Occupant Classification Sensor Calibration System

• US 20060080011A1
• Filed: 10/12/2004
• Published: 04/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Inventors: Carr, Kirsten M., Gaboury, Scott H., Smith, Sarah D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,457,692 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/34
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 13/931 of land vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9314 Parking operations
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9317 Driving backwards
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 2013/9321 Velocity regulation, e.g. cruise control
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 7/4004 of parts of a radar system

Abstract

A method of calibrating an occupant classification sensor (16) includes receiving a calibration signal originating from an on-board vehicle calibration device (24). A calibration task is performed that includes the initialization of an occupant classification sensor (16). A baseline is generated for the occupant classification sensor (16) in response to the calibration signal. Performance confirmation of the calibration task is indicated.

Claims

1. A method of calibrating at least one occupant classification sensor comprising:

receiving calibration signals originating from at least one on-board vehicle calibration device;

performing at least one calibration task comprising initializing and generating a baseline for the at least one occupant classification sensor in response to said calibration signals; and

indicating performance confirmation of said at least one calibration task.

2. A method as in claim 1 further comprising actuating at least a portion of said at least one on-board vehicle calibration device.

3. A method as in claim 2 wherein said at least one calibration task is performed in response to said actuation of said portion.

4. A method as in claim 1 further comprising generating said calibration signals in response to actuation of an ignition switch.

5. A method as in claim 1 further comprising generating said calibration signals in response to application of pressure on a seat system for a predetermined time period.

6. A method as in claim 1 further comprising generating said calibration signals in response to buckling and unbuckling a seat belt a predetermined amount.

7. A method as in claim 1 further comprising generating said calibration signals in response to releasing pressure on a seat system.

8. A method as in claim 1 wherein generating said baseline comprises zeroing said at least one occupant classification sensor.

9. A method as in claim 1 wherein indicating performance confirmation of said at least one calibration task comprises indicating confirmation of an initialization mode.

10. A method as in claim 1 wherein indicating performance confirmation of said at least one calibration task comprises flashing a lamp a predetermined amount.

11. A method as in claim 1 further comprising:

generating occupant classification signals in response to said baseline;

generating a calibrated output in response to said calibration signals and said occupant classification signals; and

verifying said calibrated output.

12. A system as in claim 1 wherein said at least one calibration task is performed in response to said calibration signals received in a predetermined sequence.

13. An occupant classification system comprising:

at least one occupant classification sensor having a baseline and generating occupant classification signals;

a controller receiving calibration signals originating from at least one on-board vehicle calibration device and configured to adjust said baseline and generate a calibrated output in response to said occupant classification signals and said calibration signals; and

an indicator coupled to said controller and indicating performance confirmation of at least one calibration task.

14. A system as in claim 13 wherein said at least one occupant classification sensor is selected from at least one of a pressure sensor, a strain gage, a piezo electric sensor, an infrared sensor, a piezo resistive sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

15. A system as in claim 13 wherein said baseline is selected from an occupant weight baseline, an occupant position baseline, an occupant present baseline, and an occupant size baseline.

16. A system as in claim 13 wherein said on-board calibration device is selected from at least one of a brake pedal, a gas pedal, a key cylinder, an ignition switch, a key receiver, a timer, a seat, seat belt buckle, a set belt retractor, a seat belt receiver, a seat belt buckle receiver, a seat belt anchor, a button, a switch, and a dial.

17. A system as in claim 13 wherein said indicator is selected from at least one of an LCD display, a monitor, an LED, a display, a dashboard vehicle system status indicator, an audio system, a video system, a heads-up display, and a lamp.

18. A system as in claim 13 wherein said controller adjusts said baseline when said calibrations signals are received in a predetermined sequence.

19. A countermeasure system for a vehicle comprising:

at least one collision detection sensor configured to detect an object and generate an object detection signal;

at least one occupant classification sensor having a baseline and generating occupant classification signals;

a controller receiving calibration signals originating from at least one on-board vehicle calibration device and configured to adjust said baseline and generate a calibrated output in response to said occupant classification signals and said calibration signals;

an indicator coupled to said controller and configured to indicate performance confirmation of at least one calibration task; and

said controller performing a countermeasure in response to said object detection signal and said calibrated output.

20. A system as in claim 19 wherein performing a countermeasure comprises activating at least one countermeasure device selected from a pretensioner, an air bag, a knee bolster device, a head restraint device, and a load limiting device.