Patent ID: 6220627
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A system for detecting an occupant in a vehicle and for controlling a safety restraint system responsive thereto, comprising:a. a transmitter for transmitting wave energy;b. a receiver for receiving said wave energy and for generating a signal responsive to said wave energy, wherein said transmitter and said receiver are disposed within the vehicle so that said wave energy from said transmitter to said receiver is intersected by a normally seated occupant on a seat of the vehicle and said wave energy is not intersected by an occupant positioned away from a back portion of said seat;c. a range/proximity sensor for sensing if an object is within a region proximate to the safety restraint system, wherein the safety restraint system is disabled responsive to the detection of an object within said region by said range/proximity sensor; andd. a controller for controlling the power of the safety restraint system responsive to said signal responsive to said wave energy.