Method for passenger classification using a seat mat in the vehicle seat

• US 20030023414A1
• Filed: 09/24/2001
• Published: 01/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Mack, Frank, Lich, Thomas
• Application Number:
  US09/962,948
• Publication Number:
  US 20030023414A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 703/2
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/002 Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon detection means responsive to presence or absence of children B60N2/266
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0025 by using weight measurement
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0026 for distinguishing between humans, animals or objects
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0035 characterised by the sensor data transmission, e.g. wired connections or wireless transmitters therefor; characterised by the sensor data processing, e.g. seat sensor signal amplification or electric circuits for providing seat sensor information
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0248 with memory of positions
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2210/40 Force or pressure sensors
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 40/10 Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands

Abstract

A method is proposed for passenger classification using a seat mat in a vehicle seat, that functions so as to determine the magnitude of a coherent area of active matrix elements. Using the active matrix elements, a seat profile is generated, it being determined, using an operation parameter, how large the largest coherent area in the seat profile is. In this way, it is possible to distinguish between persons and objects. In this context, further result matrices are determined from a seat profile and specifically using a logical operation. The sum of the active matrix elements of one result matrix is added up and weighted. From these weighted sums, an operation parameter is calculated, which is used for the passenger classification, optionally in connection with further characteristics, which are derived from the seat profile.

Claims

1. A method for performing a passenger classification in accordance with a seat mat in a vehicle seat, the seat mat including a matrix of pressure sensors, the method comprising the steps of:

recognizing the pressure sensors as matrix elements that include active and inactive matrix elements as a function of a load on the vehicle seat;

generating a seat profile;

generating a first one of result matrices from the inactive and active matrix elements;

generating further result matrices from existing result matrices in accordance with a logical operation;

subjecting adjoining matrix elements to the logical operation for the matrix elements;

for each individual one of the generated result matrices, generating a sum from the active matrix elements thereof;

weighting each sum by a corresponding factor, the weighted sums of the generated result matrices forming an operation parameter; and

performing the passenger classification in accordance with the operation parameter.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein:

the logical operation includes an AND operation.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

calculating each corresponding factor from a rank of a specific one of the generated result matrices, the rank indicating from how many of the generated result matrices the specific result matrix was calculated.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

linking the operation parameter to at least one further characteristic of the seat profile for the passenger classification.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein:

the at least one further characteristic includes a weight estimate.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein:

the at least one further characteristic includes an ischial tuberosity spacing.

7. A device for performing a passenger classification, comprising:

a seat mat including a matrix, the matrix including pressure sensors; and

a processor for evaluating sensor signals and for carrying out the passenger classification.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein:

the processor can be connected to a control unit for a restraint systems.