VEHICLE RETENTION SIMULATION

Abstract

A device is provided between a restraint control module and the main vehicle wiring harness. This device is connected to both the restraint control module and the main vehicle wiring harness. The device simulates the activation of a vehicle restraint system based on data indicating a vehicle impact.

Description

AREA OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] This disclosure concerns a restraint simulation in vehicles. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles typically include restraint devices. A restraint device can be, for example, a three-point seat belt. The three-point seat belt may include an anchor point, a retractor, a pretensioner, and a buckle. The anchor point secures one end of the webbing to a frame of the seat. The other end of the webbing leads into the retractor, which may include a roller that unwinds and rewinds the webbing. A buckle tongue slides freely along the webbing and, when engaged with the buckle, divides it into a lap belt and a shoulder belt. The pretensioner may engage with the retractor to eliminate slack in the webbing during an impact.

[0003] Another example of a restraint device is an airbag. A gas generator is activated, providing the inflation medium for the airbag, which is then pressurized and acts as an additional restraint for occupants during a collision. Airbags can be located in various fixed positions within vehicle passenger compartments. For example, vehicles may include a driver's airbag mounted in the steering wheel, a passenger airbag mounted on top of the dashboard facing forward from the passenger seat, and side curtain airbags mounted in the frame above the doors. SUMMARY

[0004] Vehicles may include driver assistance features that activate in response to certain vehicle impacts. A driver assistance feature is a process within a vehicle to actuate one or more vehicle components based on data from vehicle sensors and / or components indicating a vehicle impact. Non-restrictive examples of driver assistance features include fuel cut-off features, first responder communication features, location transmission features, post-impact braking features, and so on. Vehicle impacts may be simulated to verify the activation of one or more driver assistance features. However, preventing the activation of restraint devices during the simulated vehicle impact requires significant time and manpower to prepare the vehicle for the simulated impact.A deviation in a preparation process can lead to the activation of one or more restraint devices during the simulated vehicle impact.

[0005] As disclosed herein, a device includes a computer programmed to simulate the activation of vehicle restraint devices based on data indicating a vehicle impact. The device is connected to a restraint control module (RCM) and the vehicle's main body wiring harness such that it is positioned between the RCM and the restraint devices. The device enables the simulation of the vehicle impact while preventing the activation of the restraint devices, thereby increasing the likelihood of a non-destructive (i.e., no activation of the restraint devices) simulation of the vehicle impact. Furthermore, connecting the device to the RCM and the main body wiring harness between the RCM and the restraint devices can reduce the amount of time and labor required to prepare the vehicle for the simulated impact.

[0006] The device includes a restraint simulator configured to simulate the activation of a vehicle restraint system based on data indicating a vehicle impact. The device further includes a first connector configured to communicate with a restraint control module. The device further includes a second connector configured to communicate with the vehicle restraint system via a main body wiring harness.

[0007] The device may also include a ground wire configured to connect to the restraint control module and a vehicle body.

[0008] The restraint simulator can also be configured to prevent activation of the vehicle restraint device.

[0009] The vehicle restraint device can be an airbag, a seatbelt pretensioner, or a seatbelt retractor.

[0010] The restraint simulator can be a computer or a resistor.

[0011] One method involves providing a device between the restraint control module and a main body wiring harness. The method further involves connecting the device to the restraint control module and to the main body wiring harness. The method further involves simulating, via the device, the actuation of a vehicle restraint system based on data indicating a vehicle impact.

[0012] The procedure may also involve separating the restraint control module from a vehicle body.

[0013] The method may also include connecting a ground wire of the device to the restraint control module and to the vehicle body.

[0014] The vehicle restraint device can be communicatively connected to the device via the main body wiring harness.

[0015] The procedure may also include activating an assistance feature via a vehicle computer based on data indicating the vehicle impact.

[0016] The procedure may also involve receiving data indicating the vehicle impact from a remote computer.

[0017] The data indicating the vehicle impact may be simulated data.

[0018] The vehicle restraint device can be an airbag, a seatbelt pretensioner, or a seatbelt retractor.

[0019] The procedure may also include preventing the vehicle restraint device from being activated via the device.

[0020] A system includes a vehicle computer comprising a first processor and a first memory, the first memory storing instructions executable by the first processor such that the vehicle computer is programmed to activate a driver assistance feature based on data indicating a vehicle impact. The system further includes a restraint control module. The system further includes a vehicle restraint device. The system further includes a device communicatively linked to the restraint control module and communicatively connected to the vehicle restraint device via a main body wiring harness. The system includes a restraint simulator configured to simulate the activation of vehicle restraint devices based on the data indicating the vehicle impact.

[0021] The data indicating the vehicle impact may be simulated data.

[0022] The device may also include a ground wire configured to connect to the restraint control module and a vehicle body.

[0023] The restraint simulator can also be configured to prevent activation of the vehicle restraint device.

[0024] The vehicle restraint device can be an airbag, a seatbelt pretensioner, or a seatbelt retractor.

[0025] The restraint simulator is a computer or a resistor.

[0026] Furthermore, this document discloses a computing device programmed to execute any of the preceding process steps. Even further, this document discloses a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by a computer processor to execute any of the preceding process steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example vehicle control system. Fig. Figures 2A-2B are block diagrams of exemplary restraint simulation systems. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an exemplary process for simulating the actuation of a restraint device in a vehicle. DESCRIPTION

[0027] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 includes an exemplary vehicle control system 100 and a vehicle 105. The vehicle 105 can be any type of vehicle 105 with two or more wheels (e.g., a motorcycle or moped, a passenger or commercial vehicle such as a sedan, a coupé, a truck, an SUV, a crossover vehicle, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc.). A vehicle computer 110 in the vehicle 105 receives data from sensors 115.

[0028] The vehicle 105 includes the vehicle computer 110, the sensors 115, actuators 120 for operating various vehicle components 125, and a vehicle communication module 130. The communication module 130 enables the vehicle computer 110 to communicate with a remote server computer 140 and / or other vehicles (e.g., via a messaging or broadcast protocol, such as dedicated short range communications (DSRC), a cellular and / or other protocol that can support vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure, vehicle-to-cloud, or the like, and / or via a packet network 135).

[0029] The vehicle computer 110 includes a processor and memory. The memory comprises one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions executable by the vehicle computer 110 for performing various operations, including those disclosed in this document. The vehicle computer 110 may further include two or more computing devices that are operated together to perform operations of the vehicle 105, including those described in this document. Furthermore, the vehicle computer 110 may be a general-purpose computer with a processor and memory as described above, and / or may include an electronic control unit (ECU) or electronic control or the like for a specific function or set of functions, and / or may include a dedicated electronic circuit that incorporates an ASIC manufactured for a specific operation (e.g.,an ASIC for processing sensor data and / or communicating sensor data). In another example, the vehicle computer 110 might include an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), which is an integrated circuit manufactured to be user-configurable. Typically, a hardware description language, such as VHDL (Very High Speed ​​Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language), is used in electronic design automation to describe digital systems and mixed-signal systems, such as FPGAs and ASICs. For example, an ASIC is manufactured based on VHDL programming provided prior to manufacturing, whereas logical components within an FPGA may be configured based on VHDL programming (e.g.,(stored on a memory that is electrically connected to the FPGA circuit). In some examples, a combination of processor(s), ASIC(s) and / or FPGA circuits may be included in the vehicle computer 110.

[0030] The vehicle computer 110 can operate and / or monitor the vehicle 105, which includes controlling and / or monitoring components 125. The vehicle computer 110 can include programming to operate one or more of the vehicle's drive, steering, transmission, climate control, interior and / or exterior lighting, horn, doors, etc., and to determine whether and when the vehicle computer 110 should control such operations instead of a human driver. Additionally, the computer can be programmed to determine whether and when a human driver should control such operations.

[0031] The vehicle computer 110 can contain more than one processor (e.g., in electronic control units (ECUs) or the like) that is included in the vehicle 105 for monitoring and / or controlling various vehicle components 125 (e.g., a transmission control unit, a steering control unit, etc.) or be communicatively coupled to them. The vehicle computer 110 is generally arranged for communication within a vehicle communication network, which may include a bus in the vehicle 105, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or the like, and / or other wired and / or wireless mechanisms.

[0032] Via the vehicle 105 network, the vehicle computer 110 can transmit messages to various devices in the vehicle 105 and / or receive messages (e.g., CAN messages) from the various devices (e.g., sensors 115, an actuator 120, ECUs, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, in cases where the vehicle computer 110 actually comprises a multitude of devices, the vehicle communication network can be used for communication between devices that are referred to in this disclosure as the vehicle computer 110. Furthermore, as mentioned below, various controllers and / or sensors 115 can provide data to the vehicle computer 110 via the vehicle communication network.

[0033] The sensors 115 of the vehicle 105 can include a variety of devices, as known, for providing analog and / or digital data that measure or describe physical phenomena. In this document, "data" means information that can be processed and / or stored by a digital computer. Data can be provided and / or represented in a variety of formats (e.g., binary, hexadecimal, alphanumeric, e.g., ASCII, etc.). In this document, a sensor means a device that can acquire data that includes one or more measurements of one or more physical phenomena. The vehicle sensors 115 could include cameras, lidar, radar, ultrasonic sensors, and various other sensors, including those described by way of example below.Some vehicle sensors 115 detect internal states of the vehicle 105, for example, wheel speed, wheel alignment, and engine and transmission variables. Some vehicle sensors 115 detect the position or orientation of the vehicle 105, for example, sensors of a global positioning system (GPS); accelerometers, such as piezoelectric or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS); gyroscopes, such as gyroscopes, laser gyroscopes, or fiber gyroscopes; inertial measurement units (IMUs); and magnetometers. Some sensors 115 detect the external environment, for example, radar sensors, scanning laser rangefinders, optical distance and velocity measurement devices (LIDAR devices), and image processing sensors, such as cameras.A LIDAR device detects distances to objects by emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for the pulse to travel to the object and back. In the context of this disclosure, an object is a physical (i.e., material) item that has mass and can be represented by physical phenomena (e.g., light or other electromagnetic waves or sound, etc.) detectable by sensors 115. Thus, the vehicle 105, as well as other items including those discussed below, fall under the definition of "object" in this document.

[0034] Some sensors 115 are communication devices, for example, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) or vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) devices. The operation of the sensor can be affected by foreign objects (e.g., dust, snow, insects, etc.). Often, but not necessarily, a sensor 115 includes a digital-to-analog converter to convert acquired analog data into a digital signal that can be provided to a digital computer (e.g., via a network). The sensors 115 can include a variety of devices and can be arranged in a variety of ways to sense an environment, provide data about a machine, etc. For example, the sensors 115 can be mounted at any suitable location in or on the vehicle 105 to collect image data of the environment around the vehicle 105. In this document, image data refers to digital image data (e.g.,pixels with intensity and color values), which can be captured by the camera sensors 115.

[0035] Furthermore, various controllers in a vehicle 105 can be operated as vehicle sensors 115 to provide data via the vehicle network or a bus (e.g., data regarding speed, location, status of subsystems and / or components 125, etc., of the vehicle 105). Other sensors 115 could also include cameras, short-range radar, long-range radar, LiDAR and / or ultrasonic transducers, weight sensors, accelerometers, motion detectors, etc. (i.e., sensors to provide a variety of data). The vehicle computer 110 is programmed to receive data from one or more sensors 115 essentially continuously, periodically, and / or on instruction from a remote server computer 140, etc.To provide just a few non-limiting examples, sensor data could include data for determining the position of a component 125, the location of an object, the speed of an object, the type of object, the slope of a roadway or area, a temperature, the presence or amount of moisture, a data rate, etc. Location data specifies a point or points on a ground surface and may be in a known form (e.g., geocoordinates, such as latitude and longitude coordinates, obtained through a navigation system, such as the one known to use the Global Positioning System (GPS)).

[0036] The actuators 120 of the vehicle 105 are implemented via circuits, chips, or other electronic and / or mechanical components that can actuate various vehicle subsystems according to appropriate control signals, as is known. The actuators 120 can be used to control components 125 to operate a vehicle 105.

[0037] In the context of this disclosure, a vehicle component 125 is one or more hardware components designed to perform a mechanical or electromechanical function or operation – such as moving the vehicle 105, slowing down or stopping the vehicle 105, steering the vehicle 105, etc. Non-limiting examples of components 125 include a drive component (which may include, for example, an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor, etc.), a transmission component, a steering component (which may include, for example, one or more of a steering wheel, a steering rack, etc.), a suspension component (which may include, for example, one or more of a damper (e.g., a shock absorber or a strut), a bushing, a spring, a control arm, a ball joint, a linkage, etc.), a parking aid component, an adaptive cruise control component, etc.

[0038] The vehicle 105 further includes one or more restraint devices 145 (which are, for example, arranged in a passenger compartment of the vehicle 105) and which can be operated to restrain or restrict the movement of a vehicle occupant, for example, during certain impacts on the vehicle. A restraint device 145 can be connected to a vehicle body 155 or another vehicle component 125. The restraint devices 145 are configured to control the kinematics of occupants during vehicle impacts. The restraint devices 145 can be any suitable type of device (e.g., a seatbelt retractor, a seatbelt pretensioner, an airbag, etc.). The vehicle 105 further includes control modules, such as ECUs or the like, which are programmed to perform various functions for the vehicle 105.Specifically, the vehicle 105 includes a restraint control module (RCM) 150, which is programmed to actuate one or more restraint devices 145 in response to the detection of certain vehicle impacts (e.g., based on data from sensors 115). The RCM 150 may be connected to the vehicle body 155 (e.g., by clamps, screws, bolts, etc.). The vehicle 105 may include any suitable number of control modules. Other non-restrictive examples of control modules include an engine control module, a body control module, an accessory control module, a power steering control module, an anti-lock brake control module, etc.

[0039] The vehicle 105 also includes a main body wiring harness 160. The main body wiring harness 160 is located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 105. The main body wiring harness 160 is positioned to supply power to one or more devices (e.g., control modules such as the RCM 150, sensors 115, actuators 120, vehicle components 125, restraint devices 145, and the like) within the passenger compartment and / or to the vehicle computer 110. The main body wiring harness 160 also provides communication between the devices (e.g., control modules, sensors 115, actuators 120, vehicle components 125, restraint devices, etc.) and / or the vehicle computer 110. This means that the main body wiring harness 160 can provide a wired connection between the vehicle computer 110 and / or various devices within the passenger compartment to enable communication via the vehicle network.

[0040] The vehicle computer 110 can further be configured to communicate with devices outside the vehicle 105 via a vehicle-to-vehicle communication module 130 or an interface (e.g., via wireless vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) or vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2X) communication (cellular and / or short-range radio communication, etc.)) with another vehicle and / or with a remote server computer 140 (typically via direct radio frequency communication). The communication module 130 could include one or more mechanisms, such as a transceiver, through which the computers of vehicles can communicate using any desired combination of wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network topology (or topologies if a variety of communication mechanisms are used).Examples of communication provided via the Communication Module 130 include cellular, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11, Dedicated Short Range Communication (DSRC), Cellular V2X (CV2X), and / or wide area networks (WANs), including the Internet, which provide data communication services. The term "V2X" is used herein to refer to communication that can take place from vehicle to vehicle (V2V) and / or from vehicle to infrastructure (V2I) and that can be provided by the Communication Module 130 according to any suitable short range communication mechanism (e.g., DSRC, cellular, or the like).

[0041] The network 135 represents one or more mechanisms by which a vehicle computer 110 can communicate with remote computing devices (e.g., the remote server computer 140, another vehicle computer, a user device 165, etc.). Accordingly, the network 135 can be one or more of various wired or wireless communication mechanisms, including any desired combination of wired (e.g., cable and fiber optic) and / or wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network topology (or network topologies if multiple communication mechanisms are used). Exemplary communication networks include wireless communication networks (e.g., using Bluetooth®, Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE), IEEE 802).11. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, such as dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) etc.), local area network (LAN) and / or wide area network (WAN) which include the Internet and provide data communication services.

[0042] The remote server computer 140 can be a conventional computing device (i.e., one that includes one or more processors and one or more memories) programmed to perform operations such as those disclosed herein. Furthermore, the remote server computer 140 can be accessed via the network 135 (e.g., the Internet, a mobile network, and / or another wide area network).

[0043] The user device 165 can be a conventional computing device (i.e., one that includes one or more processors and one or more memories) programmed to perform operations such as those disclosed in this document. The user device 165 can be a portable device. A portable device can be any of a variety of computers that can be used while being carried by a person (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a personal digital assistant, a smartwatch, a key fob, etc.). Furthermore, the user device 165 can be accessed via the network 135 (e.g., the internet, a cellular network, and / or another wide area network).

[0044] Now, referring to Fig. Figure 2 includes an exemplary restraint simulation system 200, the vehicle 105 (e.g., the restraint devices 145, the RCM 150, and the vehicle body 155), and a device 205. The device 205 can be selectively connected to the RCM 150 and the main body wiring harness 160. For example, the device 205 can be connected to the RCM 150 and the main body wiring harness 160. The device 205 includes a restraint simulator 210, a first connector 215, and a second connector 220.

[0045] The restraint simulator 210 can, for example, be a computer 212 (as in Fig. (2A shown). The computer 212 can be a conventional computing device (i.e., one that includes one or more processors and one or more memories) programmed to perform operations such as those disclosed herein. Furthermore, the computer 212 can be accessed via the network 135 (e.g., the internet, a mobile network, and / or another wide area network).

[0046] As another example, the restraint simulator 210 can be one or more resistors 214. The restraint simulator 210 can include separate resistors 214 for each restraint device 145. The resistors 214 can be configured to generate a voltage drop that simulates the actuation of the corresponding restraint device 145. For example, the RCM 150 can output a voltage to and receive a voltage from the resistor 214 that indicates the actuation of the corresponding restraint device 145. The resistors 214 prevent the output voltage from reaching the restraint devices 145.

[0047] The first connector 215 is configured to provide communication between the restraint simulator 210 and the RCM 150. That is, the first connector 215 can be designed to mate with a connector 152 of the RCM 150. For example, the first connector 215 can be an electrical quick-disconnect connector (such as those currently used in automotive applications) designed to be received by an electrical quick-disconnect connector 152 of the RCM 150. That is, the first connector 215 can be essentially identical to a connector 162 of the main body wiring harness 160. When the first connector 215 is connected to the RCM 150, the restraint simulator 210 can communicate with the RCM 150 (e.g., via the vehicle network).

[0048] The second connector 220 is configured to provide communication between the device 205 and the restraint devices 145. This means that the second connector 220 can be designed to mate with connector 162 of the main body wiring harness 160. For example, the second connector 220 can be an electrical quick-disconnect connector designed to accept an electrical quick-disconnect connector 162 of the main body wiring harness 160. This means that the second connector 220 can be essentially identical to connector 152 of the RCM 150. When the second connector 220 is connected to the main body wiring harness 160, the device 205 can communicate with the restraint devices 145 (e.g., via the vehicle network). As an example, the second connecting element 220 can connect the computer 212 communicatively to the retaining devices 145 (as in Fig. 2A shown).

[0049] The device 205 may further include a third connector 225. The third connector 225 may be configured to electrically ground the RCM 150. For example, the third connector 225 may be designed to connect to a connector 230 of a ground wire 235. The ground wire may further be connectable to a housing of the RCM 150 (e.g., via a screw or the like). The third connector 225 may be an electrical quick-disconnect connector designed to accept an electrical quick-disconnect connector 230 of the ground wire. The third connector 225 may further be connected to a second ground wire 240, which may be connected to the vehicle body 155 (e.g., via a screw or the like). This means that the RCM 150 can be grounded to the vehicle body 155 by connecting the second ground wire 240 to the vehicle body 155 and the ground wire 235 to the third connector 225 (e.g.via connector 230) and the housing of the RCM 150.

[0050] The vehicle computer 110 can be programmed to activate a driver assistance feature based on data indicating a vehicle impact. That is, in response to receiving data indicating a vehicle impact, the vehicle computer 110 activates location transmission features, post-impact braking features, etc. The vehicle computer 110 can receive the data indicating the vehicle impact from the user device 165 or another remote computer (e.g., the remote server computer 140) (e.g., via the network 135). The vehicle computer 110 can identify driver assistance features to be activated based on the received data. For example, the vehicle computer 110 can access a database or similar resource that maps one or more driver assistance features to different vehicle impact data. The database can, for example, be stored in memory within the vehicle computer 110.

[0051] For example, the vehicle computer 110 can provide the RCM 150 with data indicating the vehicle impact (e.g., via the vehicle network). As another example, the RCM 150 can receive data indicating the vehicle impact from the remote computer 140, 165 (e.g., via network 135).

[0052] The remote computer 140, 165 can, for example, determine the data specifying the vehicle impact based on user input. For instance, the remote computer 140, 165 can include a human-machine interface that can detect user input (e.g., via sensors on a touchscreen) specifying a type of vehicle impact (e.g., frontal impact, side impact, oblique impact, etc.). The remote computer 140, 165 can store a database or similar (e.g., in memory) that maps different data to different types of vehicle impacts. Upon detecting the user input, the remote computer 140, 165 can access the database to select the data specifying the vehicle impact that corresponds to the specified impact. The remote computer 140, 165 can then transmit the selected data specifying the vehicle impact to the vehicle computer 110 and / or the RCM 150 (e.g.,via network 135).

[0053] The data indicating the vehicle impact can be simulated. For example, the data (e.g., via user input) can be configured to include sensor 115 data representing a simulated vehicle impact (e.g., the data lies outside the respective operating ranges for the respective sensors 115). As another example, the data indicating the vehicle impact can be collected during a simulated impact of a virtual vehicle (e.g., via a vehicle dynamics model (i.e., a physics-based kinematic or dynamic model that describes vehicle motion)). Yet another example is that the data indicating the vehicle impact can be collected during a physical vehicle impact simulation (as is currently performed, for example, in automotive applications).The RCM 150 is programmed to identify restraint devices 145 for activation based on data indicating the vehicle impact. For example, the RCM 150 can access a database or similar resource that maps restraint devices 145 to be activated to vehicle impact data and / or types of vehicle impacts. The database can be stored (e.g., in the RCM 150's memory). Upon identifying one or more restraint devices 145 for activation, the RCM 150 can transmit instructions or a voltage (e.g., via the vehicle network) to activate the identified restraint devices 145.

[0054] When the device 205 is connected to the RCM 150, instructions for actuating the identified restraint devices 145 are provided to the restraint simulator 210. The restraint simulator 210 simulates the operation of the identified restraint devices 145. For example, the computer 212 can access a database or the like that assigns corresponding resistance values ​​to various identified restraint devices 145. The respective resistance value is a numerical value that indicates a quantity of resistance measured in response to the activation of a particular restraint device 145. The respective resistance values ​​can be set by a manufacturer of the respective restraint devices 145. The database can be stored (e.g., in memory on the computer 212).

[0055] The computer 212 can determine the identified restraint devices 145 based on the received instructions and can then use the database to determine the respective resistance values ​​assigned to the identified restraint devices 145. The computer 212 can simulate the actuation of the identified restraint devices 145 by providing the respective resistance values ​​to the RCM 150 (e.g., via the vehicle network). The computer 212 can also prevent actuation of the identified restraint devices 145. For example, the computer 212 can block the transmission of instructions to the main body wiring harness 160 (e.g., via resistors placed between the computer 212 and the second connector 220 and configured to prevent instructions from being issued by the device 205).Upon receiving the respective resistance values, the RCM 150 can determine that the identified restraint devices 145 are being actuated, even though the device 205 prevents the actuation of the identified restraint devices 145. That is, the device 205 allows the actuation of one or more assistance features by simulating the actuation of the restraint devices 145.

[0056] As another example, the resistors 214 can receive the voltage from the RCM 150 and output the respective resistance values ​​to the RCM 150 (e.g., via the vehicle network). In such an example, the resistors 214 can prevent the voltage from reaching the restraint devices 145, thus preventing their activation.

[0057] Fig.Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 300 for simulating the operation of a restraint device in a vehicle 105. Process 300 begins at a block 305. Process 300 can be performed by a user employing a vehicle computer 110, which executes program instructions stored in its memory, and a restraint simulator 210, which is contained in a device 205.

[0058] In block 305, an RCM 150 is disconnected from a main body wiring harness 160 of the vehicle 105. For example, the user can remove carpet and / or trim panels connected to a vehicle body 155 to access the RCM 150. The user can then disconnect a connector 162 of the main body wiring harness 160 from a connector 152 of the RCM 150. Additionally, the user can disconnect an RCM 150 housing from the vehicle body 155. Process 300 continues to block 310.

[0059] Block 310 contains a device 205 to simulate the operation of one or more restraint devices 145 in the vehicle 105. For example, the user can obtain the device 205 and place it between the RCM 150 and the main body wiring harness 160. Process 300 then proceeds to block 315.

[0060] In block 315, device 205 is connected to the RCM 150 and the main body wiring harness 160. For example, the user can connect a first connector 215 of device 205 to connector 152 of the RCM 150 and a second connector 220 of device 205 to connector 162 of the main body wiring harness 160. Process 300 continues to block 320. In block 320, the user grounds the RCM 150. For example, the user can connect a ground wire 235 to a housing of the RCM 150. The user can then connect a connector 230 of the ground wire to a third connector 225 of device 205. Additionally, the user can connect a second ground wire 240 to the vehicle body 155. The second ground wire 240 is connected to the third connector 225, as explained above. Process 300 continues to a block 325.Block 325 provides data to the RCM 150 indicating a vehicle impact. For example, the user can specify the vehicle impact data via user input on a remote computer 140, 165, as explained above. The remote computer 140, 165 can then transmit the specified data to the vehicle computer 110 (e.g., via network 135), which can then provide the data to the RCM 150 (e.g., via the vehicle network). Alternatively, the remote computer 140, 165 can transmit the specified data to the RCM 150 (e.g., via network 135). Process 300 then proceeds to block 330.

[0061] In block 330, the device 205 simulates the actuation of one or more restraint devices 145. For example, the RCM 150 can identify one or more restraint devices 145 for actuation based on the data indicating the vehicle impact, as explained above. The RCM 150 can then initiate a restraint simulator 210 in the device 205 to simulate actuation of the identified restraint device(s) 145. The restraint simulator 210 prevents transmission (e.g., of instructions or voltages) to the main body wiring harness 160 and provides the RCM 150 with appropriate resistance values, as explained above. The process 300 proceeds to a block 335.

[0062] In block 335, the vehicle computer 110 activates one or more assistance features based on the data indicating the vehicle impact, as explained above. Process 300 then proceeds to block 340.

[0063] In block 340, device 205 is removed from vehicle 105. For example, the user can disconnect device 205 (e.g., the first, second, and third connectors 215, 220, 225, and the second ground wire 240) from the RCM 150, the main body wiring harness 160, and the vehicle body 155. Furthermore, the user can disconnect the ground wire 235 from the RCM 150. Process 300 then proceeds to block 345.

[0064] In block 345, the RCM 150 is connected to the main body wiring harness 160. For example, the user can connect connector 162 of the main body wiring harness to connector 152 of the RCM 150. Furthermore, the user can connect the RCM 150 housing to the vehicle body 155. Additionally, the user can reinstall the carpet and / or trim panels to cover the RCM 150. Process 300 ends after block 345.

[0065] In general, the described computing systems and / or devices can use any of a number of computer operating systems, including, but not limited to, versions and / or variants of Ford's Sync® application, AppLink / Smart Device Link Middleware, Microsoft Automotive®, Microsoft Windows®, Unix (e.g., the Solaris® operating system, distributed by Oracle Corporation in Redwood Shores, California), AIX UNIX, distributed by International Business Machines in Armonk, New York, Linux, Mac OSX and iOS, distributed by Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California, BlackBerry OS, distributed by Blackberry, Ltd. in Waterloo, Canada, and Android, developed by Google, Inc. and the Open Handset Alliance, or the QNX® CAR infotainment platform offered by QNX Software Systems.Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, an early onboard computer, a computer workstation, a server, a desktop, notebook, laptop or handheld computer, or any other computing system and / or any other computing device.

[0066] Computers and computing devices generally contain computer-executable instructions, which can be executed by one or more computing devices, such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted by computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including, but not limited to, Java™, C, C++, Matlab, Simulink, Stateflow, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, HTML, and others, either alone or in combination. Some of these applications can be compiled and executed on a virtual machine, such as the Java Virtual Machine, the Dalvik Virtual Machine, or similar. Generally, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions (e.g., from memory, a computer-readable medium, etc.).) and executes these instructions, thereby carrying out one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other data can be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. A file in a computing device is generally a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium, random-access memory, etc.

[0067] Storage can include a computer-readable medium (also called a processor-readable medium), which is any non-transient (e.g., tangible) medium involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a computer's processor). Such a medium can take many forms, including, without limitation, non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical disks or magnetic disks and other permanent storage devices. Volatile media can include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which is typically main memory.Such instructions can be transmitted through one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to a processor of an ECU. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read. Databases, data repositories, or other data storage systems described in this document may include various types of mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving different types of data, including a hierarchical database, a set of files in a file system, an application database in a user-defined format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), and so on.Each such data storage system is generally contained within a computing device that uses a computer operating system, such as one of those mentioned above, and is accessed in one or more of a variety of ways over a network. A file system can be accessed by a computer operating system and can contain files stored in various formats. An RDBMS generally uses Structured Query Language (SQL) in addition to a language for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored procedures, such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above.

[0068] In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.) stored on computer-readable media associated with them (e.g., disks, memory, etc.). A computer program product may include such instructions stored on computer-readable media for performing the functions described herein.

[0069] With regard to the media, processes, systems, procedures, heuristics, etc., described herein, it is understood that, even if the steps of such processes, etc., have been described as being carried out in a specific sequence, such processes may nevertheless be implemented in such a way that the described steps are carried out in a sequence that differs from the sequence described herein. It is further understood that certain steps may be carried out simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein serve the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the patent claims.

[0070] Accordingly, it is understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many embodiments and applications that differ from the examples provided will be apparent to the person skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The scope of the invention should not be determined by reference to the foregoing description, but instead by reference to the appended claims in conjunction with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims entitle. It is assumed and intended that there will be future developments in the prior art discussed in this document and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. Overall, it is understood that the invention is capable of modification and variation and is limited exclusively by the following claims.

[0071] All terms used in the patent claims shall have their general and ordinary meanings as understood by a person skilled in the art, unless expressly stated otherwise. In particular, the use of singular articles such as "a", "an", "the", "a", etc. shall be interpreted as referring to one or more of the indicated elements, unless a patent claim expressly limits this interpretation.

[0072] According to the present invention, a device is provided comprising: a restraint simulator configured to simulate the actuation of a vehicle restraint device based on data indicating a vehicle impact; a first connector configured to communicatively link the restraint simulator to a restraint control module; and a second connector configured to communicatively link the restraint simulator to the vehicle restraint device via a main body wiring harness.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a ground wire configured to connect the restraint control module to a vehicle body.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the restraint simulator is further configured to prevent activation of the vehicle restraint device.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the vehicle restraint device is an airbag, a seatbelt tensioner, or a seatbelt retractor.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the restraint simulator is a computer or a resistor. According to the present invention, a method comprises: providing a device between the restraint control module and a main body wiring harness; connecting the device to the restraint control module and to the main body wiring harness; and simulating, via the device, the actuation of a vehicle restraint system based on data indicating a vehicle impact. In one aspect of the invention, the method involves disconnecting the restraint control module from a vehicle body.

[0077] In one aspect of the invention, the method involves connecting a ground wire of the device to the restraint control module and to the vehicle body.

[0078] In one aspect of the invention, the vehicle restraint device is communicatively connected to the device via the main body wiring harness.

[0079] In one aspect of the invention, the method involves activating an assistance feature via a vehicle computer based on data indicating the vehicle impact.

[0080] In one aspect of the invention, the method involves receiving the data indicating the vehicle impact from a remote computer.

[0081] In one aspect of the invention, the data indicating the vehicle impact are simulated data.

[0082] In one aspect of the invention, the vehicle restraint device is an airbag, a seatbelt tensioner or a seatbelt retractor.

[0083] In one aspect of the invention, the method involves preventing the vehicle restraint device from being actuated via the device.

[0084] According to the present invention, a system is provided comprising: a vehicle computer comprising a first processor and a first memory, wherein the first memory stores instructions executable by the first processor such that the vehicle computer is programmed to actuate an assistance feature based on data indicating a vehicle impact; a restraint control module; a vehicle restraint device; and a device communicatively connected to the restraint control module and communicatively connected to the vehicle restraint device via a main body wiring harness, wherein the device comprises: a restraint simulator configured to simulate the actuation of vehicle restraint devices based on the data indicating the vehicle impact.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the data indicating the vehicle impact are simulated data.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the device further includes a ground wire configured to connect the restraint control module to a vehicle body. According to another embodiment, the restraint simulator is further configured to prevent actuation of the vehicle restraint system.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the vehicle restraint device is an airbag, a seatbelt tensioner, or a seatbelt retractor.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the restraint simulator is a computer or a resistor.

Claims

[1] Procedure, encompassing: Providing a device between a restraint control module and a main body wiring harness; Connecting the device to the restraint control module and the main body wiring harness; and Simulate, via the device, the activation of a vehicle restraint system based on data indicating a vehicle impact. [2] Method according to claim 1, further comprising separating the restraint control module from a vehicle body. [3] Method according to claim 2, further comprising connecting a ground wire of the device to the restraint control module and to the vehicle body. [4] Method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle restraint device is communicatively connected to the device via the main body wiring harness. [5] Method according to claim 1, further comprising activating an assistance feature via a vehicle computer on the basis of the data indicating the vehicle impact. [6] Method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving the data indicating the vehicle impact from a remote computer. [7] Method according to claim 1, wherein the data indicating the vehicle impact are simulated data. [8] Method according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle restraint device is an airbag, a seatbelt pretensioner or a seatbelt retractor. [9] Method according to claim 1, further comprising preventing the actuation of the vehicle restraint device via the device. [10] Device comprising: a restraint simulator configured to simulate the activation of a vehicle restraint device based on data indicating a vehicle impact; a first connector configured to communicate with a restraint control module; and a second connector configured to communicate with the vehicle restraint system via a main body wiring harness. [11] Device according to claim 10, further comprising a ground wire configured to be connected to the restraint control module and a vehicle body. [12] Device according to claim 10, wherein the restraint simulator is further configured to prevent actuation of the vehicle restraint device. [13] Device according to claim 10, wherein the vehicle restraint device is an airbag, a seatbelt tensioner or a seatbelt retractor. [14] Device according to claim 10, wherein the restraint simulator is a computer or a resistor.

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