Patent · US Active

Sensor detection controller and occupant detection apparatus having the same

US8335617B2 · kind B2 · utility

5Cited by
8References
11Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateSep 8, 2011
Grant dateDec 18, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 8, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R31/2829
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A sensor detection controller is used in combination with a capacitive sensor that is mounted on a seat of a vehicle in such a manner that a capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes according to whether the seat is occupied. The sensor detection controller has a fault detection mode and a normal detection mode. The sensor detection controller includes a signal source for applying an amplitude signal to the capacitive sensor, a switch for switching a signal path, through which the amplitude signal is applied, between the fault detection mode and the normal detection mode, a signal detector for detecting a change in a voltage or a current of the amplitude signal when the amplitude signal is applied, and an impedance member connected to the signal path.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.