protection measures signal at least one vehicle occupant to move the dashboard (104) to the uncovered state in the covered state of the dashboard (104) by at least one object (X). The method (300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control parameter that causes the above is determined. In the reading step (310), in the step (320) in which the sensor data (114) of at least one sensor mechanism implemented as the indoor camera (112) of the vehicle (100) is read and / or determined. The method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the covering state is determined by an image analysis method using the sensor data (114). In the reading step (310), the sensor data of at least one sensor mechanism (116) incorporated in the dashboard (104) and / or pressure sensitive and / or strain sensitive and / or temperature sensitive. Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein (118) is read and / or the covering state is determined by a threshold method using the sensor data (118) in the determination step (320). The method (300) according to one item. In the determination step (320), the sensor data (114, 118) is used to determine the coverage of at least one seat (106) of the vehicle (100), which is the seat position and /. Alternatively, the occupant position with respect to the seat (106) is shown, and in the determination step (330), the at least one control parameter is determined depending on the covering state of the at least one seat (106). The method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the method (300). Any of claims 1 to 6, comprising step (340) outputting the control signal (130) to at least one interface (128) to the occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n). The method (300) according to one item. The step of the method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 is performed and / or performed in the corresponding unit (122, 124, 126, 128; 222, 223, 224, 225, 226a, 226b). Or a device adapted to control (120). A computer program adapted to perform and / or control said steps of method (300) according to any one of claims 1-7. A machine-readable memory medium in which the computer program according to claim 9 is stored.

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