Hybrid occupant detection system
US8519725B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2011 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 29, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60N2220/20
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An occupant detection system includes a detection electrode provided in a vehicle seat, a phase difference measuring unit, a direct current measuring unit, and a detecting unit that detects an occupant. The phase difference measuring unit supplies a reference signal comprising a sinusoidal wave to the detection electrode via a resistive element, detects the potential of the detection electrode as an electrode signal, and measures a phase lag time of the electrode signal relative to the reference signal. The direct current measuring unit applies a steady DC voltage to the detection electrode via a resistive element, detects the potential of the detection electrode, and measures time it takes from start of application of the DC voltage to the time when the detection electrode reaches a given potential, as a charge time. The detecting unit detects an occupant based on the phase lag time and the charge time.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.