Patent ID: 8335617
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: B60N,G01R

Abstract:
1. A sensor detection controller for use in combination with a capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor including first and second electrode plates and mounted on a seat of a vehicle in such a manner that a capacitance of the capacitive sensor changes according to whether the seat is occupied, the sensor detection controller having a fault detection mode for detecting a fault in the capacitive sensor and a normal detection mode for detecting whether the seat is occupied based on a change in the capacitance, the sensor detection controller comprising: a signal source configured to apply an amplitude signal having a variable amplitude to the capacitive sensor; a switching device configured to switch a signal path, through which the amplitude signal is applied, between the fault detection mode and the normal detection mode, the signal path including a first path through which the amplitude signal is applied to the first electrode plate and a second path through which the amplitude signal is applied to the second electrode plate; a signal detector configured to detect a change in a voltage or a current of the amplitude signal when the amplitude signal is applied; a control circuit configured to control the switching device and the signal detector; and an impedance member having a predetermined impedance value and connected to the signal path, the impedance member including a first member connected to the first path and a second member connected to the second path.