Airbag control method, computer program product, vehicle controller, and vehicle

Abstract

The application provides an airbag control method, a computer program product, a vehicle controller and a vehicle. The airbag control method can obtain body feature information of a user at a target seat in a vehicle and running condition information of the vehicle, and generate a first control instruction for an airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user according to the body feature information of the user and the running condition information of the vehicle, so as to control an airbag adjusting device to operate according to the first control instruction and adjust a target size of the airbag when the airbag is deployed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle control technology, and in particular to an airbag control method, a computer program product, a vehicle controller, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of science and technology and the increasing safety awareness of users, airbags have become a basic safety device required for automobiles. By rapidly inflating airbags during a collision, they form a buffer barrier, effectively reducing the severity of injuries to occupants caused by inertial impacts against hard objects inside the vehicle (such as the steering wheel and dashboard). However, because the size of a deployed airbag is usually fixed, it is generally suitable for providing good protection for occupants of standard build and in a standard seating position, but it often cannot flexibly meet the safety protection needs of different occupants, thus affecting the effectiveness of airbag protection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the present invention provides an airbag control method, a computer program product, a vehicle controller, and a vehicle. By using this airbag control method, the target size of the airbag when it deploys can be adjusted by combining the user's body feature information and the vehicle's operating information, thereby providing a personalized airbag protection solution for the occupants of the vehicle and improving the safety protection effect of the airbag for the occupants.

[0004] On one hand, the present invention provides an airbag control method, the method comprising:

[0005] Obtain the body shape information of the user at the target seat inside the vehicle;

[0006] Obtain the vehicle's operating status information;

[0007] Based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information, a first control command is generated for the airbag at the vehicle location to protect the user; wherein, the first control command is used to control the operation of the airbag adjustment device to adjust the target size presented when the airbag deploys.

[0008] Furthermore, in some embodiments, obtaining the body feature information of the user at the target seat inside the vehicle includes:

[0009] The user's body shape information is obtained from the vehicle's intelligent driving control unit; wherein, the body shape information is generated by the intelligent driving control unit based on at least one of the occupant monitoring results from the occupant monitoring system and the seat monitoring results from the seat monitoring system; or...

[0010] Obtain occupant monitoring result information from the occupant monitoring system, and / or obtain seat monitoring result information from the seat monitoring system;

[0011] Based on at least one of the occupant monitoring results and the seat monitoring results, the user's body shape information is generated; or...

[0012] Acquire in-vehicle image data collected by the image acquisition device mounted on the vehicle, and / or acquire sensor data collected by the preset sensor mounted on the target seat;

[0013] The user's body shape information is generated based on at least one of the in-vehicle image data and the sensor data.

[0014] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sensor data includes at least one of the following: position data of the target seat at the seat rail, seat back tilt angle data, seat cushion tilt angle data, pressure data applied to the seat cushion, and seat belt usage data.

[0015] Furthermore, in some embodiments, obtaining the vehicle's operating status information includes:

[0016] Obtain collision risk prediction information of the vehicle from the vehicle's advanced driver assistance system; and / or,

[0017] Obtain the vehicle's speed information; and / or,

[0018] Obtain the operating status information of the vehicle's preset braking function.

[0019] Furthermore, in some embodiments, generating a first control command for the airbag at the vehicle location to protect the user, based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information, includes:

[0020] Based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information, determine the target length of the airbag strap used to adjust the target size presented when the airbag deploys;

[0021] Based on the target length of the airbag strap, a first control command is generated for the airbag adjustment device; wherein, the first control command is used to control the operation of the airbag adjustment device so that the length of the airbag strap when the airbag deploys is the target length;

[0022] One end of the airbag strap is connected to the airbag body of the airbag, and the other end of the airbag strap is connected to the airbag adjustment device. The target length of the airbag strap is positively correlated with the target size of the airbag when it is deployed.

[0023] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the airbag adjustment device includes: an airbag strap retractor;

[0024] The airbag strap retractor includes: a first motor; a first rotating shaft that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap under the drive of the first motor; a second motor; and a second rotating shaft that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap under the drive of the second motor.

[0025] Wherein, the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one end of the airbag strap, and the airbag strap wound at the first rotating shaft is not allowed to be released when the airbag deploys;

[0026] The second pivot is provided with a fixing rod for fixing the middle position of the airbag strap. The second pivot is slidably connected to the middle position of the airbag strap through the fixing rod, and the airbag strap wound at the second pivot is allowed to be released when the airbag deploys.

[0027] The generation of a first control command for the airbag adjustment device based on the target length of the airbag strap includes:

[0028] Based on the target length of the airbag strap, a first control command is generated for the airbag strap retractor.

[0029] The airbag strap retractor is used to control the second motor to drive the second rotating shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap when the first control command instructs the reduction of the length of the airbag strap, and to control the first motor to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap; or

[0030] The airbag strap retractor is used to control the first motor to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap when the first control command instructs to increase the length of the airbag strap, and to control the second motor to drive the second rotating shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap.

[0031] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the user's body shape information is used to reflect at least one of the user's gender, body size, and pose information;

[0032] The vehicle's operational information is used to reflect at least one of the target obstacle information that poses a collision risk to the vehicle and the vehicle's driving speed information.

[0033] Wherein, the user's body size, the distance between the user and the airbag reflected by the user's posture information, the driving speed information, and the collision risk level corresponding to the target obstacle information are all positively correlated with the target length of the airbag strap; and / or,

[0034] The target length corresponding to the user's gender being male is greater than the target length corresponding to the user's gender being female; and / or,

[0035] The target length when the target seat is a passenger seat is greater than the target length when the target seat is a driver seat.

[0036] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the above method further includes:

[0037] Based on the user's physical characteristics and the vehicle's operating status, determine whether it is permissible to deploy the vehicle's airbags used to protect the user, and obtain a determination result.

[0038] If the determination result indicates that the deployment of the airbag used to protect the user in the vehicle is not allowed, a second control command is generated to prevent the deployment of the airbag.

[0039] The generation of the first control command for the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user specifically includes:

[0040] If the determination result indicates that the airbag in the vehicle for protecting the user is allowed to deploy, then a first control command for the airbag is generated.

[0041] Furthermore, in some embodiments, after determining whether to allow the deployment of the vehicle's airbag for protecting the user, the process further includes:

[0042] If the determination result indicates that the deployment of the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user is permitted, then a third control command for the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user is generated based on at least one of the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information; wherein, the third control command is used to control at least one of the airbag deployment time and the air deflation time.

[0043] On the other hand, the present invention also provides an airbag adjustment device, the airbag adjustment device comprising: a housing, and an airbag strap retractor disposed within the housing and capable of communicating with an airbag electronic control unit;

[0044] The airbag strap retractor is connected to one end of the airbag strap, and the other end of the airbag strap is connected to the airbag body of the safety airbag used to protect the user at the vehicle.

[0045] The airbag strap retractor is used to adjust the target length of the airbag strap by performing a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap after receiving a first control command from the airbag electronic control unit, thereby adjusting the target size of the airbag when it deploys.

[0046] The first control command is a control command for the airbag generated by the airbag electronic control unit according to the above-described airbag control method.

[0047] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the airbag strap retractor includes: a first motor, a first rotating shaft that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap under the drive of the first motor, a second motor, and a second rotating shaft that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap under the drive of the second motor.

[0048] Wherein, the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one end of the airbag strap, and the airbag strap wound at the first rotating shaft is not allowed to be released when the airbag deploys;

[0049] The second pivot is provided with a fixing rod for fixing the middle position of the airbag strap. The second pivot is slidably connected to the middle position of the airbag strap through the fixing rod, and the airbag strap wound at the second pivot is allowed to be released when the airbag deploys.

[0050] If the first control command instructs to control the reduction of the length of the airbag strap, the airbag strap retractor is used to control the second motor to drive the second shaft to perform a release action for the airbag strap, and to control the first motor to drive the first shaft to perform a winding action for the airbag strap.

[0051] If the first control command instructs to increase the length of the airbag strap, the airbag strap retractor controls the first motor to drive the first shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap, and controls the second motor to drive the second shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the airbag strap retractor further includes an electromagnetic ratchet mechanism;

[0053] The electromagnetic ratchet mechanism includes: a ratchet connected to the first rotating shaft, and a pawl;

[0054] The airbag strap retractor is specifically used to, upon receiving the first control command, control the ratchet and pawl of the electromagnetic ratchet mechanism to be in a disengaged state, thereby controlling the first motor to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a winding or releasing operation for the airbag strap, and, after driving the first rotating shaft to complete the winding or releasing operation for the airbag strap, control the ratchet and pawl to be in a locked state to prevent the first rotating shaft from rotating.

[0055] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed, implements the steps of the above-described method.

[0056] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a vehicle controller, comprising: a processor and a memory; wherein the memory stores computer-readable instructions adapted to be loaded by the processor and executed as described above.

[0057] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a vehicle including an airbag adjustment device as described above or a vehicle controller as described above.

[0058] According to the airbag control method provided by the present invention, the body shape information of a user at a target seat in a vehicle and the vehicle's operating status information can be obtained. Based on the body shape information of the user and the operating status information of the vehicle, a first control command for the airbag in the vehicle to protect the user can be generated. The first control command controls the operation of the airbag adjustment device to adjust the target size presented when the airbag deploys. This provides a personalized airbag protection solution for the occupants of the vehicle, which helps to improve the protective performance of the airbag for the occupants, thereby improving the safety of the occupants and the user experience.

[0059] It should be understood that the description in the Summary of the Invention is not intended to limit the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to restrict the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0060] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating an airbag control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an airbag adjustment device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle controller provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0063] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0064] In the description of one or more embodiments of the present invention, the term "comprising" and similar terms should be understood as open-ended inclusion, i.e., "including but not limited to". The term "based on" should be understood as "at least partially based on". The term "one embodiment" or "the embodiment" should be understood as "at least one embodiment". The terms "first", "second", etc., may refer to different or the same objects. Other explicit and implicit definitions may also be included below.

[0065] The size of an airbag when it deploys is crucial to the safety of occupants. Therefore, when designing airbags, manufacturers typically conduct crash tests and software simulations on users with standard body types and sitting positions. By combining a large amount of test data, they design a fixed size for the airbag to deploy, so that the fixed-size airbag can effectively protect occupants in the event of a collision.

[0066] However, the size of a single airbag when deployed is usually fixed. While it provides good protection for occupants of standard build and in a standard seating position, it may be too large or too small for occupants of non-standard build and in a non-standard seating position. When an airbag is too large, it may exert a greater impact force during deployment and inflation, potentially causing internal injuries. Conversely, when an airbag is too small, it may not effectively protect occupants in a collision, exposing a large portion of their body to direct impact and increasing the risk of injury. Therefore, how to control airbags to flexibly meet the safety needs of different occupants and improve their protective effect has become a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0067] Based on this, the present invention proposes an airbag control method. This method can acquire the body feature information of a user at a target seat in a vehicle and the vehicle's operating status information. Based on the user's body feature information and the vehicle's operating status information, a first control command is generated for the airbag in the vehicle to protect the user. The first control command controls the operation of the airbag adjustment device to adjust the target size of the airbag when it deploys. This provides a personalized airbag protection solution for the occupants, which helps to improve the protective performance of the airbag for the occupants, thereby enhancing the safety of the occupants and the user experience.

[0068] Please see Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an airbag control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. From a programming perspective, the executor of this process can be a program installed in the vehicle control device or the vehicle for managing airbags. Alternatively, the executor can also be the vehicle control device or the vehicle, or other devices capable of communicating with the vehicle control device or the vehicle; no specific limitation is made in this regard.

[0069] The following is about Figure 1 The process shown is described in detail. The airbag control method may specifically include the following steps:

[0070] Step S102: Obtain the body feature information of the user at the target seat inside the vehicle.

[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the target seat in the vehicle may include a seat equipped with corresponding airbags to provide safety protection for the occupant in the event of a collision. In practical applications, the target seat can be of various types depending on its function and location. For example, the target seat may include: the driver's seat or the passenger seat for other passengers; and it may include both the front and rear seats of the vehicle, without specific limitation.

[0072] In this embodiment of the specification, in order to provide personalized airbag protection solutions for drivers and passengers, the body shape information of the user sitting in the target seat can be obtained. In practical applications, the body shape information may include: the user's gender, age (e.g., elderly, young adult, child), body type, and posture while sitting in the target seat (e.g., upright sitting posture, reclining sitting posture, forward-leaning sitting posture, side-leaning sitting posture, etc.; or, the distance between the target seat and the front dashboard, front seats, etc.), and is not specifically limited thereto.

[0073] Step S104: Obtain the vehicle's operating status information.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, since the vehicle's operational status information is closely related to the collision risk faced by the occupants, and the collision risk faced by the occupants is related to the deployment of the airbags, the current operational status information of the vehicle can be obtained to ensure effective control of the airbag deployment. In practical applications, the vehicle's operational status information may include: the predicted collision risk currently faced by the vehicle, vehicle driving status information (e.g., driving speed), acceleration and deceleration, and the working status of the preset braking function; in addition, it may also include the working status of the vehicle's anti-lock braking system, the electronic stability control status, and surrounding road condition information, etc., without specific limitations.

[0075] Step S106: Based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information, generate a first control command for the airbag at the vehicle location to protect the user; wherein, the first control command is used to control the operation of the airbag adjustment device to adjust the target size presented when the airbag deploys.

[0076] In this embodiment of the invention, in addition to the airbag for protecting the user seated in the target seat, the vehicle may also be equipped with an airbag adjustment device capable of adjusting the target size of the airbag when it deploys. Since the hardware structure and working principle of the airbag adjustment device will be explained in detail later, they will not be elaborated here. The type of airbag for protecting the user seated in the target seat can be various, such as driver's airbag, passenger airbag, side airbag, curtain airbag, knee airbag, etc., and is not specifically limited thereto.

[0077] In this embodiment of the invention, the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating information can be analyzed to determine the target size of the airbag after deployment when it effectively protects occupants who meet the aforementioned body shape information under the current vehicle operating conditions. Then, a first control command can be generated and sent to the airbag adjustment device to adjust the size of the airbag after deployment until the airbag reaches the target size. This provides a personalized airbag protection solution for occupants, improving the protective performance of the airbag and enhancing occupant safety and user experience.

[0078] In one feasible implementation, obtaining the body feature information of the user at the target seat inside the vehicle may include:

[0079] The user's body shape information is obtained from the vehicle's intelligent driving control unit; wherein, the body shape information is generated by the intelligent driving control unit based on at least one of the occupant monitoring results from the occupant monitoring system and the seat monitoring results from the seat monitoring system. Alternatively,

[0080] Obtain occupant monitoring results from the occupant monitoring system, and / or obtain seat monitoring results from the seat monitoring system.

[0081] Based on at least one of the occupant monitoring results and the seat monitoring results, the user's body shape information is generated. Alternatively,

[0082] Acquire in-vehicle image data collected by the image acquisition device mounted on the vehicle, and / or acquire sensor data collected by the preset sensor mounted on the target seat.

[0083] The user's body shape information is generated based on at least one of the in-vehicle image data and the sensor data.

[0084] In this embodiment of the invention, the occupant monitoring system can refer to an in-vehicle system capable of real-time detection, classification, and dynamic tracking of occupants within the vehicle. In practical applications, the occupant monitoring system may include: a driver monitoring system (DMS) that primarily monitors the driver's state and behavior through cameras and sensors, and an occupancy monitoring system (OMS) that primarily monitors the front passenger and rear passengers through cameras and sensors; no specific limitation is made thereto.

[0085] In this embodiment of the invention, the occupant monitoring result information at the occupant monitoring system may include: the gender, age, body type, sitting posture information of the driver and passengers, seat belt usage status information, child seat usage information, etc., without specific limitations.

[0086] In this embodiment of the invention, the seat monitoring system can refer to an in-vehicle system capable of detecting the position and posture of vehicle seats, seat occupancy, and seat belt usage status. In practical applications, the seat monitoring results information from the seat monitoring system may include data such as the target seat's position on the seat rail, seat back tilt angle, seat cushion tilt angle, pressure applied to the seat cushion, and seat belt usage status, without specific limitations.

[0087] In this embodiment of the invention, the Intelligent Driving Module Control Unit (IDMU) typically possesses the ability to efficiently analyze and process data and stably transmit data, contributing to improved safety, reliability, and efficiency in the intelligent driving process of vehicles. It is a key infrastructure for realizing intelligent driving technology. Based on this, the IMU can comprehensively analyze the occupant monitoring results from the occupant monitoring system and the seat monitoring results from the seat monitoring system to efficiently generate accurate and comprehensive body feature information of the user at the target seat. This, in turn, enables... Figure 1 The executor of the method (e.g., the airbag electronic control unit or other vehicle controller) can obtain the user's body shape information from the intelligent driving control unit.

[0088] or, Figure 1 The implementing entity of the Chinese method can also obtain occupant monitoring results from the occupant monitoring system and seat monitoring results from the seat monitoring system. Subsequently, it can directly extract the required user body feature information from the occupant monitoring results and seat monitoring results. Alternatively, it can perform fusion analysis on the occupant monitoring results and seat monitoring results to obtain the user body feature information; there are no specific limitations on this.

[0089] certainly, Figure 1 The executing entity of the method can also acquire in-vehicle image data collected by the image acquisition device, as well as sensor data collected by the preset sensor mounted on the target seat, thereby automatically performing fusion analysis and processing on the in-vehicle image data and the sensor data to generate the user's body feature information, which is highly flexible.

[0090] The sensor data may include at least one of the following: the position data of the target seat at the seat rail, the seat back tilt angle data, the seat cushion tilt angle data, the pressure data applied to the seat cushion, and the seat belt usage data, without being specifically limited thereto.

[0091] In practical applications, the target seat can slide along the seat rail to adjust the distance between the user and the vehicle's dashboard or front seats equipped with airbags. Therefore, the position data of the target seat at the seat rail can reflect the distance between the user and the airbag. The seat back tilt angle data and the seat cushion tilt angle data can reflect whether the user's current sitting posture is upright, so as to identify whether the airbag can effectively protect the user. The seat belt usage data can reflect whether the user sitting in the target seat is using a seat belt, so as to identify the possible collision between the user and the airbag in the event of a vehicle collision.

[0092] In one feasible implementation, obtaining the vehicle's operating status information may include:

[0093] Obtain collision risk prediction information for the vehicle from the vehicle's advanced driver assistance system. And / or,

[0094] Obtain the vehicle's speed information. And / or,

[0095] Obtain the operating status information of the vehicle's preset braking function.

[0096] In this embodiment of the invention, an Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS) can refer to the use of various sensors (millimeter-wave radar, lidar, monocular / dual-lens cameras, and satellite navigation) installed on the vehicle to sense the surrounding environment at any time during vehicle operation. Based on the collected data, it can identify, detect, and track static and dynamic objects, and combine the data with navigation map data for system calculation and analysis, thereby identifying potential dangers during vehicle operation in advance and effectively increasing the comfort and safety of driving.

[0097] Since the degree of collision risk currently faced by a vehicle directly affects the deployment effectiveness of airbags, collision risk prediction information can be obtained from the vehicle's advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) as information on the vehicle's operational status. Specifically, the collision risk prediction information may reflect: the type of obstacle that may collide with the vehicle (e.g., pedestrians, vehicles, buildings), the predicted time of collision with the obstacle, and the relative speed between the vehicle and the obstacle, etc., without specific limitations.

[0098] In this embodiment of the invention, the vehicle's speed and whether the braking function is activated both affect the deployment effect of the airbags in providing effective safety protection for the user. Therefore, vehicle speed information and the operating status information of preset braking functions can be obtained as vehicle operating status information. The preset braking function may include: Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), or braking functions activated by the user pressing the brake pedal or releasing the accelerator pedal, etc., without specific limitations.

[0099] In one feasible implementation, generating a first control command for the airbag at the vehicle location to protect the user, based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information, may include:

[0100] Based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information, the target length of the airbag strap, used to adjust the target size presented when the airbag deploys, is determined.

[0101] Based on the target length of the airbag strap, a first control command is generated for the airbag adjustment device; wherein, the first control command is used to control the operation of the airbag adjustment device so that the length of the airbag strap when the airbag deploys is the target length.

[0102] One end of the airbag strap is connected to the airbag body of the airbag, and the other end of the airbag strap is connected to the airbag adjustment device. The target length of the airbag strap is positively correlated with the target size of the airbag when it is deployed.

[0103] In this embodiment of the invention, the airbag for protecting the user may include: an airbag body, an airbag strap, and an air supply device. The air supply device inflates the airbag body upon a vehicle collision, causing it to expand and deploy, thereby reducing the impact force on the user upon contact with the airbag body. One end of the airbag strap can be fixedly connected to an airbag adjustment device, and the other end can be connected to the inner / outer surface of the top skin or the inner / outer surface of the side skin of the airbag body. Therefore, when the length of the airbag strap is short, the deployed airbag size can be smaller due to the tension of the strap; conversely, when the length of the airbag strap is long, the deployed airbag size can be larger. It is understood that the length of the airbag strap and the deployed airbag size can be positively correlated.

[0104] Based on this Figure 1The executing entity of the method can determine the target length of the airbag strap corresponding to the target size presented when the airbag deploys, based on the body feature information of the user at the target seat and the vehicle's operating status information. Then, based on the target length of the airbag strap, a first control command is generated for the airbag adjustment device; this allows the airbag adjustment device to operate in response to the first control command, thereby controlling the length of the airbag strap to be the target length when the airbag deploys, which is convenient and quick.

[0105] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an airbag adjustment device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; for ease of understanding, it is combined with... Figure 2 The content explains the structure and working principle of the airbag adjustment device.

[0106] Specifically, in one feasible implementation, the airbag adjustment device may include: an airbag strap retractor.

[0107] The airbag strap retractor may include: a first motor 201, a first rotating shaft 202 that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap 203 under the drive of the first motor 201, a second motor 204, and a second rotating shaft 205 that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap 203 under the drive of the second motor 204.

[0108] The first rotating shaft 202 can be fixedly connected to one end of the airbag strap 203, and the airbag strap 203 wound around the first rotating shaft 202 can be prevented from being released when the airbag deploys. Therefore, the greater the length of the airbag strap 203 wound around the first rotating shaft 202, the shorter the target length of the airbag strap can be when the airbag deploys, and thus the smaller the target size of the airbag when it deploys.

[0109] A fixing rod 206 for securing the middle position of the airbag strap 203 can be provided at the second rotating shaft 205. The second rotating shaft 205 can be slidably connected to the middle position of the airbag strap 203 through the fixing rod 206, and the airbag strap 203 wound at the second rotating shaft 205 can be released when the airbag deploys. In practical applications, a cavity can be formed between the fixing rod 206 and the second rotating shaft 205, allowing the airbag strap 203 to pass through the cavity and be slidably connected to the second rotating shaft 205. When the second rotating shaft 205 rotates, the airbag straps 203 on both sides of the cavity can be wound in parallel around the second rotating shaft 205 to keep the airbag strap 203 between the second rotating shaft 205 and the first rotating shaft 202 in a relatively taut state, which helps to prevent the airbag strap 203 from loosening. This helps to ensure that the airbag can deploy normally and stably, thereby improving the safety protection effect of the airbag for the user.

[0110] In practical applications, when the airbag deploys, the first motor 201 usually does not need to work to avoid releasing the airbag strap 203 wound around the first shaft 202; while the second motor 204 usually needs to work to drive the second shaft 205 to release the airbag strap 203 it is wound around, so that the maximum length of the airbag strap 203 can reach the target length mentioned above, so as to accurately control the target size when the airbag deploys.

[0111] Understandably, the other end of the airbag strap 203 can be connected to the airbag, however Figure 2 The image is not shown in the image, so we will not elaborate on it further.

[0112] In one feasible implementation, generating a first control command for the airbag adjustment device based on the target length of the airbag strap may include:

[0113] Based on the target length of the airbag strap, a first control command is generated for the airbag strap retractor.

[0114] The airbag strap retractor is used to control the second motor to drive the second rotating shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap when the first control command instructs to reduce the length of the airbag strap, and to control the first motor to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap.

[0115] The airbag strap retractor is used to control the first motor to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap when the first control command instructs to increase the length of the airbag strap, and to control the second motor to drive the second rotating shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap.

[0116] In this embodiment of the invention, a first control command for the airbag retractor can be generated based on the difference between the current length and the target length of the airbag strap. For example, when the target length of the airbag strap is less than the current length, the first control command can instruct the length of the airbag strap to be reduced. In this case, a first motor needs to drive a first rotating shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap, thereby increasing the length of the airbag strap wound by the first rotating shaft. Simultaneously, a second motor needs to drive a second rotating shaft to perform a releasing action on the airbag strap, thereby releasing the airbag strap that the first rotating shaft needs to wind. Therefore, the first control command may specifically include corresponding drive control signals for the first and second motors, which will not be elaborated further.

[0117] Based on the same principle, when the target length of the airbag strap is greater than the current length, the first control command can instruct the length of the airbag strap to be increased. At this time, the first motor needs to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap, thereby reducing the length of the airbag strap wound around the first rotating shaft. Simultaneously, the second motor needs to drive the second rotating shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap, thereby retracting the airbag strap released by the first rotating shaft. Therefore, the first control command may specifically include corresponding drive control signals for the first and second motors, which will not be elaborated further.

[0118] In one feasible implementation, the user's body shape information can be used to reflect at least one of the user's gender, body size, and posture information; while the vehicle's operating status information can be used to reflect at least one of the target obstacle information that poses a collision risk to the vehicle and the vehicle's driving speed information.

[0119] Specifically, the user's body size, the distance between the user and the airbag reflected by the user's posture information, the driving speed information, and the collision risk level corresponding to the target obstacle information can all be positively correlated with the target length of the airbag strap. This allows users with larger body sizes, greater distances from the airbag, higher vehicle speeds, and higher collision risk levels corresponding to the target obstacle to use larger deployed airbags, effectively reducing the impact force on the user and improving the protective effect of the airbag.

[0120] Since male users have greater inertia than female users during a vehicle collision, the target length corresponding to the user's gender can be greater than the target length corresponding to the user's gender; this allows male users to use airbags with a larger deployment size, thereby improving the protective effect of the airbags.

[0121] Because there is a steering wheel in front of the driver, the target length when the target seat is an occupant seat can be greater than the target length when the target seat is a driver seat. This allows the driver to use a smaller-sized airbag, thus improving the protective effect of the airbag.

[0122] In one feasible implementation method, Figure 1 The methods may also include:

[0123] Based on the user's physical characteristics and the vehicle's operating status, a determination is made as to whether the airbags used to protect the user in the vehicle can be deployed, and a determination result is obtained.

[0124] If the determination result indicates that the deployment of the airbags used to protect the user in the vehicle is not allowed, a second control command is generated to prevent the deployment of the airbags.

[0125] Correspondingly, generating the first control command for the airbag at the vehicle location to protect the user may specifically include:

[0126] If the determination result indicates that the airbag in the vehicle for protecting the user is allowed to deploy, then a first control command for the airbag is generated.

[0127] In this embodiment of the invention, although airbags are an important component of automotive safety systems, they are not suitable for all users or situations. For example, for children in the front seats or using rear-facing child seats, the impact force of an airbag deployment may cause serious injury, making it unsuitable to deploy an airbag to protect their safety. Alternatively, for pregnant women or users who are not in a correct sitting posture, airbag deployment may impact their bodies, potentially posing a safety hazard.

[0128] Based on this, a decision can be made regarding whether to allow the deployment of the airbags protecting the user, based on the user's body shape information and vehicle operating status information. If the airbag deployment is not allowed, a second control command can be generated to prevent its deployment, ensuring that the airbag will not deploy even in the event of a collision, thus reducing the safety risks posed by the airbag. Conversely, if the airbag deployment is allowed, a first control command can be generated to adjust the target size of the airbag during deployment, providing a personalized airbag protection plan for the vehicle's occupants and improving the airbag's protective performance.

[0129] In one feasible implementation, after determining whether the deployment of the vehicle's airbag for protecting the user is permitted, and obtaining the determination result, the process may further include:

[0130] If the determination result indicates that the deployment of the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user is permitted, then a third control command for the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user is generated based on at least one of the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information; wherein, the third control command is used to control at least one of the airbag deployment time and the air deflation time.

[0131] In this embodiment of the invention, the airbag vent is a crucial design element ensuring timely decompression of the airbag after a collision. Rapid inflation and deflation of the airbag after a collision reduces the recoil force on the occupants, thereby lowering the potential risk of injury. Therefore, proper control of airbag deflation can improve its protective effect. Furthermore, airbag deployment that is too early or too late typically affects its safety. Based on this, a third control command can be generated for the airbag at the vehicle location to protect the occupants, based on the user's body shape and vehicle operating information, to accurately control the airbag's deployment and deflation time. This provides a personalized airbag protection solution for vehicle occupants, further enhancing the airbag's protective performance and improving occupant safety and user experience.

[0132] Please see Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an airbag adjustment device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the airbag adjustment device may include: a housing ( Figure 2 (Not shown), and an airbag strap retractor disposed within the housing, capable of communicating with the airbag electronic control unit. The housing can be fixed around or inside the airbag in the vehicle, thereby improving the ease of adjusting the length of the airbag strap. The airbag electronic control unit can be... Figure 1 The implementing body of the Chinese method will not be elaborated upon here.

[0133] The airbag retractor can be connected to one end of the airbag strap, and the other end of the airbag strap can be connected to the airbag body of the safety airbag used to protect the user at the vehicle.

[0134] Furthermore, the airbag strap retractor can be used to adjust the target length of the airbag strap by performing a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap after receiving a first control command sent by the airbag electronic control unit, thereby adjusting the target size of the airbag when it deploys.

[0135] The first control command may be a control command for the airbag generated by the airbag electronic control unit according to the above-described airbag control method.

[0136] In one feasible implementation, the airbag strap retractor may include: a first motor 201, a first rotating shaft 202 that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap 203 under the drive of the first motor 201, a second motor 204, and a second rotating shaft 205 that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap 203 under the drive of the second motor 204.

[0137] The first rotating shaft 202 is fixedly connected to one end of the airbag strap 203, and the airbag strap 203 wound around the first rotating shaft 202 is not allowed to be released when the airbag deploys.

[0138] A fixing rod 206 is provided at the second pivot 205 to fix the middle position of the airbag strap 203. The second pivot 205 is slidably connected to the middle position of the airbag strap 203 through the fixing rod 206, and the airbag strap 203 wound at the second pivot 205 is allowed to be released when the airbag deploys.

[0139] If the first control command instructs to reduce the length of the airbag strap, the airbag strap retractor can be used to control the second motor 204 to drive the second rotating shaft 205 to perform a release action on the airbag strap 203, and to control the first motor 201 to drive the first rotating shaft 202 to perform a winding action on the airbag strap 203.

[0140] If the first control command instructs to increase the length of the airbag strap, the airbag strap retractor can be used to control the first motor 201 to drive the first rotating shaft 202 to perform a release action on the airbag strap 203, and to control the second motor 204 to drive the second rotating shaft 205 to perform a winding action on the airbag strap 203.

[0141] Since the working principle of the airbag retractor has been explained in detail in the foregoing embodiments, it will not be repeated here.

[0142] In one feasible implementation, the airbag retractor may further include an electromagnetic ratchet mechanism. The electromagnetic ratchet mechanism may include a ratchet 207 connected to the first rotating shaft 202, and a pawl 208.

[0143] Specifically, the airbag strap retractor can be used to, upon receiving the first control command, control the ratchet 207 and the pawl 208 of the electromagnetic ratchet mechanism to be in a disengaged state, thereby controlling the first motor 201 to drive the first rotating shaft 202 to perform a winding or releasing operation on the airbag strap 203. After driving the first rotating shaft 202 to complete the winding or releasing operation on the airbag strap 203, control the ratchet 207 and the pawl 208 to be in a locked state to prevent the first rotating shaft 202 from rotating, which is beneficial for accurately and reliably controlling the length of the airbag strap 203.

[0144] In practical applications, a protective cover may also be provided at the first rotating shaft 202 or the second rotating shaft 205 to prevent the airbag strap 203 wrapped around the first rotating shaft 202 or the second rotating shaft 205 from being squeezed or collided with the shell or other devices, thereby effectively ensuring the sequential process of adjusting the length of the airbag strap 203, which in turn helps to ensure the safety protection effect of the airbag.

[0145] The present invention also provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed, implements the airbag control method as described in the above embodiments. The specific execution process can be found in the detailed descriptions in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0146] In one embodiment, the present invention also provides Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the vehicle controller. Figure 3 At the hardware level, the vehicle controller may include a processor 31 and a memory 35, and may also include an internal bus 32, a network interface 33, a memory 34, and other hardware required for business operations. The vehicle controller can be installed in the vehicle. The processor 31 can read corresponding computer-readable instructions from the memory 35 into memory and then execute them to implement the aforementioned airbag control method. For the specific execution process, please refer to the detailed descriptions in the above embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0147] The present invention also provides a vehicle that may include the above-described airbag adjustment device or the above-described vehicle controller. The structure and working principle of the airbag adjustment device and the vehicle controller can be found in the specific descriptions of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0148] Finally, the various embodiments in this invention are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for embodiments such as computer program products, vehicle controllers, and vehicles, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method embodiments.

[0149] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An airbag control method, comprising: Obtain the body shape information of the user at the target seat inside the vehicle; Obtain the vehicle's operating status information; Based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information, a first control command is generated for the airbag at the vehicle location to protect the user; wherein, the first control command is used to control the operation of the airbag adjustment device to adjust the target size presented when the airbag deploys.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein obtaining the body feature information of the user at the target seat inside the vehicle includes: The user's body shape information is obtained from the vehicle's intelligent driving control unit; wherein, the body shape information is generated by the intelligent driving control unit based on at least one of the occupant monitoring results from the occupant monitoring system and the seat monitoring results from the seat monitoring system; or... Obtain occupant monitoring result information from the occupant monitoring system, and / or obtain seat monitoring result information from the seat monitoring system; Based on at least one of the occupant monitoring results and the seat monitoring results, the user's body shape information is generated; or... Acquire in-vehicle image data collected by the image acquisition device mounted on the vehicle, and / or acquire sensor data collected by the preset sensor mounted on the target seat; The user's body shape information is generated based on at least one of the in-vehicle image data and the sensor data.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the sensor data includes: The target seat's position data at the seat rail, seat back tilt angle data, seat cushion tilt angle data, pressure data applied to the seat cushion, and seat belt usage data are at least one of the following:

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein obtaining the vehicle's operating status information includes: Obtain the collision risk prediction results of the vehicle from the vehicle's advanced driver assistance system; And / or, Obtain the vehicle's speed information; And / or, Obtain the operating status information of the vehicle's preset braking function.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein generating a first control command for the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information includes: Based on the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information, determine the target length of the airbag strap used to adjust the target size presented when the airbag deploys; Based on the target length of the airbag strap, a first control command is generated for the airbag adjustment device; wherein, the first control command is used to control the operation of the airbag adjustment device so that the length of the airbag strap when the airbag deploys is the target length; One end of the airbag strap is connected to the airbag body of the airbag, and the other end of the airbag strap is connected to the airbag adjustment device. The target length of the airbag strap is positively correlated with the target size of the airbag when it is deployed.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the airbag adjustment device comprises: Airbag strap retractor; The airbag strap retractor includes: a first motor; a first rotating shaft that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap under the drive of the first motor; a second motor; and a second rotating shaft that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap under the drive of the second motor. Wherein, the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one end of the airbag strap, and the airbag strap wound at the first rotating shaft is not allowed to be released when the airbag deploys; The second pivot is provided with a fixing rod for fixing the middle position of the airbag strap. The second pivot is slidably connected to the middle position of the airbag strap through the fixing rod, and the airbag strap wound at the second pivot is allowed to be released when the airbag deploys. The generation of a first control command for the airbag adjustment device based on the target length of the airbag strap includes: Based on the target length of the airbag strap, a first control command is generated for the airbag strap retractor. The airbag strap retractor is used to control the second motor to drive the second rotating shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap when the first control command instructs the reduction of the length of the airbag strap, and to control the first motor to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap; or The airbag strap retractor is used to control the first motor to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap when the first control command instructs to increase the length of the airbag strap, and to control the second motor to drive the second rotating shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the user's body shape information is used to reflect at least one of the user's gender, user body size, and user pose information; The vehicle's operational information is used to reflect at least one of the target obstacle information that poses a collision risk to the vehicle and the vehicle's driving speed information. in, The user's body size, the distance between the user and the airbag reflected by the user's posture information, the driving speed information, and the collision risk level corresponding to the target obstacle information are all positively correlated with the target length of the airbag strap. And / or, The target length corresponding to the user's gender being male is greater than the target length corresponding to the user's gender being female; and / or, The target length when the target seat is a passenger seat is greater than the target length when the target seat is a driver seat.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising: Based on the user's physical characteristics and the vehicle's operating status, determine whether it is permissible to deploy the vehicle's airbags used to protect the user, and obtain a determination result. If the determination result indicates that the deployment of the airbag used to protect the user in the vehicle is not allowed, a second control command is generated to prevent the deployment of the airbag. The generation of the first control command for the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user specifically includes: If the determination result indicates that the airbag in the vehicle for protecting the user is allowed to deploy, then a first control command for the airbag is generated.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising, after determining whether deployment of the airbag for protecting the user in the vehicle is permitted, and obtaining the determination result: If the determination result indicates that the deployment of the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user is permitted, then a third control command for the airbag at the vehicle for protecting the user is generated based on at least one of the user's body shape information and the vehicle's operating status information; wherein, the third control command is used to control at least one of the airbag deployment time and the air deflation time.

10. An airbag adjustment device, the airbag adjustment device comprising: The housing, and an airbag strap retractor disposed within the housing and capable of communicating with the airbag electronic control unit; The airbag strap retractor is connected to one end of the airbag strap, and the other end of the airbag strap is connected to the airbag body of the safety airbag used to protect the user at the vehicle. The airbag strap retractor is used to adjust the target length of the airbag strap by performing a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap after receiving a first control command from the airbag electronic control unit, thereby adjusting the target size of the airbag when it deploys. Wherein, the first control command is a control command for the airbag generated by the airbag electronic control unit according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. The airbag adjusting device according to claim 10, wherein the airbag strap retractor comprises: A first motor, a first rotating shaft that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap under the drive of the first motor, a second motor, and a second rotating shaft that performs a winding or releasing action on the airbag strap under the drive of the second motor; Wherein, the first rotating shaft is fixedly connected to one end of the airbag strap, and the airbag strap wound at the first rotating shaft is not allowed to be released when the airbag deploys; The second pivot is provided with a fixing rod for fixing the middle position of the airbag strap. The second pivot is slidably connected to the middle position of the airbag strap through the fixing rod, and the airbag strap wound at the second pivot is allowed to be released when the airbag deploys. If the first control command instructs to control the reduction of the length of the airbag strap, the airbag strap retractor is used to control the second motor to drive the second shaft to perform a release action for the airbag strap, and to control the first motor to drive the first shaft to perform a winding action for the airbag strap. If the first control command instructs to increase the length of the airbag strap, the airbag strap retractor controls the first motor to drive the first shaft to perform a release action on the airbag strap, and controls the second motor to drive the second shaft to perform a winding action on the airbag strap.

12. The airbag adjusting device according to claim 11, wherein the airbag strap retractor further comprises: Electromagnetic ratchet mechanism; The electromagnetic ratchet mechanism includes: a ratchet connected to the first rotating shaft, and a pawl; The airbag strap retractor is specifically used to, upon receiving the first control command, control the ratchet and pawl of the electromagnetic ratchet mechanism to be in a disengaged state, thereby controlling the first motor to drive the first rotating shaft to perform a winding or releasing operation for the airbag strap, and, after driving the first rotating shaft to complete the winding or releasing operation for the airbag strap, control the ratchet and pawl to be in a locked state to prevent the first rotating shaft from rotating.

13. A computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed, performs the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

14. A vehicle controller, comprising: A processor and a memory; wherein the memory stores computer-readable instructions adapted to be loaded by the processor and to perform the steps of the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

15. A vehicle comprising an airbag adjustment device as claimed in any one of claims 10-12 or a vehicle controller as claimed in claim 14.

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