US6300866B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for determining the severity of a vehicle collision
Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
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Filing: 1999-11-19
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Granted: 2001-10-09
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Expires: 2019-11-19
Abstract
Abstract A method is provided for determining the severity and pattern of a vehicle collision. A plurality of crash sensors are located in various points in the vehicle. Output signals from the crash sensors are fed to an evaluation unit. The output signals of the crash sensors are related to a system of coordinates that is invariable relative to the vehicle. Information about the movement of the sensor locations and the system of coordinates is obtained from the output signals.
Inventors
- 👤 Petra Foith
- 👤 Peter Bachmaier
- 👤 Michael Holzner
- 👤 Martin Peller
- 👤 Andreas Kuhn
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 18:20
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R21/00; B60R21/01; B60R21/013; B60R21/0132; B60R21/01332; B60R21/01338
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for determining information on a vehicle collision via a plurality of sensors coupled with an evaluation unit, the method comprising the acts of: locating the plurality of crash sensors at various points in a vehicle; basing output signals from said plurality of crash sensors on a system of coordinates that is invariable relative to the vehicle; and obtaining information about movement of said sensors locations at the various points relative to the system of coordinates from the output signals of said sensors.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for determining information on a vehicle collision via a plurality of sensors coupled with an evaluation unit, the method comprising the acts of: locating the plurality of crash sensors at various points in a vehicle; basing output signals from said plurality of crash sensors on a system of coordinates that is invariable relative to the vehicle; and obtaining information about movement of said sensors locations at the various points relative to the system of coordinates from the output signals of said sensors.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 1 , wherein said information on the vehicle collision determines at least one of a severity and pattern of the vehicle collision.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the act of determining a position and movement of the system of coordinates via said sensors located in the vehicle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 3 , wherein said plurality of sensors primarily determine vehicle dynamics.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 3 , wherein said sensors at least partially function as crash sensors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 5 , further comprising the act of determining information about an impact point of another object from said output signals of said sensors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 5 , further comprising the act of determining information about a direction of impact of another object from said output signals of said sensors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 5 , further comprising the act of determining information about an impact speed of another object from said output signals of said sensors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 5 , further comprising the act of determining information about a kinetic energy of another object from said output signals of said sensors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the act of determining information about an impact point of another object from said output signals of said sensors.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the act of determining information about a direction of impact of another object from said output signals of said sensors.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the act of determining information about an impact speed of another object from said output signals of said sensors.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 1 , further comprising the act of determining information about a kinetic energy of another object from said output signals of said sensors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-10-08 | 2005-04-09 | 2005-10-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-10-08 | 2009-04-09 | 2009-10-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-10-08 | 2013-04-09 | 2013-10-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |