Patent ID: 6438476
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B60R,G01G

Abstract:
A method of operation for an occupant detection system that allows or suppresses deployment of an inflatable restraint in a vehicle based on an output signal responsive to weight applied to a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of:initially characterizing seat occupancy using a primary classification methodology during a period of vehicle operation prior to movement of said vehicle, where said primary classification methodology identifies an empty seat when a magnitude of said output signal is lower than a calibrated threshold; characterizing seat occupancy using a secondary classification methodology if said primary classification methodology identified an empty seat and a seat belt for said vehicle seat is in use, where said secondary classification methodology distinguishes between an empty seat and a seat occupied by an ultralight child seat based on the magnitude of said output signal relative to a determined range of magnitudes; and displaying seat occupancy based on the characterization of said primary classification methodology until said secondary classification methodology distinguishes between an empty seat and a seat occupied by an ultralight child seat, and thereafter displaying seat occupancy based on the characterization of said secondary classification methodology.