Patent ID: 8036795
Filing Date: 2011-10-11
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An image based occupant classification system comprising: an image sensor configured to capture vehicular occupant information; and an image processor in communication with the image sensor, the image processor being configured to employ an occupant classification algorithm to facilitate performance of first sampling operations to determine occupant classification and being further configured to employ a seat belt detection algorithm to facilitate performance of second sampling operations to determine a seat belt status, the image processor being further configured to place a first hold on the occupant classification algorithm when employing the seat belt detection algorithm and place a second hold on the seat belt detection algorithm when employing the occupant classification algorithm; wherein: each of the first sampling operations facilitates one of actuation of the image sensor to capture vehicular occupant information and analysis of the vehicular occupant information already captured by the image sensor during a preceding first sampling operation; each of the second sampling operations facilitates one of actuation of the image sensor to capture vehicular occupant information and analysis of the vehicular occupant information already captured by the image sensor during a preceding second sampling operation; and each of the first sampling operations is conducted at a separate time from each of the second sampling operations.