Abstract: An occupant detection system that includes an electrode arranged proximate to an expected location of an occupant for generating an electric field between the electrode and the occupant proximate thereto. An electrical network coupled to the electrode forms a resonant circuit that includes the occupant as part of the resonant circuit. A controller coupled to the resonant circuit is configured to determine a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit indicative of an occupant presence, and a network signal magnitude at the resonant frequency indicative of a humidity value proximate to the electrode. 7. A method for detecting a vehicle applies an excitation signal to the resonant circuit, determine a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit and determines a humidity value based on a network signal magnitude at the resonant frequency.

Abstract: An occupant detection system that includes an electrode arranged proximate to an expected location of an occupant for generating an electric field between the electrode and the occupant proximate thereto. An electrical network coupled to the electrode forms a resonant circuit that includes the occupant as part of the resonant circuit. A controller coupled to the resonant circuit is configured to determine a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit indicative of an occupant presence, and a network signal magnitude at the resonant frequency indicative of a humidity value proximate to the electrode.

Abstract: An occupant system includes a sensing device disposed in a seat and an electronic device configured to acquire data from the sensing device. The electronic device includes a system controller which uses that data to determine an appropriate system response. Data is acquired in at least two different system configurations and in at least two different time periods. A data set is created which represents a comparison of data acquired in the different configurations and times. The elements of this data set are compared to each other to identify anomalous data and respond accordingly.

Abstract: An occupant detection system and method are provided. The system includes a capacitive sensor having an electrode arranged in a seat proximate to an expected location of an occupant for sensing an occupant presence approximate thereto. The capacitive sensor is configured to provide an output indicative of the sensed occupant presence. Occupant detection circuitry is included for processing the capacitive sensor output and determining a wet seat condition and generating a wet seat fault based on a determined wet seat condition. The occupant detection circuitry further detects a state of occupancy of the seat based on the capacitive sensor output and the wet seat fault.

Abstract: An electrode formed of electrically conductive material and configured for use in an occupant sensing system. The electrode includes an antenna portion and a diagnostic portion. The antenna portion is configured to provide an electrical impedance indicative of an occupant presence. The diagnostic loop portion is configured to provide an electrical conductivity indicative of a condition of the electrode.

Abstract: An occupant detection system that includes an electrode, an electrical network, and a controller. The electrode is arranged to be proximate to an expected location of an occupant for sensing an occupant presence proximate the location. The electrode is configured to provide an electrode impedance indicative of the occupant presence. The electrical network is coupled to the electrode to form a resonant circuit and is configured to provide a network impedance. The resonant circuit is configured to exhibit a resonant frequency dependent on the network impedance and the electrode impedance. The controller is coupled to the resonant circuit and is configured to determine the resonant frequency and detect an occupant based on the resonant frequency.

Abstract: An occupant detection system emits an ultrasonic signal for detecting the presence of an occupant by reflecting the signal off the occupant and then determines that an occupant is present by detecting motion of the occupant. One type of motion that is detected is the small rhythmic motion associated with respiration. The motion detection system improves detection of motion smaller than a wavelength of the ultrasonic signal by shifting the wavelength of the ultrasonic signal to increase the detected motion signal. The system may also determine the presence of an occupant by comparing the motion signal to a motion pattern that corresponds to respiration.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided that can be sat upon by an occupant that detects the weight of the occupant. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a rotary sensor, and a linkage having a tip. The seat cushion deforms in response to the weight. The rotary sensor has a shaft that rotates about an axis and has an electrical output that is proportional to the angle of rotation of the shaft. The linkage underlies the seat surface and connects the seat surface to the shaft of the rotary sensor. As weight is placed on the seat the seat cushion deforms in response to the weight moving the tip and the linkage. The movement of the linkage rotates the shaft, which in turn, provides an electrical output that is proportional to the weight.

Abstract: An occupant presence sensor apparatus disposed in a seat includes first and second substantially non-compliant force translation plates generally parallel to the seating surface of the seat, an elastomeric mat disposed between the first and second force translation plates, and a switch mechanism disposed between the first and second force translation plates within an opening formed in the elastomeric mat. The elastomeric mat includes a distributed array of hollow protuberances that extend toward and contact the force translation plates, and the mat has a stiffness that normally provides a clearance between the switch mechanism and one of the force translation plates. When an occupant of specified or higher weight sits on the seating surface, the protuberances collapse and the force translation plates activate the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a first frequency response of an electrode at a first frequency across a range of environmental conditions, measuring a second frequency response of the electrode at a second frequency across the range of environmental conditions, and comparing the first and second frequency responses measured to define a data set representing an effect of the environmental conditions. An occupant detection system includes an electrode and a detector circuit. The detector circuit is configured to measure an actual frequency response of the electrode and compare the actual frequency response to the data set to determine the effect of the current environmental condition.

Abstract: An occupancy detection system includes a signal generator coupled to an electrode, the signal generator configured to output a first signal at a first frequency and a second signal at a second frequency. The system further includes a voltage detection circuit connected to an output terminal of the signal generator and to an input terminal of the electrode, wherein the voltage detection circuit is configured to measure a first voltage responsive to the first signal at the first frequency and a second voltage responsive to the second signal at the second frequency. A control module in communication with the voltage detection circuit is configured to detect a state of occupancy based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

Abstract: An occupant presence sensor apparatus disposed in a seat includes first and second substantially non-compliant force translation plates generally parallel to the seating surface of the seat, an elastomeric mat disposed between the first and second force translation plates, and a switch mechanism disposed between the first and second force translation plates within an opening formed in the elastomeric mat. The elastomeric mat includes a distributed array of hollow protuberances that extend toward and contact the force translation plates, and the mat has a stiffness that normally provides a clearance between the switch mechanism and one of the force translation plates. When an occupant of specified or higher weight sits on the seating surface, the protuberances collapse and the force translation plates activate the switch mechanism.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided that can be sat upon by an occupant that detects the weight of the occupant. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion, a rotary sensor, and a linkage having a tip. The seat cushion deforms in response to the weight. The rotary sensor has a shaft that rotates about an axis and has an electrical output that is proportional to the angle of rotation of the shaft. The linkage underlies the seat surface and connects the seat surface to the shaft of the rotary sensor. As weight is placed on the seat the seat cushion deforms in response to the weight moving the tip and the linkage. The movement of the linkage rotates the shaft, which in turn, provides an electrical output that is proportional to the weight.

Abstract: A method includes measuring a first frequency response of an electrode at a first frequency across a range of environmental conditions, measuring a second frequency response of the electrode at a second frequency across the range of environmental conditions, and comparing the first and second frequency responses measured to define a data set representing an effect of the environmental conditions. An occupant detection system includes an electrode and a detector circuit. The detector circuit is configured to measure an actual frequency response of the electrode and compare the actual frequency response to the data set to determine the effect of the current environmental condition.

Abstract: An occupant system includes a sensing device disposed in a seat and an electronic device configured to acquire data from the sensing device. The electronic device includes a system controller which uses that data to determine an appropriate system response. Data is acquired in at least two different system configurations and in at least two different time periods. A data set is created which represents a comparison of data acquired in the different configurations and times. The elements of this data set are compared to each other to identify anomalous data and respond accordingly.

Abstract: An occupancy detection system includes a signal generator coupled to an electrode, the signal generator configured to output a first signal at a first frequency and a second signal at a second frequency. The system further includes a voltage detection circuit connected to an output terminal of the signal generator and to an input terminal of the electrode, wherein the voltage detection circuit is configured to measure a first voltage responsive to the first signal at the first frequency and a second voltage responsive to the second signal at the second frequency. A control module in communication with the voltage detection circuit is configured to detect a state of occupancy based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining an amount of pressure applied by an occupant on a vehicle seat are provided. The method includes receiving signals from a pressure transducer, a temperature sensor, and a belt tension sensor. The method further includes determining a compensated pressure value indicative of the amount of pressure applied to the vehicle seat based on the signals from the pressure transducer, the temperature sensor, and the belt tension sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for gathering weather related information is disclosed, in particular wind related information and rain related information, along with associated methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus may calculate at least one of a wind speed, a wind direction, and a rainfall amounts. The apparatus may include a controller, a sensor, and a communication member.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell includes upper and lower capacitor plates and an intermediate dielectric comprising two or more layers of compressible material with diverse compressibility characteristics. The most easily compressed dielectric layer provides sensitivity to low occupant weight, while the less easily compressed dielectric layer(s) provide sensitivity to medium and high occupant weight.

Abstract: An adaptive threshold circuit for use with a magnetic type of sensor that has a pick-up coil. The pick-up coil has an alternating voltage induced therein when a slot or tooth formed in a wheel rotates past the sensor. The circuit produces a square wave pulse voltage during positive half-cycles of the voltage generated in the pick-up coil. The circuit includes a digital to analog converter the input of which is connected to a selectable pulse counter. The pulse counter has a decrement function that allows for the count to be varied so as to accommodate sudden wheel decelerations. According to one embodiment, the counter may down count to reduce the count number. In accordance with a second embodiment, the counter may shift out one bit to perform a divide-by-two operation on the count number.