Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. A sensor measures capacitance, electric field effects or other characteristic responsive to a load in a seating area. The sensor uses one or more electrodes (e.g., a transmit and receive electrode or one electrode for transmit and one or more electrodes for receive). Other electrodes are connected with different impedances. Measuring by a sensor, but with other electrodes connected with different impedances, may distinguish between an occupant and inanimate objects, may distinguish between characteristics of a passenger (e.g., size, height, weight or position), or may indicate a grounding state of an occupant.

Abstract: Flexible circuit material is used for positioning one or more antennas for occupant detection within a seat. The antenna and associated signal traces to an occupant detection circuit may be more easily manufactured using a flexible material while minimizing discomfort to occupants. The flexible circuit material may be folded over a spacer in order to position occupant detection sensors or antennas at different locations or depths relative to a seating surface. An occupant detection system on a printed circuit board may be connected with the flexible circuit to provide ease of manufacture and limit costs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes to the characterization change parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle occupancy sensing system provides a mechanism for determining whether a child is present in a vehicle. The sensing system may determine that an occupied front or rear facing child seat is present in an automobile, for example. To that end, the sensing system may employ a reliable electrode sensing system that may be conveniently installed in one or more locations in the vehicle seats. The sensing system thereby helps reduce occurrences of the potentially devastating consequences of unintentionally leaving a child in a vehicle.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilized an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of n object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phases of the signal is the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. A sensor measures capacitance, electric field effects or other characteristic responsive to a load in a seating area. The sensor uses one or more electrodes (e.g., a transmit and receive electrode or one electrode for transmit and one or more electrodes for receive). Other electrodes are connected with different impedances. Measuring by a sensor, but with other electrodes connected with different impedances, may distinguish between an occupant and inanimate objects, may distinguish between characteristics of a passenger (e.g., size, height, weight or position), or may indicate a grounding state of an occupant.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes of the characterization change parameter.

Abstract: Flexible circuit material is used for positioning one or more antennas for occupant detection within a seat. The antenna and associated signal traces to an occupant detection circuit may be more easily manufactured using a flexible material while minimizing discomfort to occupants. The flexible circuit material may be folded over a spacer in order to position occupant detection sensors or antennas at different locations or depths relative to a seating surface. An occupant detection system on a printed circuit board may be connected with the flexible circuit to provide ease of manufacture and limit costs.

Abstract: A vehicle occupancy sensing system provides a mechanism for determining whether a child is present in a vehicle. The sensing system may determine that an occupied front or rear facing child seat is present in an automobile, for example. To that end, the sensing system may employ a reliable electrode sensing system that may be conveniently installed in one or more locations in the vehicle seats. The sensing system thereby helps reduce occurrences of the potentially devastating consequences of unintentionally leaving a child in a vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes to the characterization change parameter.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilized an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of n object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phases of the signal is the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the sensing of an occupant in a seating area are provided. The occupant is characterized as one of an adult, child or other category. One characterization change parameter, such as a hysteresis time period or thresholds for characterization, is applied for a first time period. After that time period, the characterization change parameter is changed. For example, if the characterization stays the same for ten seconds, the hysteresis is changed from five to ten seconds. As another example, if the characterization stays the same for one minute, the thresholds associated with that characterization are broadened to decrease the likelihood of a change in characterization. In some systems and methods, a confidence parameter or probability associated with the characterization is used to control the changes of the characterization change parameter.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. The determination is made with a two layer electrode arrangement, including smaller and larger electrodes. The two layers allow calculation of an amount of compression on the seat. The amount of compression is used to characterize the passenger.

Abstract: A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner.