Method and apparatus for sensing seat occupancy

Details Method and apparatus for sensing seat occupancy Method and apparatus for sensing seat occupancy

2006-05-16

2006-05-16

Hofsass, Jeffery (Department: 2636)

Communications: electrical

Condition responsive indicating system

Specific condition

C340S665000, C340S667000, C340S426100, C073S862041, C073S862042, C073S862043, C701S045000, C701S046000, C701S047000, C701S048000, C701S049000, C280S735000, C180S193000, C180S272000, C180S273000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07046158

ABSTRACT:
Method and apparatus for identifying and categorizing the weight and characteristics of the occupant currently occupying a vehicle seat. The method for identifying and categorizing the occupant or object involves measuring the deflection of the upper surface of the seat cushion at one or more points due to compression of the cushion produced by the weight distribution of the occupant. The system contains multiple sensor/emitter pairs for detecting the deflection. The system also includes a sensor to measure ambient temperature, preferably for temperature compensation due to the effects extreme temperatures may have on the compression properties of the seat cushion material and sensor/emitter pairs. A system processor interprets the data acquired by the sensors, and utilizes an algorithm and training tables to output a control signal indicative of the categorization of the occupant or object.

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