Vehicle Impact Location Detection via Sensor Signal Interpolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the impact location of an object on a vehicle, such as in pedestrian detection or crash-type identification, face challenges in accuracy and reliability due to fixed thresholds and signal amplitude variations, which can lead to inaccurate deployments of occupant and pedestrian protection systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that calculates the transit time difference between sensor signals from two sensors using interpolation, allowing for precise determination of the impact location by reading sensor values at predefined and dynamic points in time, and using this time lag to ascertain the impact location, thereby avoiding the limitations of conventional methods with fixed thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed thresholds are used for determining impact location, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccuracies caused by signal amplitude variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from fixed amplitude thresholds to dynamic time lag measurements. Instead of comparing signal amplitudes against predetermined thresholds, the system calculates the time difference between corresponding points in signals from multiple sensors. This parameter change eliminates the sensitivity to signal amplitude variations while maintaining system simplicity, thereby resolving the contradiction between device complexity and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threshold-based detection mechanism with a time-based interpolation mechanism. Rather than using fixed amplitude cutoffs, the system uses mathematical interpolation to identify corresponding signal points and calculate time lags. This substitution maintains computational simplicity while dramatically improving measurement accuracy by eliminating threshold-related errors.
2Ease of operation
If conventional sampling methods are used, then the sampling process is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture transient impact events between fixed sampling instants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously buffering sensor signals and pre-calculating interpolated values at potential impact time points. When an impact event is detected, the system already has pre-computed interpolation data ready, allowing immediate and accurate time lag calculation without waiting for the next fixed sampling instant. This maintains operational simplicity while capturing transient events with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making the sampling and evaluation process adaptive rather than fixed. The system dynamically adjusts its evaluation focus to transient impact events by detecting signal changes and performing interpolation at relevant time points rather than relying solely on predetermined sampling intervals. This dynamic approach maintains simplicity while significantly improving the capture of transient impact events.
3Productivity
If fixed sampling instants are used, then the sampling rhythm is regular and simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate results when impact events occur between sampling points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mathematical interpolation as an intermediary mechanism between fixed sampling instants and impact event analysis. The interpolation function acts as a mediator that continuously estimates signal values between discrete sampling points, allowing accurate determination of impact characteristics even when events occur between fixed sampling instants. This maintains regular sampling efficiency while ensuring reliable and reproducible results across all impact scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an impact location of an object on a vehicle including reading in a first sensor signal value of a first sensor of the vehicle at a predefined first point in time, a second sensor signal value of the first sensor at a predefined second point in time following the first point in time, and a sample value of a second sensor of the vehicle at a third point in time following the second point in time. Additionally, an interpolation point is calculated from the first sensor signal value and the second sensor signal value by using the sample value, at least one component of the interpolation point corresponding to the sample value. A time lag between an interpolation instant assigned to the interpolation point, and the third point in time takes place. Finally, the time lag is used for determining the impact location of the object.