Patent ID: 6263271
Filing Date: 2001-07-17
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A passenger detection system, comprising:a seat on which a passenger is seated, having a seat supporting section;an antenna electrode provided in the seat supporting section;voltage generation means for generating a high-frequency and low-voltage signal which induces a weak electric field around the antenna electrode;current detection means for detecting a current which flows according to the generated weak electric field;a control circuit for detecting a leaning condition of the passenger against the seat supporting section, based on a signal output from the current detection means; andan airbag apparatus including a side airbag unit positioned close to a door, the apparatus having a function of deploying the side airbag unit when a collision occurs, andwherein data representing results detected by the control circuit is sent to the airbag apparatus so as to set the side airbag unit to one of the deployable and non-deployable states.