Abstract: Pressure sensors on the bottom surface of a seat cushion respond to occupant weight. A microprocessor evaluates the sensor outputs according to total force, load rating, long term average, sensor groups and a fuzzy measure to discriminate between large and small occupants and allow air bag deployment for large but not small occupants. Allow and inhibit decisions are filtered avoid sudden response to transient pressure changes on the seat. When a large occupant is positively detected, an allow decision is locked in place as long as total force exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: An array of pressure sensors on a vehicle passenger seat senses the presence of an occupant including an infant seat and determines whether the infant seat faces forward or rearward. A microprocessor coupled to the sensors determines whether to allow or inhibit deployment based on the sensor load forces and the pattern of loading. The pattern can identify an infant seat and pattern and loading determine its orientation. Local areas are checked to detect child occupants. Fuzzy logic is used to determine loading and to recognize patterns.