Injury mitigation system for high-altitude fall stunts when using airbags

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to methods, devices and systems for optimizing energy delivered to a performer falling from an elevated platform and impacting an airbag. The system is configured to determine a weight of a performer falling from an elevated platform towards an airbag, measure a distance between the elevated platform and the airbag, and set an air pressure in the airbag based on the weight and distance before the performer falls towards the airbag. The system is further configured to determine a velocity the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag while falling towards the airbag, and adjust the air pressure in the airbag based on the velocity of the performer while falling towards the airbag to optimize energy delivered to the performer when the performer impacts the airbag.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Cross-reference with related applications] This application claims priority and benefits of U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 17 / 497,526, filed on 8 October 2021, entitled “SYSTEM FOR REDUCING HIGH FALL STUNT INJURIES WHEN USING AN AIRBAG,” which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The technologies described below generally relate to airbag systems, and more specifically, to airbag safety systems used in high-fall stunts. [Background technology]

[0003] In various applications such as sports, amusement, and entertainment, people have been subjected to falls from heights. To protect people from injury, various safety systems have been used to reduce the force exerted on the falling person.

[0004] One example of entertainment use is a high-altitude drop stunt performed during a live show or during the production of a recording medium. In a high-altitude drop stunt, a safety system including a landing pad (e.g., a foam pad or airbag) can be used to reduce the amount of energy experienced by the performer as they fall from a certain height to the ground. For example, a performer may fall from an elevated platform onto a landing pad positioned a certain distance (e.g., 4-10 meters) below.

[0005] The amount of energy transmitted to the performer can be reduced based on the density of the landing pad. Ideally, the landing pad should have an appropriate density so that the performer does not hit the pad too hard (for example, causing diaphragmatic spasms and loss of the performer's ability to breathe), and / or the performer's head (which is not as dense as the performer's torso) does not hit the surface of the landing pad.

[0006] Conventional safety systems set the density of the landing pad according to the performer's weight. For example, the performer's weight can be measured some time before the high-rise stunt is performed, and the appropriate density of the landing pad can be determined based on the performer's weight. Thus, if the landing pad is a foam pad, the amount of padding in the landing pad can be adjusted to achieve the determined density. Similarly, if the landing pad is an airbag, the amount of air pressure in the landing pad can be adjusted to achieve the determined density. However, conventional safety systems only consider the performer's weight to determine the appropriate density of the landing pad, and the appropriate density is determined non-real-time, well before the high-rise stunt is performed. Therefore, this disclosure aims to enhance the safety of stunt performers in high-rise stunt applications by using different types of information (e.g., platform height, performer's fall velocity, wind speed, etc.) to determine the appropriate airbag density and adjusting the amount of air pressure in the airbag in real time (e.g., during the execution of the high-rise stunt) based on the determined density. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] To provide a basic understanding of these embodiments, an overview of one or more embodiments of the Disclosure is provided below. This overview is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of all conceivable features of the Disclosure, nor to identify any important or essential elements of all embodiments of the Disclosure, nor to precisely describe the scope of any part or all embodiments of the Disclosure. The sole purpose of this overview is to provide a simplified representation of some concepts of one or more embodiments of the Disclosure as a prelude to the more detailed explanations provided later.

[0008] Aspects of this disclosure relate to methods, apparatus, and systems for optimizing the energy delivered to a performer falling from an ascent platform and impacting an airbag. The airbag system includes an airbag configured to maintain air pressure and a control system communicatively coupled to the airbag. The control system is configured to determine the weight of a performer falling from an ascent platform toward the airbag, measure the distance between the ascent platform and the airbag, set the air pressure of the airbag based on the weight and distance before the performer falls toward the airbag, determine the velocity the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag while the performer is falling toward the airbag, and adjust the air pressure of the airbag to optimize the energy delivered to the performer upon impact with the airbag based on the velocity while the performer is falling toward the airbag. The control system may include a scale configured to determine the weight of a performer falling from an ascent platform toward the airbag. The control system may also include one or more of a laser rangefinder, an optical sensor, a lidar sensor, and a radar sensor configured to measure the distance between the ascent platform and the airbag and to determine the velocity the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag. The control system may further include an anemometer configured to monitor at least one of the wind speed or wind direction of the wind acting on the performer while the performer is falling towards the airbag. Other embodiments, features and characteristics are also claimed and described.

[0009] In one example, a method for optimizing the energy exerted on a demonstrator who falls from an ascending platform and collides with an airbag is disclosed. The method includes determining the weight of the demonstrator falling from the ascending platform towards the airbag, measuring the distance between the ascending platform and the airbag, setting the air pressure of the airbag based on the weight and the distance before the demonstrator falls towards the airbag, determining the speed the demonstrator reaches upon collision with the airbag while the demonstrator is falling towards the airbag, and adjusting the air pressure of the airbag to optimize the energy exerted on the demonstrator when the demonstrator collides with the airbag based on the speed while the demonstrator is falling towards the airbag.

[0010] In one example, an airbag control system for optimizing the energy exerted on a demonstrator who falls from an ascending platform and collides with an airbag is disclosed. The airbag control system includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor and the memory are configured to determine the weight of the demonstrator falling from the ascending platform towards the airbag, measure the distance between the ascending platform and the airbag, set the air pressure of the airbag based on the weight and the distance before the demonstrator falls towards the airbag, determine the speed the demonstrator reaches upon collision with the airbag while the demonstrator is falling towards the airbag, and adjust the air pressure of the airbag to optimize the energy exerted on the demonstrator when the demonstrator collides with the airbag based on the speed while the demonstrator is falling towards the airbag.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. showing an example of a safety system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0012] [Figure 2] FIG. showing an example of a safety system according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0013] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a safety system configured to adjust an off-axis alignment of a demonstrator according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0014] [Figure 4] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware implementation of an exemplary apparatus that employs a control system configured to optimize energy reaching a demonstrator who falls from an ascending platform and collides with an airbag according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0015] [Figure 5] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process configured to optimize energy reaching a demonstrator who falls from an ascending platform and collides with an airbag according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0016] The detailed description to be described later in relation to the accompanying drawings is intended as an explanation of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration capable of implementing the concepts described herein. The detailed description includes specific details to enable a complete understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form so as not to obscure such concepts. In this application, aspects and embodiments are described by showing several examples, but those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementation and usage examples can be realized in many different arrangements and scenarios. The technological innovation described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or packaging configurations.

[0017] In various sports, amusement, and entertainment applications, performers fall from an elevated platform towards the ground. Therefore, safety systems can be used to reduce the impact energy transmitted to the falling performer in order to protect them from injury.

[0018] Figure 1 shows an example of a safety system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The safety system 100 can be implemented, for example, in a high-altitude drop stunt application for entertainment purposes. The safety system 100 may include a landing pad 102 configured to mitigate the impact of a performer 104 falling from a certain height. Specifically, the landing pad 102 is configured to reduce the amount of energy transmitted to the performer 104 as they hit / collide with the landing pad 102 at the end of their fall compared to the energy transmitted to the performer as they hit the ground. The landing pad 102 can be, for example, a foam pad, an airbag, or any other type of cushioning device that can reduce the impact of a falling performer 104 (i.e., reduce the energy transmitted to the performer 104). In one embodiment, the performer 104 may fall from an ascending platform 106 positioned a distance D (e.g., 4 to 10 meters) above the landing pad 102.

[0019] In one embodiment, the landing pad 102 is an airbag configured to maintain air pressure. Thus, the safety system 100 may further include an air compressor 108 (or any other type of air supply device) for injecting air into the airbag. The air compressor 108 may be coupled to the airbag via one or more inlet tubes 110. The safety system 100 may also include a control system 112 coupled to the air compressor 108 to regulate the amount of air injected into the airbag. The control system 112 may further be coupled to one or more outlet valves 114 of the airbag to regulate the amount of air released from the airbag.

[0020] In one embodiment, the amount of energy transmitted to the performer 104 can be reduced based on the density of the landing pad 102. Ideally, the landing pad 102 should have an appropriate density so that the performer 104 does not suffer excessive force and injury when impacting the landing pad 102. Possible injuries include diaphragmatic spasms (e.g., loss of the performer's ability to breathe) and / or violent movement of the performer's head in a specific direction (e.g., forward, backward, or sideways) when impacting a surface harder than the ideal surface of the landing pad 102.

[0021] In one embodiment, the density of the landing pad 102 can be set based on the performer's weight. For example, the performer's weight can be measured some time before the high-altitude drop stunt is performed, and a pad density suitable for optimizing the safety of the performer 104 can be determined according to the performer's weight. In an example where the landing pad 102 is a foam pad, the amount of foam padding can be adjusted to achieve an appropriate foam pad density. In another example where the landing pad 102 is an airbag, a certain amount of air can be injected into or released from the airbag to achieve an appropriate air pressure density for the airbag.

[0022] Typically, determining the appropriate density of the landing pad 102 can be based solely on the performer's weight. However, other types of available / determinable information regarding the high-rise stunt (e.g., platform height, fall velocity, wind speed, etc.) can also be used to determine the appropriate pad density. Therefore, if other types of information regarding the high-rise stunt are not considered at the time of determination, a typical pad density determination may limit the optimization of performer safety. Furthermore, a typical pad density determination is made in real time (e.g., well before the high-rise stunt takes place). Therefore, a typical pad density determination may further limit the optimization of performer safety because it does not take into account conditions that change during the performance of the high-rise stunt (e.g., technical and / or environmental conditions).

[0023] In one embodiment, the disclosure aims to enhance the safety of stunt performers in high-altitude stunt applications by using different types of information (e.g., platform height, performer's fall velocity, wind speed, etc.) to determine an appropriate airbag density and adjusting the amount of air pressure in the airbag in real time (e.g., during the execution of a high-altitude stunt) based on the determined density.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an example of a safety system 200 according to the embodiments of this disclosure. The safety system 200 can be implemented, for example, in the application of a high-altitude drop stunt for entertainment purposes. The safety system 200 may include a landing pad 202 configured to mitigate the impact of a performer 204 falling from a certain height. Specifically, the landing pad 202 is configured to reduce the amount of energy transmitted to the performer 204 as they hit / collide with the landing pad 202 at the end of their fall compared to the energy transmitted to the performer as they hit the ground. The landing pad 202 can be, for example, a foam pad, an airbag, or any other type of cushioning device that can reduce the impact of a falling performer 204 (i.e., reduce the energy transmitted to the performer 104). An example landing pad 202 may have a length of 6 to 12 meters, a width of 6 to 10 meters, and a depth of 2 to 3 meters. In one embodiment, the performer 204 can fall from an ascending platform 206 positioned at a distance D (e.g., 4 to 10 meters) above the landing pad 202.

[0025] In one embodiment, if the landing pad 202 is an airbag configured to maintain air pressure, the safety system 200 may further include an air compressor 208 (or any other type of air supply device) for injecting air into the airbag. The air compressor 208 may be coupled to the airbag via one or more inlet tubes 210. The safety system 200 may also include a control system 212 (via wired or wireless connection) coupled to the air compressor 208 to regulate the amount of air injected into the airbag. The control system 212 may further be coupled (via wired or wireless connection) to one or more outlet valves 214 of the airbag to regulate the amount of air released from the airbag.

[0026] The control system 212 may also be coupled (via wired or wireless connection) to a scale 216, one or more sensors 218, and an anemometer 220. The scale 216 is configured to determine the weight of the performer 204 when the performer 204 stands on the scale, for example, before the performance of a high-altitude drop stunt. One or more sensors 218 are configured to measure the distance (distance D) between the ascent platform 206 and the landing pad 202. In addition to or instead of this, one or more sensors 218 are also configured to determine the speed (actual speed) that the performer 304 will reach upon impact with the landing pad 202. For example, one or more sensors 218 may include a laser rangefinder, optical sensors, lidar sensors, radar sensors, speed sensors, machine vision cameras, etc. The anemometer 220 is configured to determine the speed and / or direction of the wind 222 acting on the performer 204 while the performer is falling toward the landing pad 202.

[0027] In one embodiment, information such as the weight of the performer 204, the distance between the lifting platform 206 and the landing pad 202 (distance D), the speed of the performer 204 (actual speed), wind speed and / or wind direction can be transmitted to the control system 212. The control system 212 can then use this information to set or adjust the air pressure of the landing pad 202.

[0028] In one embodiment, the control system 212 may receive the weight of the performer 204 determined from the scale 216 and the measured distance (distance D) between the lifting platform 206 and the landing pad 202 from one or more sensors 218. The control system 212 may then set the air pressure of the landing pad 202 based on the determined weight of the performer 204 and the measured distance before the performer 204 begins to fall toward the landing pad 202. The air pressure may be set to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer 204 when the performer hits the landing pad 202 (i.e., prevents injury to the performer). In one embodiment, the pressure range may be determined based on empirical tests, data on the amount of impact energy that the human body can withstand without injury, and / or characteristic data on the materials used to construct the landing pad.

[0029] An object falls at a normal velocity. However, a certain amount of time elapses before the object reaches its final velocity (maximum falling velocity). In one embodiment, the control system 212 can determine the velocity of the performer 204 as the performer falls from the ascent platform 206. Furthermore, based on the distance (distance D) between the ascent platform 206 and the landing pad 202, the control system 212 determines the theoretical velocity (V) that the performer will reach just before or at the moment of impact with the landing pad 202. T ) can be determined. For example, the theoretical velocity (V T ) can be calculated according to the following equation, 1) V T =√(2gD) Here, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m / s²). 2 ) where D is the distance between the ascent platform 206 and the landing pad 202.

[0030] Furthermore, the control system 212 takes into account the weight of the performer 204 and the theoretical velocity V T Based on this, the theoretical energy (E) transmitted to the performer 204 upon collision with the landing pad 202 T ) can be determined. For example, the theoretical energy (ET ) can be calculated according to the following equation, 2) E T = (1 / 2)mV T 2 = mgD Here, m is the mass (weight) of the performer 204, V T is the theoretical speed, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m / s 2 ), and D is the distance between the rising platform 206 and the landing pad 202. The control system 212 can set the air pressure of the landing pad 202 before the performer 204 falls towards the landing pad 202 based on the theoretical energy E T to optimize the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the landing pad. In one aspect, the air pressure is set to a pressure value within a range of pressure values that prevent injury when the performer 204 collides with the landing pad 202. For example, when the performer 204 is a person with a heavy weight, the air pressure of the landing pad 202 can be set higher to prevent the performer from landing too deep into the landing pad and getting injured due to the landing pad being overly soft. When the performer 204 is a person with a light weight, the air pressure of the landing pad can be set lower to prevent the performer from colliding with an overly rigid surface and getting injured due to the landing pad being too hard.

[0031] In one aspect, the control system 212 can also receive the actual speed (V A ) that the performer 204 reaches upon collision with the landing pad 202 from one or more sensors 218. The control system 212 can dynamically (in real time) adjust (change the set air pressure) the air pressure of the landing pad 202 while the performer 204 is falling towards the landing pad 202 based on the actual speed. The air pressure is adjusted to optimize the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the landing pad 202 (i.e., prevent injury to the performer).

[0032] In one aspect, in order to adjust the air pressure of the landing pad 202, the control system first determines the actual speed (V A) and the calculated theoretical velocity (V T Determine whether it is different from ). A ga V T If the weight of the performer 204 and the actual speed V are not within the threshold range, the control system 212 will adjust the weight of the performer 204 and the actual speed V. A Based on this, the predicted energy (E) exerted on the performer upon collision with the landing pad 202. P ) is calculated. For example, the predicted energy (E P ) can be calculated according to the following formula, 3) E P = (1 / 2)mV A 2 =mgD Here, m is the mass (weight) of performer 204, and V A is the actual velocity, and g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m / s²). 2 ) where D is the distance between the ascent platform 206 and the landing pad 202. The control system 212 predicts the energy E P Based on this, the air pressure of the landing pad 202 can be adjusted in real time (set air pressure changed) while the performer 204 is falling toward the landing pad 202. In one embodiment, the air pressure is adjusted to a pressure value within a range that prevents the performer 204 from being injured when he collides with the landing pad 202.

[0033] Figure 3 shows an example of a safety system 200 configured to adjust the off-axis alignment of a performer 204 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The performer 204 can complete a fall during a high-altitude drop stunt aiming at a target area 302 of the landing pad 202 (e.g., the center of the landing pad). The target area 302 can be located in a position that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer by the air pressure of the landing pad 202 when the performer hits the landing pad. However, the performer 204 may deviate from the target area 302 during the fall due to external factors such as wind 222 (e.g., become unaligned, out of position, or off-axis).

[0034] In one embodiment, one or more sensors 218 (e.g., laser rangefinder, optical sensor, lidar sensor, radar sensor, speed sensor, machine vision camera, etc.) can detect whether the performer 204 is not aligned with the target area 302, is out of position, or is off-axis, and transmit the corresponding information to the control system 212. In addition to or instead of this, an anemometer 220 can measure the wind speed and / or wind direction of the wind 222 and transmit the corresponding information to the control system 212. As a result, the control system 212 can determine, based on the wind speed and / or wind direction, whether the falling performer 204 is not aligned with the target area 302.

[0035] In one embodiment, the control system 212 can determine a predicted area 304 in which the performer will collide with the landing pad 202 when it detects / determines whether the performer 204 is aligned with the target area 302. The predicted area 304 may be an off-center portion (outer edge) of the landing pad 202 and can be determined based on information received from one or more sensors 218 and / or anemometers 220. Subsequently, the control system 212 can adjust the air pressure of the landing pad 202 in the predicted area 304 to minimize the risk of injury to the performer while the performer is falling toward the landing pad 202.

[0036] In one embodiment, the air pressure in the prediction area 304 is adjusted to a pressure value within a range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the prediction area 304 (i.e., prevents the performer from being injured). For example, the control system 212 can increase or decrease the air pressure in the prediction area 304 independently of the target area 302 or any other area of ​​the landing pad 202. This ensures that air is released at the same rate from all areas of the landing pad 202 when the performer collides with the prediction area 304, thus optimizing (reducing) the energy exerted on the performer.

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example hardware implementation of an exemplary device 400 employing a control system 414. For example, device 400 could be a computer, workstation, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or any other type of electronic device capable of communicating with and / or controlling other electronic devices. Furthermore, control system 414 could be control system 212 as shown in Figure 2. Control system 414 includes one or more processors 404. Examples of processors 404 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, device 400 can be configured to perform one or more of the functions described herein. That is, the processors 404 used within device 400 can be used to perform one or more of the processes and procedures illustrated and described in Figure 5.

[0038] In this example, the control system 414 can implement a bus architecture generally represented by bus 402. Bus 402 may include any number of interconnection buses and bridges depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 414. Bus 402 connects various circuits, including one or more processors (generally represented by processor 404), memory 405, and computer-readable media (generally represented by computer-readable media 406), in a communicative manner. Bus 402 may also link various other circuits, such as timing sources, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, but these are well known in the art and will therefore not be described further. Bus interface 408 provides an interface between bus 402 and transceiver 410. Transceiver 410 provides a communication interface or means for communicating with various other devices via a transmission medium (e.g., via a wired connection or a wireless connection using antenna array 430). For example, the transceiver 410 can provide a communication interface between the control system 414 and the air compressor 208, one or more outlet valves 214, the scale 216, one or more sensors 218 and / or anemometer 220. Depending on the nature of the device, a user interface 412 (e.g., a keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick) may also be provided. Of course, such a user interface 412 is optional and can be omitted in some examples.

[0039] In some aspects of this disclosure, the processor 404 may include a weight processing circuit 440 configured for various functions, including, for example, determining the weight of a performer falling from an ascent platform toward an airbag. For example, the weight processing circuit 440 may be configured to perform one or more functions, including, for example, block 502, from the functions described later in relation to Figure 5. The processor 404 may also include a distance processing circuit 442 configured for various functions, including, for example, measuring the distance between an ascent platform and an airbag. For example, the distance processing circuit 442 may be configured to perform one or more functions, including, for example, block 504, from the functions described later in relation to Figure 5. The processor 404 may also include a velocity processing circuit 444 configured for various functions, including, for example, determining the velocity the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag while the performer is falling toward the airbag. For example, the velocity processing circuit 444 may be configured to perform one or more functions, including, for example, block 508, from the functions described later in relation to Figure 5. The processor 404 may include a pneumatic processing circuit 446 configured for various functions, such as setting the airbag pressure based on the performer's weight and distance before the performer falls towards the airbag, adjusting the airbag pressure based on the performer's velocity while the performer is falling towards the airbag, and optimizing the energy exerted on the performer when the performer hits the airbag. For example, the pneumatic processing circuit 446 may be configured to perform one or more functions, including blocks 506 and 510, which are described later in relation to Figure 5.

[0040] The processor 404 is responsible for general operations, including managing the bus 402 and executing software stored in the computer-readable medium 406. When executed by the processor 404, the software causes the control system 414 to perform various functions, described later, on any particular device. The computer-readable medium 406 and memory 405 can also be used to store data manipulated by the processor 404 when the software is executed.

[0041] One or more processors 404 in the control system may execute software. Software is broadly interpreted to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc., regardless of how it is called, such as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, or hardware description language. Software may reside on computer-readable medium 406. Computer-readable medium 406 may be non-temporary computer-readable medium. Examples of non-temporary computer-readable media include magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic strips), optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital multipurpose discs (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, or key drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that a computer can access and read. The computer-readable medium 406 may reside within the control system 414, exist outside the control system 414, or be distributed across multiple entities including the control system 414. The computer-readable medium 406 may be embodied within a computer program product. For example, a computer program product may include computer-readable media within packaging materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the explanatory functions presented through this disclosure in accordance with the overall design constraints imposed on a particular application and the entire system.

[0042] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 according to an aspect of the present disclosure, which optimizes the energy transmitted to a performer falling from an ascent platform and impacting an airbag. As will be discussed later, certain implementations within the scope of the present disclosure may omit some or all of the illustrated features, and some of the illustrated features may not be necessary for implementation of all embodiments. In some examples, the process 500 can be implemented by a control system 404 of the apparatus 400 shown in Figure 4, which may be a computer, workstation, laptop, tablet, mobile phone, or any other type of electronic device capable of communicating with and / or controlling other electronic devices. In some examples, the process 500 can be implemented by any preferred apparatus or means that implements the functions or algorithms described later.

[0043] In block 502, the control system can determine (e.g., via a scale 216) the weight of the performer falling from the lifting platform toward the airbag (e.g., landing pad 202). In block 504, the control system can measure (e.g., distance D) the distance between the lifting platform and the airbag (e.g., distance D) (e.g., via one or more sensors 218).

[0044] In block 506, the control system can set the airbag pressure based on the performer's weight and distance before falling towards the airbag (e.g., via the air compressor 208 and / or one or more outlet valves 214). In order to set the air pressure, the control system first determines the theoretical velocity (V) that the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag. T ) is calculated based on distance, and then the theoretical energy (E) transmitted to the performer during a collision with the airbag is calculated. T ) weight and theoretical speed (V T It can then be calculated based on the theoretical energy (E) before the performer falls towards the airbag. TThe airbag pressure can be set based on ). In one embodiment, the airbag pressure is set to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the airbag (for example, a pressure range that prevents the performer from being injured when the performer collides with the airbag).

[0045] In block 508, the control system determines the speed the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag (actual speed V) while the performer is falling towards the airbag. A The control system can determine the actual speed (V) via one or more sensors 218, which may include, for example, a laser rangefinder, optical sensors, lidar sensors, radar sensors, speed sensors and / or machine vision cameras. A ) can be determined.

[0046] In block 510, the control system monitors the actual speed (V) while the performer is falling towards the airbag. A Based on the actual speed (V), the air pressure of the airbag can be adjusted (for example, via the air compressor 208 and / or one or more outlet valves 214) to optimize the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the airbag. The control system adjusts the air pressure based on the actual speed (V). A ) is the theoretical velocity (V T It determines whether it is different from the actual speed (V A ) is the theoretical velocity (V T If it differs from the predicted energy (E) that will be transmitted to the performer during a collision with the airbag, P ) weight and actual speed (V A ) can be calculated based on this. The control system then calculates the predicted energy (E) while the performer is falling towards the airbag. P The air pressure of the airbag can be adjusted based on the following. In one embodiment, the air pressure is adjusted to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the airbag (for example, a pressure range that prevents the performer from being injured when the performer collides with the airbag).

[0047] In addition to or instead of this, the control system may also detect, when adjusting the air pressure, whether the performer is misaligned with the target area of ​​the airbag (e.g., target area 302) while falling toward the airbag. For example, the control system may determine misalignment (e.g., misalignment, positional deviation, or axial deviation) based on information received via one or more sensors 218. In another example, the control system may determine misalignment based on information about wind speed and / or wind direction received from an anemometer 220. Upon receiving misalignment information, the control system may determine the predicted area of ​​the airbag (e.g., predicted area 304) where the performer will collide with the airbag. The control system may then adjust the air pressure of the airbag in the predicted area while the performer is falling toward the airbag. In one embodiment, the air pressure in the predicted area is adjusted to a pressure value within a range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the predicted area (e.g., a pressure value range that prevents the performer from being injured when the performer collides with the predicted area).

[0048] The term “exemplary” in this disclosure is used to mean “serving as an example, case, or explanatory example.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as being preferable or advantageous to other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term “aspects” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation described herein. The term “coupled” as used herein means a direct or indirect connection between two objects. For example, if object A is in physical contact with object B, and object B is in contact with object C, objects A and C can be considered coupled to each other, even if they are not in direct physical contact with each other. For example, even if the first object is never in direct physical contact with the second object, the first object can be considered coupled to the second object.

[0049] One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions shown in Figures 1 to 5 can be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or embodied in multiple components, steps, or functions. Further elements, components, steps, and / or functions can be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. The apparatus, devices, and / or components shown in Figures 1 to 5 can be configured to perform the methods, features, and / or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein can be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0050] The specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method should be understood as illustrative of an exemplary process. The specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method should be understood as being rearrangeable based on design choices. The attached claims of the method present elements of various steps in a sample order and are not intended to be limited to any specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically stated in the claims.

[0051] The above description is provided so that any person skilled in the art can implement the various embodiments described herein. Various modifications of these embodiments will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and the general principles set forth herein may also be applicable to other embodiments. Accordingly, the claims are not limited to the embodiments described herein, but the full scope consistent with the language of the claims is recognized, and references to singular elements are intended to mean "one or more" rather than "only" unless specifically stated so. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the term "some" means one or more. Expressions relating to "at least one of" in a list of items mean any combination of those items (containing one element). For example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to include a, b, c, a and b, b and c, and a, b and c. All structural and functional equivalents of elements of the various embodiments described throughout this disclosure that are well known to a person skilled in the art, or will become known later, are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be made publicly available, whether or not it is expressly stated in the claims. No element of a claim should be interpreted under Section 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act unless it is explicitly indicated using the phrase “means for…” or, in the case of a method claim, described using the phrase “steps to…”.

Claims

1. A method for optimizing the energy transmitted to a performer as they fall from an ascent platform and collide with an airbag, Determining the weight of the performer falling from the rising platform towards the airbag, To measure the distance between the lifting platform and the airbag, Before the performer falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is set based on the performer's weight and the distance. While the performer is falling toward the airbag, the speed at which the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag is determined. Based on the velocity of the performer as he falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is adjusted to optimize the energy exerted on the performer when he collides with the airbag. Methods that include...

2. Setting the aforementioned air pressure means Based on the aforementioned distance, the theoretical speed that the performer will reach upon collision with the airbag is calculated, Based on the aforementioned weight and theoretical velocity, the theoretical energy exerted on the performer during a collision with the airbag is calculated, Before the performer falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is set to optimize the energy exerted on the performer upon impact with the airbag, based on the theoretical energy. The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

3. The air pressure is set to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy transmitted to the performer when the performer collides with the airbag. The method according to claim 2.

4. Adjusting the aforementioned air pressure means The determination of whether the speed differs from the theoretical speed while the performer is falling toward the airbag, If the aforementioned speed differs from the theoretical speed, the predicted energy exerted on the performer during a collision with the airbag is calculated based on the weight and the speed, While the performer is falling toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is adjusted based on the predicted energy, The method according to claim 2, including the method described in claim 2.

5. The air pressure is adjusted to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the airbag. The method according to claim 4.

6. Adjusting the aforementioned air pressure means The system detects whether the performer is aligned with the target area of ​​the airbag while the performer is falling toward the airbag, Based on the fact that the performer is not aligned with the target area, the predicted area of ​​the airbag in which the performer will collide with the airbag is determined, While the performer is falling toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag in the predicted area is adjusted. The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

7. The air pressure in the prediction area is adjusted to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the prediction area. The method according to claim 6.

8. An airbag system for optimizing the energy transmitted to a performer as they fall from an ascent platform and collide with an airbag, An airbag configured to maintain air pressure, A control system communicatively coupled to the airbag, The control system is equipped with, Determine the weight of the performer falling from the lifting platform towards the airbag, The distance between the lifting platform and the airbag is measured, Before the performer falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is set based on the performer's weight and the distance. While the performer is falling toward the airbag, the speed at which the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag is determined. Based on the velocity of the performer as he falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is adjusted to optimize the energy exerted on the performer when he collides with the airbag. An airbag system configured in such a way.

9. The control system configured to set the air pressure is Based on the aforementioned distance, the theoretical speed that the performer will reach upon collision with the airbag is calculated. Based on the aforementioned weight and theoretical velocity, the theoretical energy exerted on the performer during a collision with the airbag is calculated. Before the performer falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is set to optimize the energy exerted on the performer upon impact with the airbag, based on the theoretical energy. The airbag system according to claim 8, configured as described above.

10. The air pressure is set to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy transmitted to the performer when the performer collides with the airbag. The airbag system according to claim 9.

11. The control system configured to adjust the air pressure is Determine whether the speed differs from the theoretical speed. If the aforementioned speed differs from the theoretical speed, the predicted energy exerted on the performer upon collision with the airbag is calculated based on the weight and the speed. While the performer is falling toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is adjusted based on the predicted energy. The airbag system according to claim 9, configured as described above.

12. The air pressure is adjusted to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the airbag. The airbag system according to claim 11.

13. The control system configured to adjust the air pressure is While the performer is falling toward the airbag, it is detected whether the performer is aligned with the target area of ​​the airbag. Based on the fact that the performer is not aligned with the target area, the predicted area of ​​the airbag in which the performer will collide with the airbag is determined. While the performer is falling toward the airbag, adjust the air pressure of the airbag in the predicted area. The airbag system according to claim 8, configured as described above.

14. The air pressure in the prediction area is adjusted to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the prediction area. The airbag system according to claim 13.

15. The airbag system according to claim 13, wherein the control system comprises a scale configured to determine the weight of the performer as they fall from the lifting platform toward the airbag.

16. The airbag system according to claim 13, wherein the control system comprises one or more of a laser rangefinder, optical sensor, lidar sensor, or radar sensor configured to measure the distance between the lifting platform and the airbag and to determine the speed at which the performer will reach upon collision with the airbag.

17. The airbag system according to claim 13, further comprising an anemometer configured to monitor at least one of the wind speed or wind direction of the wind acting on the performer while the performer is falling toward the airbag.

18. An airbag control system that optimizes the energy transmitted to a performer as they fall from an ascent platform and collide with the airbag, At least one processor, A memory coupled to at least one of the processors, The at least one processor and the memory are provided, Determine the weight of the performer who will fall from the rising platform towards the airbag, The distance between the lifting platform and the airbag is measured, Before the performer falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is set based on the performer's weight and the distance. While the performer is falling toward the airbag, the speed at which the performer will reach upon impact with the airbag is determined. Based on the velocity of the performer as he falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is adjusted to optimize the energy exerted on the performer when he collides with the airbag. An airbag control system configured in such a way.

19. The at least one processor and the memory configured to set the air pressure are: Based on the aforementioned distance, the theoretical speed that the performer will reach upon collision with the airbag is calculated. Based on the aforementioned weight and theoretical velocity, the theoretical energy exerted on the performer during a collision with the airbag is calculated. Before the performer falls toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is set to optimize the energy exerted on the performer upon impact with the airbag, based on the theoretical energy. The airbag control system according to claim 18, configured as described above.

20. The at least one processor and the memory configured to adjust the air pressure are Determine whether the speed differs from the theoretical speed. If the aforementioned speed differs from the theoretical speed, the predicted energy exerted on the performer upon collision with the airbag is calculated based on the weight and the speed. While the performer is falling toward the airbag, the air pressure of the airbag is adjusted based on the predicted energy. The airbag control system according to claim 19, configured as described above.

21. The air pressure is adjusted to a pressure value within a pressure range that optimizes the energy exerted on the performer when the performer collides with the airbag. The airbag control system according to claim 20.

22. The at least one processor and the memory configured to adjust the air pressure are While the performer is falling toward the airbag, it is detected whether the performer is aligned with the target area of ​​the airbag. Based on the fact that the performer is not aligned with the target area, the predicted area of ​​the airbag in which the performer will collide with the airbag is determined. While the performer is falling toward the airbag, adjust the air pressure of the airbag in the predicted area. The airbag control system according to claim 18, configured as described above.

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