Patent ID: 6744370
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: A61H,B60N,G08B

Abstract:
A tactile alert system for an occupant support structure, comprising:(a) a plurality of vibratory transducers for location in plural zones of the support structure, wherein the support structure includes a pad for contacting a portion of an occupant, at least some of the vibratory transducers being imbedded in the pad; (b) a seat belt for restraining the occupant, wherein at least some of the vibratory transducers are supportable outside of the pad in longitudinally spaced relation proximate the seat belt; (c) a driver circuit for powering each of the transducers in response to a corresponding drive signal; and (d) a controller responsive to external conditions for selectively activating the drive signals in a predetermined sequence of alert stimulation cycles of sufficient duration, frequency, and intensity for selectively stimulating muscle groups of the occupant of the structure, successive alert stimulation cycles differing in at least one of intensity, frequency, and transducers activated, thereby to alert the occupant of the particular condition and to improve the occupant's alertness.