Apparatus and method for controlling an occupant protection system in response to determined passenger compartment occupancy information
US7111869B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R21/01538
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for controlling an actuatable occupant protection system (40) in a passenger compartment (12) of a vehicle (10) includes a camera (72) configured for obtaining an image of a viewable field (78) within the passenger compartment (12) of the vehicle (10). At least one pattern (84, 86) is associated with vehicle structures (22, 24, 26) located within the viewable field (78). The portions of the obtained image associated with vehicle structures (22, 24, 26) having the pattern (84, 86) are removed from the image so as to obtain information regarding occupancy of the viewable field (78). The actuatable occupant protection system (40) is controlled in response to the obtained occupancy information.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.