Device and method for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test

Abstract

In a device and method for detecting the position of an object during a vehicle crash test, a radar wave is emitted by means of a transmitting unit and the radar wave is received by means of a receiving unit, wherein the transmitting unit and / or the receiving unit is arranged on or in the object.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test.

[0002] Existing methods for determining the position of an object during a crash test are often too imprecise or unsuitable for fully tracking the object, as it is obscured by other objects such as airbags, doors, etc., during the crash test. This includes, for example, the movement of a dummy head, which can no longer be visually detected after an airbag has deployed. Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows for easy tracking of an object's position during a crash test, especially when the object can no longer be visually detected during the course of the test.

[0003] Document DE 195 32 945 A1 discloses a device for detecting rotational movements of objects on and / or in motor vehicles, particularly during crash tests. At least one optical fiber gyroscope, preferably arranged along each of the axes (x, y, z), is used as the measuring unit to determine position or motion trajectories.

[0004] Document US 7,508,530 B1 discloses a crash test dummy that is trained to allow tracking of the movements of the dummy's body parts, e.g., a movement of the ribs, during a crash test.

[0005] Document DE 199 42 586 A1 discloses a method for preparing a crash test with a motor vehicle. In this method, a test dummy is positioned within the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle such that reference points of the dummy are located at defined reference points within the vehicle. Using data viewing glasses, the target position of the test dummy is projected into the field of vision of a person preparing the test, while the actual position of the dummy can be directly observed simultaneously.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide devices and methods for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test.

[0007] This problem is solved by a device having the features of claims 1, 6 and 8, and by a method having the features of claims 13, 14 and 15. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] A device having the features of claim 1, claim 6 or claim 8 makes it possible to easily determine the distance of the object relative to the receiving unit during the vehicle crash test.

[0009] The radar wave can, for example, be an electromagnetic wave in a frequency range of 30 MHz to 300 GHz, particularly in a frequency range of 30 GHz to 300 GHz. A frequency range of 50 GHz to 150 GHz is particularly advantageous. In particular, 61 / 122 GHz frequency bands can be used. Furthermore, the transmitting units, receiving units, and processing units disclosed herein can each, individually or jointly, form a functional unit of a higher-level radar unit. Processing units can also include evaluation units.

[0010] The object's position can be detected, for example, by having an evaluation unit determine the distance between the transmitting unit and the object based on the radar wave's propagation speed, the transmission time of the radar wave, and the reception time of the radar wave. Furthermore, using a 3D coordinate system, such as a world coordinate system, the object's position can be determined from the calculated distance and a reference point, which could be, for example, the 3D position of the transmitting unit and / or the receiving unit. It is particularly advantageous if the object's position is determined using the evaluation unit during the vehicle's crash test.

[0011] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first receiving unit and / or the second transmitting unit is located on or in a part of the vehicle, particularly on the steering wheel or dashboard. This makes it particularly easy to determine the position of the object relative to the position of the vehicle.

[0012] It is further advantageous if the first receiving unit and / or the second transmitting unit is positioned at a distance from the vehicle at the time of impact during the vehicle crash test, within a range of 0.1 m to 100 m, preferably within a range of 0.1 m to 5 m, and particularly within a range of 0.5 m to 1 m. This allows the position of the object to be determined particularly easily, independent of the vehicle's position.

[0013] It is advantageous if the first transmitting unit and / or the second receiving unit is located on or inside a body part of a crash test dummy, in particular the head, chest, pelvis, thigh, or knee. This allows important crash test data for the safety of vehicle occupants to be easily obtained using the positional data of the body part.

[0014] It is also advantageous if the first transmitting unit and / or the second receiving unit is located on or in a part of the vehicle, in particular a steering wheel, headliner, side mirror, seat, or door. This allows important crash test data on impact-induced deformation of the vehicle to be easily determined using the positional data of the vehicle part.

[0015] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the object's position during the vehicle crash test is detected using the first transmitter and subsequent transmitters and / or the first receiver and subsequent receivers. This allows the object's position to be determined particularly easily and with less statistical error using multiple position data points than with position data obtained from only one transmitter and one receiver.

[0016] A second aspect of the invention also discloses a device for detecting the position of at least one object during the vehicle crash test. In this second aspect, the device comprises at least one third transmitting unit, arranged on or in the object and configured to emit a third radar wave. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one third receiving unit, configured to receive the third radar wave. In addition, the device comprises at least one fourth transmitting unit, configured to emit a fourth radar wave, and at least one fourth receiving unit, arranged on or in the object and configured to receive the fourth radar wave.The third transmitter and the fourth receiver are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and the fourth transmitter and the third receiver are also arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm. A distance of 0 cm means that the corresponding units are arranged directly next to each other. The device according to the second aspect of the invention ensures that the distance of the object relative to the third receiver and the fourth transmitter can be easily determined during the vehicle crash test. Furthermore, the distance of the object can be easily determined even with high background noise or if the object is small. In addition, the device allows the third and fourth transmitters and the third and fourth receivers to be visually invisible. For example, a body part of the dummy, such as...The dummy's head can be tracked precisely even if the head plunges into a deployed airbag during the vehicle's crash test.

[0017] It is advantageous if the object's position during the vehicle crash test is detected using at least the third and fourth radar waves, wherein the third and fourth radar waves differ in frequency when emitted. This allows the transmitted unit to be easily assigned to the received third and / or fourth radar wave. In particular, this makes it possible to distinguish a reflected third radar wave from a fourth radar wave. It is especially advantageous if the third and fourth radar waves are emitted sequentially and the later-emitted radar wave is harmonic to the earlier-emitted radar wave. That is, the frequency of the later-emitted radar wave is a multiple of the frequency of the earlier-emitted radar wave, in particular twice as high. This allows the object's position to be detected very easily even when affected by environmental interference.

[0018] In a further embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention, the device alternatively or additionally comprises at least one fifth transmitting unit configured to emit a fifth radar wave. The device further comprises at least one fifth receiving unit arranged on or in the object and configured to receive the fifth radar wave. The device also comprises at least one sixth transmitting unit arranged on or in the object and configured to emit a sixth radar wave, and at least one sixth receiving unit configured to receive the sixth radar wave. The fifth transmitting unit and the sixth receiving unit are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and the sixth transmitting unit and the fifth receiving unit are also arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm.This also allows the position of a body part of the dummy and / or another object to be precisely determined and the position of the body part to be easily tracked.

[0019] It is advantageous if the object's position during the vehicle crash test is detected using at least the fifth and sixth radar waves, wherein the fifth and sixth radar waves differ in frequency when emitted. This allows a transmitting unit to be easily assigned to the received fifth and / or sixth radar wave. In particular, this allows a reflected fifth radar wave to be distinguished from a sixth radar wave. It is especially advantageous if the fifth and sixth radar waves are emitted sequentially and the later-emitted radar wave is harmonic to the earlier-emitted radar wave. That is, the frequency of the later-emitted radar wave is a multiple of the frequency of the earlier-emitted radar wave, in particular twice as high.This allows the position of the object to be detected very easily, even when affected by environmental interference.

[0020] In one embodiment, the fourth transmitting unit and the third receiving unit form the higher-level radar unit, and / or the sixth transmitting unit and the fifth receiving unit form a further higher-level radar unit. The higher-level radar unit and the further higher-level radar unit can function identically or be of the same construction. The higher-level radar unit and / or the further higher-level radar unit can, for example, include a transceiver and / or tag disclosed in the document "A Compact Harmonic Radar System With Active Tags at 61 / 122 GHz ISM Band in SiGe BiCMOS for Precise Localization," published in January 2021 in "IEEE Transactions On Microwave Theory And Techniques," Vol. 69, No. 1, by Hansen et al. (DOI: 10.1109 / TMTT.2020.3026353). The higher-level radar unit and / or the further higher-level radar unit can be a frequency-modulated continuous wave radar (FMCW) in the 61 / 122 GHz frequency bands.The higher-level radar unit and / or the further higher-level radar unit can comprise two so-called monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs) for the transceiver (TRX) and the tag, which can be manufactured, for example, using 130 nm SiGe BiCMOS technology. A TRX MMIC unit can include a fundamental voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO), a power amplifier (PA), Wilkinson dividers, and a static divide-by-16 chain for stabilization within a phase-locked loop (PLL) in the transmitter (TX). A receiver (RX) can comprise two channels, each with a low-noise amplifier (LNA), a Gilbert cell mixer, and an intermediate frequency amplifier (IF amplifier).A fundamental oscillation of the VCO can be converted by a frequency doubler and distributed to the local oscillator (LO) input of the RX mixer. With such a TRX setup, the active nonlinear tag, consisting of antennas, preamplifiers, and a frequency doubler, can be detected. For example, in a measurement range of 60 to 64 GHz, a spatial resolution of 4 cm at a distance of 1 m and a range of 23.3 m can be achieved. Thus, the tag enables harmonic radar applications in the millimeter-wave (mm-wave) range for medium ranges with high accuracy and resolution in a small form factor. This allows the object's position to be detected particularly easily, even when affected by environmental interference.

[0021] It is advantageous if the third receiving unit and the fourth transmitting unit are arranged on or in that part of the vehicle, particularly on the steering wheel or the dashboard. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the sixth receiving unit and the fifth transmitting unit are arranged accordingly. This makes it particularly easy to determine the position of the object relative to the position of the vehicle.

[0022] It is further advantageous if the third receiving unit and the fourth transmitting unit are positioned at a distance from the vehicle at the time of impact during the vehicle crash test, within a range of 0.1 m to 100 m, preferably within a range of 0.1 m to 5 m, and particularly within a range of 0.5 m to 1 m. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the sixth receiving unit and the fifth transmitting unit are positioned accordingly. This allows the position of the object to be determined particularly easily, independent of the vehicle's position.

[0023] It is advantageous if the third transmitter and the fourth receiver are located on or in the body part of the crash test dummy, in particular the head, chest, pelvis, one of the thighs, or one of the knees. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the fifth receiver and the sixth transmitter are located in the same manner on or in the body part of the crash test dummy, in particular the head, chest, pelvis, one of the thighs, or one of the knees. This allows important crash test data for the safety of vehicle occupants to be easily determined using the positional data of the body part.

[0024] It is also advantageous if the third transmitter and the fourth receiver are arranged on or in a part of the vehicle, in particular the steering wheel, the headliner, the side mirror, the seat, or the door. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the fifth receiver and the sixth transmitter are arranged in the same way on or in a part of the vehicle, in particular the steering wheel, the headliner, the side mirror, the seat, or the door. This allows important crash test data on impact-induced deformation of the vehicle to be easily determined using the position data of the vehicle part.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the object's position during the vehicle crash test is determined using the third and / or fourth transmitter unit, as well as any additional transmitter units. Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the object's position during the vehicle crash test is detected using the third and / or fourth receiver unit, as well as any additional receiver units. This allows the object's position to be determined particularly easily and with less statistical error using multiple position data points than with position data obtained from only one transmitter and one receiver unit.

[0026] In a third aspect of the invention, the device for detecting the position of the at least one object during the vehicle crash test comprises at least one seventh transmitter unit configured to emit a seventh radar wave. It further comprises at least one seventh receiver unit configured to receive the seventh radar wave. The seventh transmitter unit and the seventh receiver unit are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm. The device also comprises at least one first reflector configured to reflect the seventh radar wave more strongly than the object, the reflector being connected to the object. The reflector reflects the seventh radar wave more strongly than the object, for example, due to a larger radar cross-section.The device according to the third aspect of the invention enables the distance of the object relative to the seventh receiving unit and the seventh transmitting unit to be easily determined during the vehicle crash test. Furthermore, the distance of the object can also be easily determined even with high background noise or if the object is small.

[0027] In a further embodiment according to the third aspect of the invention, the device alternatively or additionally comprises at least one eighth transmitting unit, which is arranged on or in the object and which is configured to emit an eighth radar wave. Furthermore, the device comprises at least one eighth receiving unit, which is configured to receive the eighth radar wave. The eighth transmitting unit and the eighth receiving unit are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm. Furthermore, at least one second reflector is included, which is configured to reflect the eighth radar wave more strongly than a further object connected to the second reflector.

[0028] It is advantageous if the seventh receiving unit and / or the seventh transmitting unit and / or the second reflector is located, in particular, on the steering wheel or the dashboard. This makes it particularly easy to determine the position of the object relative to the position of the vehicle.

[0029] It is further advantageous if the seventh receiving unit and / or the seventh transmitting unit and / or the second reflector is positioned at a distance from the vehicle at the time of impact during the vehicle crash test, within a range of 0.1 m to 100 m, preferably within a range of 0.1 m to 5 m, and particularly within a range of 0.5 m to 1 m. This allows the position of the object to be determined particularly easily, independent of the position of the vehicle.

[0030] It is advantageous if the first reflector and / or the eighth transmitter and / or the eighth receiver are located on or within the body part of the crash test dummy, particularly the head, chest, pelvis, one of the thighs, or one of the knees. This allows important crash test data for the safety of vehicle occupants to be easily obtained using the positional data of the body part.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, it is advantageous if the first reflector and / or the eighth transmitter and / or the eighth receiver are located on the vehicle part, in particular the steering wheel, the headliner, the side mirror, or the door. This allows important crash test data on impact-induced vehicle deformation to be easily determined using the positional data of the vehicle part.

[0032] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the object's position during the vehicle crash test is detected using the seventh and / or eighth transmitter unit and additional transmitter units, and / or the seventh and / or eighth receiver unit and additional receiver units. This allows the object's position to be determined particularly easily and with less statistical error using multiple position data points than with position data obtained from only one transmitter and one receiver unit.

[0033] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and / or eighth transmitting unit is configured to continuously transmit the respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth radar wave in a frequency-modulated manner, and if the corresponding first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth receiving unit is configured to continuously receive the respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth frequency-modulated radar wave. This allows the object's speed of movement to be easily determined in addition to the position data, e.g., using the evaluation unit.

[0034] The method with the features of dependent claim 13 has the same advantages as the device claimed in claim 1. In particular, the method can be further developed with the features of the dependent claims directed to the device and the aforementioned embodiments.

[0035] The method with the features of dependent claim 14 has the same advantages as the device claimed in claim 6. In particular, the method can be further developed with the features of the dependent claims directed to the device and the aforementioned embodiments.

[0036] The method with the features of dependent claim 15 has the same advantages as the device claimed in claim 8. In particular, the method can be further developed with the features of the dependent claims directed to the device and the aforementioned embodiments.

[0037] Examples of implementation are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a vehicle cockpit with a crash test dummy in a first crash test situation; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of a second crash test situation; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of the cockpit of a vehicle with a crash test dummy in a third crash test situation; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the cockpit of a vehicle with a crash test dummy in a fourth crash test situation; Fig. 5 a schematic top view of a fifth crash test situation; Fig. 6. A first procedure plan for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test;

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the cockpit 100 of a vehicle 102 with a crash test dummy 104 in a first crash test situation. The crash test dummy 104 is positioned in a seated position on a driver's seat 106 of the vehicle 102. The vehicle 102 is also referred to as the ego vehicle 102. The cockpit 100 also includes a central information display (CID) 108, a head-up display 110, and a graphic instrument cluster 112, which are arranged in a dashboard 114 of the vehicle 102. The aforementioned display elements 108, 110, and 112 each form a functional unit of an output unit of the vehicle 102, which is designed to output information to a driver. At least one loudspeaker 116 and one microphone 117 of the vehicle 102 are also arranged in the cockpit 100. The loudspeaker 116 forms a functional unit of the output unit and the microphone 117 forms a functional unit of the input unit.The functional units of the output unit and the input unit also serve as a playback unit for audio and / or video playback.

[0039] The cockpit 100 also includes a steering wheel 118 with controls 120, a gear selector 122, pedals 124, and an input unit 126 with a rotary dial and push-button function and / or a touch input panel. This input unit 126 is also referred to as the Ergo Commander.

[0040] In the upper area of ​​the windshield 128 of the vehicle 102, an interior rearview mirror 132 and a front camera 134 mounted on the windshield 128 in the area of ​​this interior rearview mirror 132 are arranged. The camera 134 is designed such that it can capture at least a portion of the current driving segment of the vehicle 102. In other words, the front camera 134 captures at least environmental information relating to the surroundings of the vehicle 102, at least over an area in front of the vehicle 102 in the direction of travel. The front camera 134 can be a mono camera or a stereo camera, preferably an IR-RGB camera.

[0041] The camera 134 is specifically designed to capture several successive images, particularly in the form of a video stream, to generate image data corresponding to the images and to transmit this data to a control unit 138 serving as a processing unit.

[0042] The control unit 138 has data outputs 140 and data inputs 142, which serve to connect to other units of the vehicle 102, for example with other cameras, sensors, input and output units and control units of assistance systems.

[0043] The control unit 138 further comprises a communication module 144, which is configured to establish a connection with a telecommunications network, in particular a mobile communication network. Car-to-car communication and infrastructure-to-car communication are easily possible via this communication module 144. Data can be transmitted to and from the vehicle 102 via this communication module 144, in particular to and / or from a central database of the vehicle manufacturer and / or a service provider. In one embodiment, the cockpit 100 of the vehicle 102 comprises only some of the aforementioned components, since many of the mentioned elements of the cockpit 100 are not required for a crash test, or not in every case. In particular, input and / or output units and / or the camera 134 and / or the communication module 144 can be omitted.

[0044] A transmitter 148 is arranged on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104. In further embodiments, the transmitter 148 can also be arranged in the head 146 or on or in another part of the crash test dummy 104, for example, the chest, pelvis, one of the thighs, or one of the knees. In other embodiments, the transmitter 148 can also be arranged on or in a part of the vehicle 102, for example, the steering wheel 118, the headliner, a side mirror, the driver's seat 106, or a vehicle door.

[0045] A receiver unit 150 is arranged on the upper part of the steering wheel 118. In a further embodiment, the receiver unit 150 can also be arranged on the dashboard 114.

[0046] In a crash test, vehicle 102 impacts a barrier at a vehicle speed of V1. The barrier is in Fig. 1 not shown, but will be shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows the crash test dummy 104, which is designated there by the reference symbol 202. The crash test dummy 104 moves at a dummy speed V2, which corresponds to the vehicle speed V1 before impact with the barrier 202. The transmitter 148 sends a radar wave, which is received by the receiver 150. Based on the transmission and reception times of the radar wave, an evaluation unit 152 then determines a distance D1 between the transmitter 148 and the receiver 150. Thus, the distance D1 between the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 is determined.

[0047] In one embodiment, the transmitter 148 continuously transmits a frequency-modulated radar wave, and the receiver 150 continuously receives this frequency-modulated radar wave. Based on a transmission time and a reception time of the continuously received frequency-modulated radar wave, the distance D1 of the transmitter 148 relative to the receiver 150 is continuously determined. Furthermore, based on the continuously received frequency-modulated radar wave, the evaluation unit 152 continuously determines a movement speed V2 of the transmitter 148. Thus, the distance D1 between the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 is determined, and the movement speed V2 of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 relative to a movement speed V1 of the upper part of the steering wheel 118 is determined.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the positions of the transmitter unit 148 and the receiver unit 150 are reversed. That is, referring to the embodiment described above, the transmitter unit 148 is arranged on the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and the receiver unit 150 is arranged on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104. The embodiments described above can be implemented in the same way.

[0049] In another embodiment, the transmitter 148 is arranged on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104, and several receivers are arranged in or on a part of the vehicle 102, for example, on the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and on the dashboard 114. The receivers then receive the radar wave emitted by the transmitter 148, so that the evaluation unit 152 can determine several distances between the transmitter 148 and the receivers. Based on these distances, the position of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 can then be determined using the evaluation unit 152. In another embodiment, several transmitters can also be arranged in or on parts of the vehicle 102, and the receiver 150 can be located on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.The receiving unit 150 then receives the radar waves emitted by the transmitting units, so that with the help of the evaluation unit 152 several distances between the transmitting units and the receiving unit 150 can be determined and from this the position of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.

[0050] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of a second crash test scenario. Identical elements and elements with the same structure and function have the same reference symbols. The second scenario differs from the first in the arrangement of the transmitting and receiving units.

[0051] The transmitter unit 148 is located at the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104, and the receiver unit 150 is located to the left of the vehicle 102 at a distance D2 of 1 m. In the same way as in connection with Fig. As described in 1, the radar wave is sent and received and the evaluation unit 152 determines the distance D1 between the receiving unit 150 outside the vehicle 102 and the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.

[0052] Further embodiments of the design according to Fig. 2 can be used in the same way as those associated with Fig. The embodiments described in section 1 can be provided. In particular, the receiving unit 150 or the receiving units or the transmitting unit 148 or the transmitting units can be arranged outside the vehicle 102.

[0053] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the cockpit 100 of vehicle 102 with a crash test dummy 104 in a third crash test situation. The third situation differs from the first and second in the arrangement and number of the transmitting and receiving units.

[0054] The transmitter unit 302 and the receiver unit 308 are arranged at a distance of 10 cm on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104. Another transmitter unit 304 and another receiver unit 306 are arranged at a distance of 10 cm on the upper part of the steering wheel 118.

[0055] The transmitter 302 sends the radar wave, which is received by the receiver 306. The transmitter 304 then sends another radar wave in response to the received radar wave, which is received by the receiver 308. Based on the transmission and reception times of the radar wave and / or the transmission and reception times of the second radar wave, the evaluation unit 152 then determines the distance from the transmitter 302 and receiver 308 to the transmitter 304 and receiver 306. Thus, the evaluation unit 152 determines the distance D1 between the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.

[0056] In one embodiment, the transmitting unit 302 continuously transmits the frequency-modulated radar wave, and the receiving unit 306 continuously receives this frequency-modulated radar wave. Furthermore, the transmitting unit 304 continuously transmits a further frequency-modulated radar wave, and the receiving unit 308 continuously receives this further frequency-modulated radar wave. Based on a transmission time and a reception time of the continuously received frequency-modulated radar wave and the continuously received further frequency-modulated radar wave, the evaluation unit 152 continuously determines the distance D1 between the transmitting unit 302 and the receiving unit 306. Simultaneously, the determined distance D1 corresponds to a distance between the transmitting unit 304 and the receiving unit 308.Furthermore, the evaluation unit 152 continuously determines the movement speed V2 of the transmitter unit 302 based on the continuously received frequency-modulated radar wave. Thus, the distance D1 between the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 is determined, and the evaluation unit 152 determines the movement speed V2 of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 relative to the movement speed V1 of the upper part of the steering wheel 118.

[0057] In another embodiment, the additional transmitting unit 304 sends the additional radar wave, which is received by the receiving unit 308. The transmitting unit 302 then sends the radar wave in response to the received additional radar wave, which is received by the additional receiving unit 306. The embodiments described above can be implemented in the same way.

[0058] In another embodiment, the transmitter 302 and the receiver 308 are arranged on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104, and several additional transmitters and receivers are arranged in the vehicle interior, for example, on the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and / or on the dashboard 114. These additional receivers then receive the radar wave emitted by the transmitter 302, and in response to the received radar wave, they emit further radar waves, which are received by the receiver 308. In this way, the evaluation unit 152 can determine several distances between the transmitter 302 and the additional receivers. Based on these distances, the evaluation unit 152 can then determine the position of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.In one embodiment, several transmitter units 302 can be arranged inside the vehicle, and a further receiver unit 306 can be located at the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104. The further receiver unit 306 then receives the radar waves emitted by the transmitter units, and the further transmitter unit 304 then transmits the radar wave received by the receiver units in response to the received radar wave. In this way, the evaluation unit 152 can determine several distances between the transmitter units and the further receiver unit 306, and based on this, the evaluation unit 152 can determine the position of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.

[0059] In one embodiment, the transmitter unit 302 and the receiver unit 308 are arranged at a distance of 10 cm on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104, and the further transmitter unit 304 and the further receiver unit 306 are arranged outside the vehicle 102 at a distance of 10 cm.

[0060] In another embodiment, the frequency of the second radar wave is harmonic to the frequency of the first radar wave. For example, the frequency of the second radar wave is then twice the frequency of the first radar wave.

[0061] Fig. Figure 4 shows another schematic representation of the cockpit 100 of vehicle 102 with a crash test dummy 104 in a fourth crash test situation. The fourth situation differs from the first to third in the arrangement and number of the transmitting and receiving units, as well as in the use of a reflector.

[0062] The reflector 402 is located on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104. The transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 406 are located on the upper part of the steering wheel 118 at a distance of 10 cm.

[0063] The transmitter 404 sends a radar wave which is reflected by the reflector 402, the reflector 402 having a larger radar cross-section than the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104. The reflected radar wave is received by the receiver 406. Based on the transmission and reception times of the radar wave, the evaluation unit 152 then determines the distance from the transmitter 404 and the receiver 406 to the reflector 402. Thus, the distance D1 between the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 is determined.

[0064] In one embodiment, the transmitter 404 continuously transmits the frequency-modulated radar wave, which is reflected by the reflector 402 and continuously received by the receiver 406. Based on a transmission time and a reception time of the continuously received reflected frequency-modulated radar wave, the evaluation unit 152 continuously determines the distance D1 of the transmitter 404 relative to the reflector 402. Furthermore, based on the continuously received reflected frequency-modulated radar wave, the evaluation unit 152 continuously determines the velocity V2 of the reflector 402. Thus, the evaluation unit 152 determines the distance D1 between the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 and the velocity V2 of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104 relative to the velocity V1 of the upper part of the steering wheel 118.

[0065] In another embodiment, the position of the transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 406, arranged at a distance of 10 cm, is reversed with the position of the reflector 402. That is, with reference to the previously described embodiment, the transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 406 are arranged at a distance of 10 cm on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104, and the reflector 402 is arranged on the upper part of the steering wheel 118. The previously described embodiments can be implemented in the same way.

[0066] In another embodiment, the transmitter 404 and the receiver 406 are arranged at a distance of 10 cm on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104, and several reflectors are arranged in or on that part of the vehicle, for example, on the upper part of the steering wheel 118 and / or on the dashboard 114. The reflectors then reflect the radar wave emitted by the transmitter 404, and the receiver 406 receives the reflected radar wave. In this way, the evaluation unit 152 can determine several distances between the transmitter 404 (arranged at a distance of 10 cm) and the receiver 406 and the several reflectors. Based on these distances, the evaluation unit 152 can then determine the position of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.In one embodiment, several transmitter and receiver units, each spaced 10 cm apart, can be arranged in or on the part of the vehicle 102, with the reflector 402 located on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104. The reflector 402 then reflects the radar waves emitted by the transmitter units, and the receiver units receive the radar waves reflected by the reflector 402. In this way, the evaluation unit 152 can determine several distances between the transmitter and receiver units, each spaced within 10 cm of the reflector 402. Based on this, the evaluation unit 152 can determine the position of the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.

[0067] In further embodiments, the transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 406 and / or the reflector 402, arranged at a distance of 10 cm, can also be located in the head 146 or on or in another part of the crash test dummy 104, for example, the chest, the pelvis, one of the thighs, or one of the knees. In other embodiments, the transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 406 and / or the reflector 402, arranged at a distance of 10 cm, can also be located on or in a part of the vehicle 102, for example, the steering wheel 118, the dashboard 114, the headliner, the side mirror, the driver's seat, or the vehicle door.

[0068] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic top view of a fifth crash test situation. The fifth situation differs from the first four in the arrangement and number of the transmitting and receiving units, as well as in the use of a reflector.

[0069] The reflector 402 is located on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104, and to the left of the vehicle 102, at a distance D2 of 1 m, are the transmitter unit 404 and the receiver unit 406, which are arranged at a distance of 10 cm.

[0070] In the same way as in connection with Fig. As described in section 4, the radar wave is transmitted, reflected, and received. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 152 determines the distance D1 between the transmitting unit 404, located 10 cm apart, and the receiving unit 406 outside the vehicle 102 and the reflector 402 on the head 146 of the crash test dummy 104.

[0071] Further embodiments of the design according to Fig. 5 can be used in the same way as those associated with Fig. The embodiments described in section 4 can be provided. In particular, the transmitting unit 404 and receiving unit 406, arranged at a distance of 10 cm, or the transmitting units and receiving units arranged at a distance of 10 cm, can be located outside the vehicle 102 and / or the reflector 402 or the reflectors can be located outside the vehicle 102.

[0072] Fig. Figure 6 shows an initial sequence for detecting the position of at least one object during a crash test of a vehicle 102. The sequence begins in step S100. Subsequently, in step S102, a first radar wave is emitted using at least one first transmitter 148, which is located on or in the object. In step S104, the first radar wave is then received using at least one first receiver 150. The first receiver is located in a position suitable for detecting a change in the position of the first transmitter. Based on the transmission time of the first radar wave and the reception time of the first radar wave, the position of the object is then determined in step S106 using an evaluation unit 152. The sequence then ends in step S108.

[0073] Alternatively or additionally, in step S102, a second radar wave is emitted using at least one second transmitter unit. In step S104, the second radar wave is then received using at least one second receiver unit, which is located on or in the object. The second transmitter unit is positioned in a location suitable for detecting any change in the position of the second receiver unit. Based on the transmission time of the second radar wave and the reception time of the second radar wave, the position of the object is then determined in step S106 using the evaluation unit 152.

[0074] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit determines the object's position by calculating the distance from the first receiving unit to the object based on the radar wave propagation speed, the transmission time of the first radar wave, and the reception time of the first radar wave. Similarly, the distance from the second transmitting unit to the object can be calculated based on the transmission time of the second radar wave, the reception time of the second radar wave, and the radar wave propagation speed. In another embodiment, the evaluation unit can determine the object's position using a 3D coordinate system, such as a world coordinate system, based on the respective calculated distance and a reference point, which could be, for example, a 3D position of the first receiving unit and / or the second transmitting unit.

[0075] More in the Fig.The elements and features shown in Figures 1 to 6 and mentioned in the preceding description can be part of the devices for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test. Likewise, the method steps described using these devices can be part of the claimed methods. 100 Cockpit 102 vehicles 104 Crash test dummy 106 Driver's seat 108 central information display 110 Head Up Display 112 graphic instrument cluster 114 Dashboard 116 speakers 117 Microphone 118 Steering wheel 120 Control element 122 Gear selector 124 Pedals 126 Input unit 128 Windscreen 132 Interior rearview mirror 134 Front camera 138 Control unit 140 Data output 142 Data input 144 Communication module 146 heads 148, 302, 304, 404 Transmitter unit 150, 306, 308, 406 receiver unit 152 evaluation unit 200, 500 Top view 202 Barrier 402 Reflector D1, D2 distance V1, V2 speed S100 to S108 Procedure steps QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 195 32 945 A1

[0003] US 7,508,530 B1

[0004] DE 199 42 586 A1

[0005] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] A Compact Harmonic Radar System With Active Tags at 61 / 122 GHz ISM Band in SiGe BiCMOS for Precise Localization“, veröffentlicht im Januar 2021 in „IEEE Transactions On Microwave Theory And Techniques“, Vol. 69, No. 1, von Hansen et al. (DOI: 10.1109 / TMTT.2020.3026353

[0020]

Claims

[1] Device for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test (102), with at least one first transmitting unit (148) arranged on or in the object and configured to emit a first radar wave, and with at least one first receiving unit (150) configured to receive the first radar wave, and / or with at least one second transmitting unit configured to emit a second radar wave, and with at least one second receiving unit arranged on or in the object and configured to receive the second radar wave, and with an evaluation unit (152) which is configured to determine the position of the object starting from a transmission time of the first radar wave and a reception time of the first radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the second radar wave and a reception time of the second radar wave. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the first receiving unit (150) and / or the second transmitting unit is arranged, in particular on the steering wheel (118) or on the dashboard (114). [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the first receiving unit (150) and / or the second transmitting unit is arranged at a distance from the vehicle (102) at the time of an impact during the crash test of the vehicle (102) in the range of 0.1 m to 100 m, preferably in the range of 0.1 m to 5 m, in particular in the range of 0.5 m to 1 m. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first transmitting unit (148) and / or the second receiving unit is arranged on or in a body part of a crash test dummy (104), in particular a head (146), a chest, a pelvis, one of the thighs or one of the knees. [5] Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first transmitting unit (148) and / or the second receiving unit is arranged on or in a part of the vehicle (102), in particular a steering wheel (118), a vehicle headliner, a side mirror, a seat (106) or a door. [6] Device for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test (102), with at least one third transmitting unit (302) arranged on or in the object and configured to emit a third radar wave, and with at least one third receiving unit (306) configured to receive the third radar wave, and with at least one fourth transmitting unit (304) configured to emit a fourth radar wave, and with at least one fourth receiving unit (308) arranged on or in the object and configured to receive the fourth radar wave, wherein the third transmitting unit (302) and the fourth receiving unit (308) are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm and the fourth transmitting unit (304) and the third receiving unit (306) are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and / or with at least one fifth transmitting unit configured to emit a fifth radar wave, and with at least one fifth receiving unit,which is arranged on or in the object and which is configured to receive the fifth radar wave, and with at least one sixth transmitting unit which is arranged on or in the object and which is configured to emit a sixth radar wave, and with at least one sixth receiving unit which is configured to receive the sixth radar wave, wherein the fifth transmitting unit and the sixth receiving unit are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and, with an evaluation unit (152) which is configured to determine the position of the object starting from a transmission time of the third radar wave and a reception time of the third radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the fourth radar wave and a reception time of the fourth radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the fifth radar wave and a reception time of the fifth radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the sixth radar wave and a reception time of the sixth radar wave. [7] Device according to claim 6, wherein the frequency of the fourth radar wave is harmonic to the frequency of the third radar wave, and / or wherein the frequency of the sixth radar wave is harmonic to the frequency of the fifth radar wave. [8] Device for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test (102), with at least one seventh transmitting unit (404) configured to emit a seventh radar wave, and with at least one seventh receiving unit (406) configured to receive the seventh radar wave, wherein the seventh transmitting unit (404) and the seventh receiving unit (406) are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and with at least one first reflector (402) configured to reflect the seventh radar wave more strongly than the object (146), wherein the reflector (402) is connected to the object, and / or with at least one eighth transmitting unit arranged on or in the object and configured to emit an eighth radar wave, and with at least one eighth receiving unit configured to receive the eighth radar wave, wherein the eighth transmitting unit and the eighth receiving unit are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and with at least one second reflector configured toto reflect the eighth radar wave more strongly than another object connected to the second reflector, and, with an evaluation unit (152) which is configured to determine the position of the object starting from a transmission time of the seventh radar wave and a reception time of the seventh radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the eighth radar wave and a reception time of the eighth radar wave. [9] Device according to claim 8, wherein the seventh receiving unit (406) and the seventh transmitting unit (404) are arranged, in particular on the steering wheel (118) or on the dashboard (114) and / or wherein the second reflector is arranged, in particular on the steering wheel (118) or on the dashboard (114). [10] Device according to claim 8, wherein the seventh receiving unit (406) and the seventh transmitting unit (404) are arranged at a distance from the vehicle (102) in the range of 0.1 m to 100 m, preferably in the range of 0.1 m to 5 m, in particular in the range of 0.5 m to 1 m, and / or wherein the second reflector is arranged at a distance from the vehicle (102) in the range of 0.1 m to 100 m, preferably in the range of 0.1 m to 5 m, in particular in the range of 0.5 m to 1 m. [11] Device according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the first reflector (402) is arranged on a body part of a crash test dummy (104), in particular the head (146), the chest, the pelvis, one of the thighs or one of the knees, or on a part of the vehicle (102), in particular a steering wheel (118), a vehicle headliner, a side mirror or a door, and / or wherein the eighth receiving unit and the eighth transmitting unit are arranged on a body part of a crash test dummy (104), in particular the head (146), the chest, the pelvis, one of the thighs or one of the knees, or on a part of the vehicle (102), in particular a steering wheel (118), a vehicle headliner, a side mirror or a door. [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first (148), second, third (302), fourth (304), fifth, sixth, seventh (404) and / or eighth transmitting unit is configured to continuously transmit the respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth radar wave in a frequency-modulated manner and the corresponding first (150), second, third (306), fourth (308), fifth, sixth, seventh (406) and / or eighth receiving unit is configured to continuously receive the respective first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth frequency-modulated radar wave. [13] Method for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test (102), wherein a first radar wave is emitted by means of at least one first transmitting unit (148) arranged on or in the object, and the first radar wave is received by means of at least one first receiving unit (150), and / or wherein a second radar wave is emitted by means of at least one second transmitting unit, and the second radar wave is received by means of at least one second receiving unit arranged on or in the object, and in which the position of the object is determined using an evaluation unit (152) starting from a transmission time of the first radar wave and a reception time of the first radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the second radar wave and a reception time of the second radar wave. [14] Method for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test (102), wherein a third radar wave is emitted by means of at least one third transmitting unit (302) arranged on or in the object, and the third radar wave is received by means of at least one third receiving unit (306), and a fourth radar wave is emitted by means of at least one fourth transmitting unit (304), and the fourth radar wave is received by means of at least one fourth receiving unit (308) arranged on or in the object, wherein the third transmitting unit (302) and the fourth receiving unit (308) are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm and the fourth transmitting unit (304) and the third receiving unit (306) are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and / or wherein a fifth radar wave is emitted by means of at least one fifth transmitting unit, and the fifth radar wave is received by means of at least one fifth receiving unit arranged on or in the object,and a sixth radar wave is emitted by means of at least one sixth transmitting unit arranged on or in the object, and the sixth radar wave is received by means of at least one sixth receiving unit, wherein the fifth transmitting unit and the sixth receiving unit are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and, in which the position of the object is determined using an evaluation unit (152) starting from a transmission time of the third radar wave and a reception time of the third radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the fourth radar wave and a reception time of the fourth radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the fifth radar wave and a reception time of the fifth radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the sixth radar wave and a reception time of the sixth radar wave. [15] Method for detecting the position of at least one object during a vehicle crash test (102), in which a seventh radar wave is emitted by means of at least one seventh transmitting unit (404), and the seventh radar wave is received by at least one seventh receiving unit (406), wherein the seventh transmitting unit (404) and the seventh receiving unit (406) are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and wherein the seventh radar wave is reflected by means of at least one first reflector (402), the reflector (402) being connected to the object, and / or wherein an eighth radar wave is emitted by means of at least one eighth transmitting unit arranged on or in the object, and the eighth radar wave is received by means of at least one eighth receiving unit, wherein the eighth transmitting unit and the eighth receiving unit are arranged at a distance of 0 cm to 10 cm, and wherein the eighth radar wave is reflected by means of at least one second reflector, and in which the position of the object is determined using an evaluation unit (152) starting from a transmission time of the seventh radar wave and a reception time of the seventh radar wave and / or starting from a transmission time of the eighth radar wave and a reception time of the eighth radar wave.

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