Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint system includes an airbag system and a seat belt harness with pretensioner and retractor mechanisms. Multiple sensors are mounted within the vehicle to measure and monitor various occupant and vehicle characteristics, which are entered into a central processing unit (CPU). These sensors include an occupant presence sensor for determining whether there is an occupant present within the airbag deployment area, a child seat sensor for determining whether a child seat is properly installed in the airbag deployment area, and a seat belt usage sensor for determining whether a seat belt is in an engaged position. The occupant presence, child seat, and seat belt usage sensors generate system modifier signals that can disable the airbag system or seat belt mechanisms if certain predetermined conditions are not satisfied.

Abstract: A vehicle weight classification system includes a method of classifying weight information. A plurality of zones are defined and are associated with each of the weight classifications. In one example, the upper and lower limits of the zones overlap those of an adjacent zone. The upper and lower limits of the zones preferably also overlap the thresholds of the corresponding weight classifications. Whenever weight information exists within a zone, a value for that zone is increased. The zone having the highest value is determined to be the zone where the weight information should be classified. The weight information is then classified into the classification associated with the zone having the highest value.