Patent ID: 6424267
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: G08B

Abstract:
A method for determining a presence of an occupant in a trunk compartment based on a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration in the compartment, said method comprising:(a) determining carbon dioxide leakage conditions into the trunk compartment; (b) determining a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration over a predetermined period of time, in the trunk compartment; (c) establishing one or more carbon dioxide rate of change trigger values for said trunk compartment including: determining carbon dioxide rate of change data resulting from predetermined factors involving the presence of one or more persons in the trunk compartment, calculations involving at least a volume of the trunk compartment, assumptions for air leakage rates for the trunk compartment, one of natural and mechanical methods of ventilation in the trunk compartment, and carbon dioxide production rates for each occupant; (d) determining whether said rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration either one of meets and falls within a range of said respective one or more carbon dioxide rate of change trigger values; and (e) activating one or more alarm responses when said rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration either one of meets and falls within said range of said respective one or more carbon dioxide rate of change trigger values.