Patent · US Active

Capacitive occupant detection apparatus

US8674710B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
3References
19Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 29, 2011
Grant dateMar 18, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 22, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60N2210/12
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A capacitive occupant detection apparatus comprising a sensor unit and a control unit is disclosed. The sensor unit includes a detection electrode and a periphery guard electrode. The control unit includes: a signal application circuit for applying an oscillation signal to the detection electrode; an operational amplifier for applying to the guard electrode a signal having the same phase and potential as the oscillation signal applied to the detection electrode; and a control circuit for receiving current and voltage values supplied to the detection and for determining a mounting state on a seat based on the inputted current and voltage values (including phase information). The periphery guard electrode is located to surround the detection electrode when viewed from an upper side of the detection electrode.

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