Load-detecting device for an object on a seat

• US 20050165538A1
• Filed: 01/21/2005
• Published: 07/28/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin Corp.)
• Inventors: Sakai, Morio, Mori, Masaki
• Application Number:
  US11/038,523
• Publication Number:
  US 20050165538A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/124
• 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: B60R 2021/01115 specific data frames
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/01516 using force or pressure sensing means
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 21/0152 using strain gauges
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/4142 for controlling activation of safety devices, e.g. airbag systems electrical circuits for triggering safety arrangements in case of vehicle accidents B60R21/015

Abstract

A load-detecting device for an object on a seat of an automobile comprises a plurality of load sensors for generating output signals corresponding to an object on the seat, a plurality of signal processing circuits for processing the output signals so as to provide load signals with unique IDs corresponding to each of the sensors, and a control unit including a plurality of ports communicated with the signal processing circuits so as to load the load signals in the control unit, wherein the control unit executes an initialization process so that the ports is assigned in relation to the signal processing circuits based on the unique IDs included in the load signals.

Claims

1. A load-detecting device for an object on a seat of an automobile comprising:

a plurality of load sensors for generating output signals corresponding to an object on the seat, at least two of the load sensors being different in character;

a plurality of signal processing circuits for processing the output signals so as to provide load signals with unique IDs corresponding to each of the sensors; and

a control unit including a plurality of ports communicated with the signal processing circuits so as to load the load signals in the control unit;

wherein the control unit executes an initialization process so that the ports is assigned in relation to the signal processing circuits based on the unique IDs included in the load signals.

2. The load-detecting device according to the claim 1, wherein

the control unit executes an initialization process when a test apparatus is electrically connected with the control unit.

3. The load-detecting device according to the claim 1, wherein

the control unit includes a RAM for string a port assignment and the port assignment is re-written upon the initialization process.

4. The load-detecting device according to the claim 2, wherein

the control unit includes a RAM for string a port assignment and the port assignment is re-written upon the initialization process.

5. The load-detecting device according to the claim 1, wherein

the control unit judges that an occupant on the seat is an adult when the sum of the load value of the load signals exceeds a pre-determined value and that an occupant on the seat is a child when the sum of the load value of the load signals is less than the pre-determined value.

6. The load-detecting device according to the claim 4, wherein

the control unit judges that an occupant on the seat is an adult when the sum of the load value of the load signals exceeds a pre-determined value and that an occupant on the seat is a child when the sum of the load value of the load signals is less than the pre-determined value.

7. The load-detecting device according to the claim 1, wherein

the load sensors are arranged between the seat and an interior floor of the automobile.

8. The load-detecting device according to the claim 6, wherein

the load sensors are arranged between the seat and an interior floor of the automobile.

9. The load-detecting device according to the claim 1, wherein

the load signals are digital signals and the signal processing circuits provides the digital load signals upon signal output request of the control unit.

10. The load-detecting device according to the claim 2, wherein

the load signals are digital signals and the signal processing circuits provides the digital load signals upon signal output request of the control unit.

11. The load-detecting device according to the claim 8, wherein

the load signals are digital signals and the signal processing circuits provides the digital load signals upon signal output request of the control unit.