Abstract: A normally seated adult occupant of a vehicle seat is distinguished from a cinched car seat occupant based on the static seat force and first and second sets of identified dynamic characteristics that are respectively correlative of a normally seated adult and a cinched car seat. Confidence levels are assigned to the static seat force and each of the identified dynamic characteristics, and overall confidence levels for the two classifications are determined based on the assigned confidence levels. The overall confidence level for the adult occupant classification is compared with the overall confidence level for the cinched car seat classification, and the occupant is classified based on the highest overall confidence level.

Abstract: A normally seated adult occupant of a vehicle seat is distinguished from a cinched car seat occupant based on the static seat force and first and second sets of identified dynamic characteristics that are respectively correlative of a normally seated adult and a cinched car seat. Confidence levels are assigned to the static seat force and each of the identified dynamic characteristics, and overall confidence levels for the two classifications are determined based on the assigned confidence levels. The overall confidence level for the adult occupant classification is compared with the overall confidence level for the cinched car seat classification, and the occupant is classified based on the highest overall confidence level.

Abstract: The occupant of a vehicle seat is characterized by computing a power spectrum function of data obtained from a seat sensor such as a pressure sensor in a fluid-filled seat bladder or a frame-mounted vertical accelerometer. The spectrum function is integrated over a specified frequency range, and compared to a threshold value that is calibrated to compensate for vehicle speed related variability. The presence of a cinched child seat is indicated when the threshold is exceeded, and the presence of a normally seated adult is indicated otherwise.

Abstract: The occupant of a vehicle seat is characterized by computing a power spectrum function of data obtained from a seat sensor such as a pressure sensor in a fluid-filled seat bladder or a frame-mounted vertical accelerometer. The spectrum function is integrated over a specified frequency range, and compared to a threshold value that is calibrated to compensate for vehicle speed related variability. The presence of a cinched child seat is indicated when the threshold is exceeded, and the presence of a normally seated adult is indicated otherwise.

Abstract: Respiration and heart rate are monitored using a fluid-filled bladder, where the bladder pressure is measured and processed to identify minute pressure variations corresponding to the respiration and heart rate of a subject that is directly or indirectly exerting a load on the bladder. The respiration rate is identified by band-pass filtering the measured pressure to isolate or extract a pressure component in range of 0.15-0.5 Hz, and the heart rate is identified by band-pass filtering the measured pressure to isolate or extract a pressure component in the range of 2-7 Hz. The extracted pressure components are preferably converted to a digital format and tabulated for comparison with specified thresholds to identify abnormalities and/or anomalies.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled automotive audio system with radio, cassette tape, and/or compact disk media has a rear seat control with headphones allowing rear passengers to turn off the rear speakers, turn on the headphones and select any media, while the front speakers play programs selected by a front control. Rear control of media programming is also permitted if the selected media is not under front control. Rear control signals the desired function to the microprocessor which executes the commands subject to front control dominance. An audio processor couples the front-selected program to front and rear outputs and to front speakers. An audio multiplexer connects any media as well as the rear output to the rear control where a speaker/headphone switch connects the multiplexer to the rear speaker or the headphone.