Vehicle compartment occupancy detection system
US6768420B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 14, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 15, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2217/960775
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle compartment occupancy detection system is operable to detect a presence of a person or animal within a vehicle compartment, such as a vehicle cabin or trunk space, by detecting a change in an electric field within the compartment. The detection system includes an electric field generator and an electric field sensor which is operable to detect changes in the electric field generated within the compartment. The detection system may further be operable to activate an accessory in response to one or more inputs and the electric field sensor. The detection system may be operable in response to one or more inputs which are indicative of a hazardous condition within the vehicle compartment. The detection system may then be operable to take corrective action to at least partially alleviate the hazardous condition and/or to communicate to a person exteriorly of the vehicle that the hazardous condition exists.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.