Method and a device for evaluating sensor signals from a seat mat in a vehicle seat

• US 20020072839A1
• Filed: 09/24/2001
• Published: 06/13/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Mack, Frank, Marchthaler, Reiner, Maier, Hermann, Lich, Thomas, Wolf, Rene, Henne, Ralf, Drobny, Wolfgang, Giesel, Ruediger
• Granted Patent: US 6,567,732 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/45
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means

Abstract

A method and a device are for evaluating sensor signals from a seat mat in a vehicle seat, the signals functioning to characterize the sensors in the seat mat as active and inactive. In this manner, a linear evaluation method is performed to make possible a weight classification of passengers situated on the vehicle seat. For this purpose, a seat profile is generated using the active and inactive sensors.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating sensor signals from a seat mat in a vehicle seat, comprising the steps of:

using resistance values from pressure sensors in the seat mat as sensor signals;

comparing the resistance values with a threshold value;

recognizing the sensors having a resistance value below the threshold value as active; and

recognizing the sensors having a resistance value above the threshold value as inactive.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of changing the threshold value as a function of an installation of the seat mat in the vehicle seat.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a seat profile from the active and inactive sensors, the seat profile being used for a weight classification.

4. A device for evaluating a seat profile on a vehicle seat, comprising:

a seat mat arranged in the vehicle seat having pressuresensing sensors, each sensor configured to provide a resistance value, the sensors being arranged in a matrix;

a processor, the sensors being connectable to the processor, the processor being configured to compare the resistance values from the sensors with a threshold value, to characterize each sensor having a resistance value below the threshold value as active and to characterize each sensor having a resistance value above the threshold value as inactive; and

an arrangement configured to generate the seat profile in accordance with the characterized sensors.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the sensors are connectable to evaluation electronics configured to compare the resistance values with the threshold value.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the processor is connectable to a control unit for a restraint system.