Patent ID: 6857656
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An occupant detection system comprising: a sensor for detecting an object in a plurality of predetermined regions by irradiating a plurality of light beams with different predetermined inclination angles toward a seat direction, the sensor being mounted to a ceiling of a vehicle; and a control unit which, based upon a detection output of the sensor, determines that the seat is vacant if the number of the predetermined regions where the object is detected is below a predetermined number and determines that an occupant is seated in the seat if the number of the predetermined regions where the object is detected is the predetermined number or more; and wherein the sensor is a first object detection sensor composed of a light emitting element that irradiates an infrared beam and a light receiving element having a field of view that intersects the infrared beam; and each of the predetermined regions is a first object detection region in which the infrared beam and the field of view intersect each other.