Apparatus and method for discerning certain occupant characteristics using a plurality of capacitive sensors
US6158768A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/01554
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (47) determines presence, type, and a size value of a vehicle occupant (14) located within a vehicle (12). A first capacitive sensor (46A) is located on a first side of an occupant location within the vehicle (12) and senses a first capacitance value. An associated drive/monitor circuit (42A) provides a first signal (44A) indicative of the first capacitance value. A controller (27) determines from the first signal (44A) whether the first capacitance value is indicative of an occupant located proximate to the first capacitive sensor (46A). The controller (27) determines a first distance between the first capacitive sensor (46A) and the occupant (14) using the first signal (44A). A second capacitive sensor (46C) is located on a second side of the occupant location and senses a second capacitance value. An associated drive/monitor circuit (42C) provides a second signal (44C) indicative of the second capacitance value. The controller (27) determines from the second signal (44C) whether the second capacitance value is indicative of an occupant located proximate to the second capacitive sensor (46C). The controller (27) determines a second distance between the second capacit…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.