System and procedure for adjusting the seat belt height

Abstract

System (10) for a vehicle (12), wherein the system (10) comprises the following: a seat belt height adjustment device (14); a sensor (60) designed to determine the eye position (L) of a driver (80) of the vehicle (12); and a control module that is connected to the sensor 60) and the seat belt height adjustment device (14); wherein the control module is programmed to set a position of the seat belt height adjustment device (14) at least on the basis of the eye position (L); and the control module is programmed with anthropometric data and is programmed to at least compare the eye position (L) with the anthropometric data in order to calculate the position of the seat belt height adjustment device (14); and wherein the control module is programmed to determine a regression model of the anthropometric data and the eye position (L) in order to calculate the position of the seat belt height adjustment device (14) on the basis of the regression model.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Vehicles have retractable seat belts to secure vehicle occupants in their seats. The seat belt may have one end attached to a vehicle component, such as a vehicle pillar. The other end of the seat belt may engage a belt retractor fixed relative to the seat. A D-ring is attached to the vehicle pillar and supports the seat belt at the occupant's shoulder level.

[0002] The position of the D-ring relative to the vehicle occupant can affect seat belt operation, and it is therefore desirable to position the D-ring correctly relative to the operator. The D-ring may be vertically adjustable along the pillar to accommodate different shoulder heights of different vehicle occupants. For example, the D-ring may be manually adjustable. A mechanical feature may be removably attached between the D-ring and the pillar and released by the vehicle occupant to adjust the D-ring along the pillar.

[0003] Vehicle occupants may not adjust the position of the D-ring along the pillar. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including the D-ring being invisible to the vehicle occupant, the vehicle occupant not knowing that the D-ring position affects seat belt operation, the vehicle occupant being busy and not wanting to take the time to adjust the D-ring, and / or the vehicle occupant not knowing that a previous vehicle occupant has changed the D-ring position.

[0004] DE 10 2013 021 930 A1 discloses a motor vehicle with a safety system and a control device configured to control at least one component of the safety system depending on at least one piece of information about an occupant detected by a detection device of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the detection device is designed as a gaze detection device configured to detect at least one position of at least one eye of the occupant relative to a predetermined reference point of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, the control device is configured to control the at least one component of the safety system depending on a position detected by the gaze detection device.

[0005] DE 10 2006 020 532 A1 discloses a headrest positioning device for automatically positioning a headrest of a vehicle seat. The device comprises a headrest sensor for detecting the position of the headrest, the headrest sensor generating a headrest position signal indicative of the position of the headrest, and an occupant detection subsystem for detecting the position of a feature of an occupant sitting on the vehicle seat. The occupant detection subsystem generates a feature position signal indicative of the position of the feature. A headrest position controller, responsive to the headrest position signal and the feature position signal, generates a desired position, including a pivot angle, of the headrest based on the position of the feature and compares the detected position of the headrest with the desired position of the headrest.The headrest is automatically moved and swiveled into the desired position.

[0006] DE 10 2007 051 543 A1 discloses an adjustment device for adjusting at least one parameter of at least one vehicle component. The adjustment device comprises a detection device with which the position and / or orientation of a body part within the space of at least one vehicle occupant can be detected. The adjustment device is operable in a first operating mode, in which the adjustment device can be used to adjust the parameter depending on the detected position and / or orientation of the body part.

[0007] A belt system for a restraint system in a vehicle is known from DE 10 2013 008 059 A1. The belt system has at least two restraint points, a belt buckle, and a belt strap coupled to a fastening tongue that can be inserted into the belt buckle. The belt strap connects the at least two restraint points when the fastening tongue is inserted into the belt buckle. An operating element is integrated into the belt strap and, when activated, generates at least one outputtable operating signal.

[0008] DE 10 2015 202 392 A1 discloses a device for positioning a vehicle restraint, comprising a rail and a restraint mount. A positioner is coupled to the restraint mount, and a motor coupled to the positioner is operable to adjust a position of the restraint mount. A switch is connected to the motor, and the motor is operable to adjust the position of the restraint mount in response to an input to the switch. Furthermore, a device for identifying the occupant and automatically positioning a vehicle restraint is provided.

[0009] Consequently, there remains an opportunity to develop a system that promotes the correct positioning of the D-ring relative to the vehicle occupant. The object of the invention is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 10. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a portion of a vehicle including a pillar and a seat belt assembly connected to the pillar. Fig. 2 is a side view of a portion of the vehicle including a seat, a dashboard, and a steering column, with a driver seated in the seat. Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a seat belt height adjustment system. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the seat belt height adjustment system. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] With reference to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, a system 10 for a vehicle 12 includes a seat belt height adjuster 14 and a sensor for detecting at least one characteristic of a vehicle occupant in the seat 48 of the vehicle 12, i.e., a driver 80 in a driver seat. The system 10 includes a control module, e.g., a restraint control module 16, a body control module 18, or a height adjustment module (not shown) programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based on the measured characteristic of the driver 80. A first embodiment of the system 10 is shown, for example, in Fig. 2-4. As set forth below, a second embodiment of the system 10 is shown, for example, in Fig. 5-6. Common numerals are used herein to refer to common elements in the first and second embodiments.

[0011] Fig. 1 has features similar to the first embodiment of Fig. 2-4 and the second embodiment of Fig. 5-6 are common. Fig. 1 shows a pillar 20 of the vehicle 12, e.g. the B-pillar 20. The seat belt height adjustment device 14 can be attached to the pillar 20, as in Fig. 1. The seat belt height adjustment device 14 can be attached to the pillar 20 in any suitable manner, e.g. by means of fastening elements as shown in Fig. 1, and / or by welding, etc. In particular, the seat belt height adjuster 14 may include a base 22 attached to the pillar 20.

[0012] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 1, the seat belt height adjuster 14 may include a seat belt ring 24, also referred to as a D-ring, adjustably connected to the base 22. The seat belt height adjuster 14 may, for example, include a linear actuator 26 between the base 22 and the seat belt ring 24. The linear actuator 26 may be of any suitable type, such as mechanical, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, piezoelectric, etc.

[0013] As in Fig. 1, the linear actuator 26 includes a lead screw 28 and a nut 30 threadedly engaged with the lead screw 28. The nut 30 is attached to the seat belt ring 24. A motor 32 is carried on the base and supports the lead screw 28. The motor 32 rotates the screw to move the nut 30 and the seat belt ring 24 along the lead screw 28. The motor 32 communicates with the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18, and the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 controls the rotation of the motor 32, as further detailed below. The linear actuator 26 may alternatively include a rack and pinion, a worm gear, etc. The motor 32 may be any suitable type of motor.

[0014] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 1, the vehicle 12 includes a trim panel 34 that is secured to the pillar 20, for example, with mechanical fasteners (not shown). The trim panel 34 defines a slot 36 that extends generally vertically. The seat belt ring 24 and / or the nut 30 extend through the slot 36 and slide along the slot 36 as the lead screw 28 rotates. In other words, the slot 36 limits the movement of the seat belt ring 24 to a linear movement along the slot 36, such that rotational movement of the lead screw 28 is translated into linear movement of the seat belt ring 24 along the slot 36. The trim panel 34 may be made of plastic, vinyl, and / or any suitable material. The trim panel 34 may define a Class A surface, i.e.a surface specifically engineered to provide a high-quality finished aesthetic appearance without flaws. The Class A surface may have any suitable surface texture. The trim panel 34 may include a reinforcement feature (not shown) along the slot 36 for interaction with the seat belt ring 24 and / or the nut 30. A cover may be disposed over at least a portion of the seat belt ring 24.

[0015] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 1, the vehicle 12 includes a seat belt assembly 38. The seat belt assembly 38 includes a seat belt 40 and a retractor 42 that retractably receives the seat belt 40. The seat belt 40 can be paid out from the retractor 42, i.e., withdrawn from the retractor 42, by pulling the seat belt 40 out of the retractor 42. In other words, the amount of extension of the seat belt 40 is the length of the seat belt 40 that is pulled out of the retractor 42. The retractor 42 is spring-loaded, so that the seat belt 40 is automatically retracted into the retractor 42 after release.

[0016] The seat belt 40 extends from a first end engaging the retractor 42 and a second end 44 secured to the vehicle 12, e.g., to the pillar 20. The second end 44 may be secured to the pillar 20 in any suitable manner. The seat belt 40 is supported on the seat belt ring 24 between the first end and the second end 44 to position the seat belt 40 over the shoulder of the driver 80. The seat belt assembly 38 includes a clip 46 that is selectively engageable with a buckle secured to the vehicle 12, e.g., a seat 48 of the vehicle 12, to secure the driver 80 to the seat 48.

[0017] The seat 48 of the vehicle 12 is adjacent to the pillar 20 of the vehicle 12 and in front of a dashboard 50 (in Fig. 2). As shown in Fig. 2, the seat 48 includes a seat bottom 52 mounted on a floor 54 of the vehicle 12 and a backrest 56 attached to and extending upwardly from the seat bottom 52. The seat bottom 52 is movable in a front-to-rear direction HD relative to the floor 54 and the instrument panel 50. The seat bottom 52 may be movably attached to the floor 54 in any suitable manner, e.g., to a base attached to tracks, rails, etc.

[0018] The backrest 56 is pivotally attached to the seat base 52. The backrest 56 can be selectively pivoted about the seat base 52, e.g., reclined to a selected angle A relative to the seat base 52.

[0019] The instrument panel 50 may include an instrument display panel 58 that displays information, such as information related to operating the vehicle 12, entertainment information, etc. The instrument display panel 58 may be located anywhere on the instrument panel 50. An instrument display panel 58 may also be located at locations in the vehicle 12 other than on the instrument panel 50.

[0020] With reference to Fig. 2-4, in the first embodiment of the system 10, an eye sensor 60 is configured to determine the eye position L of the driver 80 of the vehicle 12. As further detailed below, the system 10 adjusts the position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based on the eye position L.

[0021] With reference to Fig. 3, the eye sensor 60 may be connected to a driver monitoring control module 62, which may be connected to a communication bus 64, such as a CAN bus (Controller Area Network) of the vehicle 12. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, a plurality of modules are connected to the communication bus 64. Each module connected to the communication bus 64 can communicate with the others through the communication bus 64.

[0022] As stated above, the sensor 60 is designed to determine the eye position L of the driver 80. As in Fig. 2, the eye sensor 60 may be mounted on the instrument panel 50 in a position to detect the eye position L. The eye sensor 60 may include a CCD (charge-coupled device) camera with infrared light-emitting diode (LED) detectors configured to detect the eye position L. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the eye sensor 60 can determine the distance DE between the eye sensor 60 and the eye position L, and it can determine the angle AE at the eye sensor 60 between the horizontal H and the eye position L. Alternatively, the eye sensor 60 can have any suitable configuration.

[0023] One of the modules connected to the communication bus 64 is programmed to set a position of the seat belt height adjustment device 14 based on the eye position L. With reference to Fig. 3, for example, the restraint control module 16 is connected to the communication bus 64 and communicates with the eye sensor 60 through the communication bus 64 to receive information corresponding to the eye position L measured by the eye sensor 60. The seat belt height adjuster 14 is connected to the restraint control module 16. In this configuration, the restraint control module 16 can be programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based at least on the eye position L. With reference to the Fig. 1, the restraint control module 16 may be programmed to control the motor 32 to rotate the lead screw 28 to adjust the position of the seat belt height adjuster 14. Alternatively, another module, such as the driver monitoring control module 62 or the body control module 18, may be programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based at least on an eye position L, e.g., to control the motor 32 to rotate the lead screw 28 to adjust the position of the seat belt height adjuster 14.

[0024] As another example, not shown in the figures, the seat belt height adjuster 14 may be connected to the body control module 18, in which case the body control module 18 may be programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based at least on the eye position L. As another example, the seat belt height adjuster 14 may be connected to a height adjustment module (not shown) that may be connected to the communication bus 64. The height adjustment module may be specifically dedicated to controlling the seat belt height adjuster 14. In such an example, the height adjustment module may be programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based at least on the eye position L.

[0025] As stated above, the restraint control module 16 is programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based at least on the eye position L. In addition to the eye position L, the restraint control module 16 (or alternatively, the body control module 18 or the height adjustment module) may be programmed to adjust the position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based on the seat position (e.g., the forward-backward position along the forward-backward direction HD, the vertical position in the vertical direction VD, and / or the reclined position by the angle A) and / or the amount of seat belt extension.

[0026] With reference to Fig. 3, the system 10 may, in particular, include belt sensors in communication with the restraint control module 16. The belt sensors may include at least one extension sensor 68. The extension sensor 68 detects the amount of extension of the seat belt relative to the belt retractor 42. The restraint control module 16 (or alternatively, the body control module 18 or the height adjustment module) may be programmed to adjust the position of the seat belt height adjustment device 14 based at least on information from the extension sensor 68.

[0027] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 3, the system 10 may include at least one seat sensor. The seat sensor is configured to determine a position of the seat of the vehicle 12 relative to the floor. In particular, seat sensors may include a forward-backward position sensor 68 configured to measure the forward-backward position, i.e., the horizontal position of the seat bottom 52 relative to the floor 54, a vertical position sensor 70 configured to measure the vertical position of the seat bottom 52 relative to the floor 54, and / or a tilt sensor 72 configured to measure the tilt angle A between the backrest 56 and the seat bottom 52.

[0028] The seat sensors, e.g., the forward-rearward position sensor 68, the vertical position sensor 70, and the tilt sensor 72, may be connected to a body control module 18. The body control module 18 may be connected to the communications bus 64 and may communicate with the restraint control module 16 via the communications bus 64. The restraint control module 16 (or alternatively, the body control module 18 or the height adjustment module) may be programmed to adjust the position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based at least on information from the seat sensors.

[0029] The restraint control module 16 (or alternatively, the body control module 18 or the height adjustment module) may be programmed with anthropometric data, and it may be programmed to compare at least the eye position L with the anthropometric data to calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14. Anthropometric data includes relative measurements of human bodies and may be used to correlate measurements of a human body with other dimensions of the human body. Anthropometric data may be stored in a table programmed into the restraint control module 16.The restraint control module 16 (or alternatively, the body control module 18 or the height adjustment module) may be programmed to determine a regression model of the anthropometric data and the eye position L to calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based on the regression model. The hip position H and / or the shoulder position S of the driver 80 may be calculated based on the anthropometric data and used to calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the vehicle 12 may include a steering column 74. The steering column 74 may be selectively adjustable relative to the instrument panel 50 between various tilt positions and various telescopic positions, ie, axial positions. With reference to Fig. 3, the steering column 74 may include a steering column position adjustment device, e.g., a tilt adjustment 76 configured to adjust the inclination of the steering column 74 relative to the instrument panel 50, and / or a telescopic adjustment 78 configured to adjust the telescopic position of the steering column 74 relative to the instrument panel 50.

[0031] A steering control module 82 may be connected to the eye sensor 60 and the position adjustment of the steering column 74, e.g., the tilt adjustment 76 and / or the telescopic adjustment 78. As in Fig. 3, the eye sensor 60 may be particularly connected to the driver monitoring control module 62, which is connected to the steering control module 82 via the communication bus 64.

[0032] The steering control module 82 may be programmed to adjust the position of the steering column 74, e.g., the tilt position and / or the telescoping position, based at least on the eye position L and / or the seat position (such as the fore-aft position, the vertical position, and / or the rake position). Information about the eye position L and / or the seat position may be communicated to the steering control module 82, and the steering control module 82 may instruct the tilt adjustment 76 and / or the telescoping adjustment 78 to adjust the position of the steering column 74 based on the eye position L and / or the seat position. The instructions for the tilt adjustment 76 and / or the telescoping adjustment 78 may be generated in the restraint control module, the driver monitoring control module 62, the body control module 18, and / or the steering control module 82.The instructions may be based on anthropometric data stored, for example, in the restraint control module 16, the driver monitoring control module 62, the body control module 18, and / or the steering control module 82.

[0033] The tilt adjustment 76 and / or the telescopic adjustment 78 may each include a motor (not shown) connected to the steering control module 82. The steering control module 82 may control the motors for adjusting the tilt adjustment 76 and the telescopic adjustment 78.

[0034] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 3, the system 10 may include a tilt sensor 84 configured to measure the tilt position of the steering column 74 relative to the instrument panel 50, and / or it may include a telescoping position sensor 86 configured to measure the telescoping position, i.e., the axial position, of the steering column 74 relative to the instrument panel 50. The tilt sensor 84 and the telescoping position sensor 86 may communicate with the steering control module 82 and provide feedback to the steering control module 82.

[0035] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 3, the system 10 may include an airbag control module 88 in communication with the eye sensor 60. The airbag control module 88 may be programmed to adjust operation of the airbag control module 88 based at least on the eye position L and / or the seat position (such as the fore-aft position, the vertical position, and / or the recline position). Information about the eye position L and / or the seat position may be communicated from the eye sensor 60 to the airbag control module 88 through the communication bus 64, and the airbag control module 88 may operate based on this information. For example, operation of the airbag control module 88 may include information such as inflation rate, inflation pressure, etc., of an airbag (not shown).The information may be based on anthropometric data stored, for example, in the restraint control module 16, the driver monitoring control module 62, the body control module 18, and / or the airbag control module 88.

[0036] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 3, the system 10 may include an audio system 90 in communication with the eye sensor 60. The audio system 90 may be programmed to adjust the operation of the audio system 90 based at least on the eye position L and / or the seat position (such as the forward-backward position, the vertical position, and / or the recline position). Information about the eye position L and / or the seat position may be relayed from the eye sensor 60 to the audio system 90 through the communication bus 64, and the audio system 90 may operate based on this information. For example, operation of the audio system 90 based on the information may include volume levels, sound directions, surround sound, etc. The information may be based on anthropometric data stored, for example, in the restraint control module 16, the driver monitoring control module 62, the body control module 18, and / or the audio system 90.

[0037] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 3, the system 10 may include an instrument panel 58 in communication with the eye sensor 60. The instrument panel 58 may be programmed to adjust the operation of the instrument panel 58 based at least on the eye position L and / or the seat position (such as the fore-aft position, the vertical position, and / or the tilt position). Information about the eye position L and / or the seat position may be relayed to the instrument panel 58, and the instrument panel 58 may operate based on the information. For example, the operation of the instrument panel 58 based on the information includes brightness, display angle, display content, etc. The information may be based on anthropometric data stored, for example, in the restraint control module 16, the driver monitoring control module 62, the body control module 18, and / or the instrument panel 58.

[0038] With reference to Fig. 4 generally shows an exemplary method for operating the first embodiment of the system 10. As seen in block 110, the system 10 is turned on or off. For example, the vehicle 12 may include a button, e.g., on the pillar 20, the seat belt height adjuster 14, or elsewhere in the vehicle 12, that can turn the system 10 on or off.

[0039] In the off state, the driver 80 can manually adjust the seat belt height adjuster 14, as shown in block 112. For example, a button, switch, etc., operable by the fingers of the driver 80, can be disposed on the seat belt height adjuster 14 and communicate with the motor 32 to adjust the seat belt height adjuster 14. Alternatively or additionally, a controller can be disposed on a steering wheel, center console, instrument panel 50, etc. and communicate with the motor 32 to adjust the seat belt height adjuster 14. In addition or alternatively to manually controlling the motor 32 to adjust the seat belt height adjuster 14, the seat belt height adjuster 14 can include a mechanical feature for adjusting the seat belt height adjuster 14.

[0040] As seen in block 114, with the system 10 powered on, the method includes detecting a trigger event before proceeding, e.g., before obtaining the eye position L measurement. The trigger event may be an event that occurs when the driver 80 is properly seated in the seat and the seat belt 40 is fastened. For example, the trigger event may be ignition / power-on of the vehicle 12, which is communicated through the communication bus 64. As another example, the trigger event may be the first unlocking of the doors of the vehicle 12, e.g., with a remote key fob, door keypad, etc. The trigger event may be detected by any suitable component of the system 10, e.g., the driver monitoring control module 62, the restraint control module 16, the body control module 18, and / or the height adjustment module.

[0041] As seen in block 116, the method includes receiving a measurement of an eye position L of a driver 80 of a vehicle 12. Specifically, upon detection of the trigger event, the eye sensor 60 detects the eye position L of the driver 80. The measurement of the eye position L may be detected, for example, by the driver monitoring control module 62, the restraint control module 16, the body control module 18, and / or the height adjustment module.

[0042] As seen in block 118, the method includes receiving a seat position measurement and calculating the desired position based on the seat position measurement. Upon detection of the trigger event, in particular, the seat sensors, e.g., the forward-backward position sensor 68, the vertical position sensor 70, and / or the tilt sensor 72, may measure the position of the seat 48. The seat position measurement may be received, for example, from the driver monitoring control module 62, the restraint control module 16, the body control module 18, and / or the height adjustment module.

[0043] As seen in block 120, the method includes receiving a measurement of the amount of extension of the seat belt 40. As noted above, the amount of extension sensor 68 may measure the amount of extension of the seat belt 40. Upon detection of the deployment event, the amount of extension measurement from the amount of extension sensor 68 may be received by, for example, the driver monitoring control module 62, the restraint control module 16, the body control module 18, and / or the height adjustment module.

[0044] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 4, as seen in block 122, the method includes calculating a desired position of a seat belt height adjuster 14. In particular, the method includes calculating the desired position based on the eye position L, the seat position, and / or the amount of extension of the seat belt 40.

[0045] At least one of the driver monitoring control module 62, the restraint control module 16, the body control module 18, and / or the height adjustment module may calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14. For example, the driver monitoring control module 62, the restraint control module 16, the body control module 18, and / or the height adjustment module may use the anthropometric data along with the eye position L, the seat position, and / or the amount of seat belt extension, as listed above, to calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14. In particular, the driver monitoring module 62, the restraint control module 16, the body control module 18, and / or the height adjustment module may determine a regression model of anthropometric data and at least the eye position L, the seat position, and / or the amount of extension, and calculate the desired position based at least on the regression model.

[0046] Once the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 has been determined, the method includes commanding the seat belt height adjuster 14 to move to the desired position, as seen in block 124. For example, the restraint control module 16 may command the motor 32 of the seat belt height adjuster 14 to move the seat belt ring 24 to the desired position. As seen in block 126, the driver 80 may manually adjust the seat belt height adjuster 14 after the seat belt height adjuster 14 has been moved to the desired position.

[0047] As seen in block 128, the method includes storing the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 in a memory. For example, the memory may be a component of a security system of the vehicle that stores settings for specific users, e.g., the Ford Motor Company MyKey® system. For example, the security system may include a key that allows access to the vehicle 12 and turns on the vehicle 12, and the key may communicate with the communication bus 64 to identify the driver 80 using the key. Thus, different drivers 80 may each use a different key, and when the key communicates with the communication bus 64, features of the vehicle 12, such as the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14, may be automatically adjusted.The security system may record a history of previous positions of the seat belt height adjuster 14 for a particular key and calculate a median position to which the seat belt height adjuster 14 is set when the key is used to access the vehicle 12.

[0048] As seen in block 130, the method may include instructing the position adjustment of the steering column 74, e.g., the tilt adjustment 76 and / or the telescopic adjustment 78, to adjust a position of a steering column 74 based at least on the measurement of the eye position L, the seat position, and / or the output of the seat belt 40. As seen in block 132, the driver 80 may manually adjust the steering column 74 after the steering column 74 has been moved to the desired position.

[0049] As seen in block 134, the method may include instructing the airbag control module 88 to operate based at least on the measurement of the eye position L, the seat position, and / or the output of the seat belt 40.

[0050] As seen in block 136, the method may include instructing the audio system 90 to operate based at least on the measurement of the eye position L, the seat position, and / or the seat belt output. As seen in block 138, the driver 80 may manually adjust the audio system 90 after the audio system 90 has been automatically adjusted.

[0051] As seen in block 140, the method may include instructing the instrument panel 58 to operate based at least on the measurement of the eye position L, the seat position, and / or the output of the seat belt 40. As seen in block 142, the driver 80 may manually adjust the instrument panel 58 after the instrument panel 58 has been automatically adjusted.

[0052] With reference to Fig. 5-6, in the second embodiment of the system 10, an eye sensor 60 is configured to determine the eye position L of the driver 80 of the vehicle 12. As further detailed below, the system 10 adjusts the position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based on the eye position L.

[0053] With reference to Fig. 5-6, the second embodiment of the system 10 adjusts the position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based on a size, e.g., girth and / or height, and weight of the driver 80. In particular, the second embodiment of the system 10 includes the seat belt retractor 42 with the pull-out amount sensor 68 configured to measure the output of a seat belt relative to the seat belt retractor 42. The seat 48 includes the seat sensors, e.g., the forward-rearward position sensor 68 and / or the vertical position sensor 70 configured to measure seat position. The restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed to calculate a size of the driver 80 based at least on the output and seat position.

[0054] With reference to Fig. 5, the seat 48 may include a weight sensor 92 configured to measure a weight of a driver 80 in the seat 48. The restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based at least on the height and weight of the driver 80.

[0055] In particular, the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed with anthropometric data and may be programmed to compare at least the height and weight of the driver 80 with anthropometric data to calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14. In particular, the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed to determine a regression model of the anthropometric data and the height, e.g., the body girth and / or height, and the weight of the driver 80 and calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based on the regression model.

[0056] The weight sensor 92 may be connected to the restraint control module 16. The weight sensor 92 may measure the weight of the driver 80 and transmit the measured weight to the restraint control module 16. The restraint control module 16 may transmit the measured weight to the communication bus 64.

[0057] In addition to the extension amount and the seating position, the height of the driver 80 can also be calculated based at least on the column position of the steering column 74, e.g., the measurement of the tilt position by the tilt sensor 84 and / or the measurement of the telescoping position by the telescoping position sensor 86. In particular, the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 can be programmed to calculate the height of the driver 80 based at least on the column position.

[0058] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 5, the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed to adjust operation of the airbag control module 88, the audio system 90, and / or the instrument panel 58 based at least on size and weight.

[0059] With reference to Fig. 6, an exemplary method of operating the second embodiment of the system 10 is generally shown. The method includes receiving a measured seat belt extension amount (as shown in block 244), receiving a seat position measurement, e.g., the vertical position of the seat as shown in block 246 and / or the fore-aft position of the seat as shown in block 248, receiving a weight measurement of the driver 80 as shown in block 250, and receiving a position measurement of the steering column 74 as shown in block 252.

[0060] As seen in block 254, the method includes calculating the size of the driver 80, e.g., girth and height, based at least on the amount of seat belt extension, the seating position, e.g., the vertical position and / or the fore-aft position and / or the column position. As noted above, in particular, the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed with anthropometric data. The restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed to compare at least the amount of extension, the seating position and / or the column position with the anthropometric data to calculate the size of the driver 80.For example, the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed to determine a regression model of the anthropometric data and the extension amount, seat position, and / or column position to calculate the size of the driver 80.

[0061] As seen in block 256, the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed to compare at least the height and weight of the driver 80 with the anthropometric data to calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14. The restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may be programmed to determine a regression model of the anthropometric data and the height and weight and calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 based on the regression model. Based on this calculation, the restraint control module 16 and / or the body control module 18 may command the seat belt height adjuster 14 to move to the desired position, as shown in block 258.

[0062] Furthermore, with reference to Fig.6, the method includes instructing the airbag control module 88 to operate based on the size and weight of the driver 80, instructing the audio system 90 to operate based on the size and weight of the driver 80, and / or instructing the instrument panel 58 to operate based on the size and weight of the driver 80.

[0063] The first and second embodiments of the system 10 may include a camera system, e.g., an infrared camera system, configured to determine the position of the driver's 80 head. This head position may be communicated to the communication bus 64, and at least one of the modules, e.g., the restraint control module 16, the body control module 18, the driver monitoring control module 62, and / or the height adjustment module, may adjust the seat belt height adjuster 14 based at least on the head position measurement. The head position may be used to calculate the desired position of the seat belt height adjuster 14 in addition to the measurements discussed above, e.g., eye position, seat position, steering column position, driver height, driver weight, etc.In addition or alternatively to determining the head position, the camera system may be designed to determine the position of any body part of the driver 80.

Claims

[1] A system (10) for a vehicle (12), the system (10) comprising: a seat belt height adjustment device (14); a sensor (60) configured to determine the eye position (L) of a driver (80) of the vehicle (12); and a control module connected to the sensor (60) and the seat belt height adjustment device (14); wherein the control module is programmed to adjust a position of the seat belt height adjustment device (14) based at least on the eye position (L); and where the control module is programmed with anthropometric data and is programmed to compare at least the eye position (L) with the anthropometric data in order to calculate the position of the seat belt height adjustment device (14); and wherein the control module is programmed to determine a regression model of the anthropometric data and the eye position (L) in order to calculate the position of the seat belt height adjustment device (14) based on the regression model. [2] The system (10) of claim 1, further comprising at least one seat sensor in communication with the control module and configured to determine a position of a seat (48) of the vehicle (12), the control module being programmed to adjust the position of the seat belt height adjuster (14) based at least on the seat position. [3] The system (10) of claim 2, wherein the at least one seat sensor comprises a forward-backward sensor (68) and a vertical position sensor (70). [4] The system (10) of claim 1, wherein the seat belt height adjustment device (14) comprises a seat belt ring (24), a motor (32) in communication with the control module, and a linear actuator (26) disposed between the ring and the motor (32). [5] The system (10) of claim 4, further comprising a safety belt (40) supported on the safety belt ring (24). [6] The system (10) of claim 1, further comprising a steering column (74), a steering column position adjustment device, and a steering control module (82) in communication with the sensor (60) and the steering column position adjustment device, wherein the steering control module (82) is programmed to adjust a position of the steering column (74) based at least on the eye position (L). [7] The system (10) of claim 1, further comprising an airbag control module (88) in communication with the sensor (60), the airbag control module (88) being programmed to adjust operation of the airbag control module (88) based at least on the eye position (L). [8] The system (10) of claim 1, further comprising an audio system (90) in communication with the sensor (60), the audio system (90) being programmed to adjust operation of the audio system (90) based at least on the eye position (L). [9] The system (10) of claim 1, further comprising an instrument display panel (58) in communication with the sensor (60), the instrument display panel (58) being programmed to adjust operation of the instrument display panel (58) based at least on the eye position (L). [10] Procedure comprising: Obtaining a measurement of an eye position (L) of a driver (80) of a vehicle (12); Calculating a desired position of a seat belt height adjustment device (14) at least based on the measurement of the eye position (L); and Instructing the seat belt height adjustment device (14) to move to the desired position; and wherein a control module is programmed with anthropometric data and is programmed to compare at least the eye position (L) with the anthropometric data in order to calculate the position of the seat belt height adjustment device (14); and wherein the control module is programmed to determine a regression model of the anthropometric data and the eye position (L) in order to calculate the position of the seat belt height adjustment device (14) based on the regression model. [11] The method of claim 10, further comprising receiving a measurement of a seat position and calculating the desired position based at least on the measurement of the seat position. [12] The method of claim 10, further comprising determining a regression model of anthropometric data and at least the eye position (L) and calculating the desired position at least based on the regression model. [13] The method of claim 10, further comprising detecting a trigger event prior to receiving the measurement of the eye position (L). [14] The method of claim 10, further comprising storing the desired position in a memory. [15] The method of claim 10, further comprising instructing a steering column position adjustment device to adjust a position of a steering column (74) based at least on the measurement of the eye position (L). [16] The method of claim 10, further comprising instructing an airbag control module (88) to operate based at least on the measurement of the eye position (L). [17] The method of claim 10, further comprising instructing an audio system (90) to operate at least based on the measurement of the eye position (L). [18] The method of claim 10, further comprising instructing an instrument display panel (58) to operate at least based on the measurement of the eye position (L).

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