Method and apparatus for controlling occupant protection means for a vehicle

Abstract

To provide a method for controlling occupant protection means (108 and 110) for a vehicle.SOLUTION: A method includes a step of reading sensor data (114, 118, and 119) by an interface (122) to sensor mechanisms (112, 116, 106) for capturing an interior (102) of a vehicle (100). The sensor data (114, 118, and 119) represent information about the interior (102). The method also includes a step of determining a coating state of a dashboard (104) of the vehicle (100) by using the sensor data (114, 118, and 119). The coating state represents, by an object (X), a coating condition of the dashboard (104) or a non-coating condition of the dashboard (104). Furthermore, the method has a step of determining a control parameter of a control signal (130) for controlling occupant protection means (108) dependent on the coating state of the dashboard (104).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention starts from an apparatus or method according to the generic concept of the independent claims. A computer program is also an object of the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] In a passenger car or other vehicle, an occupant restraint system can be activated if an activation threshold is exceeded, for example, regardless of the seat position of the occupant, during an accident. In this case, this system may cause more serious injuries than those that may occur if the restraint system does not activate due to an inappropriate seat position. The seating recognition means that are usually installed can recognize, for example, whether the seat is covered, whether a person is sitting, whether a child seat is fixed, or whether the seat is not covered. There is also a so-called "seat off position" recognition, in which case the operation of the restraint means can be particularly prevented when the seat, for example, the passenger seat, is positioned so far forward that there is a risk of injury by the airbag.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Based on this, the approach introduced here presents a method according to the main claim, further an apparatus using this method, and finally a corresponding computer program. Advantageous variations and improvements of the apparatus presented in the independent claims are possible by the measures described in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to an embodiment, in particular, a restraint means for a vehicle, in particular, relates to a restraint system for passengers. When the risk of injury due to the operation of the restraint means increases, it can be controlled so that the operation can be adapted or stopped and, in addition or alternatively, a passenger warning can be issued. The increase in risk can occur, for example, by an object on the vehicle dashboard, such as a mobile phone or a key bundle on a non-slip mechanism, or by a passenger's foot on the dashboard. To prevent such risks, according to an embodiment, in particular, the use of an in-vehicle camera can be extended to the dashboard area, or in addition or alternatively, a sensor that can respond to, for example, pressure incorporated in the dashboard can be used.

[0005] According to an embodiment, it is advantageous that, in particular, injury reduction or avoidance can be achieved in the case of a dangerous covering of the dashboard and also in the case of an inappropriate seating position of the passenger. Therefore, in particular, from appropriate vehicle sensors, such as a recognition mat on the dashboard, and in addition or alternatively, information from in-vehicle monitoring using a camera, the covering state of the dashboard with an increased potential risk can be recognized, and this covering state can be signaled to the driver information system, and in addition or alternatively, the restraint means can be operated in a correspondingly weakened manner or stopped. Thereby, when an object is placed inappropriately on the dashboard, for example, a corresponding warning can be issued, and in addition or alternatively, the restraint means can be adapted with respect to its operation. In particular, a display of the covering state of the dashboard with an increased risk, and thus, for example, a display that improves the awareness of the vehicle occupants regarding this risk, such as wearing a seatbelt, or a display of a seating position with an increased risk can be provided.

[0006] A method for controlling an occupant protection means for a vehicle is introduced. This method includes the following steps, namely Reading sensor data by at least one interface for at least one sensor mechanism for capturing the interior of the vehicle, the sensor data representing information about the interior, Determining the covering state of the vehicle dashboard using sensor data, wherein this covering state indicates the covering state of the dashboard by at least one object (including the evaluation of the object) or the non-covered state of the dashboard, and determining at least one control parameter of a control signal for controlling the occupant protection means depending on the covering state of the dashboard.

[0007] This method can be implemented, for example, in software or hardware, or in a hybrid form consisting of software and hardware, for example in a control device or apparatus. The vehicle can be a motor vehicle, for example a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. The at least one object can be an item, for example a mobile phone, a key bundle, or the like, and in addition to or instead of that, a part of the body of a vehicle occupant, for example a foot, a leg, or the like. In the determining step, the at least one control parameter can be selected from a number of stored control parameters and, in addition to or instead of that, can be adjusted based on set values. The occupant protection means can have restraint means and, in addition to or instead of that, occupant information means.

[0008] According to one embodiment, in the determining step, when controlling the occupant protection means by a control signal, a control parameter can be determined that causes the occupant protection means implemented as restraint means to operate less strongly in the covered state of the dashboard by at least one object than in the non-covered state of the dashboard. The less strong operation of the restraint means can also be a complete blocking of the operation. The restraint means can have at least one air cushion or airbag. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that the possible danger when the restraint means is actuated when the dashboard is covered can be prevented with high reliability.

[0009] In the decision step, when controlling the occupant protection means by a control signal, control parameters can also be determined that cause the occupant protection means implemented as the occupant information means to signal at least one vehicle occupant to move the dashboard to an uncovered state in the covered state of the dashboard by at least one object. The occupant information means can have, for example, a co - passenger airbag de - activation lamp, an acoustic signal output mechanism, a clear text display, or the like. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that the awareness of danger of vehicle occupants can be improved and a dangerous covered state of the dashboard can be avoided.

[0010] Furthermore, in the reading step, sensor data of at least one sensor mechanism implemented as an in - vehicle camera of the vehicle can be read. In this case, optionally, in addition to that, in the determination step, the covered state can be determined by an image analysis method using the sensor data. This sensor data can be image data provided by at least one in - vehicle camera. Such an embodiment provides the advantage that the covered state can be recognized with high reliability. Moreover, for this purpose, for example, a camera already installed in the vehicle can be used. In addition, further in - vehicle states that may be important for the control of the occupant protection means can be made recognizable.

[0011] In addition to this, in the reading step, sensor data of at least one pressure - sensitive sensor mechanism incorporated in the dashboard and in addition to or instead of that can be read. In this case, optionally, in addition to that, in the determination step, the covered state can be determined by a threshold method using the sensor data. Such a sensor mechanism can be formed to show a reaction to mechanical pressure and in addition to or instead of that strain and in addition to or instead of that temperature. Based on such sensor data, the covered state can be determined reliably and precisely.

[0012] According to one embodiment, in the determination step, the covering state of at least one seat of the vehicle can be determined using sensor data. This covering state can indicate the seat position and, in addition to or instead of that, the occupant position relative to the seat. In the determination step, at least one control parameter can be determined, depending in particular on the covering state of at least one seat in addition to the covering state of the dashboard. Such an embodiment offers the advantage that additional potentially risky situations in the vehicle interior can also be taken into account when controlling the occupant protection means. For example, the actuation of the belt tensioner can be caused to compensate for an unfavorable occupant position on the seat.

[0013] This method can also have the step of outputting a control signal to at least one interface for the occupant protection means. In this way, reliable control or regulation of the occupant protection means can be achieved.

[0014] The approach introduced here further provides an apparatus formed to carry out, control, or execute the steps of one form of the method introduced here in a corresponding mechanism. Also by this implementation variation of the invention in the form of an apparatus, the underlying problem of the invention can be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0015] For this purpose, the device may have at least one computing unit for processing signals or data, at least one memory unit for storing signals or data, at least one interface for sensors or actuators for reading sensor signals from sensors or outputting data signals or control signals to actuators, and / or at least one communication interface incorporated into a communication protocol for reading or outputting data. The computing unit can be, for example, a signal processor, a microcontroller, or the like, and in this case, the memory unit can be, for example, a flash memory, an EEPROM, or a magnetic memory unit. The communication interface can be formed for wireless and / or wired reading or outputting of data, and in this regard, a communication interface that can read or output wired data can read or output these data, for example, electrically or optically, from a corresponding data transmission line or to a corresponding data transmission line.

[0016] In the present application, the device can be an electrical device that processes sensor signals and outputs control signals and / or data signals accordingly. The device can have an interface that can be formed by hardware and / or software. In the case of being formed by hardware, the interface can be, for example, part of a so-called system ASIC that encompasses various functions of the device. However, it is also possible for the interface to be a dedicated integrated circuit or to consist at least partially of individual components. In the case of being formed by software, the interface can be, for example, a software module that exists on one microcontroller together with other software modules.

[0017] In an advantageous form, the device controls or regulates the vehicle occupant protection means. For this purpose, the device can access, for example, sensor data such as camera signals, pressure sensor signals, and the like. The device can further adjust at least one control parameter of the control signal depending on the dashboard covering state recognized based on the sensor data. The device is formed to provide as an output a control signal having at least one control parameter, and this control signal is suitable for controlling the occupant protection means. Using the control signal, an actuator, such as an airbag activation mechanism or the like and in addition to or instead of that, the occupant information means can be controlled. The device can be an airbag control device or part of the vehicle's airbag control device or part of another control device of the vehicle.

[0018] A computer program product or computer program having program code that can be stored on a machine-readable medium or memory medium, such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory, and is used to implement, execute, and / or control the steps of a method according to one of the above-described embodiments is also advantageous, especially when this program product or program is executed on a computer or device.

[0019] Exemplary embodiments of the approach introduced here are shown in the drawings and will be explained in more detail in the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] In the following description of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention, like or similar reference numerals are used for elements acting similarly shown in different figures, and in this case, these elements will not be repeatedly described.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 100 equipped with an apparatus 120 according to one exemplary embodiment. The vehicle 100 is an automobile, for example a land vehicle, especially a passenger car or a commercial vehicle. The vehicle 100 has a dashboard 104 and a seat 106, especially an interior 102 where the passenger seat is arranged. The vehicle 100 further has, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, occupant protection means in the form of a restraint means 108, especially in the form of an airbag for the passenger arranged in or on the surface of the dashboard 104, and in the form of an occupant information means 110. The vehicle 100 has, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, in addition to this, a sensor mechanism in the form of an interior camera 112 and a pressure sensor 116.

[0023] The sensor mechanism, namely the interior camera 112 and the pressure sensor 116, is formed to capture the interior 102 of the vehicle 100 and to provide sensor data 114, 118 representing information about the interior 102. In this case, the interior camera 112 is formed to provide sensor data 114 having image data, and the pressure sensor 116 is formed to provide sensor data 118 having pressure measurement values. The interior camera 112 is arranged to capture at least a part of the interior 102 including the dashboard 104. The pressure sensor 116 is arranged in or on the surface of the dashboard 104 or is incorporated therein. This pressure sensor 116 is formed in this case to capture pressure measurement values representing the mechanical pressure load of the dashboard 104.

[0024] Vehicle 100 also has device 120. The device 120 or the control device is formed to control the occupant protection means, here the restraint means 108 and / or the occupant information means 110. The device 120 is signal-transmittably connected to the occupant protection means, namely the restraint means 108 and the occupant information means 110, and the sensor mechanism, namely the interior camera 112 and the pressure sensor 116.

[0025] The device 120 is formed to read sensor data 114, 118 by means of an input interface 122 for at least one sensor mechanism, here the interior camera 112 and / or the pressure sensor 116. The determination mechanism 124 of the device 120 is formed to determine the covering state of the dashboard 104 using the sensor data 114, 118. The covering state indicates the covering state of the dashboard 104 by at least one object X or the non-covering state of the dashboard 104. The decision-making mechanism 126 of the device 120, which is signal-transmittable and connected to the determination mechanism 124, is formed to determine at least one control parameter of the control signal 130 for controlling the occupant protection means, namely the restraint means 108 and / or the occupant information means 110, depending on the determined covering state of the dashboard 104. The device 120 is further formed to output the control signal 130 to an output interface 128 for the occupant protection means, namely the restraint means 108 and / or the occupant information means 110.

[0026] According to one exemplary embodiment, the determination mechanism 126 is formed to determine a control parameter that causes the occupant protection means implemented as the restraint means 108 to operate less strongly or not at all in the covered state of the dashboard 104 by at least one object X than in the uncovered state of the dashboard 104 when controlling the occupant protection means by the control signal 130. Additionally or alternatively, the determination mechanism 126 is formed to determine a control parameter that causes the occupant protection means implemented as the occupant information means 110 to signal at least one vehicle occupant to move the dashboard 104 to the uncovered state in the covered state of the dashboard 104 by at least one object X when controlling the occupant protection means by the control signal 130. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated herein, the occupant information means 110 includes, for example, a passenger airbag deactivation lamp or the like. According to another exemplary embodiment, the occupant information means 110 may include an acoustic signal output mechanism, a clear text display, or the like.

[0027] If there is sensor data 114 of the in-vehicle camera 112 having sensor data in the form of image data, the determination mechanism 124 is formed to determine the covered state, for example, by an image analysis method using such sensor data 114. If there is sensor data 118 of the pressure sensor 116 having sensor data in the form of pressure measurement values, the determination mechanism 124 is formed to determine the covered state, for example, by a threshold method using such sensor data 118.

[0028] According to one exemplary embodiment, the determination mechanism 124 is also formed to determine the covered state of the seat 106 using sensor data 114 having image data from the in-vehicle camera 112 and / or additional sensor data 119. Such a determined covered state indicates the seat position and / or the occupant position relative to the seat 106. In this case, the determination mechanism 126 is formed to determine at least one control parameter depending on the covered state of the seat 106.

[0029] In the depiction of FIG. 1, object X is disposed on dashboard 104. Object X is, among other things, on dashboard 104. Object X is an item, such as a mobile phone or the like or a part of the body of a vehicle occupant, in particular the foot or leg of a co - passenger. Object X, at its position on dashboard 104, may pose a risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in relation to the operation of restraint means 108 disposed within or on the surface of dashboard 104, specifically restraint means 108 for occupant protection. By means of device 120, object X is recognized and, in response thereto, at least one control parameter of control signal 130 is adjusted in order to modify the operation of restraint means 108 so as to minimize the risk of injury and / or to alert the vehicle occupant, by control of occupant information means 110, to the covering state of dashboard 104 by object X so as to cause object X to be removed.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 100 equipped with a device 120 according to one exemplary embodiment. This vehicle 100 corresponds or is similar to the vehicle from FIG. 1. In vehicle 100, in addition to device 120, in FIG. 2 there are illustratively shown as sensor mechanisms an in - vehicle camera 112, a pressure sensor 116, and for example a motion sensor 216, as occupant protection mechanisms a plurality of restraint means 108, 208, 208n, in particular in the form of airbags, and as occupant information means a plurality of 110, 210, 210n, in the form of, for example, an airbag indicator for co - passengers, a clear - text display, and at least one further information means. Optionally, vehicle 100 has an external control device 240 and via this external control device 240, device 120 can read sensor signals from a plurality of further sensor mechanisms 250, 260, 270.

[0031] This device 120 corresponds to or is similar to the device from FIG. 1. According to the exemplary embodiment illustrated here, the device 120 is implemented as an airbag control device or as part of an airbag control device or as part of another control device. In this case, among the device 120, in the depiction of FIG. 2, there are shown a data collection mechanism 222 for sensor data, a data evaluation mechanism 224 using evaluation criteria 223, a determination mechanism 225 for determining whether a normal situation exists or a situation with an increased risk exists, an actuation algorithm mechanism 226a, and an occupant information mechanism 226b. The actuation algorithm mechanism 226a is signal-transmittably connected to a plurality of restraint means 108, 208, 208n. The occupant information mechanism 226b is signal-transmittably connected to a plurality of occupant information means 110, 210, 210n. When the determination mechanism 225 confirms the existence of a normal situation, the actuation algorithm mechanism 226a is implemented standardly. In contrast, when the determination mechanism 225 confirms the existence of a situation with an increased risk, the actuation algorithm mechanism 226a is implemented with modifications, and instead of or in addition to that, the occupant information mechanism 226b is activated.

[0032] In other words, the device 120 or the airbag control device collects sensor data or signals from the sensor mechanisms 112, 116, 216 and / or 250, 260, 270 or external sensors at an appropriate sampling rate. Based on this, the software algorithm inversely infers the dashboard covering state and / or the seating position of the passengers. For example, a normal seating position, a seating posture with the body leaning forward, feet placed on the dashboard, items on the dashboard, etc. Then, based on the recognized covering state and / or the recognized seating position and passenger posture, the software algorithm determines a warning to the vehicle occupants and how strongly to activate which restraint means 108, 208, 208n. As a basis for this determination, findings regarding the types and severities of injuries based on accident investigations can be referred to. One possible example of such a determination is, in the case of the dashboard covering state by an object, the airbag restraint and / or information to the vehicle occupants. Another possible example of such a determination is, when the passenger is leaning forward, a modification of the airbag activation, which in extreme cases can be an activation restraint, and instead of or in addition to this, a modification of the belt tensioner activation. When using reversible restraint means, the control can be modified by the recognition of the passenger position in relation to a predictive accident sensor system such as, for example, a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a camera sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a control method 300 according to one exemplary embodiment. The method 300 can be implemented to control the occupant protection means for a vehicle. The method 300 can be implemented in particular to control occupant protection means such as those from FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. In so doing, the method 300 can be implemented in relation to the device from FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 or a similar device. The control method 300 has a reading step 310, a determination step 320, and a decision step 330.

[0034] In the reading step 310, sensor data is read by one or more interfaces for at least one sensor mechanism for capturing the interior of the vehicle. This sensor data represents information about the interior of the vehicle. Then, in the determination step 320, the covering state of the vehicle's dashboard is determined using the sensor data. This covering state indicates the covering state of the dashboard by at least one object or the non-covering state of the dashboard. Then, in the decision step 330, at least one control parameter of a control signal for controlling the occupant protection means is determined depending on the covering state of the dashboard.

[0035] According to one exemplary embodiment, the control method 300 also has a step 340 of outputting a control signal to one or more interfaces for the occupant protection means and in addition to or instead of the information output mechanism.

[0036] When one exemplary embodiment includes an "and / or" conjunction between a first feature and a second feature, this should be read as meaning that this exemplary embodiment has both the first feature and the second feature according to one embodiment, and only the first feature or only the second feature according to a further embodiment.

Claims

1. A method (300) for controlling an occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n) for a vehicle, wherein the method (300) comprises the following steps, namely Reading sensor data (114, 118) by means of at least one interface (122) for at least one sensor mechanism (112, 116; 216; 250, 260, 270) for capturing the interior (102) of the vehicle (100), the step (310) wherein the sensor data (114, 118) represents information about the interior (102), Determining the covering state of the dashboard (104) of the vehicle (100) using the sensor data (114, 118), the step (320) wherein the covering state indicates the covering state or non-covering state of the dashboard (104) by at least one object (X), and the covering state of the dashboard (104) is inferred by a software algorithm, Depending on the covering state of the dashboard (104), determining at least one control parameter of a control signal (130) for controlling the occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n), and having In the determining step (330), when controlling the occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n) by the control signal (130), a control parameter is determined that causes the occupant protection means implemented as a restraint means (108; 208, 208n) to operate less strongly or not at all in the covering state of the dashboard (104) by at least one object (X) than in the non-covering state of the dashboard (104), and it is determined how strongly to operate any of the restraint means (108; 208, 208n) by the software algorithm with reference to findings regarding the type and severity of injuries based on accident investigations. Method.

2. In the step of making the determination (330), when controlling the occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n) by the control signal (130), a control parameter is determined that causes the occupant protection means implemented as the occupant information means (110; 210, 210n) to signal to at least one vehicle occupant to move the dashboard (104) from the covered state to the non-covered state in the covered state of the dashboard (104) by at least one object (X). The method (300) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. In the step of reading (310), the sensor data (114) of at least one sensor mechanism implemented as the in-vehicle camera (112) of the vehicle (100) is read, and / or in the step of determining (320), the covered state is determined by an image analysis method using the sensor data (114). The method (300) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that.

4. In the step of reading (310), the sensor data (118) of at least one sensor mechanism (116) incorporated in the dashboard (104) and / or pressure-sensitive and / or strain-sensitive and / or temperature-sensitive is read, and / or in the step of determining (320), the covered state is determined by a threshold method using the sensor data (118). The method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

5. In the step of determining (320), the covered state of at least one seat (106) of the vehicle (100) is determined using the sensor data (114, 118), the covered state indicates the seat position and / or the occupant position relative to the seat (106), and in the step of determining (330), at least one control parameter is determined depending on the covered state of the at least one seat (106). The method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that.

6. A method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a step (340) of outputting the control signal (130) to at least one interface (128) for the occupant protection means (108, 110; 208, 208n, 210, 210n).

7. An apparatus (120) adapted to perform and / or control the steps of the method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 in corresponding units (122, 124, 126, 128; 222, 223, 224, 225, 226a, 226b).

8. A computer program adapted to perform and / or control the steps of the method (300) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. A machine-readable memory medium on which the computer program according to claim 8 is stored.

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