Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The invention relates to a motor vehicle having at least two vehicle seats, each of which is assigned a seat belt and a corresponding receptacle, whereby receptacle sensors are provided for determining whether a seat belt is engaged in a receptacle. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Background Art 
         [0004]    DE 10 2007 049 305 A1 discloses a safety device for an occupant of a vehicle, which is equipped with a seat belt, a sensor device for detecting the attached condition of the seat belt, and an information playback device, which is operatively connected to the sensor device, whereby the information playback device can be switched from a maintenance operating mode to an “appeal” operating mode, when the sensor device detects that the seat belt is not or not properly attached. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,195 discloses a vehicle seat belt with a pair of safety belt parts for securing passengers, when the seat belt parts are coupled together. In this regard, a switch is provided, which is automatically brought into a de-energizing position when the seat belt parts are separated. 
         [0006]    WO 99/07576 discloses a system which by means of an incentive device is intended to encourage users to fasten seat belts. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is therefore an object of the invention to improve the acceptance of seat belts. It is a further object of the invention to increase the number of persons who are buckled up in a vehicle or a motor vehicle. In this regard, children in particular are to be encouraged to buckle up. 
         [0008]    The aforementioned object is attained in an embodiment by a motor vehicle, which includes a first vehicle seat, a first seat belt, assigned to the first vehicle seat and having an assigned first receptacle, at least one second vehicle seat, a second seat belt, assigned to the second vehicle seat and having an assigned second receptacle, a first receptacle sensor for determining whether the first seat belt is engaged in the first receptacle, a second receptacle sensor for determining whether the second seat belt is engaged in the second receptacle, and a man-machine interface for outputting a start command. The motor vehicle can also include a control unit for generating the start command and for determining the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the first seat belt in the first receptacle and the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the second seat belt in the second receptacle. 
         [0009]    A man-machine interface within an embodiment of the invention includes, for example, a display. A man-machine interface within an embodiment of the invention includes, for example, an infotainment display, as is designated, for example, with reference character  42  in  FIG. 2 . A man-machine interface can also be a display for back rows of seats in a motor vehicle. Further, a man-machine interface can also be, for example, a speaker or a lighting device. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, a start command can be output, for example, acoustically and/or visually. A start command can be, for example, the command “on your mark, get set, go” or “ready, steady, go” or a countdown, for instance, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . buckle.” 
         [0011]    A seat belt is configured to be engaged in a receptacle particularly when a respective passenger is properly secured or buckled in by the seat belt. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to compare the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the first seat belt in the first receptacle with the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the second seat belt in the second receptacle. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be configured to initiate the outputting (particularly by means of the man-machine interface or another man-machine interface) of the shorter time, i.e., to output (particularly by means of the man-machine interface or another man-machine interface) the shorter of the two times. In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be configured to initiate the outputting (particularly by means of the man-machine interface or another man-machine interface) of an identification of the vehicle seat corresponding to the shorter time. In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit an be configured to initiate the outputting (particularly by means of the man-machine interface or another man-machine interface) of an identification of the person occupying the vehicle seat corresponding to the shorter time. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can further include an Internet interface assigned to the control unit, particularly for posting on the Internet the person occupying the vehicle seat corresponding to the shorter time. 
         [0015]    In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can include a camera for photographing a person, occupying the first vehicle seat, particularly during the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the first seat belt in the first receptacle. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can include a camera arrangement for photographing a person occupying the first vehicle seat and a person occupying the second vehicle seat. A camera arrangement within an embodiment, can include one or more cameras. It can be provided that each vehicle seat or each participating vehicle seat is assigned a camera, suitable for photographing the buckling process and/or the passenger of the respective vehicle seat. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can include a camera arrangement for photographing a person, occupying the first vehicle seat, during the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the first seat belt in the first receptacle, and a person, occupying the second vehicle seat, during the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the second seat belt in the second receptacle. In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can further include an Internet interface, assigned to the control unit, for posting a photograph, taken by the camera arrangement, in regard to the person occupying the vehicle seat corresponding to the shorter time. In another embodiment of the invention, the control unit can be configured to initiate the outputting (particularly by means of the man-machine interface or another man-machine interface) of a photograph, taken by the camera arrangement, with respect to the person occupying the vehicle seat corresponding to the shorter time. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can include a lighting device for lighting the first receptacle during the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the first seat belt in the first receptacle. The lighting occurs in particular in a blinking manner. In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can include a lighting device for lighting the first receptacle during the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the first seat belt in the first receptacle with a light of a first color. The lighting can occur, for example, in a blinking manner. In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can include a lighting device for lighting the first receptacle during the outputting of the start command with a light of a second color. The lighting can occur, for example, in a blinking manner. It is also provided that the first and the second colors can be different. For example, the first color can be red or green, or the first and second color can be any combination of colors. 
         [0019]    The motor vehicle can also include a lighting device for lighting the second receptacle during the time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the second seat belt in the second receptacle. The lighting can occur in a blinking manner. In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can include a lighting device for lighting the second receptacle during a time from the outputting of the start command to the engaging of the second seat belt in the second receptacle with a light of the first color. The lighting can also occur in a blinking manner. In another embodiment of the invention, the motor vehicle can include a lighting device for lighting the second receptacle during the outputting of the start command with a light of the first or second color. The lighting can occur in a blinking manner. 
         [0020]    A motor vehicle according to an embodiment is a land vehicle that can be used individually in street traffic. It is noted that motor vehicles according to the invention are not limited to land vehicles with an internal combustion engine. 
         [0021]    Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a motor vehicle; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows the motor vehicle according to  FIG. 1  in a partial interior view; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows the motor vehicle according to  FIG. 1  in a basic sketch of a plan view; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows an exemplary embodiment of a control unit for the motor vehicle according to  FIG. 1  in a basic sketch; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a process implemented in the control unit according to  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle seat of the motor vehicle according to  FIG. 1  before the outputting of a start command; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  shows the vehicle seat according to  FIG. 6  during the outputting of the start command; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  shows the vehicle seat according to  FIG. 6  after the outputting of the start command until the seat belt of the vehicle seat engages in the receptacle of the vehicle seat. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0031]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment for a motor vehicle  1 , which is shown in a partial interior view in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  shows motor vehicle  1  in a basic sketch of a plan view. The motor vehicle includes a driver&#39;s seat  12 , a front passenger seat  11 , a second row of seats with three vehicle seats  21 ,  22 , and  23 , and a third row of seats with two vehicle seats  31  and  32 . Driver&#39;s seat  12  is assigned a seat belt, designated with reference character G 12 , with a corresponding receptacle GS 12 , front passenger seat  11  is assigned a seat belt, designated with reference character G 11 , with a corresponding receptacle GS 11 , vehicle seat  21  is assigned a seat belt, designated with reference character G 21 , with a corresponding receptacle GS 21 , vehicle seat  22  is assigned a seat belt, designated with reference character G 22 , with a corresponding receptacle GS 22 , vehicle seat  23  is assigned a seat belt, designated with reference character G 23 , with a corresponding receptacle GS 23 , vehicle seat  31  is assigned a seat belt, designated with reference character G 31 , with a corresponding receptacle GS 31 , and vehicle seat  32  is assigned a seat belt, designated with reference character G 32 , with a corresponding receptacle GS 32 . Vehicle seats  21 ,  22 , and  23  form a second row of seats and vehicle seats  31  and  32  form a third row of seats. Vehicle seats  21 ,  22 , and  23  can be a seat bench. 
         [0032]    The motor vehicle includes a control unit illustrated in  FIG. 4  and designated with reference character  40 . Input signals from control unit  40  are, inter alia, the output signal of a seat occupancy sensor BEL- 21  for determining whether vehicle seat  21  is occupied, the output signal of a receptacle sensor GSS- 21  for determining whether seat belt G 21  is engaged in receptacle GS 21 , the output signal of a seat occupancy sensor BEL- 22  for determining whether vehicle seat  22  is occupied, the output signal of a receptacle sensor GSS- 22  for determining whether seat belt G 22  is engaged in receptacle GS 22 , the output signal of a seat occupancy sensor BEL- 23  for determining whether vehicle seat  23  is occupied, the output signal of a receptacle sensor GSS- 23  for determining whether seat belt G 23  is engaged in receptacle GS 23 , the output signal of a seat occupancy sensor BEL- 31  for determining whether vehicle seat  31  is occupied, the output signal of a receptacle sensor GSS- 31  for determining whether seat belt G 31  is engaged in receptacle GS 31 , the output signal of a seat occupancy sensor BEL- 32  for determining whether vehicle seat  32  is occupied, and the output signal of a receptacle sensor GSS- 32  for determining whether seat belt G 32  is engaged in receptacle GS 32 . 
         [0033]    Additional input signals of control unit  40  are, inter alia, the output signal of a door sensor TS 1  for determining the closing state of driver&#39;s door T 1 , the output signal of a door sensor TS 2  for determining the closing state of the left back door T 2 , the output signal of a door sensor TS 3  for determining the closing state of the front passenger door, and the output signal of a door sensor TS 4  for determining the closing state of the right back door. 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  shows a process implemented in control unit  40 , which begins with a query  71  whether a starting condition described hereafter has been met. A starting condition of this type can be met, for example, when the vehicle is started, the ignition key is turned, or all door sensors TS 1 , TS 2 , TS 3 , and TS 4  indicate that the respective doors, such as doors T 1  and T 2 , have been closed. 
         [0035]    If the starting condition is met, then query  71  is followed by a step  72  in which it is determined by means of seat occupancy sensors BEL- 21 , BEL- 22 , BEL- 23 , BEL- 31 , and BEL- 32  which vehicle seats  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 , or  32  are occupied. 
         [0036]    Step  72  is followed by a step  73 , in which a start command is generated by control unit  40  and output by an infotainment display  42  and/or by a speaker  41 . A suitable start command can be, for example, the command “on your mark, get set, go” or the command “ready, steady, go.” A suitable start command can also be a countdown, for instance, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1 . . . buckle.” 
         [0037]    Step  73  is followed by a step  74 , in which the times are determined that have passed after the outputting of the start command until in occupied vehicle seats  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 , or  32 , the corresponding seat belts G 21 , G 22 , G 23 , G 31 , or G 32  engage in the assigned receptacles GS 21 , GS 22 , GS 23 , GS 31 , or GS 32 . 
         [0038]    Step  74  is followed by a step  75 , in which an identification of the seat that corresponds to the shortest time is shown by display  42 . In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , vehicle seat  22  whose user has buckled up the fastest is marked with a star by display  42 . It can also or alternatively be provided that the user of this vehicle seat  22  is indicated by name or another moniker or designator. To this end, it is provided optionally that control unit  40  detects the names of the persons occupying vehicle seats  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 , or  32 . In another embodiment, a camera arrangement  45  can be provided by means of which an individual picture or video sequence of the individual users of vehicle seats  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 , or  32  is taken during the buckling up process. It can be provided that a picture or video sequence of the user who achieved the shortest time during the buckling up process is displayed or played or played-back on display  42 . 
         [0039]    In another embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that control unit  40  is assigned an Internet interface  44  by means of which in an optional step  76  an identification of the person who is assigned the shortest time or a corresponding picture or corresponding video sequence is put on the Internet. 
         [0040]    As long as in an occupied vehicle seat  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 , or  32 , seat belt G 21 , G 22 , G 23 , G 31 , or G 32  is not engaged in corresponding receptacle GS 21 , GS 22 , GS 23 , GS 31 , or GS 32 , this is indicated on a display, designated with reference character  43  and disposed on the dashboard of motor vehicle  1 . Alternatively, the driver can be directly alerted that the seat belt(s) are not engaged or other vehicle functions can be disabled. 
         [0041]    It can be provided that vehicle seats  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 , or  32  are assigned controllable lighting arrangements LED- 21 , LED- 22 , LED- 23 , LED- 31 , or LED- 32  by control unit  40 ; the functions of such lighting arrangements are described in  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8  by way of example in regard to vehicle seat  31 . In this case,  FIG. 6  shows vehicle seat  31  before the outputting of the start command. During the outputting of the start command, receptacle GS 31  has a green light, as shown in  FIG. 7 . After the outputting of the start command, receptacle GS 31  blinks red, as shown in  FIG. 8 , until seat belt G 31  engages in receptacle GS 31 . 
         [0042]    It can be provided that front passenger seat  11  and driver&#39;s seat  12  are also configured analogous to vehicle seats  21 ,  22 ,  23 ,  31 , or  32 . Door sensor TS 1 , door sensor TS 2 , door sensor TS 3 , door sensor TS 4 , display  42 , display  43 , seat occupancy sensor BEL- 21 , receptacle sensor GSS- 21 , seat occupancy sensor BEL- 22 , receptacle sensor GSS- 22 , seat occupancy sensor BEL- 23 , receptacle sensor GSS- 23 , seat occupancy sensor BEL- 31 , receptacle sensor GSS- 31 , seat occupancy sensor BEL- 32 , and receptacle sensor GSS- 32  are connectable via data links to control unit  40  via a bus, for example, a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus. It can also be provided that lighting arrangements LED- 21 , LED- 22 , LED- 23 , LED- 31 , or LED- 32  are connected via data links via a CAN bus to control unit  40 . 
         [0043]    It can be provided in an optional embodiment that the start command is output only by lighting arrangements LED- 21 , LED- 22 , LED- 23 , LED- 31 , or LED- 32 , whereby in the simplest case the start command is output by the start of the blinking of a receptacle GS 21 , GS 22 , GS 23 , GS 31 , or GS 32 . In the previously described case, lighting arrangements LED- 21 , LED- 22 , LED- 23 , LED- 31 , or LED- 32  are exemplary embodiments for a man-machine interface. In the configuration described above, speaker  41 , display  42 , and lighting arrangements LED- 21 , LED- 22 , LED- 23 , LED- 31 , or LED- 32  are exemplary embodiments for a man-machine interface. 
         [0044]    The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Technology Category: 7