Multiple sensor vehicle occupant detection for air bag deployment control
First Claim
1. A vehicle passenger detection system for sensing a passenger in a passenger seating area, the system comprising:
- a passenger detection system; and
a humidity sensor connected with the passenger detection system;
wherein the passenger detection system is responsive to the humidity sensor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A passenger detection system is provided. The passenger detection system utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.
99 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A vehicle passenger detection system for sensing a passenger in a passenger seating area, the system comprising:
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a passenger detection system; and
a humidity sensor connected with the passenger detection system;
wherein the passenger detection system is responsive to the humidity sensor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
at least one electrode; and
circuitry operable to detect a current in the at least one electrode.
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4. The system of claim 3 wherein the circuitry comprises a controller operative to determine the characteristic of the passenger as a function of data from the at least one electrode.
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5. The system of claim 1 wherein the humidity sensor comprises a solid state capacitive humidity sensor.
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6. The system of claim 1 wherein the humidity sensor is positioned in a seat.
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7. The system of claim 6 wherein the passenger detection system comprises an electrode in the seat.
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8. The system of claim 1 further comprising:
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an oscillator operatively connected with the humidity sensor; and
a voltage detector operatively connected with the humidity sensor.
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9. The system of claim 8 wherein the voltage detector comprises:
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two resistors connected in series between the humidity sensor and the oscillator; and
a buffer connected between the two resistors.
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10. The system of claim 1 wherein a measured value of the passenger detection system is altered as a function of an output of the humidity sensor.
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11. The system of claim 1 wherein a table for the passenger detection system is selected as a function of an output of the humidity sensor.
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12. The system of claim 1 wherein the passenger detection system operatively connects with an air bag control system.
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13. A vehicle passenger detection method for sensing a passenger in a passenger seating area, the method comprising the acts of:
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(a) measuring a humidity; and
(b) determining a presence of the passenger in the passenger seating area;
wherein (b) is a function of the measured humidity. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
(c) determining a characteristic of the passenger as a function of data from the at least one electrode.
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17. The method of claim 13 wherein (a) comprises measuring a humidity sensitive capacitance.
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18. The method of claim 13 wherein (a) comprises measuring with a sensor positioned in a seat.
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19. The method of claim 18 wherein (b) comprises determining in response to a signal in an electrode in the seat.
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20. The method of claim 13 wherein (a) comprises:
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(a1) applying an oscillation signal to a humidity sensor; and
(a2) detecting a voltage connected with the humidity sensor.
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21. The method of claim 13 wherein a measured value is altered as a function of an output of the humidity sensor.
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22. The method of claim 13 where a table is selected as a function of an output of the humidity sensor.
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23. The method of claim 13 further comprising:
(c) controlling an air bag system in response to (b).
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24. The method of claim 13 further comprising:
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(c) determining a grounded state of the passenger as a function of measurements at a first electrode while a second electrode is grounded and then floating; and
(d) altering (b) as a function of the grounded state.
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Specification