An articulating pedestrian dummy for testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed that includes a human-shaped torso with a first and second leg socket. A leg plug is inserted into each of the leg sockets forming a-first and second detachable connections. An upper leg is connected to each leg plug and can rotate relative to the leg plug. The torso, leg plugs and upper legs are comprised of foam or other soft, elastically deformable material. The first and second detachable connections are sufficiently yielding to detach leg sockets from the leg plugs upon impact with the subject vehicle and sufficiently yielding to impart minimal force to the subject vehicle upon impact, the force causing minimal to no damage to the subject vehicle.
B62D 57/032 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted supporting base and legVehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted feet or skid
G09B 23/34 - Anatomical models with removable parts
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.
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.
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.
B62D 57/032 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted supporting base and legVehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted feet or skid
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.
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.
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.
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.
B60Q 1/46 - Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for giving flashing caution signals during drive, other than signalling change of direction, e.g. flashing the headlights
B60T 7/22 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger initiated by contact of vehicle, e.g. bumper, with an external object, e.g. another vehicle
An articulating pedestrian dummy for testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed that includes a human-shaped torso with a first and second leg socket. A leg plug is inserted into each of the leg sockets forming a first and second detachable connection. An upper leg is connected to each leg plug and can rotate relative to the leg plug. The torso, leg plugs and upper legs are comprised of foam or other soft, elastically deformable material. The first and second detachable connections are sufficiently yielding so as to detach leg sockets from the leg plugs upon impact with the subject vehicle and sufficiently yielding so as to impart minimal force to the subject vehicle upon impact, the force causing minimal to no damage to the subject vehicle.
G09B 23/06 - Models for scientific, medical, or mathematical purposes, e.g. full-sized device for demonstration purposes for physics
B62D 57/032 - Vehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted supporting base and legVehicles characterised by having other propulsion or other ground-engaging means than wheels or endless track, alone or in addition to wheels or endless track with ground-engaging propulsion means, e.g. walking members with alternately or sequentially lifted feet or skid
10.
ROBOTIC STEERING CONTROLLER FOR OPTIMAL FREE RESPONSE EVALUATION
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.
B60W 10/20 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of steering systems
B60W 10/04 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units
B60W 10/184 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of braking systems with wheel brakes
H02K 41/00 - Propulsion systems in which a rigid body is moved along a path due to dynamo-electric interaction between the body and a magnetic field travelling along the path
11.
Robotic steering controller for optimal free response evaluation
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.
A Dynamic Motion Element (DME) is disclosed that includes a platform, and a pair of foot movement mechanisms. The foot movement mechanisms each include a drive pulley connected to at least one wheel of the DME, a second pulley and a foot drive belt that has a foot connection structure constructed to detachably connect to the foot of the mannequin. The foot connection structure is constructed to move about each pulley. The first and second foot movement mechanisms are constructed such that when the DME moves in a longitudinal direction relative to the ground, the foot connection structure of the first foot movement mechanism remains in substantially the same longitudinal position relative to the ground while the foot connection structure of the second foot movement mechanism moves in the same longitudinal direction as the DME. When a mannequin is connected to the foot connection structures, the DME produces a more natural looking gait.
B60W 10/08 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of electric propulsion units, e.g. motors or generators
B60W 10/18 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of braking systems
G05D 1/00 - Control of position, course, altitude or attitude of land, water, air or space vehicles, e.g. using automatic pilots
G05D 1/02 - Control of position or course in two dimensions
A soft body system adapted to form the body and exterior surface of a Guided Soft Target for testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed. The soft body system is adapted to be mounted atop a motorized Dynamic Motion Element (DME) and when so mounted is adapted to collide with the subject vehicle while the DME is moving. The soft body system includes a semi-rigid form with an exterior surface. The form is sufficiently yielding so as to impart a minimal force to the subject vehicle upon impact. The form may be shaped like a vehicle or a part of a vehicle. The exterior surface includes a side skirt made of radar absorptive material (RAM), radar reflective material (RRM) or a combination of both, which is positioned adjacent to the ground and constructed to prevent radar wave from entering the soft body system.
B60T 7/18 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger operated by remote control, i.e. initiating means not mounted on vehicle operated by wayside apparatus
B60T 7/22 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger initiated by contact of vehicle, e.g. bumper, with an external object, e.g. another vehicle
A soft body system adapted to form the body and exterior surface of a Guided Soft Target for testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed. The soft body system is adapted to be mounted atop a motorized Dynamic Motion Element (DME), and when so mounted, is adapted to collide with the subject vehicle while the DME is moving. The soft body system includes a semi-rigid form with an exterior surface. The form is sufficiently yielding so as to impart a minimal force to the subject vehicle upon impact. The form may be shaped like a vehicle or a part of a vehicle. The exterior surface includes a side skirt made of radar absorptive material (RAM), radar reflective material (RRM), or a combination of both, which is positioned adjacent to the ground and is constructed to prevent radar waves from entering into the soft body system.
B60T 7/18 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger operated by remote control, i.e. initiating means not mounted on vehicle operated by wayside apparatus
B60T 7/22 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger initiated by contact of vehicle, e.g. bumper, with an external object, e.g. another vehicle
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
G01L 5/28 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for testing brakes
H01Q 17/00 - Devices for absorbing waves radiated from an antenna Combinations of such devices with active antenna elements or systems
15.
System and method for testing crash avoidance technologies
A Dynamic Motion Element (DME) is disclosed that includes a platform, and a pair of foot movement mechanisms. The foot movement mechanisms each include a drive pulley connected to at least one wheel of the DME, a second pulley and a foot drive belt that has a foot connection structure constructed to detachably connect to the foot of the mannequin. The foot connection structure is constructed to move about each pulley. The first and second foot movement mechanisms are constructed such that when the DME moves in a longitudinal direction relative to the ground, the foot connection structure of the first foot movement mechanism remains in substantially the same longitudinal position relative to the ground while the foot connection structure of the second foot movement mechanism moves in the same longitudinal direction as the DME. When a mannequin is connected to the foot connection structures, the DME produces a more natural looking gait.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
B60W 10/08 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of electric propulsion units, e.g. motors or generators
B60W 10/18 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of braking systems
A Dynamic Motion Element for use in testing crash avoidance technologies in a subject vehicle is disclosed. The Dynamic Motion Element includes a body comprising an upper surface wherein the upper surface is adapted to support a soft-body having the size and shape of a vehicle. The body has at least one tapered side so as to allow the subject vehicle to drive up to and on the upper surface with minimal to no damage to the subject vehicle or the Dynamic Motion Element. The body is supported by at least two rotational structures, including at least one driven rotational structure coupled with an electronically-controlled power source. The electronically-controlled braking system applies braking force to at least one of the rotational structures.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
B60T 7/18 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger operated by remote control, i.e. initiating means not mounted on vehicle operated by wayside apparatus
B60T 7/22 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger initiated by contact of vehicle, e.g. bumper, with an external object, e.g. another vehicle
B60T 8/34 - Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration having a fluid pressure regulator responsive to a speed condition
G09B 19/14 - Traffic procedures, e.g. traffic regulations
18.
System and method for testing crash avoidance technologies
A Guided Soft Target System is disclosed that includes a subject vehicle and a dynamic motion element (DME). The subject vehicle may be accelerated at an arbitrary rate to a speed corresponding to the speed in its own predetermined trajectory. Each of the DME vehicles computes its target speed as a ratio of the subject vehicle's speed at each waypoint location, and modulates its speed control to achieve this target speed. To further compensate for timing differences along the target path, each DME computes its longitudinal error along the path relative to its target position, as dictated by the position of the subject vehicle within its own trajectory, and each DME's target speed is modulated in order to minimize the longitudinal error along the predetermined trajectory.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
B60T 7/18 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger operated by remote control, i.e. initiating means not mounted on vehicle operated by wayside apparatus
B60T 7/22 - Brake-action initiating means for automatic initiationBrake-action initiating means for initiation not subject to will of driver or passenger initiated by contact of vehicle, e.g. bumper, with an external object, e.g. another vehicle
G06F 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for processing data by operating upon the order or content of the data handled
19.
System and method for testing crash avoidance technologies
A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
A cam actuated hydraulic brake system and an in plane tensioner pulley belt drive system may be used on autonomous vehicles, such as dynamic motion elements for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. The brake system utilizes a cam driven by a servo to push the piston push rod of a hydraulic master brake cylinder, thus distributing pressurized brake fluid throughout the brake system. The pulley drive system uses an articulating arm for the driven pulley, and that arm may also have connected to it one or two tension pulleys, each of which is in contact with the belt. Because the drive pulley and the tensioner pulleys pivot about the same pivot axis, the needed belt length remains nearly constant across the entire range of the articulating arm.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
G06G 1/16 - Hand-manipulated computing devices in which a straight or curved line has to be drawn through related points on one or more families of curves
23.
System and method for testing crash avoidance technologies
A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing a sensor signature substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network. Specific geometries for the DME have been discovered that minimize the risk of the DME flipping up and hitting or otherwise damaging or disrupting the ride of typical test vehicles during impact of the test vehicles with the GST, all while minimizing the effect of the DME on the sensor signature of the GST.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
A Guided Soft Target (GST) system and method provides a versatile test system and methodology for the evaluation of various crash avoidance technologies. This system and method can be used to replicate the pre-crash motions of the CP in a wide variety of crash scenarios while minimizing physical risk, all while consistently providing radar and other sensor signatures substantially identical to that of the item being simulated. The GST system in various example embodiments may comprise a soft target vehicle or pedestrian form removably attached to a programmable, autonomously guided, self-propelled Dynamic Motion Element (DME), which may be operated in connection with a wireless computer network operating on a plurality of complimentary communication networks. Specific DME geometries are provided to minimize ride disturbance and observability by radar and other sensors. Computer controlled DME braking systems are disclosed as well as break-away and retractable antenna systems.
G06G 7/78 - Analogue computers for specific processes, systems, or devices, e.g. simulators for direction-finding, locating, distance or velocity measuring, or navigation systems
