Abstract: The position and the weight of a person, in particular a person on a motor vehicle seat, is determined. Reflectors are used to reflect electromagnetic radiation from a transceiver. The attenuation of the sensor reflector radiation enables a report on the seat position of a person in the radiation path. An antenna of each sensor reflector is connected to an electrical load assigned thereto, which is dependent on the weight of the person acting upon it. Depending on this weight, weight information about the person is superimposed by the load onto the reflected sensor reflector signal. The reflected sensor reflector signal is received by the transceiver and fed to the evaluation unit after a signal pre-processing, which enables the weight information of the person to be evaluated.

Abstract: A seat folding apparatus is provided with a passive Rf frequency link that requires that a person be within a certain limited distance from the vehicle to operate the seat folding mechanism. A foreign object detection system, such as a plurality of weight sensors, is provided in the seat to detect foreign objects on the seat.

Abstract: A radio terminal device realizing reduced power consumption and prompt detection of detection object by using a first sensor and a second sensor whose ON/OFF states are opposite and whose operations are synchronized. When the first sensor detects a detection object, the first output voltage level is changed. When a processor detects the change of the output voltage level as an interrupt signal, the drive voltage level of the first sensor is switched to low and the drive voltage level of the second sensor is switched to high. Moreover, when the second sensor detects a detection object, the output voltage level of the second sensor is changed. When the processor detects the change of the output voltage level as an interrupt signal, the drive voltage level of the second sensor is switched to low and the drive voltage level of the first circuit is switched to high.

Abstract: A seating sensor detects whether a seat is occupied by a person. A microcomputer determines whether the seat is occupied by a person based on the output of the seating sensor. If a seating signal indicating that the seat is occupied by a person is supplied continuously for over a predetermined time, the microcomputer outputs an alarm signal indicating that the seating sensor system is in a failure state.

Abstract: An occupant determination apparatus and an occupant determination method accurately determine a size of an occupant, with a simple configuration where a plurality of electrodes are arranged on one layer, and eliminate errors due to the capacitance between an occupant and surrounding car-body metal parts or the like, and thus suppress erroneous determination. The apparatus includes a sensor having a plurality of seat section electrodes arranged on a sitting section, and a determination section. The determination section includes an oscillator, a capacitance detecting section which detects the current flowing through a seat section electrode in order to detect the capacitance, a switching circuit which switches the connection of the capacitance detecting section to the seat section electrode, and a controlling section which outputs a switch control signal.

Abstract: A seatbelt usage sensing apparatus for use with a vehicle which includes a seat assembly, an occupant sensor, a seatbelt sensor, and a warning signal generator. The seat assembly includes a seat cushion that is adapted to be occupied by a seat occupant in an occupied configuration. The seat assembly also includes a seatbelt assembly which has a seatbelt webbing and a seatbelt fastening member. The seatbelt assembly is moveable between fastened and unfastened configurations. In the unfastened configuration, the seatbelt fastening member is removed from secure engagement with the seatbelt webbing. The warning signal generator can generate and transmit a seatbelt warning signal when the occupant sensor determines that the seat cushion is in the occupied configuration and the seatbelt sensor determines that the seatbelt assembly is in the unfastened configuration. The seatbelt warning signal is transmitted substantially exterior relative to an interior seating compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a system for measuring the vibration an operator of a piece of the equipment encounters while operating the equipment. The system includes at least one motion measuring means, such as an accelerometer. The accelerometer may be affixed to the equipment or integrated into the equipment. In addition, motion data recording equipment that is in electrical communication with the accelerometer may also be provided. An alarm may be used to indicate that a preset limit has been or is about to be exceeded.

Abstract: A device for alerting a user to the presence of a child in a vehicle comprising a housing having a first sensor for sensing the presence of at least one of a child and infant positioned therein. A means for detecting the operative mode of a vehicle engine is connected to the first sensor. A means for indicating the presence to a third party is connected to the first sensor. The indicating means is activated and indicates to the third party the presence of said at least one child and infant upon the detecting means detecting that the vehicle engine is in a first off mode and the first sensor sensing the presence of the at least one child and infant.

Abstract: A passenger detection device for a vehicle is provided with multiple load sensors, each of which detects a load on a seat of the vehicle within a predetermined detection range of the load sensor, and an ECU that determines passenger information of the seat. The ECU has at least one calculation range, each of which limits the detection range of each corresponding one of the multiple load sensors. The ECU determines the passenger information based on a detection data value of each load sensor, which is outputted from the load sensor and falls within the corresponding calculation range of the load sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an improperly installed auxiliary child seat of the type that is secured in a motor vehicle by the seatbelt, and providing an alert to a vehicle operator in the case of improper installation. A seat occupancy sensor, a seatbelt buckle condition sensor, and a seatbelt tension sensor provides electrical signals to a child seat detection module, which determines that an improper installation condition exists if the auxiliary child seat is present and the seatbelt buckle is unfastened. The child seat detection module further determines an improper installation condition if the auxiliary child seat is present, the seatbelt buckle is fastened, and the seatbelt tautness is not within an acceptable range. If an improper installation condition is detected, the child seat detection module triggers an alerting device, such as a warning light on the instrument panel or audible chime.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system includes independently operable child location determining mechanism that has a sound wave emitting module nested therein and care giver location determining mechanism for determining a location of the care giver. The care giver location determining mechanism includes a housing that fits on a key ring, a processor including a memory, a speaker coupled to the processor, a power supply source coupled to the speaker and the processor, and a receiver for communicating with the sound emitting module. The memory includes software instructions causing the system to perform the steps of generating and transmitting a first RF signal to the child location determining mechanism, and generating and transmitting a second RF signal to the child location determining mechanism. The first and second signals are responsive to the care giver location determining mechanism when the care giver moves beyond the predetermined distance from the child location determining mechanism.

Abstract: A seating detector comprises a plurality of cells provided at a seating surface to be defined by rows and columns for detecting partial loads, an unevenness calculating means for calculating the number of cells when a partial pressure detected at the each cell is larger than a partial pressure detected at one abutting cell positioned next to the cell at one side thereof and a partial pressure detected at the other abutting cell positioned next to the cell at the other side thereof, or when a partial pressure detected at the each cell is smaller than a partial pressure detected at one abutting cell positioned next to the cell at one side thereof and a partial pressure detected at the other abutting cell positioned next to the cell at the other side thereof, and a determining means for determining that the seat is occupied by a child restraint system based on a comparison between the number of the cells and a threshold.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing an indication to a person external to a vehicle, of an occupant inside the vehicle. The method comprises determining whether an occupant is in a vehicle, based on a capacitance measured within the vehicle; sensing whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an off position; detecting whether a first door coupled to the vehicle has been opened and closed, if the vehicle ignition is in an off position; if the first door has been opened and closed and an occupant is sensed in the vehicle, measuring a first time (T1) beginning from the instant the first door is closed; and activating the alert, if T1 is greater than a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: A child detection system for a child seat includes a pressure sensor is adapted for detecting when weight is positioned on the presser sensor. The pressure sensor is selectively positioned within a seat cushion of a restraining seat. A primary processor is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. The primary processor is adapted for is electrically coupled to a vehicle computer system of a vehicle in which is positioned the restraining seat. A sound emitter for emitting an audible sound is operationally coupled to the primary processor. The primary processor turns on the sound emitter for at least 3 seconds when the pressure sensor senses a weight thereon and the vehicle computer system determines that a driver's side door of the vehicle is open.

Abstract: In an occupant detection system, a determination section of an occupant detection ECU determines occupancy status of the seat based on loads applied to the seat. A power supply section of the ECU provides a power supply voltage lower than a battery voltage of the vehicle to load sensors and the determination section. A resistor is connected in a sensor power supply line that connects the load sensors with the power supply section. A zener diode is connected between the resistor and the power supply section through branch connection. A resistance of the resistor is predetermined so that the resistor becomes open when a short occurs and does not affect to dynamic ranges of the load sensors. A breakdown voltage of the zener diode is predetermined between the power supply voltage and a guaranteed voltage of the ECU.

Abstract: An occupant presence detection apparatus detects a change in capacitance between upper and lower conductor plates disposed on or near upper and lower surfaces of a fluid-filled elastomeric seat bladder, and a semi-rigid mat disposed between the seat cushion and the bladder includes a peripheral cavity at least partially surrounding the upper conductor plate. When occupant weight applied to the seat cushion is transmitted to the bladder, it distends into the peripheral cavity of the semi-rigid mat, producing a significant reduction in the separation between the upper and lower conductor plates, and a corresponding significant increase in the detected capacitance. Once the bladder has fully distended into the cavity, additional loading due to increased occupant weight produces only a minimal further increase of the measured capacitance.

Abstract: A seatbelt reminder system warns a crew member when the crew member has not fastened a seatbelt. The system makes a way of giving a reminder different between a case (S302, S303, or S304) where the running state of a vehicle is detected when the unfastened state of the seatbelt is detected and a case (S310, S311, or S312) where the unfastened state of the seatbelt is detected when the running state of the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: A device for classifying the seat occupancy in a motor vehicle by which the accuracy in the detection of child seats may be increased is provided. The seats of the motor vehicle are each equipped with a safety belt, a belt buckle for the safety belt and a belt-buckle switch. The device includes at least one belt-force sensor for at least one safety belt. According to the present invention, the belt-force sensor and the belt-buckle switch assigned to the respective safety belt are interconnected in such a way that the output signals of the belt-force sensor and the belt-buckle switch are combined into one belt-buckle output signal.

Abstract: A vehicle occupancy sensing system provides a mechanism for determining whether a child is present in a vehicle. The sensing system may determine that an occupied front or rear facing child seat is present in an automobile, for example. To that end, the sensing system may employ a reliable electrode sensing system that may be conveniently installed in one or more locations in the vehicle seats. The sensing system thereby helps reduce occurrences of the potentially devastating consequences of unintentionally leaving a child in a vehicle.

Abstract: A seatbelt reminder system for outputting a reminder for an occupant when the occupant leaves a seatbelt unfastened. The system includes a driver's seat reminder instruction section for outputting a reminder according to a first pattern (S405), a front passenger seat-rear passenger seat reminder instruction section for outputting a reminder according to a second pattern, and a second reminder synchronization section for synchronizing the reminders according to the first and second patterns with each other (S406) when the output of the reminder according to the second pattern is to be started while the reminder according to the first pattern is being output.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to sense the presence of a seated occupant in a vehicle such as an automobile, plane, train or bus, or in a room or location where it is desirable to detect if seats are occupied. The occupant presence detection device consists of a single seat-mounted electrode, an oscillator circuit, a bridge circuit, a detection circuit and a circuit for processing the detected signals. The oscillator circuit excites the electrode. If an occupant is present on the seat, additional capacitance from the human body is introduced into the bridge via the electrode. This created differences in the voltage and phase of the waveform in each arm of the bridge circuit which are amplified by a differential amplifier. The signal is then converted to a DC voltage that, when above a predetermined threshold, causes the device to outputs a signal that indicates the presence of an occupant.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use in a vehicle seat cushion for detecting the presence of an occupant includes a first member defining an internal bore. A second member has a portion slidably disposed in the bore of the first member. The first member is movably mounted relative to the first member about an axis. A spring biases the first member relative to the second member. A sensor device is mounted in one of the first and second members.

Abstract: With an infant or child placed in a child's car-seat in a motor vehicle, any rising of the driver from the driver's seat after the control apparatus of the invention has been energized, provides an alarm to alert the driver of leaving the infant or child unattended in the vehicle.

Abstract: The capacitance of a shielded capacitive load cell is determined so as to minimize the effect of stray or parasitic capacitance between the load cell and other objects including the shield. The load cell conductors are coupled across input and output terminals of an operational amplifier that is tied to a reference voltage. A constant current is applied to the load cell, and the resulting rate of change in voltage at the amplifier output is measured as a representation of the load cell capacitance. In a vehicle seat sensor application including an electromagnetic interference shield between the load cell and the seating surface, the amplifier output is coupled to the load cell electrode furthest from the shield, the amplifier maintains the other load cell electrode at a virtual reference voltage, and the shield is tied to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A load warning system for use with a vehicle having a load-support portion, a frame, and a vehicle-support portion movably coupled to the frame. The system has an engagement portion mountable to the vehicle-support portion or the frame and is movable therewith as a unit. A load indicator is mountable to the other one of the vehicle-support portion or the frame, and is spaced apart from the engagement portion when in a first position. The load indicator moves to a second position and engages the engagement portion when the frame moves a selected distance in response to the load applied to the load-support portion. The load indicator provides a signal upon being moved to the second position. A warning indicator is coupled to the load indicator and provides an improper load warning to a user in response to the signal from the load indicator.

Abstract: An alarm includes a pressure-actuated sensor positional beneath the seat liner of a vehicle child seat. The sensor includes a plastic enclosure positioned thereabout for shielding the sensor from foreign elements. A speaker is coupled to the sensor and is attachable to an outer surface of the child seat. A push button switch is coupled to the sensor and the speaker, and is attachable to a vehicle door. The switch includes a female receptacle and a male plug mateable therewith. The receptacle and plug communicate with the sensor. The sensor generates and transmits a signal when a threshold weight is detected and the vehicle door is ajar. The speaker receives the signal and emits an audible signal and continues to emit the signal until at least one sensor and push bottom switch are reset. A power source is coupled to the speaker.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant sensor for a seat has a dielectric in the form of a fluid-filled elastomeric bladder, and the sensor includes a primary region that is subjected to occupant force and a secondary region that is shielded from occupant force. The secondary region includes an appendage of the bladder that is disposed beneath a back cushion of the seat, either in a cavity of the seat cushion or below a frame element that supports the seat cushion. A spring clamp normally biases fluid out of the appendage, but occupant-related force applied over a broad area of the seat produces a flow of bladder fluid into the appendage against the bias force of the spring clamp. A pair of auxiliary conductor plates is oppositely disposed about the bladder appendage, and the capacitance between the auxiliary conductor plates is measured as an indication of fluid pressure in the bladder.

Abstract: A system and method use a wireless tether comprising a transmitter and a receiver to alert a caregiver that an object has been left unattended. A detector senses the presence of the object, usually a child, located in a position such as a safety seat. The detector is operatively coupled to the transmitter, which is located near the object. The transmitter transmits at least one wireless signal when the object is in the position. The receiver, which is remotely located from the transmitter, senses the at least one signal as long as the receiver is within a prescribed range of transmission. By performing a timing function, the receiver monitors the proximity of the caregiver, who maintains possession of the receiver, to the transmitter. The system communicates an alarm to the caregiver when the caregiver ventures outside the range of transmission without having removed the object from the position.

Abstract: An oscillatory or pulsed first signal is operatively coupled to a first electrode placed between a conductive heating element and a seating region of a seat containing the heating element. A second signal substantially equal to the first signal is operatively coupled to a second electrode placed between the heating element and the first electrode. An occupant in the seat is sensed from a response to the first signal, responsive to which a safety restraint system may be controlled. In other embodiments, the second signal is operatively coupled to an electrode placed proximate to a side of the heating element away from the seating region of the seat, the second electrode comprises a sheath at least partially around at least a portion of the heading element, or the operative coupling of the first or second signals comprises AC coupling, for example, through an associated first or second capacitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for detecting the occupation of a seat in a motor vehicle. The device comprises first sensor elements (SE1), which are flatly arranged on the seat surface of a vehicle seat and are part of a first sensor seat mat (OCSM) for measuring the weight or a weight profile on the vehicle seat. The device also comprises an evaluating unit, which is connected down from the sensor elements and provided for evaluating the first sensor signals of the first sensor seat mat (OCSM). The inventive device comprises additional safety sensor elements (SE2), which are flatly arranged on the seat surface of the vehicle seat, likewise connected to the evaluating unit, and provided for testing the operability of the first sensor elements (SE1).

Abstract: An antitheft device is provided, whereby a person who attempts to commit a theft of a vehicle can be captured, having an improved crime prevention performance to thefts of vehicles, electrical equipment mounted on vehicles, money and articles left inside vehicles and the like. The antitheft device includes an expansible body system to expand an expansible body for blocking the motion of an intruder in a prescribed space inside a vehicle, which emits a substance to be a base of foaming polystyrene inside the vehicle and applies steam to the substance so that the foaming polystyrene blocks the motion of an intruder, when the presence of the intruder inside the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: An automated exchange for determining the availability of mobile assets that are shareable among mobile asset users. The automated exchange includes a plurality of mobile asset sources for providing mobile assets of one or more types, a data center for providing the availability status of each mobile asset, and asset status and availability inputs having communication connection to the data center. The asset status and availability inputs include mobile asset sensors, asset monitoring sensors, manual inputs, and asset status and availability record. A processor located at the data center determines the availability of each mobile asset using the status and availability input data. The processor also receives and processes requests for available mobile assets. A user computer having a communication link to the data center provides user access to information relating to the availability of the mobile assets and user interface to request for available mobile assets.

Abstract: A method and system for determining weight and/or position of a vehicle seat occupant to be used for controlling the reaction of a safety restraint system. A plurality of spaced weight sensors are disposed between a seating surface and seat mounting surface to provide output signals indicative of an applied weight on each sensor. The sensors are spaced such that the sensors measure the weight applied to a seat back and the seating surface. A controller calculates the weight and/or position of the seat occupant in response to the output signals of the sensors. The controller sends the weight and position of the seat occupant to the safety restraint system to be used to tailor or suppress the reaction of the safety restraint system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing an indication to a person external to a vehicle, of an occupant inside the vehicle. The method comprises determining whether a first object in the vehicle is an occupant, based, in part, on a weight of the first object; sensing whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an off position; detecting whether a first door coupled to the vehicle has been opened and closed, if the vehicle ignition is in an off position; if the first door has been opened and closed and an occupant is in the vehicle, measuring a first time (T1) from an instant the first door is closed to an instant after the first door is closed; and activating the alert, if T1 is greater than a predetermined threshold time (Tthreshold).

Abstract: The present invention is a sensor element, particularly a sensor element useful in a vehicle occupant detection system. The sensor element comprises a first conductor and a second conductor disposed transversely with respect to one another to define a junction. In use, when a constant voltage is applied to the conductors, a first conductance is produced in the absence of applied weight to sensor element and a second conductance is produced in the presence of applied weight to the sensor element wherein the second conductance being greater than the first conductance. By incorporating a number of such junctions into matrix arrangement, the present sensor can be advantageously employed in a vehicle occupant detection system. This allows for the creation of a spreadsheet-like environment where interrogation of each matrix cell provides information about the acting force.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system including a controller and at least one sensor assembly. The sensor assembly has a housing with a base and an upper slide member supported for movement toward and away from the base. At least one sensor is operatively mounted relative to the upper slide member and base. The sensor is operable to detect movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base and is operable to generate an electrical signal correlative of the movement of the upper slide member toward and away from the base. Additionally, the system includes at least one discrete wire electrically connecting the sensor and controller. The discrete wire is operable to communicate the electric signal from the sensor to the controller. The vehicle occupant sensing system may be employed in a seat assembly.

Abstract: A seating system and a shared sensor is described and shown. The seating system includes a seat section and a back section, adjustable bolsters coupled to the seat section and the back section, and a control unit coupled to the adjustable bolster. The shared sensor is coupled to the control unit of the seating system and to another system in the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat weighing device wherein a load transmitting member for transmitting the seat load to a load sensor is formed without extremely high precision required, thereby enabling simple manufacturing of the load transmitting member. The seat weighing device includes a base having an arm for transmitting the seat load to a load sensor. The arm does not include a V-shaped portion, but includes only a single action portion. The single action portion is mounted to a sensor plate for mounting the load sensor so as to transmit the seat weight from the single action portion to the sensor plate. The arm includes only the single action portion, thereby suppressing irregularities in transmission of the load.

Abstract: A method of determining an equivalent output value for a failed sensor in a vehicle seat having an occupancy sensing system. The method includes the steps of sensing the output of each sensor in an array of sensors that detect a physical presence in the seat. If the output of the sensor falls below a predetermined value, exceeds a predetermined value, or remains fixed the sensor is classified as inoperative. The method then calculates an equivalent sensor output value for any sensor classified as inoperative and applies the sensor array output values for each operable sensor in the array and the calculated equivalent output value for any inoperative sensor to a neural net. Then, the applied sensor output values are recognizing as falling within one of a group of predetermined classification patterns that represent a physical presence in the seat defined by size, weight, and physical orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system including a circuit carrier, an electric circuit with leads, and a sensor with a body and a plurality of formed terminals. Each of the terminals has a lower portion spaced a predetermined distance away from a plane defined by the bottom surface of the body. Moreover, the system has a plurality of conductive connectors each including a blade extending into the circuit carrier and into electrical communication with a lead of the electric circuit. The body is supported on the circuit carrier, and the terminals are supported by the top end of the connector. Also included is a method of manufacturing the same. The formed terminals allow the sensor to be more easily positioned relative to the connector, thereby facilitating assembly. Also, the connectors support the terminals when the connector attaches to the terminal, thereby inhibiting damage to the terminals that could otherwise occur.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying and categorizing the weight and characteristics of the occupant currently occupying a vehicle seat. The method for identifying and categorizing the occupant or object involves measuring the deflection of the upper surface of the seat cushion at one or more points due to compression of the cushion produced by the weight distribution of the occupant. The system contains multiple sensor/emitter pairs for detecting the deflection. The system also includes a sensor to measure ambient temperature, preferably for temperature compensation due to the effects extreme temperatures may have on the compression properties of the seat cushion material and sensor/emitter pairs. A system processor interprets the data acquired by the sensors, and utilizes an algorithm and training tables to output a control signal indicative of the categorization of the occupant or object.

Abstract: An occupant of a motor vehicle seat is characterized for purposes of air bag suppression based on the seated weight of the occupant, the variation of the seated weight, and the occupant's apparent longitudinal center-of-mass. The method distinguishes between an adult and a child seat, distinguishes between forward-facing and rearward-facing child seats, and detects cinching of a child seat.

Abstract: An improved force-measurement system utilizes active magnetostrictive sensors for generating a signal representative of a force, such as the weight of a person or thing on a seat within a motor vehicle, or the force applied to the horn sensor switch on a vehicle steering wheel. The active magnetostrictive sensor includes an excitation coil and a detection coil.

Abstract: A method of recognizing and classifying the occupancy in a vehicle seat having an occupancy sensing system, including the steps of sensing the output of an array of sensors that detect a physical presence in a seat and applying the sensor array output as a vector representation to a neural net that was trained using a learning vector quantization algorithm. The method also includes the step of recognizing the sensor array output as falling within one of a group of predetermined classification patterns that represent a physical presence in the seat defined by size, weight, and physical orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant sensing system for detecting a condition of a vehicle seat. The system includes a circuit carrier, an electric circuit with a plurality of leads, and at least one sensor that has a plurality of terminals. Also, the system includes a plurality of conductive connectors associated with the corresponding terminals and leads. The connectors each include a body disposed for electrical communication with the associated terminal and include at least one deformable blade. The blade extends into the circuit carrier and into electrical communication with the associated lead of the circuit, thereby mechanically attaching the conductive connector to the carrier while providing electrical communication between the sensor and the circuit. Also included is a method of manufacturing the same. By piercing the carrier and the circuit, the blade establishes a more robust mechanical and electrical connection for the sensor, thereby increasing the operating life of the system.

Abstract: There is provided herein a sensor for use in patient monitoring, wherein the level of patient activity in a chair or bed is tracked to determine whether or not that patient has exhibited sufficient activity to merit eliminating a scheduled assisted relocation to a new position. The instant device senses the time since a patient last relocated into a different sitting or lying position. If the patient has not moved during some predetermined time period, the nursing staff will be notified that it is time to manually reposition the patient. On the other hand, if the patient has significantly changed position, the device will not signal to the caregiver that a move is necessary, thereby eliminating the need in some cases to rouse the patient from an otherwise sound sleep.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying and categorizing the weight and characteristics of the occupant currently occupying a vehicle seat. The method for identifying and categorizing the occupant or object involves measuring the deflection of the upper surface of the seat cushion at several points and therefore the weight distribution of the occupant. The system contains multiple weight sensors arrayed for detecting the distribution of the load causing the seat deflection. The system also includes a sensor to measure ambient temperature, preferably for temperature compensation due to the effects extreme temperatures may have on the compression properties of the seat cushion material and the weight sensors. A system processor interprets the data acquired by the sensors, and utilizes an algorithm and weight tables to simulate a neural network in providing an output a control signal indicative of the categorization of the occupant or object.

Abstract: An occupant determination device for a vehicle seat includes a load sensor provided at a seat body, a controller for calculating a detection load value based on a load value output from the load sensor and for determining whether an occupant seated on the vehicle seat is adult or a child, wherein a hysteresis is provided for changing the occupant determination from either a child or an adult to an adult or a child.

Abstract: A multiple sensor, vehicle seat occupant status determination system uses dynamic variations in occupant responsive sensor output due to accelerations of the vehicle seat to discriminate via a statistical method between sensors that are failed and those that are operating correctly and eliminates the contribution of signals detected as not valid from the status determination. If and only if the maximum and minimum sampled signal values of at least one of the received signals span upper and lower control reference values derived from the sampled signal values, a variance value for each of the signals is derived; and one or both of the greatest two or the smallest two variance values are checked against a relative size factor to detect an outlier signal value. If an outlier signal value is detected more than a predetermined number of consecutive times, the status classification is performed without signal values from the outlier sensor.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object to provide a vehicle passenger detection device that is able to prevent erroneous determinations arising from mechanical hysteresis. The present invention provides a vehicle passenger detection device comprising: weight measurement means, provided with a weight sensor disposed between a seat and floor of a vehicle, that measures the load applied to the seat; fluctuation amplitude detection means that detects the amplitude of fluctuation in values measured by the weight measurement means; correction means that applies a negative correction to the value measured by the weight measurement means when the fluctuation amplitude is smaller than a stipulated value; and passenger presence determination means that determines the presence of a passenger upon the seat by comparing the value measured by the weight measurement means against a stipulated threshold value.