Abstract: Method for controlling output of a classification algorithm which classifies an occupant of a seat in a vehicle in which a bladder or other type of weight sensor is arranged in a bottom cushion of the seat, data relating to the pressure exerted by the occupant on the bottom cushion is obtained from the weight sensor, the occupant is initially classified, a current classification is output using data from the weight sensor, the occupant is periodically re-classified using data from the weight sensor, and a classification change is allowed only upon obtaining evidence of a new classification which is greater than evidence of the current classification. The classification change may be enabled by determining a substantially consecutive period of time when the re-classification is unchanged and different from the current classification, and enabling the classification change upon when the consecutive period of time is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: Method for controlling output of a classification algorithm which classifies an occupant of a seat in a vehicle in which a bladder or other type of weight sensor is arranged in a bottom cushion of the seat, data relating to the pressure exerted by the occupant on the bottom cushion is obtained from the weight sensor, the occupant is initially classified, a current classification is output using data from the weight sensor, the occupant is periodically re-classified using data from the weight sensor, and a classification change is allowed only upon obtaining evidence of a new classification which is greater than evidence of the current classification. The classification change may be enabled by determining a substantially consecutive period of time when the re-classification is unchanged and different from the current classification, and enabling the classification change upon when the consecutive period of time is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: System and method for detecting the presence of contents of a vehicular compartment in which a detector system generates an output signal indicative of the absence of an object in the compartment when an object is not situated in the compartment and a different output signal indicative of a particular object in the compartment when such an object is situated in the compartment. Different output signals are thus generated for different objects. A processor is coupled to the detector system for processing the output signal to create a signal characteristic of the object which is indicative of whether the object is animate or inanimate. This system is coupled to a reactive system for affecting one or more vehicular components when the created signal is indicative of an animate object. The reactive system may be a release device for opening an access door or panel to the compartment.

Abstract: Security system for monitoring vehicular compartments includes at least one optical image receiving unit arranged to receive optical images of the compartment, a processor arranged to analyze the images received by the receiving unit(s) or data derived therefrom and determine whether an atypical situation relating to an occupant in the vehicle or the vehicle itself is present, and a security system coupled to the processor for reacting to the determination of the atypical situation by the processor. Receiving units may be positioned to obtain images of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and/or images of a trunk of the vehicle. The security system may be a telecommunications unit coupled to the receiving unit and the processor for effecting the transmission of the images or information derived therefrom received by the receiving unit or data derived therefrom to the processor.

Abstract: System and method for detecting the presence of contents of a vehicular compartment in which a detector system generates an output signal indicative of the absence of an object in the compartment when an object is not situated in the compartment and a different output signal indicative of a particular object in the compartment when such an object is situated in the compartment. Different output signals are thus generated for different objects. A processor is coupled to the detector system for processing the output signal to create a signal characteristic of the object which is indicative of whether the object is animate or inanimate. This system is coupled to a reactive system for affecting one or more vehicular components when the created signal is indicative of an animate object. The reactive system may be a release device for opening an access door or panel to the compartment.

Abstract: Method for controlling output of a classification algorithm which classifies an occupant of a seat including initially classifying the occupant and outputting the classification, subsequently periodically classifying the occupant and enabling a change in the classification of the occupant only upon obtaining evidence of a new classification which is greater than evidence of the current classification. The initial classification of the occupant may be conducted based on satisfaction of a condition such as the detection of closure of a door by, e.g., a sensor such as a door closure sensor, the detection of an empty seat by, e.g., an occupant presence sensor, weight sensor, electric field sensor, wave sensor, camera and the like, the detection of the switching on of the vehicle ignition by an appropriate sensor, motion or the absence of motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: Method for controlling output of a classification algorithm which classifies an occupant of a seat including initially classifying the occupant and outputting the classification, subsequently periodically classifying the occupant and enabling a change in the classification of the occupant only upon obtaining evidence of a new classification which is greater than evidence of the current classification. The initial classification of the occupant may be conducted based on satisfaction of a condition such as the detection of closure of a door by, e.g., a sensor such as a door closure sensor, the detection of an empty seat by, e.g., an occupant presence sensor, weight sensor, electric field sensor, wave sensor, camera and the like, the detection of the switching on of the vehicle ignition by an appropriate sensor, motion or the absence of motion of the vehicle.