Patent ID: 8346440

Claim:
An occupant detection system comprising: a capacitance sensor to output a current/voltage signal based on a variation of weak electric field generated between a ground and an electrode arranged in a seat, the signal being one of an occupant-seated signal indicating an occupant seated on the seat, a CRS-mounted signal indicating a child restraint system mounted on the seat, and a vacancy signal indicating the seat being vacant; a load sensor arranged in the seat, the load sensor being ON when a predetermined load is applied to the load sensor through the seat, the load sensor being OFF when the predetermined load is not applied; and a controller to control an on-light indicating airbag inflation allowance for the seat, and an off-light indicating airbag inflation prohibition for the seat, wherein the controller turns on the off-light, when the vacancy signal is output, and when the load sensor is ON, and the controller turns off both of the on-light and the off-light, when the vacancy signal is output, and when the load sensor is OFF.