Airbag control device, method, and program

Abstract

To suppress the occurrence of malfunctions such as scattering of objects during expansion of an airbag with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An airbag control ECU functions as a control unit that determines at least one of propriety of expansion of an airbag and propriety of a warning to a seated occupant according to the appearance of a first pattern (IR pattern 32) in an image (IR image) captured by an imaging unit (infrared camera) that images a region including the airbag provided in a folded state in a portion (lap belt portion 22) of a seatbelt 20, and a cover 30 that covers a part of the seatbelt 20 together with the airbag and has at least the first pattern (IR pattern 32) on its front surface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an airbag control device, an airbag control method, and an airbag control program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an occupant protection device that stores a folded lap belt airbag in the lap belt portion of a seat belt, inflates the lap belt airbag during a vehicle collision, and protects an occupant sitting on the seat (see FIGS. 1 to 5, 9, and 10 of Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 2 also describes an occupant protection device that suppresses the protrusion of an airbag by allowing the exhaust of inflation gas from an exhaust port when a child seat is fixed to a seat using a seat belt that stores an airbag in the lap belt portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a child seat is fixed to a seat using a seat belt that stores a lap belt airbag, when the lap belt airbag is deployed, it may not be possible to exhaust the inflation gas only by the exhaust from the exhaust port described in Patent Document 2. For this reason, in the technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, there is a risk that scattering or damage of the child seat, release of the inflation gas due to rupture of the airbag, etc. cannot be sufficiently prevented when the lap belt airbag is deployed. Also, when a passenger wearing a seat belt has an object such as a PC (personal computer) placed on their knee (thigh), scattering or damage of the placed object may occur when the lap belt airbag is deployed.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object is to obtain an airbag control device, an airbag control method, and an airbag control program that can suppress the occurrence of problems such as scattering of objects when the airbag is deployed with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The airbag control device according to the first aspect includes a control unit that determines at least one of whether or not to deploy the airbag and whether or not to give a warning to the seated passenger according to the appearance of the first pattern on an image captured by a photographing unit that photographs a range including an airbag provided in a folded state in a part of a seat belt and a cover that covers the part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has a first pattern applied at least on the front side.

[0008] In the first aspect, "the front side of a part of the seat belt" means the side that is in front when viewed from the imaging unit among the front and back of a part of the seat belt in a state where the seat belt is worn without being twisted. Since the seat belt is formed of a single piece of cloth, it is difficult to apply different patterns to the front and back surfaces, and it is difficult to detect the orientation or twisting of the front and back of the seat belt (airbag) from the appearance of the pattern in the image captured by the imaging unit. On the other hand, it is easy to apply the first pattern to at least the front side of the airbag cover, and the orientation or twisting of the front and back of the seat belt (airbag) can be accurately detected from the appearance of the first pattern in the image captured by the imaging unit.

[0009] In the first aspect, at least one of the possibility of airbag deployment and the possibility of warning the seated occupant is determined according to the appearance of the first pattern in the image captured by the imaging unit. Thus, when the appearance of the first pattern in the image does not correspond to, for example, "fixing of the child seat by the seat belt", "twisting of the seat belt", or "placement of an object on the occupant's lap", it can be determined that there is airbag deployment or no warning to the seated occupant. Also, when the appearance of the first pattern in the image corresponds to any of, for example, "fixing of the child seat by the seat belt", "twisting of the seat belt", or "placement of an object on the occupant's lap", it can be determined that there is no airbag deployment or there is a warning to the seated occupant.

[0010] Note that when it is determined that there is no airbag deployment, by prohibiting the deployment of the airbag, it is possible to surely prevent the child seat fixed by the seat belt or the object placed on the occupant's lap from scattering. Also, when it is determined that there is a warning to the seated occupant, for example, by the occupant untwisting the seat belt or removing the object on the occupant's lap, the stability of the airbag deployment behavior can be achieved. Therefore, according to the first aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as scattering of objects when the airbag deploys, with a simple configuration without the need for a configuration such as making the airbag exhaust port openable and closable.

[0011] In a second aspect, based on the first aspect, the airbag is a lap belt airbag stored above the lap belt portion of the seat belt, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the lap belt portion, and the first pattern is applied to the upper surface of the cover.

[0012] In the second aspect, the "upper side of the lap belt portion" means the side that is closer to the viewer when looking from the imaging unit among the front and back sides of the lap belt portion of the seat belt in a state where the seat belt is worn without being twisted. In the second aspect, it is possible to easily determine whether it corresponds to any of "fixing of the child seat by the seat belt", "twisting of the lap belt portion", or "placing an object on the occupant's lap" from the appearance on the image of the first pattern applied to the upper side of the cover covering the lap belt airbag. And when it is determined that the airbag will not deploy, by prohibiting the deployment of the airbag, it is possible to reliably prevent the child seat fixed by the seat belt or the object placed on the occupant's lap from scattering. Also, when it is determined that there is a warning for the seated occupant, for example, by the occupant untwisting the lap belt portion or removing the object on the occupant's lap, it is possible to stabilize the deployment behavior of the airbag.

[0013] In a third aspect, based on the first aspect, the airbag is a shoulder belt airbag stored in front of the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the shoulder belt portion, and the first pattern is applied to the front surface of the cover.

[0014] In a third aspect, the "front side of the shoulder belt portion" means the side that is closer to the viewer than the other side when viewed from the imaging unit, out of the front and back of the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt, in a state where the seat belt is worn without being twisted. In the third aspect, it is possible to easily determine whether it corresponds to any one of "fixing of the child seat by the seat belt", "twisting of the shoulder belt portion", and "placing of an object on the occupant's lap" from the appearance on the image of the first pattern provided on the front side of the cover covering the shoulder belt airbag. And when it is determined that the airbag will not deploy, by prohibiting the deployment of the airbag, it is possible to surely prevent the child seat fixed by the seat belt or the object placed on the occupant's lap from scattering. Further, when it is determined that there is a warning to the seated occupant, for example, by the occupant untwisting the lap belt portion or removing the object on the occupant's lap, it is possible to stabilize the deployment behavior of the airbag.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, when the control unit continuously sees the first pattern on the image for a first predetermined time or more after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the first pattern is seen on the image during the running of the vehicle, the control unit permits the deployment of the airbag.

[0016] When the first pattern is continuously seen on the image for a first predetermined time or more after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, and when the first pattern is seen on the image during the running of the vehicle, it can be determined that it is not "fixing of the child seat by the seat belt". In the fourth aspect, since the deployment of the airbag is permitted in the above cases, at the time of a vehicle collision where the deployment of the airbag is necessary, the airbag (for example, a lap belt airbag or a shoulder belt airbag) is deployed, and the seated occupant can be appropriately protected by the deployed airbag.

[0017] In a fifth aspect, in the fourth aspect, when the control unit cannot see the first pattern on the image continuously for a second predetermined time or longer after a tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, the control unit prohibits deployment of the airbag.

[0018] When the first pattern cannot be seen on the image continuously for a second predetermined time or longer after a tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, it can be determined that "the child seat is fixed by the seat belt" or "the seat belt is twisted". In the fifth aspect, since deployment of the airbag (for example, a lap belt airbag or a shoulder belt airbag) is prohibited in the above case, it is possible to surely prevent the child seat from scattering due to deployment of the airbag.

[0019] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, when the control unit cannot see the first pattern on the image continuously for the second predetermined time or longer after a tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, and when a seating sensor that detects a load on the seat surface of the seat provided with the seat belt detects that the load detected before the tongue member is engaged with the buckle is less than a threshold value, the control unit warns the seated occupant.

[0020] When the first pattern cannot be seen on the image continuously for a second predetermined time or longer after a tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, and when a seating sensor that detects a load on the seat surface of the seat provided with the seat belt detects that the load detected before the tongue member is engaged with the buckle is less than a threshold value, it can be determined that "the seat belt is twisted". In the sixth aspect, since the seated occupant is warned in the above case, the deployment behavior of the airbag can be stabilized by the occupant eliminating the twist of the seat belt.

[0021] In a seventh aspect, in the fourth aspect, when the first pattern disappears from the image after a lapse of at least a third predetermined time since the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the state where the first pattern cannot be seen on the image continues for at least a fourth predetermined time during the running of the vehicle, the control unit performs at least one of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag and warning the seated occupant.

[0022] When the first pattern disappears from the image after a lapse of at least a third predetermined time since the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the state where the first pattern cannot be seen on the image continues for at least a fourth predetermined time during the running of the vehicle, it can be determined that "an object is placed on the occupant's lap". In the seventh aspect, in the above case, at least one of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag and warning the seated occupant is performed. Thereby, when the deployment of the airbag is prohibited, it is possible to surely prevent the scattered objects placed on the seat due to the deployment of the airbag. When the seated occupant is warned, the object placed on the occupant's lap can be removed by the occupant, so that the airbag can be deployed.

[0023] In an eighth aspect, in the second aspect, a second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the lower side of the cover, and the control unit prohibits the deployment of the lap belt airbag when the second pattern can be seen on the image.

[0024] In the eighth aspect, "the lower side of the cover" means the side that is deeper when viewed from the imaging unit between the front and back of the lap belt portion in a state where the seat belt is worn without being twisted. In the eighth aspect, when the second pattern provided on the lower side of the cover can be seen on the image, the deployment of the lap belt airbag is prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to surely prevent the scattered child seat or objects placed on the seat due to the deployment of the lap belt airbag.

[0025] In the ninth aspect, in the third aspect, a second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the rear side of the cover, and when the second pattern is visible in the image, the control unit prohibits deployment of the shoulder belt airbag.

[0026] In the ninth aspect, the “rear side of the cover” means the side that is deeper when viewed from the imaging unit between the front and back of the shoulder belt portion in a state where the seat belt is worn without being twisted. In the ninth aspect, when the second pattern provided on the rear side of the cover is visible in the image, deployment of the shoulder belt airbag is prohibited. Thereby, it is possible to reliably prevent scattering of the child seat or the load placed on it due to deployment of the shoulder belt airbag.

[0027] In the tenth aspect, in the first aspect, the imaging unit is an infrared camera, and the first pattern is a pattern combining a first portion and a second portion having a higher infrared reflectance than the first portion.

[0028] In the tenth aspect, since the first pattern is a pattern combining a first portion and a second portion having different infrared reflectances with the imaging unit being an infrared camera, the first pattern becomes a pattern that cannot be discriminated by the naked eye, and the appearance of the cover with the first pattern can be improved. In addition, it becomes easy to apply the first pattern to the cover, and it becomes possible to reliably identify the first pattern in the infrared image.

[0029] The airbag control method according to the eleventh aspect includes a process of causing a computer to execute a process of determining at least one of whether the airbag can be deployed and whether a warning can be given to the seated occupant according to the visibility of the first pattern in an image captured by an imaging unit that captures a range including an airbag provided in a folded state in a part of a seat belt and a cover that covers the part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has a first pattern applied at least on the front side.

[0030] The 11th aspect, like the 1st aspect, can suppress the occurrence of problems such as the scattering of objects when the airbag is deployed, with a simple configuration.

[0031] The airbag control program according to the 12th aspect causes a computer to execute a process including determining at least one of whether to deploy the airbag and whether to give a warning to the seated occupant according to the appearance of the first pattern on an image captured by an imaging unit that captures a range including the airbag provided in a folded state in a part of the seat belt and a cover that covers the part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has the first pattern applied at least on the front side.

[0032] The 12th aspect, like the 1st aspect, can suppress the occurrence of problems such as the scattering of objects when the airbag is deployed, with a simple configuration.

Effect of the Invention

[0033] The present disclosure has an effect that the occurrence of problems such as the scattering of objects when the airbag is deployed can be suppressed with a simple configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The airbag control system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is provided corresponding to each seat of a vehicle. The airbag control system 10 includes an infrared camera 40, a seating sensor 42, a buckle switch 44, a collision sensor 46, an airbag control ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 70, an airbag device 50, and a warning device 56. Further, the airbag device 50 includes an inflater 52 and an airbag 54.

[0036] Hereinafter, first, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the airbag device 50 and its peripheral configuration will be described. As the seat 12 shown in FIG. 2, a rear seat of a vehicle is suitable, but a front seat may also be used. The seat 12 includes a seat cushion 14, a seat back 16 erected above the rear end portion of the seat cushion 14, and a headrest 18 connected to the upper end portion of the seat back 16. An occupant P sitting on the seat cushion 14 of the seat 12 is restrained by a seat belt 20 provided in the seat belt device to the seat 12.

[0037] The seat belt device is a three-point seat belt device. One end 20A side of the seat belt 20 is connected to a lower anchor (not shown) fixed to the seat 12 or the vehicle floor. The other end 20B side of the seat belt 20 can be wound up by a retractor (not shown), and a tongue member 26 is provided at an intermediate portion of the seat belt 20. The tongue member 26 is detachable from a buckle 28 provided on the side opposite to the lower anchor with the seat cushion 14 of the seat 12 interposed therebetween.

[0038] The seat belt 20 is pulled out from the retractor, and when the tongue member 26 is engaged with the buckle 28, it is worn on the occupant P, and the body of the occupant P is restrained by the seat 12. In the present embodiment, in a state where the seat belt 20 is worn by the occupant, the portion between the lower anchor and the tongue member 26 of the seat belt 20 is referred to as a "lap belt portion 22", and the portion between the tongue member 26 and the retractor is referred to as a "shoulder belt portion 24".

[0039] A cover 30 is attached to the lap belt portion 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the airbag 54 is a lap belt airbag provided above the lap belt portion 22 of the vehicle in a folded state. Note that the "upper side of the lap belt portion 22" means the side in front when viewed from an infrared camera 40 described later in the lap belt portion 22 of the seat belt 20 in a state where the seat belt 20 is worn without being twisted. The cover 30 is provided so as to cover the airbag 54 and the lap belt portion 22. The inflator 52 may be housed in the cover 30 together with the airbag 54, for example, or may be arranged near the above-described lower anchor and supply gas to the airbag 54 through a gas introduction member.

[0040] The airbag 54 is formed in a bag shape and receives gas supply from the inflator 52 during a vehicle collision, and as shown in FIG. 4, it deploys (deploying and inflating) from the lap belt portion 22 upward and forward of the vehicle. The inflator 52 is a combustion type or cold gas type inflator, and generates gas when activated. The operation of the inflator 52 is controlled by the airbag control ECU 70.

[0041] Also, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5A, a first pattern (IR pattern) 32 is provided on the upper side of the cover 30. Note that the "upper side of the cover 30" means the side that is in front when viewed from the infrared camera 40 described later in the cover 30 in a state where the seat belt 20 is not twisted. The IR pattern 32 is configured by arranging a plurality of rectangular infrared reflection portions 36 having a higher infrared reflectance than the background portion 34 in a matrix. Note that the background portion 34 is an example of the first portion in the present disclosure, and the infrared reflection portion 36 is an example of the second portion in the present disclosure.

[0042] The cover 30 is composed of different fabrics for the upper side and the lower side. Therefore, the infrared reflection portion 36 of the IR pattern 32 can be formed, for example, by weaving a thread impregnated with a material having a high infrared reflectance when weaving the fabric forming the upper side of the cover 30. Also, the infrared reflection portion 36 of the IR pattern 32 can be formed by applying a material having a high infrared reflectance to the cover 30. In the present embodiment, since the visible light reflectance of the background portion 34 and the infrared reflection portion 36 is made approximately the same, as shown in FIG. 5B, the IR pattern 32 is not distinguishable to the naked eye. On the other hand, in the infrared (IR) image taken by the infrared camera 40, as shown in FIG. 5C, the IR pattern 32 is distinguishable.

[0043] The infrared camera 40 shown in FIG. 1 is installed, for example, on the ceiling part or the like in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and is oriented to photograph the seat 12 including the cover 30 from the front side and the upper side of the vehicle. Note that the infrared camera 40 is an example of the photographing unit in the present disclosure. Further, the seating sensor 42 is provided in the seat cushion 14 and detects the load W applied to the seating surface of the seat cushion 14. Further, the buckle 28 incorporates a buckle switch 44. When the tongue member 26 is engaged with the buckle 28, the contact of the buckle switch 44 turns on, and when the engagement between the tongue member 26 and the buckle 28 is released, the contact switches off.

[0044] Furthermore, the collision sensor 46 is composed of an acceleration sensor that detects the acceleration in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and when a state in which an acceleration equal to or greater than a predetermined value corresponding to the case where the vehicle collides with an object is detected continues for a predetermined time or more, it detects this as a collision of the vehicle. The warning device 56 includes a display unit such as a display and an audio output unit such as a speaker, and issues a warning to the seated occupant in response to an instruction from the airbag control ECU 70.

[0045] The airbag control ECU 70 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 72, a memory 74 such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), a non-volatile storage unit 76 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and an SSD (Solid State Drive), and a communication I / F (InterFace) 78. The storage unit 76 stores an airbag control program 80 for causing the CPU 72 of the airbag control ECU 70 to function as a control unit 82 (FIG. 6). The airbag control program 80 is an example of the airbag control program according to the present disclosure.

[0046] The control unit 82 determines at least one of whether the airbag 54 can be deployed and whether to warn the seated occupant according to how the IR pattern 32 looks on the IR image captured by the infrared camera 40 that captures a range including the airbag 54 provided in a folded state on a part of the seat belt 20 and a cover that covers a part of the seat belt 20 together with the airbag and has an IR pattern 32 applied thereto at least on the front side.

[0047] Next, as an operation of the present embodiment, for example, while the ignition switch of the vehicle is on, the airbag control process executed by the airbag control ECU 70 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0048] In step 100 of the airbag control process, the control unit 82 determines whether the tongue member 26 provided on the seat belt 20 is engaged with the buckle 28. If the determination in step 100 is negative, the process proceeds to step 102. In step 102, the control unit 82 acquires the load W applied to the seating surface of the seat cushion 14 from the seating sensor 42, and stores the acquired load W in the memory 74 or the like. In the next step 104, the control unit 82 performs a process of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54, for example, by setting a value meaning the prohibition of the deployment of the airbag 54 in a predetermined flag for controlling the airbag 54.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned "predetermined flag for controlling the airbag 54" is referred to by the airbag control ECU 70 when a collision of the vehicle is detected by the collision sensor 46. When a value meaning the prohibition of the deployment of the airbag 54 is set in the predetermined flag, the airbag 54 is not deployed, and when a value meaning the permission of the deployment of the airbag 54 is set, control for deploying the airbag 54 is performed.

[0050] When the process of step 104 is performed, the process returns to step 100, and steps 100 to 104 are repeated until the determination in step 100 is affirmed. Thereby, while the tang member 26 is not engaged with the buckle 28, the load W stored in the memory 74 or the like is repeatedly updated, and the deployment of the airbag 54 is prohibited.

[0051] When the tang member 26 is engaged with the buckle 28, the determination in step 100 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 106. In step 106, the control unit 82 determines whether the vehicle is running. If the vehicle is stopped, the determination in step 106 is negated and the process proceeds to step 108. In step 108, the control unit 82 acquires an infrared image (IR image) captured by the infrared camera 40 from the infrared camera 40.

[0052] Also, in step 110, the control unit 82 determines whether there is an image region corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image acquired in step 108. The determination in step 110 can be realized, for example, by extracting all IR regions from the IR image that are composed of pixels with an infrared reflectance of a predetermined value or more and having an area S of an area threshold Sth or more, and determining whether the extracted IR regions are arranged in a matrix on the IR image (see also FIG. 5(C)). If the determination in step 110 is negated, the process proceeds to step 112.

[0053] In step 112, the control unit 82 determines whether a state in which there is no image region corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image has continued for a second predetermined time t2 or more since the tang member 26 was engaged with the buckle 28. Note that as the second predetermined time t2, for example, a time of about several seconds can be applied. If the determination in step 112 is negated, the process returns to step 108, and steps 108 to 112 are repeated until the determination in step 110 or step 112 is affirmed.

[0054] If the determination in step 112 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 114. In this case, as a factor that there is no image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image, since it is the timing shortly after the tongue member 26 is engaged with the buckle 28, "fixing of the child seat by the seat belt" or "twisting of the seat belt" can be considered.

[0055] As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, the child seat 60 is provided with belt through holes 60A and 60B near the back surface. After passing the seat belt 20 through the belt through holes 60A and 60B, it is fixed by engaging the tongue member 26 with the buckle 28. In this state, since the cover 30 with the IR pattern 32 is located near the back surface of the child seat 60, the IR pattern 32 is not photographed by the infrared camera 40. Also, when the seat belt 20 is twisted, since the cover 30 with the IR pattern 32 is turned over, the IR pattern 32 is not photographed by the infrared camera 40.

[0056] Therefore, in the next step 114, the control unit 82 determines whether the load W (the load W immediately before the tongue member 26 is engaged with the buckle 28) stored in the memory 74 or the like is equal to or greater than a predetermined load threshold value Wth. Note that as the predetermined load threshold value Wth, a value that can discriminate whether the load W applied to the seating surface of the seat cushion 14 is a load value at which it can be determined that the occupant is seated or a load value smaller than that (the load value at the time of fixing the child seat 60) is applied.

[0057] If the determination in step 114 is negative, it can be determined that the reason for the absence of an image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image is "fixing of the child seat by the seat belt". Therefore, the process proceeds from step 114 to step 126. Then, in step 126, the control unit 82 performs a process of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54 at the time of a vehicle collision, for example, by setting a value meaning the prohibition of the deployment of the airbag 54 in a predetermined flag for controlling the airbag 54. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the airbag 54 from being deployed at the time of a vehicle collision and the child seat 60 from scattering. After performing the process of step 126, the process returns to step 100.

[0058] Also, if the determination in step 114 is affirmative, it can be determined that the reason for the absence of an image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image is "twisting of the seat belt". Therefore, the process proceeds from step 114 to step 116. In step 116, the control unit 82 determines that a warning is required for the seated occupant, and notifies the occupant by the warning device 56 that the seat belt 20 is twisted. Thereby, the occupant performs an operation to eliminate the twist of the seat belt 20. After performing the process of step 116, the process proceeds to step 126, and in step 126, the control unit 82 performs a process of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54 at the time of a vehicle collision. After performing the process of step 126, the process returns to step 100.

[0059] Also, in step 110, if an image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 exists in the IR image, the determination in step 110 is affirmative and the process proceeds to step 118. In step 118, the control unit 82 determines whether or not the state in which an image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 exists in the IR image has continued for a first predetermined time t1 or more after the tongue member 26 is engaged with the buckle 28. As the first predetermined time t1, for example, a time of about several seconds can be applied. If the determination in step 118 is negative, the process returns to step 108, and steps 108, 110, and 118 are repeated until the determination in step 110 is negative or the determination in step 118 is affirmative.

[0060] If the determination in step 118 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 120. In step 120, the control unit 82 performs a process of permitting the deployment of the airbag 54 at the time of a vehicle collision, for example, by setting a value indicating permission to deploy the airbag 54 in a predetermined flag for controlling the airbag 54. In the next step 122, the control unit 82 determines whether or not the image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 has disappeared from the IR image after a third predetermined time t3 or more has elapsed since the tongue member 26 was engaged with the buckle 28. As the third predetermined time t3, for example, a time of about one minute can be applied. If the determination in step 122 is negative, the process returns to step 100.

[0061] On the other hand, if the determination in step 122 is affirmative, it can be determined that the factor for the disappearance of the image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 from the IR image is "placement of an object on the occupant's knees". As an example, as shown in FIG. 9, when an object 62 such as a PC is placed on the knees of the occupant P, the infrared rays are blocked by the object 62, so the IR pattern 32 is not photographed by the infrared camera 40. Further, when the airbag 54 is deployed while the object 62 is placed on the knees of the occupant P, the object 62 may scatter as shown by the arrow C in FIG. 9.

[0062] Therefore, if the determination in step 122 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 124. In step 124, the control unit 82 determines that a warning is required for the seated occupant, and the warning device 56 notifies the occupant that the object 62 is placed on the knees of the occupant P. After performing the process of step 124, the process proceeds to step 126. In step 126, the control unit 82 performs a process of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54 at the time of a vehicle collision. After performing the process of step 126, the process returns to step 100.

[0063] Also, in step 106, when the vehicle is running, if the determination in step 106 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 130. In steps 130 to 138 and 146, the same processes as steps 108 to 116 and 126 are performed.

[0064] That is, in step 130, the control unit 82 acquires an IR image from the infrared camera 40. Also, in step 132, the control unit 82 determines whether there is an image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image acquired in step 130. If the determination in step 132 is negative, the process proceeds to step 134. In step 134, the control unit 82 determines whether the state in which there is no image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image has continued for a second predetermined time t2 or more since the tongue member 26 was engaged with the buckle 28. If the determination in step 134 is negative, the process returns to step 130, and steps 130 to 134 are repeated until the determination in step 132 or step 134 is affirmative.

[0065] If the determination in step 134 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 136. In step 136, the control unit 82 determines whether the load W stored in the memory 74 or the like is equal to or greater than a predetermined load threshold value Wth. If the determination in step 136 is negative, the process proceeds to step 146. In step 146, the control unit 82 performs a process of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54 during a vehicle collision. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the child seat 60 from scattering when the airbag 54 is deployed. After performing the process of step 146, the process returns to step 100.

[0066] Also, if the determination in step 136 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 138. In step 116, the control unit 82 determines that a warning is required for the seated occupant, and the warning device 56 notifies the occupant that the seat belt 20 is twisted. Also, after performing the process of step 138, the process proceeds to step 146. In step 146, the control unit 82 performs a process of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54 during a vehicle collision. After performing the process of step 146, the process returns to step 100.

[0067] Also, in step 132, if there is an image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image, the determination in step 132 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 140. In step 140, the control unit 82 performs a process of permitting the deployment of the airbag 54 during a vehicle collision. In the next step 142, the control unit 82 determines whether or not a state where there is no image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image has continued for a fourth predetermined time t4 or more. As the fourth predetermined time t4, for example, a time of about one minute can be applied. If the determination in step 142 is negated, the process returns to step 100.

[0068] On the other hand, if the determination in step 142 is affirmed, the factor that there is no image area corresponding to the IR pattern 32 in the IR image can be determined as "placing an object on the lap of the occupant". Therefore, if the determination in step 142 is affirmed, the process proceeds to step 144. In step 144, the control unit 82 determines that a warning is required for the seated occupant, and notifies the occupant by the warning device 56 that an object 62 is placed on the lap of the occupant P. After performing the process of step 144, the process proceeds to step 146. In step 126, the control unit 82 performs a process of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54. After performing the process of step 126, the process returns to step 100.

[0069] As described above, the airbag control ECU 70 according to the present embodiment functions as a control unit 82 that determines at least one of whether or not to deploy the airbag 54 and whether or not to warn the seated occupant according to the appearance of the first pattern (IR pattern 32) on the image (IR image) captured by the imaging unit (infrared camera 40) that captures a range including the airbag 54 provided in a folded state in a part of the seat belt 20 and the cover 30 that covers a part of the seat belt 20 together with the airbag 54 and has the first pattern (IR pattern 32) applied at least on the front side. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of problems such as the scattering of objects when the airbag 54 is deployed with a simple configuration.

[0070] In addition, in the present embodiment, the airbag 54 is a lap belt airbag housed above the lap belt portion 22 of the seat belt 20, and the cover 30 is provided to cover the airbag 54 and the lap belt portion 22, and a first pattern (IR pattern 32) is applied to the upper side of the cover 30. Thereby, it is possible to easily determine whether it corresponds to any of "fixing of the child seat by the seat belt", "twisting of the lap belt portion", and "placing of an object on the passenger's lap" from the appearance on the image of the first pattern applied to the upper surface of the cover 30 covering the lap belt airbag.

[0071] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the first pattern (IR pattern 32) is continuously visible on the image (IR image) for a first predetermined time t1 or more after the tongue member 26 provided on the seat belt 20 is engaged with the buckle 28, or when the first pattern (IR pattern 32) is visible on the image (IR image) during the running of the vehicle, the control unit 82 permits the deployment of the airbag 54. Thereby, the airbag 54 is deployed at the time of a vehicle collision where the deployment of the airbag 54 is necessary, and the seated passenger can be appropriately protected by the deployed airbag 54.

[0072] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the first pattern (IR pattern 32) is not visible on the image (IR image) for a second predetermined time t2 or more after the tongue member 26 provided on the seat belt 20 is engaged with the buckle 28, the control unit 82 prohibits the deployment of the airbag 54. Thereby, it is possible to surely prevent the child seat 60 from scattering due to the deployment of the airbag 54.

[0073] Also, in the present embodiment, when the tongue member 26 provided on the seat belt 20 is engaged with the buckle 28 and the first pattern (IR pattern 32) cannot be seen on the image (IR image) for a continuous period of at least a second predetermined time t2, and when the load detected by the seating sensor 42 that detects the load on the seating surface of the seat 12 provided with the seat belt 20 is less than the load threshold value Wth before the tongue member 26 is engaged with the buckle 28, a warning is given to the seated occupant. Thereby, by the occupant releasing the twist of the seat belt 20, the deployment behavior of the airbag 54 can be stabilized.

[0074] Also, in the present embodiment, when the first pattern (IR pattern 32) cannot be seen on the image (IR image) after a third predetermined time t3 or more has elapsed since the tongue member 26 provided on the seat belt 20 was engaged with the buckle 28, or when the state where the first pattern (IR pattern 32) cannot be seen on the image (IR image) continues for a fourth predetermined time t4 or more during the running of the vehicle, at least one of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54 and warning the seated occupant is performed. Thereby, when the deployment of the airbag 54 is prohibited, it is possible to surely prevent the scattering of the load-carrying object due to the deployment of the airbag 54, and when warning the seated occupant, the load-carrying object on the occupant's lap can be removed by the occupant, and the situation where the airbag 54 can be deployed can be achieved.

[0075] Also, in the present embodiment, the imaging unit is the infrared camera 40, and the first pattern is a pattern (IR pattern 32) combining the first part (background part 34) and the second part (infrared reflection part 36) having a higher infrared reflectance than the first part. Thereby, the appearance of the cover 30 having the first pattern can be improved, and the first pattern (IR pattern 32) can be surely identified on the IR image.

[0076] In the above-described embodiment, the aspect where the airbag 54 is a lap belt airbag provided in a folded state above the lap belt portion 22 has been described. However, in the present disclosure, the arrangement position of the airbag 54 is not limited to the above aspect. As an example, as shown in FIG. 10, the airbag 54 may be a shoulder belt airbag provided in a folded state in front of the shoulder belt portion 24. Note that the "front side of the shoulder belt portion 24" means the side that is in front when viewed from the infrared camera 40 in the shoulder belt portion 24 of the seat belt 20 in a state where the seat belt 20 is worn without being twisted. In the aspect shown in FIG. 10, the cover 64 is provided so as to cover the airbag 54 and the shoulder belt portion 24. The airbag 54 is formed in a bag shape and receives gas supply from the inflator 52 during a vehicle collision, and as shown in FIG. 11, it expands (deployed and inflated) from the shoulder belt portion 24 toward the lower side and the front side of the vehicle. The present disclosure is also applicable when the airbag 54 is a shoulder belt airbag.

[0077] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the aspect where the airbag 54 is separated from the seat belt 20 and is arranged in a folded state on a part of the seat belt 20 (lap belt portion 22 or shoulder belt portion 24) has been described. However, the airbag in the present disclosure is not limited to the above configuration. The airbag may be, for example, an airbag (so-called air belt) configured to be built in a part of the seat belt (lap belt portion 22 or shoulder belt portion 24) in a folded state and bulge out from within the seat belt during a vehicle collision.

[0078] In the above-described embodiment, as an example of the first pattern according to the present disclosure, an IR pattern 32 (see FIG. 5A etc.) in which a plurality of rectangular infrared reflecting portions 36 having a higher infrared reflectance than the background portion 34 are arranged in a matrix was described. However, the first pattern is not limited to the IR pattern 32, and any pattern that can be identified on the IR image may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, an IR pattern 66 is provided on the front side of the cover 64 as another example of the first pattern. Here, the "front side of the cover 64" means the side in front of the cover 64 as viewed from the infrared camera 40 in a state where the seat belt 20 is worn without being twisted. The IR pattern 66 is configured by arranging a plurality of flat rectangular infrared reflecting portions 68 having a higher infrared reflectance than the background portion 67 in a stripe shape. The first pattern according to the present disclosure may be the IR pattern 66 shown in FIG. 10, or may be, for example, an IR pattern in which infrared reflecting portions are distributed over the entire upper side of the cover 30 or the entire front side of the cover 64.

[0079] In the above-described embodiment, an aspect in which the first pattern is provided only on the upper side of the cover 30 or the front side of the cover 64 was described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a different IR pattern may be provided on the lower side of the cover 30 or the rear side of the cover 64 than on the upper side of the cover 30 or the front side of the cover 64. The pattern provided on the lower side of the cover 30 or the rear side of the cover 64 is an example of the second pattern in the present disclosure. In this aspect, when there is no first pattern in the IR image immediately after the tongue member 26 and the buckle 28 are engaged, and there is also no second pattern in the IR image, it is possible to determine that "the child seat is fixed by the seat belt". Also, when there is no first pattern in the IR image immediately after the tongue member 26 and the buckle 28 are engaged, and there is a second pattern in the IR image, it is possible to determine that "the seat belt is twisted".

[0080] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the airbag control ECU 70 (control unit 80) has been described as executing all of the airbag control processes shown in FIG. 7, but a part of the processes shown in FIG. 7 may be executed. Specifically, for example, the control unit 80 may perform only the process of permitting the deployment of the airbag 54 when the tongue member 26 provided on the seat belt 20 is engaged with the buckle 28 and the first pattern 32 has been visible on the image continuously for a first predetermined time t1 or more. Also, for example, the control unit 80 may perform only the process of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag 54 when the tongue member 26 provided on the seat belt 20 is engaged with the buckle 28 and the first pattern 32 has not been visible on the image continuously for a second predetermined time t2 or more.

[0081] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an aspect in which an IR pattern distinguishable on the IR image is applied as the first pattern and the second pattern according to the present disclosure has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first pattern and the second pattern according to the present disclosure may be patterns distinguishable by the naked eye, for example.

[0082] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an aspect in which at least the first pattern is provided on the cover 30 or the cover 64 that covers a part of the airbag 54 and the seat belt 20 has been described. However, the cover on which the pattern can be provided is not limited to the above. For example, at least the first pattern may be provided on a neck protection cover provided on the seat belt 20 to reduce the interference of the seat belt 20 with the neck of the seated occupant. Also, for example, at least the first pattern may be provided on a heart rate detection sensor cover provided on the seat belt 20 to protect a heart rate detection sensor that detects the heart rate of the seated occupant. Also, for example, at least the first pattern may be provided on an external heater cover provided on the seat belt 20 together with a heater.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, an aspect has been described in which an airbag control program 80, which is an example of the airbag control program according to the present disclosure, is stored (installed) in advance in the storage unit 76. However, the airbag control program according to the present disclosure can also be provided in a form recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as an HDD, an SSD, or a DVD.

[0084] Regarding the above embodiments, the following additional remarks are disclosed.

[0085] (Supplementary Note 1) An airbag control device including a control unit that determines at least one of whether the airbag can be deployed and whether to warn the seated occupant according to the appearance of a first pattern on an image captured by a photographing unit that photographs a range including the airbag provided in a folded state on a part of a seat belt and a cover that covers the part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has the first pattern applied at least on the front side.

[0086] (Supplementary Note 2) The airbag is a lap belt airbag housed above the lap belt portion of the seat belt, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the lap belt portion, and the first pattern is applied to the upper surface of the cover. The airbag control device according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0087] (Supplementary Note 3) The airbag is a shoulder belt airbag housed in front of the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the shoulder belt portion, and the first pattern is applied to the front surface of the cover. The airbag control device according to Supplementary Note 1.

[0088] (Supplementary Note 4) When the control unit determines that the first pattern has been visible on the image for a continuous period of at least a first predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the first pattern is visible on the image during the running of the vehicle, the airbag control device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3 permits the deployment of the airbag.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 5) When the control unit determines that the first pattern has not been visible on the image for a continuous period of at least a second predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, the airbag control device according to Supplementary Note 4 prohibits the deployment of the airbag.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 6) When the control unit determines that the first pattern has not been visible on the image for a continuous period of at least the second predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, and when a seating sensor that detects the load on the seat surface of the seat provided with the seat belt detects that the load detected before the tongue member is engaged with the buckle is less than a threshold value, the airbag control device according to Supplementary Note 5 warns the seated occupant.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 7) When the control unit determines that the first pattern has disappeared from the image after a lapse of at least a third predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the state in which the first pattern is not visible on the image continues for a continuous period of at least a fourth predetermined time during the running of the vehicle, the airbag control device according to Supplementary Note 4 performs at least one of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag and warning the seated occupant.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 8) A second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the lower side of the cover. When the control unit determines that the second pattern is visible on the image, the airbag control device according to Supplementary Note 2 prohibits the deployment of the lap belt airbag.

[0093] (Appendix 9) A second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the rear side of the cover, and the control unit is the airbag control device according to Appendix 3 that prohibits deployment of the shoulder belt airbag when the second pattern is visible on the image.

[0094] (Appendix 10) The photographing unit is an infrared camera, and the first pattern is a pattern combining a first part and a second part having a higher infrared reflectance than the first part. The airbag control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8.

[0095] (Appendix 11) An airbag control method in which a computer executes a process including determining at least one of whether the airbag can be deployed and whether a warning can be given to the seated occupant according to how the first pattern looks on an image photographed by a photographing unit that photographs an area including an airbag provided in a folded state on a part of a seat belt and a cover that covers the part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has a first pattern applied thereto at least on the front side.

[0096] (Appendix 12) The airbag is a lap belt airbag stored above the lap belt part of the seat belt, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the lap belt part, and the first pattern is applied to the upper surface of the cover. The airbag control method according to Appendix 11.

[0097] (Appendix 13) The airbag is a shoulder belt airbag stored in front of the shoulder belt part of the seat belt, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the shoulder belt part, and the first pattern is applied to the front surface of the cover. The airbag control method according to Appendix 11.

[0098] (Appendix 14) When the first pattern is visible on the image for a continuous period of at least a first predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the first pattern is visible on the image during the running of the vehicle, the airbag deployment permission method according to any one of Appendices 11 to 13 is used to permit the deployment of the airbag.

[0099] (Appendix 15) When the first pattern is not visible on the image for a continuous period of at least a second predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, the airbag deployment prohibition method according to Appendix 14 is used to prohibit the deployment of the airbag.

[0100] (Appendix 16) When the first pattern is not visible on the image for a continuous period of at least the second predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, and when the load detected by the seating sensor that detects the load on the seat surface of the seat provided with the seat belt is less than the threshold value before the tongue member is engaged with the buckle, the airbag control method according to Appendix 15 is used to warn the seated occupant.

[0101] (Appendix 17) When the first pattern becomes invisible on the image after a lapse of at least a third predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the state where the first pattern is not visible on the image during the running of the vehicle continues for at least a fourth predetermined time, the airbag control method according to Appendix 14 is used to perform at least one of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag and warning the seated occupant.

[0102] (Appendix 18) A second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the lower side of the cover. When the second pattern is visible on the image, the airbag control method according to Appendix 12 is used to prohibit the deployment of the lap belt airbag.

[0103] (Appendix 19) A second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the rear side of the cover. The airbag control method according to Supplementary Note 13, which prohibits deployment of the shoulder belt airbag when the second pattern is visible on the image.

[0104] (Supplementary Note 20) The airbag control method according to any one of Supplementary Notes 11 to 17, wherein the photographing unit is an infrared camera, and the first pattern is a pattern combining a first portion and a second portion having a higher infrared reflectance than the first portion.

[0105] (Supplementary Note 21) To cause a computer to Execute a process including determining at least one of whether the airbag can be deployed and whether a warning can be given to the seated occupant according to the visibility of the first pattern on an image captured by a photographing unit that captures a range including an airbag provided in a folded state on a part of a seat belt and a cover that covers the part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has a first pattern applied at least on the front side. An airbag control program for this purpose.

[0106] (Supplementary Note 22) The airbag control program according to Supplementary Note 21, wherein the airbag is a lap belt airbag housed above the lap belt portion of the seat belt, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the lap belt portion, and the first pattern is applied to the upper surface of the cover.

[0107] (Supplementary Note 23) The airbag control program according to Supplementary Note 21, wherein the airbag is a shoulder belt airbag housed in front of the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the shoulder belt portion, and the first pattern is applied to the front surface of the cover.

[0108] (Supplementary Note 24) When the first pattern is visible on the image for a continuous period of at least a first predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the first pattern is visible on the image during the running of the vehicle, the airbag control program according to any one of Appendices 21 to 23 that permits deployment of the airbag.

[0109] (Appendix 25) When the first pattern is not visible on the image for a continuous period of at least a second predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, the airbag control program according to Appendix 24 that prohibits deployment of the airbag.

[0110] (Appendix 26) When the first pattern is not visible on the image for a continuous period of at least the second predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, and when the load detected by the seating sensor that detects the load on the seat surface of the seat on which the seat belt is provided is less than the threshold value before the tongue member is engaged with the buckle, the airbag control program according to Appendix 25 that warns the seated occupant.

[0111] (Appendix 27) When the first pattern becomes invisible on the image after a lapse of at least a third predetermined time after the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the state where the first pattern is not visible on the image during the running of the vehicle continues for at least a fourth predetermined time, the airbag control program according to Appendix 24 that performs at least one of prohibiting deployment of the airbag and warning the seated occupant.

[0112] (Appendix 28) A second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the lower side of the cover, When the second pattern is visible on the image, the airbag control program according to Appendix 22 that prohibits deployment of the lap belt airbag.

[0113] (Appendix 29) A second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the rear side of the cover, and when the second pattern is visible in the image, the airbag control program according to Appendix 23 that prohibits deployment of the shoulder belt airbag.

[0114] (Appendix 30) The imaging unit is an infrared camera, and the first pattern is a pattern combining a first part and a second part having a higher infrared reflectance than the first part. The airbag control program according to any one of Appendices 21 to 26.

Explanation of Signs

[0115] 10 Airbag control system 20 Seat belt 22 Lap belt part 24 Shoulder belt part 26 Tongue member 28 Buckle 30 Cover 32 IR pattern (first pattern) 34 Background part (first part) 36 Infrared reflection part (second part) 40 Infrared camera (imaging unit) 42 Occupant sensor 44 Buckle switch 46 Collision sensor 50 Airbag device 52 Inflator 54 Airbag 56 Warning device 64 Cover 66 IR pattern (first pattern) 67 Background part (first part) 68 Infrared reflection part (second part) 70 Airbag control ECU 80 Airbag control program 82 Control unit

Claims

1. An airbag control device including a control unit that determines at least one of whether the airbag can be deployed and whether to warn the seated occupant according to how the first pattern appears in an image captured by an imaging unit that captures an area including the airbag provided in a folded state on a part of the seat belt and a cover that covers the part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has the first pattern applied at least on the front side.

2. The airbag according to claim 1, wherein the airbag is a lap belt airbag housed above the lap belt portion in a state where the seat belt is worn, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the lap belt portion, and the first pattern is applied to the upper surface of the cover.

3. The airbag control device according to claim 1, wherein the airbag is a shoulder belt airbag housed in front of the shoulder belt portion in a state where the seat belt is worn, the cover is provided to cover the airbag and the shoulder belt portion, and the first pattern is applied to the front surface of the cover.

4. The airbag control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit permits deployment of the airbag when the first pattern has been visible in the image for a first predetermined time or longer after a tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the first pattern is visible in the image during travel of the vehicle.

5. The airbag control device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit prohibits deployment of the airbag when the first pattern has not been visible in the image for a second predetermined time or longer after a tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle.

6. The airbag control device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit warns the seated occupant when the first pattern has not been visible in the image for the second predetermined time or longer after a tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, and when a seating sensor that detects a load on the seat surface of the seat provided with the seat belt detects that the load detected before the tongue member is engaged with the buckle is less than a threshold value.

7. When the first pattern disappears from the image after a lapse of at least a third predetermined time since the tongue member provided on the seat belt is engaged with the buckle, or when the state where the first pattern cannot be seen on the image continues for at least a fourth predetermined time during the running of the vehicle, the airbag control device according to claim 4 performs at least one of prohibiting the deployment of the airbag and warning the seated occupant.

8. A second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the lower side of the cover, When the second pattern can be seen in the image, the airbag control device according to claim 2 prohibits the deployment of the lap belt airbag.

9. A second pattern different from the first pattern is provided on the rear side of the cover, When the second pattern can be seen in the image, the airbag control device according to claim 3 prohibits the deployment of the shoulder belt airbag.

10. The imaging unit is an infrared camera, and the first pattern is a pattern combining a first part and a second part having a higher infrared reflectance than the first part. The airbag control device according to claim 1.

11. An airbag control method in which a computer executes a process including determining at least one of whether the airbag can be deployed and whether to warn the seated occupant according to how the first pattern appears in an image captured by an imaging unit that captures a range including an airbag provided in a folded state on a part of a seat belt and a cover that covers a part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has the first pattern applied at least on the front side.

12. To a computer, An airbag control program for causing the computer to execute a process including determining at least one of whether the airbag can be deployed and whether to warn the seated occupant according to how the first pattern appears in an image captured by an imaging unit that captures a range including an airbag provided in a folded state on a part of a seat belt and a cover that covers a part of the seat belt together with the airbag and has the first pattern applied at least on the front side.

Images