System and method for vehicle braking and collision simulation using human occupants

Abstract

Systems and methods for vehicle braking, collision, or braking collision simulation are provided. The system includes a seating platform configured to be secured within the vehicle such that the seating platform is located on or above a seat of the vehicle, a seat platform configured to controllably displace relative to the vehicle seat at least in a forward direction toward the front of the vehicle while the occupant is seated on the seat platform during a deceleration simulation including displacing the seat platform on which the occupant is seated from an initial position toward the front of the vehicle; one or more sensors configured to collect sensor data indicative of spatial characteristics of the occupant during the deceleration simulation, where at least one of the sensors is a sensor of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field relates generally to vehicle braking and crash simulation, and more particularly to vehicle braking and crash simulation systems and methods for performing vehicle braking and crash simulation in a manner that safely allows for the inclusion of human occupants. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle braking and crash simulations are often performed to analyze and facilitate improvements in vehicle safety. Generally, it is unsafe to use live occupants, particularly unrestrained occupants, to perform vehicle braking and crash simulations. Therefore, vehicle braking and crash simulations are often performed by crashing the vehicle while using an artificial occupant, such as a global mannequin or anthropomorphic test device (ATD; commonly referred to as a crash test dummy). While artificial occupants are useful substitutes for human occupants, there is a continuing desire to improve vehicle braking and crash simulation techniques that accurately depict the movements and / or positions of human occupants.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to provide systems and methods for vehicle braking and crash simulation that incorporate body movements and / or positions of occupants similar to body movements and / or positions that a human occupant may experience during an actual vehicle braking and crash event. In addition, other desirable features and characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. Summary of the invention

[0004] A system for deceleration simulation is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes: a seat platform configured to be fixed within a vehicle so that the seat platform is located on or above a seat of the vehicle, the seat platform configured to be controllably displaced relative to the seat in at least a forward direction toward the front of the vehicle while an occupant is seated on the seat platform during a deceleration simulation, the deceleration simulation comprising displacing the seat platform with the occupant seated thereon from an initial position toward the front of the vehicle; and one or more sensors configured to collect sensor data indicative of a spatial characteristic of the occupant during the deceleration simulation. At least one of the sensors is a sensor of the vehicle.

[0005] In various embodiments, the system includes a computing system configured, via one or more processors, to: receive sensor data from one or more sensors; and generate simulation input data based on the sensor data indicating at least one of movement or position of an occupant sensed by the one or more sensors during a deceleration simulation.

[0006] In various embodiments, the computing system is configured to generate simulated input data via one or more processors such that the simulated input data may be used to train, validate, and / or implement an algorithm for an air bag restraint system.

[0007] In various embodiments, the system includes a propulsion apparatus configured to controllably displace the seating platform in at least one of a forward direction toward the front of the vehicle and a rearward direction toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0008] In various embodiments, the propulsion apparatus is configured to displace the seating platform at a rate slow enough during the deceleration simulation so that the occupants remain uninjured.

[0009] In various embodiments, the system includes: a frame configured to be fixed in a fixed position within a vehicle; and a slider assembly coupling the seating platform to the frame. In various embodiments, the system also includes a propulsion device including a motor operable to controllably displace the seating platform on the slider assembly in at least one of a forward direction toward the front of the vehicle and a rearward direction toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0010] In various embodiments, the system includes a contact sensor or force sensor located within the vehicle and toward the front of the vehicle relative to the seat, wherein the contact sensor or force sensor is configured to stop displacement of the seat platform in a forward direction in response to sensing contact with the seat platform or a force applied to the seat platform exceeding a threshold.

[0011] In various embodiments, the one or more sensors include at least one sensor of a vehicle.

[0012] In various embodiments, the simulation input data also includes one or more simulated operating parameters mapped to displacement of the seating platform over time.

[0013] In various embodiments, a computing system is configured to, by one or more processors: generate simulated input data to include multiple data points indicating motion or position of an occupant sensed by one or more sensors at a first sampling rate, and then modify the simulated input data to change the first sampling rate to a second sampling rate, wherein the second sampling rate has a time domain associated with a real-time vehicle braking event, a real-time collision event, or a real-time braking and collision event.

[0014] In various embodiments, the computing system is configured to modify the simulation input data by one or more processors by: reducing the duration between at least some of the multiple data points; eliminating some of the data points to reduce the duration of the deceleration simulation; eliminating some of the data points and reducing the duration between at least some of the remaining data points; or adding additional data points in response to preprogrammed conditions.

[0015] A method for deceleration simulation is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes: starting a deceleration simulation, which includes shifting a seat platform fixed in a vehicle and having a motion simulation device for an occupant mounted thereon from an initial position in a forward direction toward a front of the vehicle, wherein the seat platform is located on or above a seat of the vehicle; and sensing sensor data indicative of spatial characteristics of the occupant with one or more sensors during the deceleration simulation.

[0016] In various embodiments, the method includes obtaining, by a computing system including one or more processors, sensor data from one or more sensors; and generating, by the computing system having the one or more processors, simulated input data based on the sensor data.

[0017] In various embodiments, the method includes using simulated input data to train, validate, and / or implement an algorithm for an air bag restraint system.

[0018] In various embodiments, displacing a seating platform with an occupant positioned thereon is performed by operating a propulsion device of a motion simulation device.

[0019] In various embodiments, performing the deceleration simulation includes stopping movement of the seating platform in a forward direction in response to the occupant or object contacting a contact sensor or force sensor located within the vehicle and toward the front of the vehicle relative to the seat.

[0020] In various embodiments, at least one of the one or more sensors is a sensor of a vehicle.

[0021] In various embodiments, the simulation input data also includes one or more simulated operating parameters mapped to displacement of the seating platform over time.

[0022] In various embodiments, displacing the seating platform of the motion simulation device is performed at a sufficiently slow rate that the occupants remain uninjured.

[0023] In various embodiments, the simulated input data includes multiple data points indicating movement or position of an occupant sensed by one or more sensors at a first sampling rate, wherein the method includes: modifying the simulated input data by a computing system having one or more processors to change the first sampling rate to a second sampling rate, wherein the second sampling rate has a time domain associated with a real-time vehicle braking event, a real-time vehicle collision event, or a real-time vehicle braking and collision event.

[0024] In various embodiments, modifying the simulated input data is performed by: reducing the duration between at least some of the data points; eliminating some of the data points to reduce the duration of the deceleration simulation; eliminating some of the data points and reducing the duration between at least some of the remaining data points; or adding additional data points in response to preprogrammed conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle equipped with a vehicle collision simulation system according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 2 means a device including the motion simulation device according to the first embodiment, Figure 1 Individual side views of vehicles and portions of a vehicle crash simulation system;

[0028] Figure 3 It was observed along the BB line Figure 4 A side cross-sectional view of a motion simulation device;

[0029] Figure 4 It is observed along line AA Figure 1 A front cross-sectional view of a motion simulation device;

[0030] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Including indicating sitting Figures 2 to 4 Individual side views of the occupant in both the maximum rearward position and the maximum forward position on the motion simulation device;

[0031] Figure 7 is a device including the motion simulation device according to the second embodiment, Figure 1 Individual side views of vehicles and portions of a vehicle crash simulation system;

[0032] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a motion simulation device according to the third embodiment, Figure 1Individual side views of vehicles and portions of a vehicle crash simulation system;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a motion simulation device according to the fourth embodiment, Figure 1 Individual side views of vehicles and portions of a vehicle crash simulation system;

[0034] Fig.10 According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 In the means of transportation, such as Figures 3 to 9 A flowchart of a method for vehicle collision simulation performed by any one of the systems;

[0035] Figures 11 to 13 In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 Used in transportation to modify Figures 3 to 9 A method of collecting simulated input data from any one of the systems; and

[0036] Figures 14 to 18 Indicated by Fig.10 Methods and Figure 1 and Figure 7 The system generates deceleration simulations for various forward positions of the occupant. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, summary or the following detailed description.

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be described herein in terms of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be understood that such block components may be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform specified functions. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may employ various integrated circuit components, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, etc., that may implement various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced in conjunction with any number of systems, and the systems described herein are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the system (and the various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical connections between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1 Various aspects of a vehicle 10 are shown, which includes an exemplary vehicle braking and crash simulation system 100 installed in the vehicle 10 according to various embodiments. The system 100 is configured to sense spatial characteristics of an occupant 11 (e.g., a human occupant) of the vehicle 10 during an emergency braking simulation, a crash simulation, or an emergency braking and crash simulation (collectively referred to herein as a deceleration simulation) and generate simulation input data corresponding to the sensed movement and position of the occupant 11. In various embodiments, the deceleration simulation can be performed without actual operation of the vehicle 10 without damaging the vehicle 10 or at least causing the vehicle 10 to be in a collision, and / or without causing harm to the occupant 11 (e.g., even when the occupant 11 is not wearing a seat belt). For example, the system 100 can be configured for a deceleration simulation that includes maintaining the vehicle 10 in a stationary position, displacing the occupant 11 in the vehicle 10 toward the front of the vehicle 10 at a relatively low rate of speed, and obtaining sensor data indicating the movement of the occupant 11 during its displacement using, for example, one or more sensors of the vehicle 10. The motion may be designed to reflect expected occupant motion during an actual braking, crash, or braking and crash event.

[0041] In various embodiments, the simulated input data generated by the system 100 can be used to train, validate, and / or implement an algorithm for an air bag inhibition system of the vehicle 10 or another vehicle. The algorithm can be used by the air bag inhibition system to inhibit deployment of an air bag during an actual emergency braking and / or collision event based on the sensed movement and / or position of an occupant 11 of the vehicle 10. For example, the algorithm can inhibit deployment of an air bag once it determines that such action can reduce the likelihood that the air bag will cause injury to the occupant 11. Additionally, the simulated input data can be used for other purposes.

[0042] In various embodiments, system 100 includes vehicle 10. In some embodiments, vehicle 10 includes automobile. In various embodiments, vehicle 10 can be, for example, any of many different types of automobiles, such as, sedan, van, truck or sports utility vehicle (SUV), and can be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles in some embodiments. In addition, in various embodiments, it should also be understood that vehicle 10 can include any number of other types of mobile platforms, such as ships, trains, aircraft, etc.

[0043] like Figure 1As depicted, the exemplary vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and generally surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near a respective corner of the body 14. The vehicle 10 will be referred to herein as having a front portion 60 and a rear portion 62.

[0044] The vehicle 10 also includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a sensor system 28, at least one data storage device 32, at least one controller 34, at least one airbag system 36, one or more seats 50, and a communication system 66. The propulsion system 20 includes a motor or engine 21, such as an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline or diesel fuel combustion engine), an electric motor, or a hybrid system including two or more different types of engines and / or motors. The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit power from the propulsion system 20 to the wheels 16-18 according to a selectable speed ratio. According to various embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a step ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or other suitable transmission. The steering system 24 affects the position of the wheels 16-18. Although drawn as including a steering wheel 24a for exemplary purposes, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel.

[0045] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensing devices 40a-40n that sense observable conditions of the external environment, the internal environment, and / or the state or condition of corresponding components of the vehicle 10, generate sensor data indicative of such conditions and / or conditions, and provide such sensor data to other systems of the vehicle 10 (such as the controller 34) or remote systems using the vehicle's communication system. It should be understood that the vehicle 10 may include any number of sensing devices 40a-40n. The sensing devices 40a-40n may include, but are not limited to, inertial measurement sensors, vehicle speed sensors, weight sensors, torque sensors, wheel speed sensors, engine torque sensors, suspension deflection measurement sensors, ultrasonic sensors, laser displacement sensors, radar sensors, lidar sensors, infrared light sensors, camera vision sensors, steering wheel angle sensors, brake pressure sensors, pedal position sensors, strain gauges, seat sensors, fuel level sensors, etc. In addition, one or more of the sensing devices 40a-40n may be located inside the vehicle 10. Such internal sensors may include, but are not limited to, the following types of sensors: time-of-flight cameras, stereo cameras, structural optical cameras, thermal cameras, IR / RGB cameras, lidar sensors, laser profile sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, capacitive array sensors, biosensors, and the like. Some of the sensing devices 40a-40n may be located in one or more of the seats 50 to detect the presence or absence of occupants, which may include some of the above sensors, and may also include, but are not limited to, weight sensors, pressure sensors, capacitive sensors, and resistive sensors. In some embodiments, more than one sensor and / or more than one type of sensor may be used in combination as a system. The sensing devices 40a-40n are not limited to those explicitly noted herein, and other types of sensors may be included in the vehicle 10.

[0046] The data storage device 32 stores data used to control the vehicle 10 and / or its systems and components. As can be appreciated, the data storage device 32 can be part of the controller 34, separate from the controller 34, or part of the controller 34 and part of a separate system. The data storage device 32 can be any suitable type of storage device, including various different types of direct access storage and / or other memory devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the data storage device 32 includes a program product from which a computer readable memory device can receive instructions for executing one or more processes of the present disclosure (such as those described below in conjunction with Fig.10In another exemplary embodiment, the program product may be directly stored in and / or otherwise accessed by the memory device and / or one or more other disks and / or other memory devices. In various embodiments, one or more of the sensing devices 40a-40n may communicate with other entities 68 external to the vehicle 10 at a remote location, and data transmitted therefrom may be saved, monitored, and / or processed at the remote location. The results of the processing may also optionally be communicated back to the vehicle 10 (such as, the processor 44).

[0047] The controller 34 includes at least one processor 44, a communication bus 45, and a computer-readable storage device or medium 46. The processor 44 performs the computational and control functions of the controller 34. The processor 44 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor of several processors associated with the controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device generally used to execute instructions. For example, the computer-readable storage device or medium 46 can include volatile and non-volatile storage in a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a permanent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the processor 44 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an electrical PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10. The bus 45 is used to transfer programs, data, status, and other information or signals between the various components of the vehicle 10. The bus 45 may be any suitable physical or logical means of connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct hardwired connections, fiber optics, infrared, and wireless bus technologies.

[0048] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When the instructions are executed by the processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, perform logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate data based on the logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms. Figure 1Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication mediums and collaborate to process sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate data.

[0049] As can be appreciated, the controller 34 may be different in other ways. Figure 1 . For example, the controller 34 may be connected to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems, such as as part of one or more of the above-described vehicle devices and systems. It should be understood that although the exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functional computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure can be distributed as a program product, and one or more types of non-transitory computer-readable signal-bearing media are used to store the program and its instructions and implement its distribution, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium that carries the program and contains computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as, processor 44) to execute and implement the program. Such a program product may take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the specific type of computer-readable signal-bearing medium used to implement the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing media include: recordable media, such as floppy disks, hard drives, memory cards, and optical disks; and transmission media, such as digital and analog communication links. It should be understood that cloud-based storage and / or other technologies may also be utilized in certain embodiments. Similarly, it should be understood that the computer system of the controller 34 may also be different from other systems in other ways. Figure 1 In the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1 , a computer system such as controller 34 may be coupled to or may otherwise utilize one or more remote computer systems and / or other control systems.

[0050] The airbag system 36 may include an airbag cushion, a control module (e.g., executed by the controller 34), an airbag inflator, and one or more impact sensors (e.g., one or more of the sensing devices 40a-40n). The impact sensor may be configured to detect the sudden deceleration that occurs during a collision event. When a collision occurs, the impact sensor sends a signal to the control module, which determines whether to deploy the airbag based on the severity of the impact. If the control module determines that the airbag needs to be deployed, the control module sends a signal to the airbag inflator, which then quickly inflates the airbag cushion to reduce the possibility of an occupant hitting a hard surface (such as a steering wheel or dashboard) within the vehicle 10, which could cause serious injury.

[0051] Still refer to Figure 1In an exemplary implementation, the communication system 66 is configured to wirelessly transmit information to and from other entities 68 through a communication network, such as, but not limited to, other vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems, and / or personal devices. In an exemplary implementation, the communication system 66 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standard or by using cellular data communications. However, additional or alternative communication methods such as dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) channels are also considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. A DSRC channel refers to a one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channel designed specifically for automotive use and a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

[0052] The communication network utilized by the communication system 66 may include a wireless carrier system such as a cellular telephone system including a plurality of cell towers (not shown), one or more mobile switching centers (MSCs) (not shown), and any other networking components required to connect the wireless carrier system to the land communication system, and the wireless carrier system may implement any suitable communication technology, including, for example: digital technology, such as CDMA (e.g., CDMA2000), LTE (e.g., 4G LTE or 5G LTE), GSM / GPRS or other current or emerging wireless technologies. Additionally or alternatively, a second wireless carrier system in the form of a satellite communication system may be utilized to provide one-way or two-way communications using one or more communication satellites (not shown) and uplink transmission stations (not shown), including but not limited to satellite radio services, and / or satellite telephone services, etc. Some implementations may utilize land communication systems, such as traditional land-based telecommunications networks, including the public switched telephone network (PSTN) for providing hard-wired telephones, packet-switched data communications, and Internet infrastructure. One or more portions of the terrestrial communication system may be implemented using standard wired networks, fiber optic or other optical networks, cable networks, power lines, other wireless networks such as wireless local area networks (WLANs), or networks providing broadband wireless access (BWA), or any combination thereof.

[0053] In some embodiments, the communication system 66 and / or other components of the vehicle 10 may communicate to and from the other entities 68 via a wired connection. In some embodiments, data generated by components of the vehicle 10 (such as one or more of the sensing devices 40a-40n) may be transmitted to and from the other entities 68 via a removable data storage medium.

[0054] The vehicle braking and crash simulation system 100 also includes a motion simulation device that is configured to be installed in the vehicle 10 and to move or displace the occupant 11 relative to a first seat 50a of the seats 50 in a direction toward the front 60 or the rear 62 of the vehicle 10. Generally speaking, the motion simulation device includes a seat platform 110, a frame 118, a propulsion device 126, and a slide assembly 134. Although the motion simulation device is described with reference to the first seat 50a, it should be noted that the vehicle braking and crash simulation system 100 and the motion simulation device can be applied to any seat 50 within the vehicle 10.

[0055] The seat platform 110 is configured to support the occupant 11 above the first seat 50a. The seat platform 110 may have various components and structures suitable for supporting the occupant 11. Figures 2 to 4 In an example of a seat platform 110, the seat platform 110 includes a rigid member 116 and a cushion 117 thereon and secured thereto. Optionally, the seat platform 110 may include a safety belt 112 configured to restrain the occupant 11 on the seat platform 110. In some embodiments, the seat platform 110 may be placed atop a base 54, which typically includes a seat cover and seat foam. As another alternative, in some embodiments, portions of the base 54 of the first seat 50a, such as the seat cover and seat foam, may be removed to define a cavity, and the seat platform 110 may be located in the cavity such that an upper surface of the seat platform 110 is substantially flush with a structural portion or a removed portion of the seat cover of the base 54 of the first seat 50a.

[0056] The sliding assembly 134 slidably couples the seating platform 110 to the frame 118. The sliding assembly 134 may have various components and structures suitable for providing a sliding connection between the seating platform 110 and the frame 118. Figures 2 to 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , the slide assembly 134 includes a pair of drag slide assemblies each including at least a fixed member 136 fixed to the frame 118 and a telescopic member 138 fixed to the rigid member 116. The telescopic member 138 may include rollers in contact with the fixed member 136 to provide a sliding relationship therebetween. If more motion than can be achieved with two pieces is required, the fixed member 136 and the telescopic member 138 may include more than two pieces on each side.

[0057] The frame 118 is configured to be secured within the vehicle 10 at a fixed position relative to the first seat 50a. The frame 118 may have various components and structures suitable for securing the motion simulation device relative to the first seat 50a. Figures 2 to 4In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the frame 118 includes a platform support plate 120 configured to support the seat platform 110 and the sliding assembly 134, and a seat attachment device 122 coupled to the platform support plate 120 and configured to fix the platform support plate 120 to the first seat 50a. The seat attachment device 122 may include one or more fasteners, clamps or other fixing members configured to be fixed to the first seat 50a. Optionally, the platform support plate 120 can be coupled to the seat attachment device 122 with a pivot joint 124 that enables the seat platform 110 to rotate about a vertical axis relative to the seat base 54 to allow occupant movement that simulates an angled trajectory (such as a turn) during braking or an angled impact during a collision. In this example, the seat attachment device 122 is configured to be fixed to the rear portion of the base 54 of the first seat 50a and at least partially extend through the space between the base 54 of the first seat 50a and the backrest 52. In various embodiments, the frame 118 can be secured to the first seat 50a in a manner that provides for the motion simulation device to move with the base 54 as the base 54 is adjusted in a forward and / or rearward direction, an upward and / or downward direction, and / or an inclined orientation. In various embodiments, the frame 118 can support the seating platform 110 in a manner such that the weight applied to the seating platform 110 (e.g., the weight of the occupant 11 when seated thereon) is: a) distributed, b) not distributed, or c) partially distributed to the first seat 50a and / or an upper surface of the base 54 of the first seat 50a.

[0058] The propulsion device 126 is configured to controllably displace the seating platform 110 relative to the frame 118 on the slide assembly 134. In this example, the propulsion device 126 includes a motor 114 configured to rotate a screw drive 130 threadedly coupled to a flange 140 of the rigid member 116. Rotation of the screw drive 130 moves the seating platform 110 toward the front 60 of the vehicle 10 or the rear 62 of the vehicle 10, depending on the direction of rotation. The propulsion device 126 may be manually operated (by the occupant 11 or by another individual) using a remote device that communicates wired or wirelessly with the motor 114, or may be automatically operated by a controller (e.g., the controller 34) according to preprogrammed instructions configured to move the seating platform 110 according to one of a plurality of prescribed slow speed curves. In various embodiments, the seating platform 110 and / or the propulsion device 126 may be configured to allow adjustment of the articulated plane viewing angle and / or adjustment of tilt.

[0059] A contact switch or force sensor 128 may be located on the body 14 of the vehicle 10 in front of the first seat 50a. The force sensor 128 may be configured to stop forward movement of the seat platform 110 upon sensing a force applied to the force sensor 128 (e.g., due to contact with the legs of the occupant 11).

[0060] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An exemplary operation of a motion simulation device within vehicle 10 is shown. Figure 5 The seating platform 110 is presented in a maximum rearward position, with the occupant 11 seated thereon in a position generally similar to as if the occupant 11 were sitting in the first seat 50a without the motion simulation device. Figure 6 The seat platform 110 is presented in a maximum forward position, wherein the occupant 11 seated thereon is in a position that may occur in an actual braking, collision, or braking and collision event (e.g., when the occupant 11 is not restrained in the seat with a seat belt). The seat platform 110 can be transitioned between the maximum rearward position and the maximum forward position by the propulsion device 126 simulating the operation of the occupant sliding forward on the seat base 54.

[0061] Figures 7 to 9 Various non-limiting examples of alternative configurations of motion simulation devices are shown. It should be noted that these examples are for illustrative purposes only, and that the motion simulation device may have other configurations, including Figures 2 to 9 Various combinations of components presented in .

[0062] For convenience, Figures 2 to 9 Consistent reference numerals are used to identify the same or functionally related / equivalent elements, but a numerical prefix (1, 2, or 3, etc.) is added to distinguish a particular embodiment from other embodiments in the drawings. In view of the similarity between the embodiments, the following description will be made. Figures 7 to 9 The discussion of the embodiments will focus on aspects of the embodiments that differ from other embodiments in some significant or significant way. Other aspects of the embodiments not discussed in detail may be substantially the same as for one or more other embodiments (including Figures 2 to 6 as described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0063] Reference Figure 7 , the motion simulation device includes a seat platform 210, a frame 218, and a propulsion device 226. Optionally, the motion simulation device may include a sliding assembly (not shown) located between the seat platform 210 and the frame 218 and coupling the seat platform 210 and the frame 218.

[0064] In this example, the frame 218 is supported by the floor of the vehicle 10 and the propulsion device 226. Specifically, the platform support plate 220 contacts the floor through the first support member 242 and the second support member 243 (which supports the propulsion device 226, which in turn supports the extension member 256 attached to the support plate 220). The optional seat attachment device 222 couples the second support member 243 to the rear of the first seat 50a. Optionally, one or both of the first support member 242 and the second support member 243 can include a shim stack 248, which is configured to adjust the height of the platform support plate 220 relative to the floor of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the shim stack 248 can be adjusted to match the height of the first seat 50a relative to the floor of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the first seat 50a can also support the support plate 220.

[0065] The propulsion device 226 may include a motor 214 configured to extend and retract a piston or shaft 254 secured to the seat platform 210. The shaft 254 and extension member 256 may extend through a through passage or hole formed in the backrest 52 of the first seat 50a. The propulsion device 226 may also include an optional counterweight 250 configured to offset the weight of the shaft 254 and / or the seat platform 210, and an optional seat interface member 252 configured to contact the second seat 50b.

[0066] With this arrangement, the seating platform 210 may be moved forward or rearward relative to the vehicle 10 by extension and / or retraction of the shaft 254, respectively.

[0067] Reference Figure 8 , the motion simulation device includes a seating platform 310, a frame 318, and a propulsion device 326. Optionally, the motion simulation device may include a slide assembly or track (not shown) located between and coupling the seating platform 310 and the frame 318.

[0068] In this example, the propulsion device 326 includes a motor 314 behind the first seat 50a, a pulley system 358 in front of the first seat 50a, and a strap or cable 360 ​​that couples the motor 314 to the seat platform 310 via the pulley system 358. With this arrangement, the seat platform 310 can be moved forward relative to the vehicle 10 by operating the motor 314 to pull the cable 360.

[0069] Reference Fig. 9 The motion simulation device includes a seat platform 410, a frame 418, a propulsion device 426 and a sliding assembly 434.

[0070] In this example, the seat platform 410 and the platform support plate 420 on the frame 418 extend through the hole in the backrest 52 of the first seat 50a. The sliding assembly 434 includes a plurality of rollers 462 located between the seat platform 410 and the platform support plate 420, which rollers 462 can be fixed to the seat platform 410 or the platform support plate 420. The propulsion device 426 includes a push rod 464, which is configured to push the seat platform 410 in a forward direction relative to the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the push rod 464 can be fixed to the seat platform 410 so that the push rod 464 can be pulled to move the seat platform 410 rearward relative to the vehicle 10. The push rod 464 can be manually operated or can be connected to a motor (not shown). In various embodiments, the push rod 464 can be omitted and the seat platform 410 can be moved forward toward the front 60 of the vehicle 10 and rearward toward the rear 62 of the vehicle 10, wherein the occupant's legs are used to pull the occupant forward or push the occupant rearward via interaction of the occupant's legs with the floor when in the seated position.

[0071] Now refer to Fig.10 And continue to refer to Figures 1 to 9 , the flowchart provides a flow chart of a method 500 performed by the system 100 for simulating vehicle braking, collision, or braking and collision, and collecting data related to the movement and / or position of the occupants during these simulated events, according to an exemplary embodiment. As can be understood from the present disclosure, the order of operations within the method 500 is not limited to the following. Fig.10 The steps are not performed in the order shown, but may be performed in one or more different orders when applicable and in accordance with the present disclosure. For convenience, reference will be made to Figure 1 Means of transportation 10 and Figures 2 to 6 However, the method 500 is not limited to the vehicle 10 or Figures 2 to 6 Instead, other means of transportation and / or other motion simulation equipment (including but not limited to Figures 7 to 9 motion simulation equipment).

[0072] In one example, method 500 may begin at 510. At 512, method 500 may include installing a motion simulation device in a vehicle such that its seat platform is located on or above a seat of the vehicle. At 514, method 500 may include positioning occupant 11 on seat platform 110 of the motion simulation device (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1 ). Figure 510 is presented). The occupant 11 can be in various seating positions, including various angles, locations, weight distributions, etc. The seat platform 110 can initially be positioned in the maximum rearward position, or positioned at any position between the maximum rearward position and the maximum forward position. In various embodiments, the occupant 11 can hold one or more objects of various sizes (e.g., phones, tablets, laptops, packages, wallets, etc.). The occupant 11 can be of various ages and / or have various heights, weights, body shapes, etc. In some embodiments, the occupant 11 can be an infant or child in an infant safety seat that is configured to be fixed to a vehicle seat or fixed to the seat platform 110 via a seat belt 112 similar to an infant safety seat. In some embodiments, the infant safety seat can be fixed to the first seat 50a, and the seat platform 110 can be located above the infant safety seat. In some embodiments, the occupant 11 can be a living person, while in other embodiments, the occupant 11 can be a replica of a human being (e.g., a crash test dummy). In various embodiments, the occupant 11 can be fixed to the seat platform 110 with a seat belt 112. In various embodiments, the occupant 11 , child safety seat, or infant safety seat may not be secured to the seat platform 110 .

[0073] At 516, the method 500 may include performing a deceleration simulation that includes shifting the seating platform 110 and the occupant 11 thereon forward relative to the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the seating platform 110 moves forward until the occupant 11 contacts a portion of the vehicle 10 that is forward of the first seat 50a (e.g., Figure 610 is presented). The seat platform 110 can move in a forward direction at various rates of speed. In various embodiments, the rate of speed of the seat platform 110 is slow enough to ensure or reduce the possibility of injury to the occupant 11. In this embodiment, the speed of the seat platform 110 causes the occupant 11 to move forward at a rate that is significantly slower than the speed at which the occupant 11 will move during an actual emergency braking and / or collision event in the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the rate of speed of the seat platform 110 is slow enough so that the occupant 11 is not propelled forward uncontrollably, that is, the force applied to the occupant 11 is small enough so that the occupant 11 can maintain control of its body movement and / or position throughout the simulated collision event. In such an embodiment, the occupant 11 can exaggerate the movement and / or mimic or act of their body to artificially produce carefully designed kinematic body movements that represent the kinematic body movements that may occur during an actual braking or collision event. For example, the deceleration simulation may include the occupant 11 slowly moving forward on the seat platform 110 until a portion of the occupant 11 (e.g., with their knees) contacts the vehicle 10, and during the seat platform movement, after the knee contact, or during both, the occupant 11 may lean forward to place their hands and head against the dashboard of the vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the deceleration simulation may also include moving the seat platform 110 and the occupant 11 backwards, such as in a manner generally opposite to the forward movement earlier in the deceleration simulation, near the end of the deceleration simulation. The backward movement may be achieved via a manually initiated movement or via the movement of the motor 114. In various embodiments, the occupant 11 may be displaced in the forward direction at a speed that enables the occupant 11 to move from his / her original seated position to the forward position within a duration of approximately 3 to 20 seconds. In various embodiments, the occupant 11 may then be displaced in the backward direction to a position similar to their original seated position within a duration of approximately 3 to 40 seconds. Generally speaking, these exemplary durations are slow enough to ensure that the occupant 11 will not be injured during the movement.

[0074] At 518, method 500 may include sensing the movement and / or position of occupant 11 during deceleration simulation with one or more sensors. In various embodiments, sensors for sensing occupant 11 may be located within vehicle 10 and / or outside vehicle 10. In various embodiments, the sensors may be or may include one or more of sensing devices 40a-40n of vehicle 10. For example, the sensors may include various cameras, radar sensors, etc.

[0075] At 520, method 500 may include generating and storing simulation input data including the sensed motion and / or position of the occupant 11 during and throughout the deceleration simulation as sensed and transmitted from the sensors. The simulation input data may be stored on the vehicle 10 (e.g., in the data storage device 32 or the storage device or medium 46) or remotely stored in a separate computing system. In some embodiments, the simulation input data may be segmented between signals received from sensors of the vehicle 10 and additional sensors used during the deceleration simulation. In some embodiments, the simulation input data may include the sensed motion and / or position of the occupant 11, the child safety seat (if used), or both during the deceleration simulation and simulated operational data (also referred to herein as artificial data) mapped to the deceleration simulation. For example, simulated input data may include, but is not limited to, utilizing the following operating parameters: simulated time-varying system activation signal detection, simulated time-varying seat occupancy, simulated time-varying vehicle longitudinal acceleration, simulated time-varying vehicle braking signal and / or level, simulated time-varying vehicle speed signal, simulated time-varying incoming object relative velocity signal, simulated time-varying seatbelt buckle signal, and sensed time-varying occupant landmark trajectories.

[0076] In order to use the simulated input data for braking, crash, or braking and crash event research and / or as an input to a system (such as an air bag suppression system), the method 500 may include modifying the simulated input data at 522 to better simulate actual emergency braking and / or crash events. For example, the simulated input data may be modified so that the motion and / or position of the occupant 11 moves at a speed that more closely matches the speed that may occur during an actual emergency braking and / or crash event under certain similar conditions (such as the occupant 11 is unrestrained (i.e., the seat belt is not buckled), certain seating positions, holding certain objects, etc.). In other words, the rate of speed of the sensed motion of the occupant 11 and / or the change in the position of the occupant 11 may be increased from a first sampling rate obtained during the deceleration simulation to a shorter second sampling rate that is more representative of real-time events associated with emergency braking and crash events. Similarly, any artificial data (e.g., related to the operation of the vehicle 10 during the deceleration simulation) may increase the rate of speed to the same extent as the sensed motion and / or position change of the occupant 11.

[0077] Reference Figures 11 to 13, various non-limiting methods for modifying simulated input data are presented. In these examples, a set of data points is provided, which includes a series of points each representing a sensed observable condition obtained at a specific corresponding time point and represents the time lapse between the sensed observable conditions, i.e., the sampling rate. For convenience, the simulated input data will be discussed with reference to a video recorded by a camera during a simulated collision event, where each point is a frame of the video. In these examples, the set of data points and / or the sampling rate of the simulated input data are modified to produce modified simulated input data, which has a time domain representing real-time events associated with actual emergency braking and / or collision events.

[0078] exist Fig.11 , a first set 610 of frames 616 having a first sampling rate and a duration 612a between each frame 616 is reprocessed to have a shorter duration 612b between each frame 616 to generate a second set 620 of frames 616 having a second sampling rate. For example, the frame rate of the first set 610 of frames 616 may be one frame every 100 milliseconds, and the frame rate of the second set 620 of frames 616 may be one frame every 10 milliseconds.

[0079] exist Fig.12 , the third set 710 of frames 714 and 716 having a third sampling rate is reprocessed to eliminate some frames 714 to generate a fourth set 720 of frames 716 having a fourth sampling rate. In this example, four of every five frames in the third set 710 of frames 714 and 716 are removed, and in this way the duration of the deceleration simulation is reduced. Optionally, the duration between each remaining frame 716 can be made longer or shorter than the original duration between frames 714 and 716 (i.e., the third sampling rate).

[0080] exist Fig.13 , the fifth set 810 of frames 816 having the fifth sampling rate is reprocessed to add additional frames 818 in response to preprogrammed conditions of simulated braking or crash simulation to generate a sixth set 820 of frames 816 / 818 at a sixth sampling rate. For example, in response to determining that a braking event is occurring or has occurred and / or in response to determining that the vehicle longitudinal acceleration has exceeded an acceleration threshold, the additional frames 818 may be added once it is determined that the occupant 11 has moved beyond a forward position threshold. These preprogrammed conditions may trigger one or more sensors (e.g., one or more sensors 40a-40n) to operate at a faster sampling rate, resulting in the additional frames 818. In various embodiments, the sixth sampling rate may be non-uniform and / or may have an increased sampling rate.

[0081] In various embodiments, Figures 11 to 13Two or more of the presented methods can be combined to modify simulation input data.

[0082] At 524, method 500 may include using the simulated input data to train and / or implement an algorithm for an air bag inhibition system for the vehicle 10. For example, the air bag inhibition system may compare the simulated input data with reference data corresponding to a preprogrammed air bag inhibition area 56 to determine whether to inhibit air bag deployment during an actual braking, collision, or braking and collision event based on whether the occupant 11 has physically passed through the air bag inhibition area 56. The algorithm may include various types of algorithms, machine learning techniques, etc., and may consider various parameters and criteria. Non-limiting examples of air bag inhibition systems and algorithms thereof are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 080,830 filed on December 14, 2022 by Thomas et al. and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 081,133 filed on December 14, 2022 by Thomas et al., both of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0083] The method 500 may be repeated, with one or more conditions being varied with each repetition, such as the initial position of the occupant 11, objects held by the occupant 11 or otherwise located within the vehicle 10, movement of the occupant 11 during the deceleration simulation, etc., to generate multiple data sets each associated with a possible braking, collision, or braking and collision event scenario. The modified conditions during each repetition may be attributed to one or more noise factors that may affect air bag inhibition / deployment functionality and / or safety. The multiple data sets may be stored in a database and used to train, validate, and / or implement algorithms associated with the vehicle 10. For example, Figures 14 to 18 The method 500 and the system 100 (in this example, using Figure 7 Various forward positions of the occupant 11 during the deceleration simulation generated by the motion simulation device). Fig.14 An unrestrained occupant 11 is shown leaning forward with his head contacting the instrument panel. Fig.15 The unrestrained occupant 11 is shown translating forward with the head and knees contacting the instrument panel. Fig.16 The unrestrained occupant 11 is shown translated forward with his knees contacting the dashboard and his hands braced on the dashboard. Fig.17 The belted occupant 11 is shown translated forward a short distance with an object on the occupant's knees contacting the instrument panel. Fig.18An unbelted sideways occupant 11 is shown translating forward so that his arms contact the instrument panel and his head contact the windshield. During all of the occupant's 11 movements to achieve these positions and return to a near-start position, the occupant 11 may, for example, lean, move their arms, move their legs, push against an object with their hands, etc., to simulate occupant movement during a braking, collision, or braking and collision event. In general, an algorithm may use these data sets to determine whether to deploy an air bag during an actual braking, collision, or braking and collision event. In one such embodiment, the algorithm may determine whether to deploy an air bag for a braking, collision, or braking and collision event. Fig.14 , Fig.15 and Fig.18 The airbag should be suppressed in the case of Fig.16 and Fig.17 The suppression or activation of the airbag may be based on the position of the occupant 11 relative to the airbag suppression area 56.

[0084] At 526 , method 500 may end.

[0085] In various embodiments, the braking and collision simulation system 100 may include a lower body motion device (not shown) similar to the simulation motion device, which is configured to be located on the floor of the vehicle 10 and used to support the feet of the occupant 11 during the deceleration simulation. A control method similar to the control method described herein with reference to the simulation motion device can be implemented to control the movement of the feet and / or lower body of the occupant 11 during the deceleration simulation. For example, the lower body motion device may include a foot support platform, a frame fixed to the vehicle, a slider assembly that connects the foot support platform to the frame and is configured to provide a slider assembly that displaces the foot support platform in a forward and / or rearward direction, and an optional propulsion device configured to push the foot support platform on the slider assembly. In various embodiments, the lower body motion device can be configured for free sliding motion, a push motion at a rate that matches the motion rate of the simulation motion device, or a push at a rate that is independent of the motion of the simulation motion device.

[0086] The system and method disclosed herein provide various benefits that are superior to certain existing systems and methods. For example, vehicle crash simulations often use artificial passengers as substitutes for human passengers. However, during vehicle crash simulations, artificial passengers may not always produce body movements and / or positions that accurately mimic the movements of actual human passengers. The system and method disclosed herein can solve this problem by allowing human passengers to use safely during deceleration simulations. For example, the system and method can allow human passengers to be located on a seat platform (e.g., seat platform 110, 210, 310 or 410), slide the seat platform and the passengers thereon toward the front of the vehicle during the deceleration simulation, optionally slide the seat platform and the passengers thereon toward the rear of the vehicle after the forward motion has stopped, sense the movement and / or position of the passengers during the deceleration simulation with one or more sensors, and generate simulation input data including the movement and / or position of the passengers sensed by one or more sensors during the deceleration simulation. In this manner, the systems and methods disclosed herein provide a vehicle braking, crash, or braking and crash simulation that produces body movements and / or positions of an occupant similar to body movements and / or positions that a human occupant may experience during an actual vehicle braking, crash, or braking and crash event. In various embodiments, the systems and methods may generate simulation input data that includes realistic human arm movements, realistic human lower torso movements, and / or realistic movements of an object held by a human during a deceleration simulation.

[0087] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a large number of variations. It should also be understood that an exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing detailed description will provide a convenient roadmap for implementing an exemplary embodiment or multiple exemplary embodiments for those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the attached claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a seat platform configured to be secured within a vehicle such that the seat platform is located on or above a seat of the vehicle, the seat platform configured to be controllably displaced relative to the seat in at least a forward direction toward a front of the vehicle while an occupant is seated on the seat platform during a deceleration simulation, the deceleration simulation comprising displacing the seat platform with the occupant seated thereon from an initial position toward the front of the vehicle; as well as One or more sensors are configured to collect sensor data indicative of spatial characteristics of the occupant during the deceleration simulation, wherein the one or more sensors include at least one sensor of the vehicle.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A computing system, configured to include one or more processors: receiving the sensor data from the one or more sensors; as well as generating simulated input data to include a plurality of data points indicative of motion or position of the occupant sensed by the one or more sensors at a first sampling rate; as well as modifying the analog input data to change the first sampling rate to a second sampling rate, wherein the second sampling rate has a time domain associated with a real-time vehicle braking event, a real-time collision event, or a real-time braking and collision event, wherein the analog input data is changed from the first sampling rate to the second sampling rate by: reducing a duration between at least some of the plurality of data points; eliminating some of the data points to reduce a duration of the deceleration simulation; eliminating some of the data points and reducing the duration between at least some of the remaining data points; or Additional data points are added in response to pre-programmed conditions.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a propulsion device configured to controllably displace the seating platform in at least one of the forward direction toward the front of the vehicle and the rearward direction toward the rear of the vehicle, wherein the propulsion device is configured to displace the seating platform at a sufficiently slow rate during the deceleration simulation that the occupants remain uninjured.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a frame configured to be secured within the vehicle in a fixed position; as well as A slider assembly couples the seating platform to the frame.

5. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: A contact sensor or force sensor is located within the vehicle and toward the front of the vehicle relative to the seat, wherein the contact sensor or force sensor is configured to stop displacement of the seat platform in the forward direction in response to sensing contact with the seat platform or a force applied to the seat platform exceeding a threshold.

6. A method comprising: initiating a deceleration simulation, the deceleration simulation comprising displacing a seat platform secured within a vehicle and having a motion simulation device for an occupant mounted thereon from an initial position in a forward direction toward a front of the vehicle, wherein the seat platform is located on or above a seat of the vehicle; Sensor data indicative of a spatial characteristic of the occupant is sensed by one or more sensors during the deceleration simulation, wherein at least one of the one or more sensors is a sensor of the vehicle.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: obtaining, by a computing system including one or more processors, the sensor data from the one or more sensors; as well as generating, by the computing system having the one or more processors, simulated input data based on the sensor data, wherein the simulated input data comprises a plurality of data points indicative of motion or position of the occupant sensed by the one or more sensors at a first sampling rate; and modifying, by the computing system having the one or more processors, the simulated input data to change the first sampling rate to a second sampling rate, wherein the second sampling rate has a time domain associated with a real-time vehicle braking event, a real-time vehicle crash event, or a real-time vehicle braking and crash event, wherein modifying the simulated input data is performed by: reducing a duration between at least some of the data points; eliminating some of the data points to reduce a duration of the deceleration simulation; eliminating some of the data points and reducing the duration between at least some of the remaining data points; or Additional data points are added in response to pre-programmed conditions.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: The simulated input data is used to train, validate and / or implement an algorithm for an air bag restraint system.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Displacing the seating platform with the occupant positioned thereon is performed by operating a propulsion device of the motion simulation device, wherein displacing the seating platform of the motion simulation device is performed at a sufficiently slow rate that the occupant remains uninjured.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The simulation input data also includes one or more simulated operating parameters mapped to displacement of the seating platform over time.

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