초록 ▼

An improved weight-based occupant characterization method that can inexpensively and reliably distinguish between a child or small adult and a tightly cinched child seat. When the sensed weight is in a specified range that could be produced by a tightly cinched child seat, the system characterizes t

An improved weight-based occupant characterization method that can inexpensively and reliably distinguish between a child or small adult and a tightly cinched child seat. When the sensed weight is in a specified range that could be produced by a tightly cinched child seat, the system characterizes the occupant based on a detected variation in sensed weight during movement of the vehicle. If the variance of the sensed weight is below a threshold for a predetermined interval, the occupant is characterized as a child seat, since a tightly cinched seat belt severely restricts variance. If the variance exceeds the threshold for a predetermined interval, the occupant is characterized as a child or small adult. A correlative factor that can be used in distinguishing between a child seat and a child or small adult is determined by computing a slope reversal rate, or frequency, of the measured weight. In this case, a child seat is indicated by the combination of low variance and a high frequency, whereas a child or small adult is indicated by the combination of high variance and a low frequency. Additionally, movement of the vehicle can be detected when the variance of the sensed weight is within a predetermined range for at least a predetermined interval.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of distinguishing between a vehicle occupant and a cinched child seat in an occupant weight detection system that provides an output signal responsive to weight applied to a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of:computing a variance of the output sig

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of distinguishing between a vehicle occupant and a cinched child seat in an occupant weight detection system that provides an output signal responsive to weight applied to a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of:computing a variance of the output signal and a running average of said variance;detecting vehicle movement;comparing the average variance to a predefined threshold when vehicle movement is detected and the output signal is within a range that could be produced by either a vehicle occupant or a cinched child seat;determining that a cinched child seat is present if the average variance is below the predefined threshold; anddetermining that a vehicle occupant is present if the average variance is above the predefined threshold.