Abstract: A vehicle airbag device is provided, the vehicle airbag device including (1) an airbag that is folded and stowed inside an airbag case, the airbag being inflated and deployed on being supplied with gas, (2) a mid-collision gas supply section that supplies gas into the airbag during a vehicle collision, and (3) a pre-collision gas supply section that, in a case in which it has been determined prior to a vehicle collision that a vehicle collision is unavoidable, supplies gas into the airbag at a lower temperature than a temperature of gas supplied into the airbag from the mid-collision gas supply section.

Abstract: A vehicle classification system includes a processor programmed to determine a seated height and seated weight associated with a vehicle occupant. The processor is further programmed to assign a classification to the vehicle occupant based at least in part on a ratio of the seated weight to the seated height.

Abstract: An image is received from an image sensor. The image includes an occupant's head. A seated height of the occupant is determined based at least in part on a distance from the image sensor to the occupant's head, and a detected angle of a vehicle seat. A safety device is adjusted based at least in part on the seated height of the occupant.

Abstract: A viewing area estimation device, which estimates a viewing area visually confirmed by a monitored subject, includes a captured image acquisition portion acquiring a plurality of chronologically captured images of a face of a monitored subject, a face direction detection portion detecting, based on the plurality of captured images, a face direction of the monitored subject and a stationary period representing a duration in which a face direction change of the monitored subject is in a stop state or in an almost stop state, and a direction estimation portion estimating the viewing area based on parameters including the face direction of the monitored subject and the stationary period of the face direction change.

Abstract: The invention relates to feature extraction technique based on edge extraction. It can be used in computer vision systems, including image/facial/object recognition systems, scene interpretation, classification and captioning systems. A model or profile of the noise in the sensor is used to improve feature extraction or object detection on an image from a sensor.

Abstract: A system for recognizing motion by analyzing a radio signal includes: a radio signal transmitter configured to transmit a radio signal; a radio signal receiver configured to receive the transmitted radio signal; and a motion recognition processing device configured to: i) analyze the received radio signal, ii) extract and classify a gesture from the analyzed radio signal, iii) recognize the extracted and classified gesture, and iv) perform vehicle device control based on the recognized gesture.

Abstract: A vehicle vent positioning apparatus includes a motion sensor, a blower of an HVAC system, a vent assembly, a positioning device and a controller. The motion sensor detects changes in direction of movement of a vehicle. The blower moves air into a passenger compartment of the vehicle. The vent assembly is installed within the vehicle to direct airflow from the blower into a passenger compartment. The vent assembly includes at least one vane positionable to aim airflow into the passenger compartment in differing airflow directions. The positioning device is connected to the vane. The controller is configured to operate the positioning device to re-position the vane from aiming the airflow in a first airflow direction to aiming the airflow in a second airflow direction in response to the controller determining via signals from the motion sensor that the vehicle is changing direction of movement.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant protection device that smoothly operates a seat and a seatbelt. When a collision is predicted, if the time to the collision reaches a preset time t1, a seat control ECU starts operation of a seat actuator, and if a time to the collision reaches a preset time t2 (t1>t2), the seat control ECU starts operation of a seatbelt actuator. Further, when the time t2 to the collision is reached or when the time t3 (t1>t2>t3) is reached at which time the seatbelt actuator is activated to start application of a predetermined tensile force to the seatbelt, the seat control ECU stops operation of the seatbelt actuator. Seat adjustment and seatbelt adjustment may be adapted such that both the adjustments are not performed at the same time or, alternatively, such that both the adjustments are operated at the same time only during a time period in which application of the predetermined tensile force to the seatbelt starts.

Abstract: Driver-detection technology includes various systems, methods, and apparatuses. For example, an active infrared (IR) sensor might be affixed in the driver's footwell of a motor vehicle and detect the driver's entry into the vehicle. The detection of the driver by the IR sensor is usable to personalize motor-vehicle features, such as seat position, steering-wheel position, interior lighting, radio controls, mirror angles, and touch-screen configuration, among others.

Abstract: A vehicle has a restraint system with at least two restraint devices. A sensor detects a potential collision object and outputs a signal representing a relative position of the potential collision object to the vehicle. A processing device suppresses deployment of at least one of the restraint devices based at least in part on the signal output by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A power reception device in a power transmission system including a power transmission device including a primary coil and the power reception device including a secondary coil, the power transmission device being configured to drive the primary coil and transmit AC power corresponding to a clock signal which is frequency-modulated according to a binary data signal, the primary coil and the secondary coil being electromagnetically coupled together to receive by the secondary coil in the power reception device, the AC power transmitted from the power transmission device, comprises a clock-signal extraction circuit configured to extract the clock signal from an induced voltage induced at one end of the secondary coil in receiving the AC power; and a demodulation circuit configured to generate a pulse synchronously with the clock signal extracted by the clock-signal extraction circuit, and demodulate the pulse to obtain the binary data signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator subassembly for a vehicle safety system having a pin release actuator unit and a cradle bracket for holding the actuator unit and attaching to an airbag module. Further the invention relates to an airbag module with said actuator subassembly and a method of mounting a releasable tether on an airbag module by means of said actuator subassembly.

Abstract: A system for classifying an occupant located on a seating surface of a vehicle seat. The system includes a movable element and an electrode located in the vehicle seat. A sensing circuit is provided to supply a signal to the conductor. The sensing circuit also includes measurement electronics configured to measure the signal to the conductor and the vibration of the moveable element. A controller is configured to discriminate between different types of objects located on the seating surface based on changes in the signal being supplied to the conductor and the vibration of the moveable element.

Abstract: A seat heater, e.g. for a vehicle seat, comprises a heating element (10) for dissipating heat when a heating current flows across it and a temperature sensor (15) for providing a temperature signal indicative of the seat temperature. The seat heater comprises a common mode choke (16) with at least three windings. The heating element is connected in series between a first (16.1) and a second (16.2) thereof so as to be operatively connectable to a power source (12) via the common mode choke. The temperature sensor is connected to a third winding (16.3) of the at least three windings in such a way that the temperature signal may be received, e.g. by a temperature controller of the seat heater, via the third winding of the common mode choke.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator, including: a housing with a gas discharge port; an igniter assembly and a gas generating agent in the housing; and a metallic cup of constant inner diameter covering the igniter to define a charging chamber. The igniter assembly includes a main body, including an ignition portion and a electro-conductive pin integrated with a metallic collar by a resin. The metallic collar has a fixing portion inserted into a hole in a bottom surface of the housing and a remaining portion projecting inward from the bottom surface of the housing, and a guide portion. An inner circumferential wall surface of the metallic cup and an outer circumferential wall surface of the fixing portion are press-fitted, and an annular gap is formed between the inner circumferential wall of the metallic cup member and an outer circumferential wall surface of the guide portion.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing device includes an antenna electrode for emitting an alternating electric field in response to an alternating voltage caused in the antenna electrode and a control and evaluation circuit that includes a transimpedance amplifier configured to maintain the alternating voltage equal to an alternating reference voltage on a reference voltage node by injecting a current into the antenna electrode and to measure the current. The control and evaluation circuit includes a microcontroller and a multiplexer configured and arranged to switch the antenna electrode alternately to a current input of the transimpedance amplifier and to the alternating reference voltage node. The microcontroller is configured to control the multiplexer. The multiplexer and the transimpedance amplifier and a low-pass filter operatively connected to the transimpedance amplifier form together a synchronous rectifier arrangement.

Abstract: A method for advising a driver of a vehicle including a haptic driver interface may include determining a speed of the vehicle, determining a distance between the vehicle and another vehicle, and activating the haptic driver interface based on the speed and distance.

Abstract: Different candidate windows in an image are identified, such as by sliding a rectangular or other geometric shape of different sizes over an image to identify portions of the image (groups of pixels in the image). The candidate windows are analyzed by a set of convolutional neural networks, which are cascaded so that the input of one convolutional neural network layer is based on the input of another convolutional neural network layer. Each convolutional neural network layer drops or rejects one or more candidate windows that the convolutional neural network layer determines does not include an object (e.g., a face). The candidate windows that are identified as including an object (e.g., a face) are analyzed by another one of the convolutional neural network layers. The candidate windows identified by the last of the convolutional neural network layers are the indications of the objects (e.g., faces) in the image.

Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle includes determining a pre-crash collision confidence factor and estimating a time to collision. The method further includes deploying a reversible restraint in response to the confidence factor and the time to collision and deploying a non-reversible restraint in response to the confidence factor and the time to collision.

Abstract: A method for controlling an actuatable restraining device includes sensing a plurality of crash event indications, classifying crash events in response to the sensed crash event indications to identify at least one of a forward rigid barrier crash event, an offset deformable barrier crash event, an angular crash event, and a small overlap crash event, and controlling deployment timing of the actuatable restraining device in response to the classification of the crash event.

Abstract: Method for detecting seatbelt positioning in a vehicle having a seatbelt assembly and the image sensor and vehicle having the same. The seatbelt assembly includes belt webbing with a predefined webbing pattern. An image sensor is configured to take an image of at least a portion of the belt webbing. A controller is operatively connected to the image sensor and has a processor and tangible, non-transitory memory on which is recorded instructions for executing a method for detecting positioning of the belt webbing. The controller is configured to determine a latch status of the seatbelt assembly as being latched or unlatched. If the latch status is latched, the controller is configured to take an image of at least a portion of the belt webbing with the image sensor. The method includes determining if the belt webbing is in a preferred position based at least partially on said image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an occupancy detection device for detecting an occupancy of a seat of a motor vehicle. The occupancy detection device comprises an electric resonant circuit and a sensor element, wherein the electric resonant circuit experiences a change due to a change of the surroundings of the sensor element, so that with reference to the determined electrical parameter an occupancy of the seat can be detected; and a heater control connected with the occupancy detection device such that the sensor element can simultaneously operate as a heater.

Abstract: A method for compensating range offset of a range sensor located in a predetermined position in a spatial environment and comprising a pixel array adapted for measuring a distance, the spatial environment comprising at least two stationary reference positions located at predetermined reference distances, the method comprising the steps of: a) determining distance values to the reference positions; b) calculating differences between the distance values and the corresponding reference distances; c) determining a range offset value as the maximum of the differences; d) measuring distance values to positions within the spatial environment using the pixel array; e) correcting the measured distance values by subtracting the determined in-situ range offset value from each of the measured distance values.

Abstract: An occupant position detection device is an occupant position detection device disposed inside a vehicle to detect a position of an occupant, and includes: a detector comprising two or more sensor electrodes disposed forward of a seat and at least one sensor electrode disposed at a position more rearward and higher than these sensor electrodes, the detector respectively outputting a detection signal based on a distance between each of the sensor electrodes and the occupant; and a computation unit inputted with the detection signal to compute an occupant position. The computation unit selects from the detection signals outputted from the detector three or more types of combinations configured from two of the detection signals, calculates a ratio or difference for each of these combinations of detection signals, and computes the occupant position based on the three or more calculated ratios or differences of the detection signals.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing various vehicle safety systems, such as airbags and seat belt load tensioning limiters, for a particular occupant of a vehicle seat, such as the vehicle driver or passenger, based on the weight of the occupant and the fore-aft position of the seat. The method senses the mass of the occupant and the position of the seat and classifies the combination of the mass and position. The method then determines the optimized setting of the safety systems for that combination classification, and automatically sets the safety systems to that setting. The method can also determine the optimized setting of the safety systems based on whether the occupant is wearing a seat belt.

Abstract: There is provided a low-impact crash detection system for a vehicle comprising an accelerometer device from which horizontal components of acceleration are derived, a data processor comprising a FIR bandpass filter to generate filtered horizontal components of acceleration and a communication device for transmitting crash alert information, wherein the data processor is configured to generate an impact energy signal from the filtered horizontal acceleration components, to compare the impact energy signal with a threshold value to determine whether a low-impact crash has taken place, and to generate a crash alert for transmission by the communication device if the threshold value is exceeded. A method of low-impact crash detection is also provided, the method including a crash scoring method.

Abstract: A head-mount display with exercise information displayed thereon includes an information box securely mounted on one temple of a frame, at least one wireless receiving unit mounted inside the information box, and a transparent body mounted on one front end of the information box in a visual range of a user. A display screen is mounted on an outer sidewall of the transparent body to display exercise information in the form of icon or text message, which is detected by the at least one wireless receiving unit. A magnifying lens is mounted on an inner sidewall of the transparent body to enlarge information displayed on the display screen as a virtual image for the user to view upon exercising. Accordingly, the head-mount display not only provides convenience in demonstrating information but also enhances space utilization efficiency of the display screen and recognition of exercise information on the display screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for assisting driving, including: a stereo camera module mounted in a vehicle, and configured to obtain a first image through a first camera and a second image through a second camera; and a processor configured to stereo-match the first image and the second image to obtain a dense disparity map, estimate a cubic b-spline curved line from the dense disparity map by using a coarse-to-fine method, and perform a road profile for two-dimensionally converting a 3D road, on which the vehicle travels, by using the cubic b-spline curved line.

Abstract: There is provided a system for detecting presence or absence of a heat emitting object, comprising a platform for receiving the object, and the platform defining an area in which a temperature gradient with the object may exist, a thermoelectric device for generating an electrical voltage indicative of the presence or absence of temperature gradient and/or the magnitude of the temperature gradient, and an indicator for indication of the presence or absence of the object to be detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an airbag module in a vehicle cabin is provided that includes a control apparatus for triggering the airbag module, a plenoptic camera configured as a camera module that generates image data having depth information within a prespecifiable region in the vehicle cabin with the prespecifiable region comprising at least a first and a second partial region of a trigger region of the airbag module, and an evaluation device which determines on the basis of the image data whether an object, in particular a vehicle occupant, is located in the first or the second partial region and the control apparatus controls the airbag module in dependence on the position of the object.

Abstract: A vehicle safety belt bypass warning system involves, a video camera, at least one processor, face detection software, a safety belt, and a safety belt engagement sensor circuit. The processor detects that a human face is present and associated with an individual seat. An infrared (IR) emitter output is positioned on the safety belt and transmits individually coded light pulses unique to the occupied seat. At least one IR receiver receives individually coded light pulses from occupied seat IR emitters and, in response, will output coded electrical signals indicative of which occupied seat(s) the individually coded light pulses were received from. The at least one processor will wait for receipt of the coded electrical signals from the IR receiver. If the processor does not receive an indication for a particular occupied seat, the processor will trigger a safety belt bypass warning indicator.

Abstract: A cover structure in a slide position detection device for a vehicle seat includes a magnetic detector disposed on a side of one of a fixed rail and a movable rail; a cover that covers the magnetic detector and that is disposed on the side of the one rail; and a detected portion disposed on a side of the other rail. The cover includes a lateral cover portion that covers a lateral portion of the magnetic detector, and a detection portion cover portion that faces and covers a detection portion of the magnetic detector; and the detection portion cover portion is provided with a ferromagnetic plate that faces the detection portion, the ferromagnetic plate being located at a position that is farther from the detection portion than a closest position of the detected portion relative to the detection portion, and the ferromagnetic plate shielding against magnetism from the magnetic detector.

Abstract: A wearable device and a method for controlling the same are disclosed herein. The wearable device, comprising a bio-signal sensor unit configured to sense a bio-signal; a storage unit configured to store data; and a processor configured to control the bio-signal sensor unit and the storage unit, wherein the processor is further configured to: generate first reference data including a weight of a first reference object and a first bio-signal being generated by holding the first reference object when the first bio-signal is detected, generate measurement data including a second bio-signal being generated by holding a measurement object, when the second bio-signal is detected, and obtain a weight of the measurement object by comparing the measurement data with the first reference data.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has arranged therein a vehicle seat and is equipped with an occupant detection system for detecting whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat, the system including a first antenna electrode arranged in the seat and a sensing circuit associated with the seat where the sensing circuit includes an oscillation circuit connected to the first antenna electrode for applying to the first antenna electrode a first oscillating signal and a current detection circuit also connected to the first antenna electrode for determining a first current flowing in the first antenna electrode in response to the first oscillating signal being applied, the first current indicating whether an occupant is present on the vehicle seat, where the vehicle is further equipped with an appliance including an appliance control device arranged in the vehicle compartment at a location where it can be operated by an occupant of the seat and the occupant detection system is configured for detecting whether the occupa

Abstract: A collision detection apparatus includes: an energy absorption member that possesses conductivity and absorbs impact energy by being crushed in a front-rear direction; two contact members that possess conductivity and are respectively disposed in contact with front and rear end surfaces of the energy absorption member in order to press and crush the energy absorption member in the front-rear direction; a electric resistance detector that is electrically connected to both of the two contact members in order to detect variation in an electric resistance value accompanying crushing of the energy absorption member; and a displacement calculator that calculates a displacement amount of the energy absorption member in the front-rear direction on the basis of the variation in the electric resistance value detected by the electric resistance detector.

Abstract: Various implementations relate to an operator monitoring system (OMS). Certain implementations include an OMS coupled to a rotatable portion of a steering wheel assembly of a vehicle. For example, the OMS may include an imaging unit, such as a camera, that is coupled to a central hub portion of the steering wheel assembly. The imaging unit has a field of view directed toward one or more occupants in the vehicle and is configured to capture an image signal corresponding to an imaging area in the field of view. The imaging area can be configured to encapsulate an expected position of one or more vehicle occupants. The OMS also includes one or more processing units in electrical communication with the imaging unit that receives and processes the image signal from the imaging unit to determine an occupant state and, in some implementations, provide feedback based on the determined occupant state.

Abstract: A motor vehicle including at least one driving safety system which provides a safety feature during travel, and a control device, wherein the control device is configured to determine a first information commensurate with the proper functioning of the at least one driving safety system and to actuate at least a driver side device for adjusting the seat position and/or at least a driver side belt tensioner when the at least one driving safety system malfunctions.

Abstract: A system for controlling the position of a movable object on a viewing device in an aircraft cockpit, which can be actuated by an operator includes means for determining, at least at one given moment, a position of a target zone on said viewing device toward which the operator's gaze is directed, and positioning means adapted for placing the object on the target zone of the viewing device.

Abstract: An airbag system for a vehicle includes an inflator and an airbag defining an inflation chamber in communication with the inflator. The airbag includes a first extension and a second extension spaced from each other and each in communication with the inflation chamber. The first extension and the second extension are each selectively inflatable from an undeployed position to a deployed position. A controller is programmed to provide instructions to release one or both of the first and second extensions to the deployed position in response at least to a detected direction of an impact of the vehicle.

Abstract: An inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) for being inflated between an instrument panel (36) and a seat (22) of the vehicle (12) is provided. The protection device (14) includes a front portion (70) that has a panel (72) presented towards the vehicle seat (22), a rear portion (76) adjacent the instrument panel (36), and top and bottom portions (90, 92) interconnecting the front portion (70) and the rear portion (76) to define an inflatable volume (54). A pocket (100) defines an uninflated volume (102) outside of the inflatable volume (54). The pocket (100) is defined by a single panel (180) of the protection device (14). The panel (100) extends along a centerline (162) and includes an extension (180) of material on each side of the centerline (162). The extensions (180) overly one another and are interconnected along a seam (106) to form the pocket (100).

Abstract: A hood sensor assembly of a motor vehicle includes a molding for transmitting an impact force to a hood sensor. The molding includes an absorption area for absorbing an impact force and a transmission section for transmitting at least a portion of the impact force to a hood sensor. An elastically movable material section provides a restoring force against which the molding can be arranged in its installation position (E). The hood sensor is supported within the molding.

Abstract: In a method for testing a supply circuit for an ignition circuit having at least one energy accumulator, a first conversion circuit that raises a supply voltage to a specified voltage level and charges the at least one energy accumulator, a controllable discharging circuit that discharges the at least one energy accumulator as needed, the energy accumulator is connected via a first coupling diode to the ignition circuit, and the supply voltage is applied via a second coupling diode to the at least one ignition circuit. Following the system start-up, a state of charge of the at least one energy accumulator is ascertained and compared to the at least one specified threshold value, and as a function of the comparison, a faultless supply circuit or at least one fault is recognized.

Abstract: A game apparatus calculates a load value detected by a load controller, and a center-of-gravity position of a player, at predetermined time intervals. Based on the calculated center-of-gravity position, the game apparatus firstly determines whether or not the center of gravity moves, and determines the direction of the movement. Then, the game apparatus determines a change of the load of the player within a predetermined time period. When the amount of increase of the load is equal to or higher than a threshold value, the game apparatus determines that the player swings his/her hip in the direction in which the center of gravity moves.

Abstract: A method for triggering a passenger protection unit of a vehicle includes: reading in a first and a second sensor signal value of a first sensor, which is situated at a first location in the vehicle; reading in a third and a fourth sensor signal value of a second sensor, which is situated at a second location in the vehicle which is different from the first location; and activating the passenger protection unit using the first, second, third and fourth sensor signal values. The first and third sensor signal values represent a physical variable detected in a first sensor direction, and the second and fourth sensor signal values represent a second physical value detected in a second sensor direction which is different from the first sensor direction.

Abstract: An aspect provides a method, including: capturing, using a sensor, positional information relating to a driver; determining, using a processor, a driver position with respect to an airbag containing component based on the positional information; and adjusting deployment of the airbag based on the determined driver position. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method performed by a retraction control system of a vehicle for controlling refraction of a seat belt of a reversible seat belt refractor arrangement for a vehicle occupant is provided. The control system determines fulfillment of an activation condition based on an initiating input derived from a vehicle situation sensing system, which initiating input indicates that the vehicle, at an initiating time instant, is considered likely to be, or is about to become, involved in a hazardous situation and/or uncomfortable dynamic situation. The control system generates an activation signal utilizable for initiation of retraction of the seat belt. If the control system determines absence of fulfillment of a confirming condition within a predetermined confirming time period, and/or if the control system determines fulfillment of an abort condition within a predetermined abort time period, the control system generates a deactivation signal utilizable for aborting the initiation.

Abstract: A method for recording vehicle-relevant data, in particular for detecting and evaluating damage to a vehicle in which structure-borne noise caused by an event, such as damage or contact, is detected and evaluated. The noise is recorded with its entire frequency spectrum, the frequency spectrum is divided into a lower frequency range and an upper frequency range, and an event is characterized by at least one amplitude in the upper frequency range. The event having an amplitude in the upper frequency range is included in an envelope curve analysis, in which a lower power density and upper power density are determined for a lower and upper frequency range, respectively. A relative measured value is determined from the ratio of the upper power density to the lower power density, an evaluation of the event is made by means of the relative measured value, and the event is stored.

Abstract: A seat occupancy detection device for a vehicle, particularly for a motorcycle, has at least one electrode of a capacitor, which is arranged in a seat area and takes the form of a wire. The seat occupancy detection device includes an electronic unit connected to the wire, which unit has a function generator to generate an electrical signal, and an analyzer. The electrical signal generated by the function generator can be modified by occupation of the seat area. Further, an assistance system may activate or deactivate an assistance unit depending on the detection by the seat occupancy detection device.

Abstract: An airbag module having a first nozzle (10) enclosing a first gas compartment (G1), and a first inflator. At least one adaptive ventilation device for the first gas compartment (G1) is provided with a ventilation opening (12) bordered by flexible material and at least one throttle device with a tear seam, which, in a first state, throttles the gas flow more strongly than in a second state. A second cover (44) surrounding a second gas compartment (G2) and a gas source for the second gas compartment (G2) are provided, wherein the tear seam (49) extends through the second gas compartment and, upon filling of the second gas compartment (G2) by the gas source, the seam ruptures and the adaptive ventilation device passes from the first, to the second state.

Abstract: A lighting device capable of detecting a condition in an environment includes a sensor to capture a video frame from a location in the environment. The lighting device may include a microcontroller, a processor and memory. The sensor may be electrically connected to the microcontroller, and the video frame may be transmitted to the microcontroller as data. The lighting device may also include a light source electrically connected to and controlled by the microcontroller and a rules engine stored in the memory. The processor may compare the data to rules contained in the rules engine to produce an output. The lighting device may further include an interface through which the output is accessible. After an analysis is conducted, an output may be generated responsive to detection of an anomaly.