Abstract: A system and method are provided for measuring a characteristic signature of an object. The system includes a computer in data communication with a cart processor, the computer constructed to calculate a path. The system also has a measurement cart with a mobile platform comprising a steering actuator connected to a steered wheel and a motor connected to a driven wheel, a characteristics sensor directed at the object, a GPS module, and the cart processor is constructed to control the motor and steering actuator, and constructed to receive data from the characteristics sensor, and GPS module. The cart processor performs the steps of: (a) actuating the steering actuator based on location data generated from the GPS module and the calculated path; (b) actuating the motor based on location data generated from the GPS module and the calculated path; and (c) recording data generated from the characteristics sensor.

Abstract: A lighting system for a soft surrogate target constructed to be mounted to a mobile platform having a power source is disclosed. The lighting system includes a wireless receiver/controller, a plurality of relays connected to the wireless receiver/controller, a plurality of lights connected to the plurality of relays, and a breakaway electrical connector electrically connected to the wireless receiver/controller. The breakaway connector is constructed to detachably connect the mobile platform's power source to the lighting system. The breakaway electrical connector is further adapted to disconnect the lighting system from the mobile platform's power source without damage to the connector when the surrogate target is suddenly dislodged from the mobile platform due to the surrogate target being impacted by a subject vehicle.

Abstract: A wheel system adapted for use with a guided soft target (GST) is disclosed. The GST includes a soft body that is removably attachable to a dynamic motion element (DME). The wheel system has an axle connected to the soft body and to a tire body rotatably connected to the axle. The tire body has an outer surface concentric with the axle and encircling the axle with a ground-contacting tire ridge extending from and encircling the outer surface. The ridge is constructed to contact the ground when the soft body is attached to a DME. The ridge is comprised of a ridge material and has a ridge width, both of which are selected to (1) permit the tire body to slide in a direction parallel to the axle when the tire body is subjected to a lateral force; and to (2) rotate the tire body as the DME moves.

Abstract: A method for creating a realistic human gait for a dummy with a leg comprising an articulating hip joint and knee joint, wherein the gait comprises a gait cycle is disclosed. The method includes (a) define the duration of the stance phase and swing phase; (b) determine the position of the dummy within the gait cycle; (c) calculate a knee angle based on: (1) the position of step (b), and (2) whether the position is in the stance phase or the swing phase; and (d) calculate a hip angle based on: (1) the knee angle of step (c), (2) the position of step (b), and (3) whether the position is in the stance phase or the swing phase.

Abstract: A wheel system adapted for use with a guided soft target (GST) is disclosed. The GST includes a soft body that is removably attachable to a dynamic motion element (DME). The wheel system has an axle connected to the soft body and a tire body rotatably connected to the axle. The tire body has an outer surface concentric with and encircling the axle with a ground-contacting tire ridge extending from and encircling the outer surface. The ridge is constructed to contact the ground when the soft body is attached to a DME. The ridge is comprised of a ridge material and has a ridge width, both of which are selected to (1) permit the tire body to slide in a direction parallel to the axle when the tire body is subjected to a lateral force; and (2) rotate the tire body as the DME moves.

Abstract: A steering robot for operating a steering wheel of a test automobile is disclosed. The robot includes an actuator mounted to the automobile, and an electromechanical connector that detachably connects the actuator to the steering wheel. A steering processor is connected to the actuator and to the electromechanical connector, and the steering processor (1) actuates the actuator, thereby operating the steering wheel when the actuator is connected to the steering wheel by way of the electromechanical connector; and (2) actuates the electromechanical connector, thereby disconnecting the actuator from the steering wheel.

Abstract: A steering robot for operating a steering wheel of a test automobile is disclosed. The robot includes an actuator mounted to the automobile, and an electromechanical connector that detachably connects the actuator to the steering wheel. A steering processor is connected to the actuator and electromechanical connector, the steering processor (1) actuates the actuator, thereby operating the steering wheel when the actuator is connected to the steering wheel by way of the electromechanical connector; and (2) actuates the electromechanical connector, thereby disconnecting the actuator from the steering wheel.