Method and apparatus for controlling an airbag

• US 6,869,100 B2
• Filed: 09/03/2002
• Issued: 03/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Automotive Technologies International Incorporated
• Inventors: Breed, David S., Johnson, Wendell C., DuVall, Wilbur E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ilan, Ruth
• Application Number:
  US10/234,067
• Publication Number:
  US 20030001368A1
• Time in Patent Office: 931 Days
• Field of Search: 280/734, 280/735, 701/45
• US Class Current: 280/735
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/02246 Electric motors therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0268 using sensors or detectors for adapting the seat or seat part, e.g. to the position of an occupant
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0276 reaction to emergency situations, e.g. crash
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/28 Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2806 for securing the child seat to the vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/2863 backward facing
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/853 characterised by their adjusting mechanisms, e.g. electric motors
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/888 with arrangements for protecting against abnormal g-forces, e.g. by displacement of the head-rest
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/037 for occupant comfort , e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1223 with sensors or transducers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/0027 Post collision measures, e.g. notifying emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/26094 characterised by fluid flow controlling valves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2021/2765 comprising means to control the venting
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2022/4825 for sensing amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0134 responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle , e.g. using radar systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01512 Passenger detection systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01534 : using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01536 : using ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01538 : for image processing, e.g. cameras or sensor arrays
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01542 : detecting passenger motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01544 : detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01548 : sensing the amount of belt winded on retractor
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01552 : detecting position of specific human body parts, e.g. face, eyes or hands
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01554 : Seat position sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/21656 : Steering wheel covers or similar cup-shaped covers
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/276 : with means to vent the inflation fluid source, e.g. in case of overpressure B60R21/30 takes precedence; venting means on inflatable member walls B60R21/239
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 22/20 : adjustable in position, e.g. in height
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/25 : using biometry
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/04 : Systems determining presence of a target based on relative movement of target G01S13/56
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/06 : Systems determining the position data of a target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/87 : Combinations of sonar systems
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 15/88 : Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications seismic or acoustic prospecting or detecting G01V1/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/88 : Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 : for mapping or imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/417 : involving the use of neural networks
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4802 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/539 : using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation; Target signature; Target cross-section
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/10 : Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands

Abstract

Method and system for controlling deployment of an airbag in which the position of an occupant to be protected by deployment of the airbag is determined, the probability that a crash requiring deployment of the airbag is occurring is assessed and deployment of the airbag enabled in consideration of the determined position of the occupant and the assessed probability that a crash is occurring. Deployment of the airbag may be enabled by analyzing the assessed probability relative to a pre-determined threshold whereby deployment of the airbag is enabled only when the assessed probability is greater than the threshold. The threshold may be adjusted based on the determined position of the occupant.

Claims

1. A method for controlling deployment of an airbag, comprising the steps of:

determining the position of an occupant to be protected by deployment of the airbag;

assessing the probability that a crash requiring deployment of the airbag is occurring;

enabling deployment of the airbag in consideration of the determined position of the occupant and the assessed probability that a crash is occurring, said deployment enabling step comprising the steps of analyzing the assessed probability relative to a pre-determined threshold and enabling deployment of the airbag is only when the assessed probability is greater than the threshold; and

adjusting the threshold based on the determined position of the occupant.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of receiving waves from a space in a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of transmitting waves to impact the occupant;

receiving waves after impact with the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of obtaining images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant and analyzing the images.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of obtaining images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant, focusing the images onto optical arrays and analyzing the focused images.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of moving a beam of radiation through a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of transmitting ultrasonic waves to impact the occupant;

receiving ultrasonic waves after reflection by the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of receiving infrared radiation from a space in a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of transmitting radar waves to impact the occupant;

receiving radar waves after reflection by the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of obtaining three-dimensional images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant and analyzing the images.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of arranging an electric field sensor operative in a seat occupied by the occupant.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of arranging a capacitance sensor operative in a seat occupied by the occupant.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of disabling deployment of the airbag when the determined position is too close to the airbag.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining the rate at which the airbag is inflated based on the determined position of the occupant.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining the time in which the airbag is deployed based on the determined position of the occupant.

16. A method for controlling deployment of an airbag, comprising the steps of:

determining the position of an occupant to be protected by deployment of the airbag; and

adjusting a threshold used in a sensor algorithm based on the determined position of the occupant, the sensor algorithm enabling or suppressing deployment of the airbag.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

assessing the probability that a crash requiring deployment of the airbag is occurring;

analyzing the assessed probability relative to the threshold; and

enabling deployment of the airbag only when the assessed probability is greater than the threshold.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of receiving waves from a space in a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of transmitting waves to impact the occupant;

receiving waves after impact with the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of obtaining images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant and analyzing the images.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of obtaining images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant, focusing the images onto optical arrays and analyzing the focused images.

22. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of moving a beam of radiation through a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

23. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of transmitting ultrasonic waves to impact the occupant;

receiving ultrasonic waves after reflection by the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of receiving infrared radiation from a space in a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

25. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of transmitting radar waves to impact the occupant;

receiving radar waves after reflection by the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

26. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the steps of obtaining three-dimensional images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant and analyzing the images.

27. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of arranging an electric field sensor operative in a seat occupied by the occupant.

28. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of determining the position of the occupant comprises the step of arranging a capacitance sensor operative in a seat occupied by the occupant.

29. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of disabling deployment of the airbag when the determined position is too close to the airbag.

30. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of determining the rate at which the airbag is inflated based on the determined position of the occupant.

31. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of determining the time in which the airbag is deployed based on the determined position of the occupant.

32. A system for controlling deployment of an airbag, comprising:

determining means for determining the position of an occupant to be protected by deployment of the airbag;

sensor means for assessing the probability that a crash requiring deployment of the airbag is occurring; and

circuit means coupled to said determining means, said sensor means and the airbag for enabling deployment of the airbag in consideration of the determined position of the occupant and the assessed probability that a crash is occurring, said circuit means being structured and arranged to analyze the assessed probability relative to a pre-determined threshold and enable deployment of the airbag only when the assessed probability is greater than the threshold,

said circuit means being further arranged to adjust the threshold based on the determined position of the occupant.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means are arranged to receive waves from a space in a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

34. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means are arranged to transmit waves to impact the occupant, receive waves after impact with the occupant and measure the time between transmission and reception of the waves.

35. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means comprise means for obtaining images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant and analyzing the images.

36. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means comprise means for obtaining images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant, focusing the images onto optical arrays and analyzing the focused images.

37. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means comprise means for moving a beam of radiation through a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

38. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means comprise means for transmitting ultrasonic waves to impact the occupant, receiving ultrasonic waves after reflection by the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

39. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means are arranged to receive infrared radiation from a space in a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

40. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means comprise means for transmitting radar waves to impact the occupant, receiving radar waves after reflection by the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

41. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means comprise means for obtaining three-dimensional images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant and analyzing the images.

42. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means comprise an electric field sensor operative in a seat occupied by the occupant.

43. The system of claim 32, wherein said determining means comprise a capacitance sensor operative in a scat occupied by the occupant.

44. The system of claim 32, wherein said circuit means are arranged to disable deployment of the airbag when the determined position is too close to the airbag.

45. The system of claim 32, wherein the airbag has an adjustable inflation rate, said circuit means are arranged to determine the rate at which the airbag is inflated based on the determined position of the occupant.

46. The system of claim 32, wherein the airbag has an adjustable deployment time, said circuit means are arranged to determine the time in which the airbag is inflated based on the determined position of the occupant.

47. A system for controlling deployment of an airbag, comprising:

a crash sensor for providing information on a crash involving the vehicle;

a position determining arrangement for determining the position of an occupant to be protected by deployment of the airbag; and

a circuit coupled to the airbag, said crash sensor and said position determining arrangement and arranged to issue a deployment signal to the airbag to cause deployment of the airbag,

said circuit being arranged to determine a deployment threshold which varies based on the determined position of the occupant and consider the deployment threshold value when deciding whether to issue the deployment signal.

48. The system of claim 47, wherein said circuit is arranged to assess the probability that a crash requiring deployment of the airbag is occurring, analyze the assessed probability relative to the threshold and enable deployment of the airbag only when the assessed probability is greater than the threshold.

49. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement is arranged to receive waves from a space in a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

50. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement is arranged to transmit waves to impact the occupant, receive waves after impact with the occupant and measure the time between transmission and reception of the waves.

51. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement comprises means for obtaining images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant and analyzing the images.

52. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement comprises means for obtaining images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant, focusing the images onto optical arrays and analyzing the focused images.

53. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement arrangement comprises means for moving a beam of radiation through a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

54. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement comprises means for transmitting ultrasonic waves to impact the occupant, receiving ultrasonic waves after reflection by the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

55. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement is arranged to receive infrared radiation from a space in a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant.

56. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement comprises means for transmitting radar waves to impact the occupant, receiving radar waves after reflection by the occupant and measuring time between transmission and reception of the waves.

57. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement comprises means for obtaining three-dimensional images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle occupied by the occupant and analyzing the images.

58. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement comprises an electric field sensor operative in a seat occupied by the occupant.

59. The system of claim 47, wherein said determining arrangement comprises a capacitance sensor operative in a seat occupied by the occupant.

60. The system of claim 47, wherein said circuit is arranged to disable deployment of the airbag when the determined position is too close to the airbag.

61. The system of claim 47, wherein the airbag has an adjustable inflation rate, said circuit being arranged to determine the rate at which the airbag is inflated based on the determined position of the occupant.

62. The system of claim 47, wherein the airbag has an adjustable deployment time, said circuit being arranged to determine the time in which the airbag is inflated based on the determined position of the occupant.