Patent ID: 6901322
Filing Date: 2005-05-31
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A method of predicting an empty seat condition for a vehicle seat having an occupancy sensing system with a sensor array assembly, said method including the steps of: determining a first resultant value based on the change between the differences among a first series of sensor readings taken from the sensor array over a first predetermined period of time; determining a second resultant value based on the change between the differences among a second series of sensor readings taken from the sensor array over a second predetermined period of time; summing said first and second resultant values to determine if the summed value is negative; re-determining the first and second resultant values and re-summing if the summed value is positive; calculating the change in the first and second resultant values as a function of time to determine if the calculated change is greater than a predetermined value if the summed value is negative; and classifying the vehicle seat as empty if the summed value is negative and calculated change is greater than the predetermined amount.