DE102004045813A1 - System and method for anticipating an accident hazard situation - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for a predictive detection of an accident hazard situation in the side area of a motor vehicle (1) comprising: at least one dead-angle sensing device (2) for acquiring data relating to a potential accident subject by sensing the exterior space on the sides of the motor vehicle (1 ) in the field of blind spots; and with a central control device (4) coupled to the at least one tote-angle sensing device (2) for activating at least one suitable occupant protection measure (8, 9, 10) as a function of the at least one tote-angle sensing device (2). recorded data; as well as a corresponding procedure.

Description

The The present invention relates to a system and method for a predictive Detecting an accident hazard situation, especially in the side area a motor vehicle.

Even though on any outdoor areas of the motor vehicle, the present invention as well as its underlying problem in terms of the dead-angle range of the motor vehicle closer explained.

Of the Personal protection in the vehicle is becoming increasingly important and a wide variety of systems and procedures already exist by which the occupants of a motor vehicle in the event of an accident be preserved from injury or by which such injuries can be mitigated. Thus, active and passive safety systems play in the automotive sector an ever-growing one Role in the development of vehicles. The expectations of Customers require both efficiency and comfort, addressed on increasing security for the vehicle occupants.

Out The prior art is known, for example, motor vehicles with so-called blind spot detection Equip (BSD) systems. These systems are mostly based on at least one ultrasonic sensor, which the outside space monitored at the side of the motor vehicle in the blind spot area. With such a BSD system the motor vehicle user is warned if there is another motor vehicle in the tote-angle range located.

Further are known as Lane Departure Warning (LDW) systems, which the driver, for example, based on a video sensor system on an unintentional lane change or an unintentional Alert the roadway.

Some Motor vehicles have also over an electronic stability program (ESP), which by purposeful braking of individual wheels of the Motor vehicle in the driving dynamics of the same engages the motor vehicle to stabilize before or in a spin process.

Also So-called extended rollover scores already exist in the prior art (RoSe), which reliably determine their own lateral velocity.

Accident events, which connected with a lateral impact on the vehicle are, ask for the vehicle occupants a particularly great threat, because on the one hand offer the door areas already from its construction and because of missing crumple zone a lower protection than the usually longer built front and rear areas of a vehicle. On the other hand, due to the lower penetration paths only a much shorter one Pre-warning time for the trigger of security funds for the vehicle occupants, such as gas bag and / or belt tensioner, or the like. This early warning time is so low that usually centrally arranged Sensors no longer react sufficiently quickly to the accident event can. A remedy is therefore outsourced sensor modules, preferably additionally to at least one centrally located sensor in a peripheral area of the vehicle, in particular in the area of A, B or C columns or the doors, are arranged. Such sensors are often called peripheral acceleration sensors educated. The timely sensing of a side impact is in the usual today Vehicle structures namely only by measuring the acceleration signal at the lateral vehicle periphery (in the door, at the A, B or C pillar) with reasonable certainty possible. A side impact, in which not only the head, but also the Thorax range of a vehicle occupant should be protected already in an extremely short time of only, for example, 3 to 5 milliseconds after the impact has been recognized as critical to injury and as a precautionary measure For example, an arranged in the side region of the vehicle airbag triggered become. It can thus here no signal delays up to one example in Vehicle center centrally located sensor can be accepted. You can measure acceleration only outside the vehicle, in order to react accordingly fast. Because the outside area The sensors arranged in the vehicle have a further cost factor one strives to minimize the cost of these additional sensors as much as possible small.

According to the prior art, peripheral acceleration sensors are therefore used to detect vehicle accidents, which are connected to a central control unit and are preferably arranged in the front region of the vehicle, for example on crossbeams of the body. Of the Such acceleration sensors are intended to detect information about the early phase of the accident in the event of a collision and by means of the central control unit certain retention or protection means, such as an airbag, a seat belt, a roll bar, or the like trigger.

Further It is known from the prior art for rapid detection from side accidents Pressure sensors, for example in the door volumes of the motor vehicle to integrate. With the help of these pressure sensors can already become a very early Time, whether it is a trigger or a non-triggering accident is, i. e. whether due to the severity of the accident certain protective measures, such as airbags should be triggered or not.

At the above approaches according to the state However, the art has proved to be disadvantageous in the fact that that by the peripheral acceleration sensors or pressure sensors collected data for a control of a suitable restraint system often not reliable are enough. Thus, an approval of another independent sensor system needed for plausibility reasons, so no single faulty sensor, for example, an airbag faulty trigger can. The triggering time is generally determined by the time which the further one independent Sensor system for the plausibility of the accident signal needed, so often for plausibility reasons too long tripping times prevalence.

Consequently The present invention is generally the problem to provide a system and a method with which the above-mentioned disadvantages are eliminated and in particular on simple and inexpensive Make a predictive detection of a page crash for one improved occupant protection in the event of side impact accidents guaranteed becomes.

ADVANTAGES OF INVENTION

These Problem is inventively device side by the system having the features of patent claim 1 and the method solved by the method having the features of claim 7.

The The idea underlying the present invention is that that at least one tote-angle sensing device for collecting data relating to a potential accident subject by scanning the outside space on the sides of the motor vehicle in the area of the blind spot; and one coupled to the at least one tote angle sensing device central control device is provided which an activation at least one suitable occupant protection measure depending on from the at least one tote-angle sensing device collected data.

The inventive system with the features of claim 1 and the corresponding method with the features of claim 7 have over the known approaches according to the state the technology on the advantage that by the in the motor vehicle installed tote-angle system recorded data in addition for monitoring of the exterior space at the side of the vehicle in the range of the blind spot in predetermined Algorithms for an initiation of appropriate occupant protection measures. For example can with the help of the dead-angle sensing device a predictive Side accident detection realized as a safety-relevant additional function become. By including the collected information in, for example the airbag deployment algorithm can be a very early one Trigger the side or window airbags are achieved. It is further advantageously possible, the robustness of the algorithm against false triggering of the suitable protective measures to improve.

There on already existing in a motor vehicle components used can be, the present invention provides an easy to implement and inexpensive System for improving occupant protection in particular side impact accidents in the Motor vehicle area dar.

In the dependent claims find advantageous developments and improvements of Specified in claim 1 system and specified in claim 7 Process.

According to a preferred development, the tote-angle sensing device is designed as a blind spot detection (BSD) system, in particular based on an ultrasonic sensor system. Since some vehicles are already equipped with such a BSD system for monitoring the dead-angle range of the motor vehicle already and in the future, the Kom already installed in the motor vehicle components can be used to advantage, so that costly modifications to existing systems omitted, as already explained above.

According to one further preferred development, the system additionally has at least an impact sensing device, such as pressure sensors in Door area, peripheral acceleration sensors on the lateral structure of the Motor vehicle, or the like for detecting a lateral Impact accident on. The one or more impact sensing devices collected data advantageous together with the data collected by the BSD system transmitted to a common central control device and from this together be evaluated.

According to one another preferred embodiment the system further comprises at least one additional data acquisition device for example a vehicle dynamics control, in particular for an electronic stability program (ESP), a rollover scoring (RoSe), a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, or similar. Those of the additional data collection device (s) collected data advantageous in turn transferred to the common central control device and together with the rest collected data are evaluated, allowing reliable detection a side impact accident and a suitable initiation of occupant protection measures guaranteed becomes.

Preferably are one or more predetermined in the central control device Algorithms are stored, which trigger a certain occupant protection measures serve. The respective algorithms take into account both the detected by the at least one tote-angle sensing device Data as well as by the at least one impact sensing device and / or the at least one additional data acquisition device collected data. Thus, a plausibility check, an adjustment of thresholds, or the like by jointly evaluating one of several Systems recorded data, so that the respective dangerous situation adapted predetermined protective measures can be activated.

The Occupant protection measures are for example triggering of an airbag, closing windows, optimizing the seating position and position, outputting a warning to the motor vehicle user, activation of active safety belts, Activation of reversible belt tensioners, etc. or as a combination the above measures educated. Of course are further protective measures possible, the dependent the recorded and evaluated data in a suitable manner are.

DRAWINGS

embodiments The invention are illustrated in the drawing and in the following Description closer explained.

The FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a system for anticipatory detection of an accident hazard situation in the side area a motor vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION THE EMBODIMENTS

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the motor vehicle 1 , as in 1 is illustrated, a so-called blind spot detection (BSD) system 2 on, which consists for example of two ultrasonic sensors, one of which in each case on a side region of the motor vehicle 1 for monitoring the respective exterior space on the associated side of the motor vehicle 1 is arranged in the area of the blind spot. The two ultrasonic sensors are connected via suitable connecting cables 3 , For example by means of a CAN bus, with a central control device 4 data-connected.

According to the present embodiment, the motor vehicle 1 preferably also an electronic stability program (ESP) and / or an extended rollover detection system as additional data acquisition devices 11 on. These systems advantageously include sensors for measuring vehicle dynamics data, such as speed, acceleration, spin, joint angle, etc. The additional data acquisition devices 11 are in turn via suitable connecting lines 12 , for example, again via a CAN bus, with the central control device 4 data-connected.

As further illustrated in the figure, the motor vehicle has 1 according to the present embodiment additionally an impact sensing device 6 on, which for example by pressure sensors 6 or peripheral acceleration sensors 6 in the door or the structure of the motor vehicle 1 are integrated. The impact sensing device or devices 6 are also via appropriate data links 7 , preferably in turn a CAN bus, with the central control device 4 data-connected.

The central control device 4 advantageously has a memory device 5 on, in which predetermined algorithms and reference or threshold values for an appropriate and the respective situation adapted activation of assigned occupant protection measures are stored. The central control device 4 is also with, for example, an airbag module 8th , a warning device 9 and a power window control 10 connected. It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the central control device 4 may be associated with any occupant protection measures for an appropriate control thereof, wherein the respective occupant protection measure depending on the combination of the by the BSD system 2 as well as through the additional data collection facilities 11 and / or the impact sensing devices 6 recorded data is controlled.

In the following, with reference to the figure advantageous qualitative characteristics of the BSD system 2 explained in more detail.

For example, the BSD system captures 2 merely the information that there is a potential accident subject in the blind spot of the motor vehicle user, which could overlook this. Those of the BSD system 2 However, detected information regarding the potential accident object may additionally contain the information as to the distance between the potential accident object and the respective motor vehicle side. Even more qualitative is the BSD system 2 delektieren that and in particular at what speed the potential accident subject from the side of the vehicle 1 too moved. Preferably, using the BSD system 2 carried out a kind of object detection, ie one can additionally make a distinction whether an extremely large potential accident subject, such as another motor vehicle, or a locally relatively limited object, such as a tree, on the motor vehicle 1 moved sideways. Such an object classification is advantageous for initiating suitable protective measures. For a locally restricted potential accident subject, for example, the data of the BSD system 2 the accident date can be predicted. As a result, the central control device 4 for example, in the case of large potential accidents, prepare for the deployment of the window airbag, while at a local point of impact, a side airbag (thorax, pelvis, abdomen, head) is prepared for ignition. In addition, from the data collected by the BSD system by the central controller 4 also the impact point of the potential accident object, for example a tree in the area of the rear motor vehicle door, can be predicted in order to enable a selective preparation of the associated airbags.

Out of those through the BSD system 2 Data collected can also be estimated by means of suitable algorithms the probability of a side accident in a variety of ways.

For example, the central controller recognizes 4 merely by detecting an object in the blind spot of the motor vehicle user by the BSD system 2 an increased probability of a side accident or at least a contact bump, for example in the event of a driving error of the motor vehicle user himself. Becomes a potential accident subject by means of the BSD system 2 recognized and is additionally a steering movement, which, for example by means of a central control device 4 connected steering angle sensor 11 a vehicle dynamics control is detected recognizes the central control device 4 also an increased accident risk.

For example, an increased likelihood of a side crash is also detected when the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) sensor detects unintentional lane departure or inadvertent lane change by the motor vehicle user, simultaneously by the BSD system 2 a potential accident object is detected in the blind spot and transmitted to the central control device. This information may preferably be from the central controller 4 processed and to trigger appropriate occupant protection measures, such as the control of an airbag module, are taken into account.

There may also be an increased probability of a side crash by the central controller 4 be derived if one in the motor vehicle 1 Integrated ESP system engages, for example, by strong braking of individual wheels in the driving dynamics of the motor vehicle and at the same time a potential accident object in the blind spot area is located on the associated vehicle side, which by means of BSD system 2 is recognized.

According to a further embodiment, the central control device recognizes 4 an even higher probability of a side accident, if that in the motor vehicle 1 integrated ESP system can no longer stabilize the motor vehicle by appropriate regulation, ie if the vehicle is already in a spin process, while the BSD system 2 additionally detects an object on the associated motor vehicle side.

Has the motor vehicle 1 for example, via an advanced rollover detection with an integrated self-lateral velocity estimation or exists in the motor vehicle 1 Another way to determine your own lateral velocity is to increase the probability of a side accident if your own lateral velocity has exceeded a certain threshold and, at the same time, a potential accident subject using a BSD system 2 in the immediate vicinity of the motor vehicle 1 is recognized. For example, a threshold of 30 km / h represents a typical limit to the relative speed between a non-trip and a trip accident.

The central control device 4 , which is formed according to the present embodiment as a common control device, can of course also put together from the individual associated with the occupant protection measures control devices or be connected to this or directly control the corresponding occupant protection measures. In the control device 4 As already explained above, predetermined triggering algorithms are preferably stored for activating certain occupant protection measures, the algorithms respectively being those of the individual systems and devices 2 . 6 . 11 Evaluate collected data individually or in combination with each other and trigger appropriate occupant protection measures depending on the collected data.

The response of the central controller 4 or the airbag control unit or tripping algorithm to a situation with increased side-accident probability can take place in various ways and in different stages. In the following, some examples of such reactions are explained in more detail purely by way of example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other types and stages are included within the scope of the present invention.

In a first step, for example, only a warning of the driver by means of the warning device 9 if, in a critical situation, another vehicle is in the side area of the motor vehicle 1 , ie in the blind spot of the motor vehicle 1 , is located. This warning can alert the motor vehicle user acoustically, optically or haptically to the danger that there is a potential risk of an accident.

If a potential side accident risk is detected, all affected side windows can be automatically activated by activating the assigned window regulator controls 10 be closed as a precaution. Additionally or alternatively, with increased likelihood of a side crash, the airbag control unit can optimize the seating position and / or the seating position of the respective seats. An activation of active safety seats in such potential dangerous situations is also conceivable. For example, the seat cushion segments of the active safety seats may be inflated or the safety seats rotated.

Alternatively or additionally, in the case of a detected or increased side-accident probability in the motor vehicle 1 integrated reversible belt tensioners are activated, for example, if a potential accident object dangerously close to one side of the motor vehicle 1 is located or quickly moved to the corresponding motor vehicle side.

in the Accident algorithm may preferably in case of increased probability for one Accidentally, a parameter adjustment can be made in case an accident can trigger the corresponding occupant protection measure more quickly. This can be advantageous by adjusting and / or lowering thresholds or fire thresholds happen in the algorithm.

Detects the central controller 4 From the collected data, a high probability of a side accident can be obtained from the BSD system 2 recorded data itself for an early plausibility of a trigger decision, such as an airbag ignition, are used.

Furthermore, those of the BSD system 2 Data collected can also be used to improve the robustness of the tripping algorithm against erroneous tripping. Especially with pressure sensors only accidents are detected in which the door volume is compressed. Captures the pressure sensor a rapid increase in pressure, although the BSD sensor detects, for example, that there is no potential accident subject in front of the motor vehicle door, an airbag deployment can also be actively suppressed due to a false signal. Is the BSD sensor 2 already so mature that object classification can be carried out, a misuse critical to the pressure sensor, such as a bicycle or a football in contact with the door, can be ruled out simply by the BSD system 2 recognize the bicycle as such and football as such. Likewise, one could, for example, a kick in the vehicle door or a door supplement with the BSD system 2 detect. Advantageously, for example, the video sensor technology of the LDW system are taken into account.

Consequently provides the present invention in a simple and inexpensive manner a system and method with which data relating to a potential accident object in the dead-angle area of the motor vehicle in addition to a plausibility check of a potential side accident or for adaptation of parameter values Thresholds in the algorithm for improving occupant protection be used. Thereby can very early release times in side accidents be achieved. For example, the belt tensioner, the window position as well as the seating position and settings in a detected dangerous situation automatically adjusted or changed.

Even though the present invention with reference to preferred embodiments As described above, it is not limited thereto on diverse Modifiable way.

For example are the BSD system and possibly the LDW system over one Communication line connected to the airbag control unit or have a own control unit, which connects to the airbag control unit or other occupant protection measures having.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Claims (12)

System for a predictive detection of an accident hazard situation in the side area of a motor vehicle ( 1 ) comprising: at least one dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ) for capturing data relating to a potential accident subject by sensing the exterior space on the sides of the motor vehicle ( 1 ) in the field of blind spots; and one with the at least one tote-angle sensing device ( 2 ) coupled central control device ( 4 ) for activating at least one suitable occupant protection measure ( 8th . 9 . 10 ) as a function of the at least one dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ). System according to claim 1, characterized in that the dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ) is designed as a blind spot detection (BSD) system (2), for example based on an ultrasonic sensor system. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system comprises at least one impact sensing device ( 6 ), for example, pressure sensors in the door area, peripheral acceleration sensors on the lateral structures of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), or the like for detecting a side impact crash. System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the system comprises at least one additional data acquisition device ( 11 ) as part of, for example, a vehicle dynamics control, in particular an electronic stability program (ESP), a rollover detection (RoSe), a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, or the like. System according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the central control device ( 4 ) predetermined algorithms for triggering certain occupant protection measures ( 8th . 9 . 10 ), wherein in the respective algorithms both by the at least one dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ) as well as by the at least one impact sensing device ( 6 ) and / or the at least one additional data acquisition device ( 11 ). System according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the at least one occupant protection measure as Trigger of an airbag, closing windows, optimizing the seating position and setting, outputting a warning to the motor vehicle user, activation of active safety seats, Activate reversible belt tensioners, etc. or as a combination the above measures is trained. Method for a predictive detection of an accident hazard situation in the side area of a motor vehicle ( 1 ) with the following method steps: acquiring data relating to a potential accident object by scanning the exterior space on the sides of the motor vehicle in the area of the blind spot by means of at least one dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ); and activating at least one suitable occupant protection measure ( 8th . 9 . 10 ) as a function of the at least one dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ) recorded data by means of a with the at least one dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ) coupled central control device ( 4 ). Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ) as Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system ( 2 ), for example, based on an ultrasonic sensor is formed. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the system is provided with at least one impact sensing device ( 6 ), for example, pressure sensors in the door area, peripheral acceleration sensors on the lateral structures of the motor vehicle ( 1 ), or the like is formed for detecting a side impact crash. Method according to at least one of Claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the system is equipped with at least one additional data acquisition device ( 11 ) as part of, for example, a vehicle dynamics control, in particular an electronic stability program (ESP), a rollover detection (RoSe), a Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system, or the like is formed. Method according to at least one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the central control device ( 4 ) predetermined algorithms for triggering certain occupant protection measures ( 8th . 9 . 10 ), wherein by the respective algorithms both by the at least one dead-angle sensing device ( 2 ) as well as by the at least one impact sensing device ( 6 ) and / or the at least one additional data acquisition device ( 11 ). Method according to at least one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the at least one occupant protection measure as Trigger of an airbag, closing windows, optimizing the seating position and position, outputting a warning to the motor vehicle user, activation of active safety seats, Activate reversible belt tensioners, etc. or as a combination formed the aforementioned measures becomes.