Combined accelerometers for high and low collision detection in autonomous vehicles

A combined accelerometer system with integrated MEMS elements and ASICs addresses space and cost inefficiencies in vehicle collision detection, optimizing performance and reducing components for compact design and effective collision analysis.

JP7839651B2Active Publication Date: 2026-04-02ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
View PDF 6 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-02-18
Publication Date
2026-04-02

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle collision detection systems require multiple acceleration sensors and ASICs, which occupy significant space and increase costs without optimizing performance.

Method used

A combined accelerometer system integrating MEMS high-G and low-G sensing elements with a shared ASIC within a single housing, reducing the number of sensing elements and ASICs while maintaining performance, and a collision detection system that processes and transmits high-G and low-G signals to determine collision severity.

Benefits of technology

The system achieves compact design and lower costs by integrating MEMS elements and ASICs, enabling efficient collision detection and airbag deployment, while providing detailed collision information to both the vehicle's electronic controller and remote systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 0007839651000001
    Figure 0007839651000001
  • Figure 0007839651000002
    Figure 0007839651000002
  • Figure 0007839651000003
    Figure 0007839651000003
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide an acceleration sensor for high and low crash detection for an autonomous vehicle.SOLUTION: An acceleration sensor for a vehicle includes a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) high-G sensing element and low-G sensing element provided in a single MEMS housing in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the high-G sensor and the low-G sensor are integrated as a single MEMS low / high-G sensing element and in another embodiment, the high-G and low-G sensing elements are provided in separate MEMS housings disposed in the same acceleration sensor housing. An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) processes signals from the high-G / low-G sensing element(s). A collision determination system for an autonomous vehicle processes the high-G / low-G signals to actuate airbags and / or to provide collision information to a remote system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 151,372, filed on 19 February 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] This arrangement configuration relates to acceleration sensors for high and low collision detection for autonomous vehicles.

[0003] Generally, vehicles include multiple acceleration sensors. Each acceleration sensor is typically paired with an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to provide acceleration signals to an electronic controller. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003]

[0004] The combined accelerometer provides high and low collision detection while reducing the number of sensing elements and ASICs required for acceleration sensing. By reducing the number of sensing elements and ASICs, the accelerometer becomes more compact and can utilize less space in the vehicle. Furthermore, requiring fewer sensing elements and ASICs while providing the same performance also results in lower costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004]

[0005] One embodiment is a vehicle acceleration sensor comprising a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element configured to detect a vehicle collision to trigger an airbag, a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element configured to detect a less severe vehicle collision to provide indication of a less severe vehicle collision, and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that communicates with the MEMS high-G sensing element and the MEMS low-G sensing element. The ASIC is housed in the same acceleration sensor housing as the MEMS high-G sensing element and the MEMS low-G sensing element. The ASIC receives a high-G signal from the MEMS high-G sensing element and a low-G signal from the MEMS low-G sensing element, processes the high-G and low-G signals, outputs the high-G signal during a first time slot and the low-G signal during a second time slot. N Output a signal and low G during the third time slot. N+1 It is configured to output a signal, G N represents one of the X, Y, and Z directions, and G N+1 represents another direction among the X, Y, and Z directions.

[0005]

[0006] In another embodiment, the acceleration sensor for a vehicle comprises: an acceleration sensor housing including a base and having a plurality of contacts; a MEMS housing including a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element disposed in the acceleration sensor housing and configured to detect a vehicle collision to trigger an airbag; and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element configured to detect a less severe vehicle collision to provide indication of a less severe vehicle collision; and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) disposed in the acceleration sensor housing, which communicates with the MEMS high-G sensing element and the MEMS low-G sensing element to receive signals.

[0006]

[0007] Another embodiment relates to a collision detection system for an autonomous vehicle. The collision detection system includes a plurality of accelerometers. Each accelerometer includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element configured to detect a vehicle collision to trigger an airbag, a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element configured to detect a less severe vehicle collision to provide an indication of a less severe vehicle collision, and an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that communicates with the MEMS high-G sensing element and the MEMS low-G sensing element. The ASIC receives the high-G signal from the MEMS high-G sensing element, receives the low-G signal from the MEMS low-G sensing element, processes the high-G and low-G signals, and outputs the high-G sensor signal and the low-G signal. N Outputs a signal, low G N+1 It is configured to output signals. The collision detection system also includes a transceiver for transmitting radio signals to a remote system and an electronic controller that communicates with the transceiver. The electronic controller receives high-G and low-G signals from each of the ASICs. N Signal and low G N+1 The system is configured to receive signals, determine when high-G signals are below the airbag deployment threshold and low-G signals are above the less severe collision threshold, and then transmit collision information to a remote system via a transceiver to determine the severity and cause of the low-G signals indicating a collision.

[0007]

[0008] Other aspects, features, and embodiments will become apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1]

[0009] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of an ambient acceleration sensor for a vehicle.

[0010] Figure 1A shows one embodiment of an ambient acceleration sensor including separate MEMS high-G housings and MEMS low-G housings.

[0011] Figure 1B shows separate MEMS high-G and MEMS low-G housings, as well as the ambient acceleration sensor of the ASIC. [Figure 2]

[0012] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of an ambient acceleration sensor for a vehicle having a single MEMS housing.

[0013] Figure 2A shows the MEMS high-G sensing element and MEMS low-G sensing element installed in the acceleration sensor housing. [Figure 3]

[0014] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of an ambient acceleration sensor for a vehicle having a single low / high G sensing element combined.

[0015] Figure 3A shows a single integrated low / high G sensing element combined and mounted on the same substrate. [Figure 4]

[0016] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the acceleration sensor configuration is shown. [Figure 5]

[0017] A block diagram of one embodiment of the collision detection system is shown. [Figure 6]

[0018] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the collision detection system is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009]

[0019] Before any embodiments are described in detail, it should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the structural details and component arrangements described in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. Other configurations are possible and can be put into practice or performed in various forms.

[0010]

[0020] Multiple hardware and software-based devices and multiple different structural components may be used to implement various embodiments. In addition, embodiments may include hardware, software and electronic components or modules, where for illustrative purposes, most components may be illustrated and described as being implemented only in hardware. However, those skilled in the art will recognize, based on reading this detailed description, that in at least one embodiment, an electronically based aspect of the present invention may be implemented in software (e.g., stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium) executable by one or more electronic controllers. For example, the “unit,” “control unit,” and “controller” described herein may include one or more electronic controllers, one or more memories including a non-temporary computer-readable medium, one or more input / output interfaces, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and other circuits, and various connections or connectors (e.g., wires, printed traces, and buses) for connecting various components. In some embodiments, the ASIC is a programmable ASIC including a memory storage medium. In some embodiments, the ASIC runs one or more software or firmware programs.

[0011]

[0021] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an ambient acceleration sensor 20 for a vehicle. The ambient acceleration sensor 20 includes a micro-electromechanical system ("MEMS") high-G sensing element 22, a MEMS low-G sensing element 24, and an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC") electrically connected to the sensing elements 22 and 24 to receive high-G and low-G signals.

[0012]

[0022] FIG. 1A shows a first embodiment of an ambient acceleration sensor 20 including an acceleration sensor housing 30 that houses a MEMS high-G sensing element 22 disposed in a first MEMS high-G housing 32 and a MEMS low-G sensing element 24 disposed in a second MEMS low-G housing 34. The ambient acceleration sensor 20 includes an acceleration sensor housing base 40 that houses or supports the housings 32, 34 and the ASIC 28. The ambient acceleration sensor 20 includes contact pads 46 and a corresponding plurality of contacts 48. Electrical connections are provided between the MEMS high-G sensing element 22, the MEMS low-G sensing element 24, and the ASIC 28. Further, an electrical connection is provided between the ASIC 28 and the contact pads 46.

[0013]

[0023] FIG. 1B shows another arrangement configuration of the elements on the acceleration sensor housing base 40. In this embodiment, the MEMS high-G housing 32 is disposed on the ASIC 28, and the MEMS low-G housing 34 is disposed adjacent to the ASIC 28. The various elements shown in FIG. 1B are electrically connected in a manner similar to FIG. 1A.

[0014]

[0024] FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of an ambient acceleration sensor 120. In this embodiment, the MEMS high-G sensing element 122 and the MEMS low-G sensing element 124 are disposed in one MEMS housing 126. The ambient acceleration sensor 120 includes an ASIC 128 electrically connected to the sensing elements 122, 124 in the one MEMS housing 126 to receive high-G and low-G signals.

[0015]

[0025] The ambient acceleration sensor 120 includes an acceleration sensor housing 130, and the acceleration sensor housing 130 includes an acceleration sensor housing base 140 for accommodating the MEMS housing 126 and the ASIC 128 thereon. The ambient acceleration sensor 120 includes contact pads and a corresponding plurality of contacts as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 1B. An electrical connection is provided between the ASIC 128 and both the MEMS high-G sensing element 122 and the MEMS low-G sensing element 124. Further, an electrical connection is provided between the ASIC 128 and the contact pads as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 1B.

[0016]

[0026] FIG. 2A shows the MEMS high-G sensing element 122 provided on the first silicon substrate 143. FIG. 2A shows the MEMS low-G sensing element 124 provided on the second silicon substrate 145. In one embodiment, the sensing elements 122, 124 are small comb-shaped fingers formed from silicon. In some embodiments, the comb-shaped fingers are meshed with each other.

[0017]

[0027] FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the ambient acceleration sensor 220. In this embodiment, the MEMS high-G sensing element and the MEMS low-G sensing element are one MEMS low-G / high-G sensing element 223 disposed in one MEMS housing 226. The ambient acceleration sensor 220 includes an ASIC 228 electrically connected to the MEMS low-G / high-G sensing element 223 in one MEMS housing 226 for receiving high-G signals and low-G signals.

[0018]

[0028] The ambient acceleration sensor 220 includes an acceleration sensor housing 230, and the acceleration sensor housing 230 includes an acceleration sensor housing base 240 for accommodating the MEMS housing 226 and the ASIC 228 thereon. The ambient acceleration sensor 220 includes contact pads and a corresponding plurality of contacts as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 1B. An electrical connection is provided between the ASIC 228 and the MEMS low G / high G sensing element 223. Further, an electrical connection is provided between the ASIC 228 and the contact pads as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 1B.

[0019]

[0029] FIG. 3A shows the MEMS low G / high G sensing element 223 provided or etched on the silicon substrate 243. In one embodiment, the low G / high G sensing element 223 is a plurality of small comb-shaped fingers formed from silicon. In some embodiments, the comb-shaped fingers are meshed with each other.

[0020]

[0030] Operation

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart 300 of the operation of the ambient acceleration sensors 20, 120, 220. In a first step 310, the ASICs 28, 128, 228 are configured to receive high G and low G signals from the high G / low G sensing elements as shown in each of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0021]

[0032] In a second step 320, the ASICs 28, 128, 228 are configured to process the high G and low G signals. When processing the signals, the ambient acceleration signal values are stored in the memory at least temporarily.

[0022]

[0033] In the next step 330, during a first time slot, the ASICs 28, 128, 228 output the high G signal. In a subsequent step 340, the ASICs 28, 128, 228 output the low G N sensor signal during a second time slot. In a final step 350, the ASICs 28, 128, 228 output the low G N+1Outputs the strongest signal.

[0023]

[0034] In one embodiment, the G signal is a 10-bit signal.

[0035] In one embodiment, MEMS low-G sensing elements 24, 124, and 224 sense acceleration in the range of approximately 0.02g to approximately 2g, while MEMS high-G sensing elements 22, 122, and 222 sense acceleration due to impact in the range of approximately 2g to approximately 120g. The value "g" is approximately 9.8 m / s². 2 This represents the g-force (g-force) of 1g, which is equal to the conventional value of gravitational acceleration on Earth.

[0024]

[0036] Collision detection system

[0037] Figure 5 shows a collision detection system 400 for a vehicle. The electronic controller 402 analyzes information from ambient acceleration sensors and controls airbag deployment actuators or provides information to a remote system. The electronic controller 402 includes an electronic processor 404 and one or more non-temporary computer-readable memory modules. In the example in Figure 5, the electronic controller 402 includes random access memory ("RAM") 405 and read-only memory ("ROM") 406. The electronic controller 402 also includes an input / output interface 408 for transmitting and receiving data over a communication link 410. In one embodiment, the communication link 410 is a FlexRay bus or a Controller Area Network ("CAN") bus. In another embodiment, a wireless communication link is provided.

[0025]

[0038] It should be understood that the electronic controller 402 may include multiple processors, additional computer-readable memory modules, multiple input / output interfaces, and / or additional components or modules (e.g., hardware, software, or a combination thereof).

[0026]

[0039] The electronic processor 404 receives information from the input / output interface 408 and processes the information by executing instructions for one or more software modules (sometimes called "controllers" or "controllers") stored in memory such as ROM 406. The electronic processor 404 stores information in RAM 405 and retrieves information from RAM 405 (for example, information received from other vehicle subsystems or sensors via the communication link 410 and information generated by modules executed by the electronic processor 404). The non-temporary computer-readable memory module of the electronic controller 402 includes volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof, and in various configurations may store operating system software, application / instruction data, and combinations thereof.

[0027]

[0040] Various other vehicle subsystems are also connected to the communication link 410 and communicate with the electronic controller 402, various vehicle sensors, and other vehicle subsystems. For example, Figure 5 shows a front high-G and low-G ambient accelerometer 420, a left-side high-G and low-G accelerometer 422, a rear high-G and low-G accelerometer 424, and a right-side high-G and low-G accelerometer 426. Each high-G and low-G sensor is connected to the communication link 410 and can provide high-G and low-G signals to other devices connected to the communication link. Although four accelerometers 420, 422, 424, and 426 are shown, any number of multiple accelerometers are possible. In one embodiment, at least four sensors 420, 422, 424, and 426 are directed at four different positions around the autonomous vehicle.

[0028]

[0041] Figure 5 also shows a front video camera 430, a left-side video camera 432, a rear video camera 434, and a right-side video camera 436. The video cameras have a field of view directed outward from the vehicle to detect objects that may come into contact with the vehicle. In some embodiments, panoramic video cameras are used. Memory stores at least temporarily images acquired by video cameras 430, 432, 434, and 436. Although four video cameras 430, 432, 434, and 436 are shown, any number of video cameras, including multiples, are conceivable. In another embodiment, an additional video camera is directed towards and fixed to the autonomous vehicle, for example, mounted on the bumper or rearview mirror to acquire video information about the body of the autonomous vehicle in or near the area of ​​impact.

[0029]

[0042] Figure 5 also shows the airbag deployment actuator 440 connected to the communication link 410. The airbag deployment actuator 440 activates the selected vehicle airbag in response to the high-G signal detected by the electronic controller 402.

[0030]

[0043] Figure 5 shows a transceiver 450 having an antenna 452 for wirelessly transmitting information. The transceiver 450 transmits information provided by the electronic controller 402 or other components.

[0031]

[0044] Figure 5 also shows a remote system 460 having an antenna 462 for receiving low-G and video signals from the electronic controller 402. In one embodiment, the remote system 460 includes an electronic processor, memory, and other elements similar to the electronic controller 402. The remote system 460 includes other video image analysis applications. In one embodiment, a server is a component of the remote system 460. In response to the video image analysis, the remote system 460 provides a return signal to the transceiver, thereby enabling, for example, the autonomous vehicle to continue driving, to stop the autonomous vehicle, or to have the occupants disembark and return the autonomous vehicle to a repair location or other destination.

[0032]

[0045] operation

[0046] Figure 6 shows a flowchart 500 of the operation of the collision detection system 400 shown in Figure 5. In the first step 510, the electronic controller 402 receives high-G and low-G signals from various ambient acceleration sensors 20, 120, and 220.

[0033]

[0047] In decision step 520, the electronic processor 404 determines whether the high-G signals or features from the ambient acceleration sensors 20, 120, and 220 are below the airbag deployment threshold. In one embodiment, the electronic processor 404 calculates a peak or average for the raw signals from the ambient acceleration sensors. If yes, i.e., the calculated signals are below the threshold, the electronic processor 404 proceeds to decision step 530.

[0034]

[0048] In the determination step 530, the electronic processor 404 determines whether the low-G signals or features from the multiple ambient acceleration sensors 20, 120, and 220 are higher than the collision threshold. In one embodiment, the electronic processor 404 calculates the peak or average of the raw low-G signals from the ambient acceleration sensors. If the calculated low-G signals are not higher than the threshold, the electronic processor 404 proceeds to step 510 and repeats the collision determination process.

[0035]

[0049] In the determination step 530, if the low-G signal has a value higher than the collision threshold, the electronic processor 404 proceeds to step 540. In one embodiment, the collision threshold is a value of 0.2g. In another embodiment, the collision threshold is a value of 0.7g. Other collision thresholds are possible.

[0036]

[0050] In step 540, the electronic processor 404 transmits collision information to the remote system 460 via the transceiver 450. In one embodiment, the collision information includes one or more values ​​for a low-G signal, and pre-, inter-, and post-collision video signals. The electronic processor 404 proceeds to step 560.

[0037]

[0051] In step 560, the electronic controller 402 awaits commands from the remote system 460. Generally, the autonomous vehicle remains stationary until movement is permitted by the remote system 460 or until permission is granted by the user in an accident scenario who is granted access to communicate with the electronic controller 402.

[0038]

[0052] Returning to the decision step 520, if the electronic processor 404 determines that the high-G signal is not lower than the airbag deployment threshold, the electronic processor 404 proceeds to step 570. In step 570, the electronic processor 404 provides an airbag deployment signal to the airbag deployment actuator 440 via the communication link 410. The airbag deployment actuator 440 receives the actuator signal and activates one or more selected airbags depending on which high-G signal is greater than the airbag deployment threshold. The electronic processor 404 then proceeds to step 580. In one embodiment, the airbag deployment threshold is a value of 20g. In another embodiment, the airbag deployment threshold is a value of 30g. Depending on their location in the autonomous vehicle, different airbags and different high-G acceleration sensors may be provided with different airbag deployment thresholds.

[0039]

[0053] In step 580, the electronic processor 404 provides airbag deployment information to the remote system 460 via the transceiver 450. The airbag deployment information includes which airbags were deployed. Furthermore, pre-, inter-, and post-airbag deployment video signals are provided from selected video cameras 430, 432, 434, and 436 corresponding to ambient acceleration sensors 420, 422, 424, and 426 that exceeded the airbag deployment threshold.

[0040]

[0054] The electronic processor then proceeds to step 560, awaiting a command from the user in the accident scene, either from the remote system 460 or with the electronic controller 402, which is authorized to communicate with the user.

[0041]

[0055] Various features, advantages, and embodiments are described in the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0042] 20 Ambient acceleration sensor 22 MEMS high-G sensing elements 24 MEMS low-G sensing elements 28 ASIC 30 Accelerometer housing 32. First MEMS high-G housing 34. Second MEMS low-G housing 40 Accelerometer housing base 46 Contact pads 48 Contact 120 Ambient acceleration sensor 122 MEMS high-G sensing elements 124 MEMS low-G sensing elements 126 MEMS Housing 128 ASIC 130 Accelerometer housing 140 Accelerometer housing base 143 First silicon substrate 145 Second silicon substrate 220 Ambient Acceleration Sensor 223 MEMS Low-G / High-G Sensing Element 226 MEMS Housing 228 ASIC 230 Accelerometer housing 240 Accelerometer housing base 243 Silicon substrate 400 Collision Detection System 402 Electronic Controller 404 Electronic Processors 405 RAM 406 ROM 408 Input / Output Interfaces 410 Communication Link 420 Front high-G and low-G ambient acceleration sensors 422 Left-side high-G and low-G acceleration sensor 424 Rear high-G and low-G acceleration sensors 426 Right-side high-G and low-G acceleration sensor 430 Front Video Camera 432 Left-side video camera 434 Rear video camera 436 Right-side video camera 440 Airbag deployment actuator 450 transceivers 452 Antenna 460 Remote Systems 462 Antenna

Claims

1. A collision determination system for a vehicle, It is an acceleration sensor, A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element configured to detect a vehicle collision in order to trigger the airbag, A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element configured to detect a vehicle collision in order to provide instructions for a vehicle collision, An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that communicates with the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element and the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element, An acceleration sensor equipped with, Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), The high-G sensing element and the low-G sensing element of the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) are provided in the same acceleration sensor housing, The aforementioned micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) receives a high-G signal from a high-G sensing element. The aforementioned micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) receives a low-G signal from a low-G sensing element. The high G signal and the low G signal are processed by During the first time slot, a high-G signal is output. During the second time slot, a low GN signal is output. It is configured to output a low GN+1 signal during the third time slot. GN represents one of the X, Y, and Z directions, and GN+1 represents another of the X, Y, and Z directions. Application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and A transceiver for transmitting wireless signals, An electronic controller receives a low-G signal from the low-G sensing element of the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) and outputs the low-G signal to the transceiver. A remote system that receives the low-G signal from the transceiver and determines the severity and cause of the low-G signal indicating a collision, A collision detection system, including a collision detection system.

2. The collision detection system according to claim 1, wherein the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element and the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element are integrated as a single microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G / high-G sensing element.

3. The low-G sensing element of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) senses acceleration in the range of 0.02g to 2g, and the high-G sensing element of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) senses acceleration due to impact in the range of 2g to 120g, where g is approximately 9.8 m / s². 2 The collision detection system according to claim 1, which represents a g-force of 1g that is equal to the conventional value of gravity acceleration on Earth.

4. The collision determination system according to claim 1, wherein the high-G sensing element outputs a high-G signal received by the electronic controller in the vehicle, and the vehicle is an autonomous vehicle.

5. The collision determination system according to claim 1, wherein the collision information includes video information from a video camera mounted on the vehicle and positioned near the area of ​​the collision, and the video information is sent to the remote system.

6. The collision detection system according to claim 1, wherein the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is a programmable application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) including a memory storage medium.

7. A collision detection system for vehicles, It is an acceleration sensor, An acceleration sensor housing including a base and having multiple contacts, A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) housing includes a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element disposed in the acceleration sensor housing and configured to detect a vehicle collision in order to trigger an airbag, and a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element configured to detect a vehicle collision in order to provide instructions for a vehicle collision, An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) disposed in the acceleration sensor housing, which communicates with the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element and the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element in order to receive signals, An acceleration sensor equipped with, A transceiver for transmitting wireless signals, An electronic controller that communicates with the aforementioned transceiver, The system receives a high-G signal from the high-G sensing element of the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), and if the high-G signal is higher than the airbag deployment threshold, it provides an airbag deployment signal to the airbag deployment actuator. The system receives a low-G signal from the low-G sensing element of the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), and if the low-G signal is higher than the collision threshold, it provides the low-G signal to the transceiver. Electronic controller and A remote system that receives the low-G signal from the transceiver and determines the severity and cause of the low-G signal indicating a collision, A collision detection system, including a collision detection system.

8. The aforementioned application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is During the first time slot, a high-G signal is output. Low G during the second time slot N Outputs a sensor signal, and Low G during the third time slot N+1 It is configured to output sensor signals. G N represents one of the X, Y, and Z directions, G N+1 The acceleration sensor according to claim 7, wherein is another of the X, Y, and Z directions.

9. The acceleration sensor according to claim 7, wherein the aforementioned application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is a programmable application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) including a memory storage medium.

10. The acceleration sensor according to claim 8, wherein the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element and the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element are integrated as a single microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G / high-G sensing element.

11. The acceleration sensor according to claim 8, wherein the low-G sensing element of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) senses acceleration in the range of 0.02 g to 2 g, and the high-G sensing element of the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) senses acceleration due to impact in the range of 2 g to 120 g, and g represents a g-force of 1 g, which is equal to the conventional value of the gravity acceleration on Earth of approximately 9.8 m / s².

12. A collision detection system for autonomous vehicles, Multiple acceleration sensors, each acceleration sensor is A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element configured to detect a vehicle collision in order to trigger the airbag, A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element configured to detect a vehicle collision in order to provide instructions for a vehicle collision, An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that communicates with the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element and the micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element, The aforementioned micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) receives a high-G signal from a high-G sensing element. The aforementioned micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) receives a low-G signal from a low-G sensing element. The high G signal and the low G signal are processed by Outputting a high G signal, low G N It outputs a sensor signal and is low G. N+1 Outputs a sensor signal. An application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is configured in such a way, Multiple acceleration sensors, including A transceiver for transmitting wireless signals, An electronic controller that communicates with the aforementioned transceiver, The high-G signal, the low-G signal, and the low-G signal are received from each of the application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for the specific use N signal and the low-G N+1 signal, and When it is determined that the high G signal is lower than the airbag deployment threshold and the low G signal is higher than the collision threshold, the low G signal is provided to the transceiver. Electronic controller and A remote system that receives the low-G signal from the transceiver and determines the severity and cause of the low-G signal indicating a collision, A collision detection system for autonomous vehicles, equipped with the following features.

13. The collision detection system according to claim 12, wherein the collision information includes video information from one of a plurality of video cameras positioned near the area of ​​impact, and the electronic controller transmits the video information via the transceiver to the remote system in order to determine the severity and cause of the low-G signal indicating the collision.

14. The collision detection system according to claim 12, wherein the plurality of acceleration sensors include at least four acceleration sensors directed at four different positions around the autonomous vehicle.

15. The collision detection system according to claim 12, wherein the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) high-G sensing element and the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G sensing element are integrated as a single microelectromechanical system (MEMS) low-G / high-G sensing element.

16. The collision determination system according to claim 12, wherein the electronic controller is configured to determine when the high G signal has a value higher than the airbag deployment threshold and to provide an airbag deployment signal to the airbag deployment actuator.

17. The collision determination system according to claim 14, wherein the remote system that determines the severity and cause of a low-G signal indicating a collision sends a return signal via the transceiver to the electronic controller that allows the autonomous vehicle to continue driving or to stop the autonomous vehicle and allow the occupants to disembark.

18. The vehicle is an autonomous vehicle, The remote system, which determines the severity and cause of the low-G signal indicating a collision, sends a return signal via the transceiver to the electronic controller, which either allows the autonomous vehicle to continue driving or stops the autonomous vehicle and allows the occupants to disembark. The collision determination system according to claim 7.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Acceleration sensor, control unit and passenger protecting system of vehicle

    JP1998062444A

  • Air bag device

    JP2005170370A

  • Acceleration detection device

    JP2006266732A

  • Unexpected impulse change collision detector

    JP2019535566A

  • Multiple axis transducer with multiple sensing range capability

    US20080196499A1