INSASSENERFASSUNG UNTER VERWENDUNG EINES DURCH EINEN LEITER ERZEUGTEN ELEKTRISCHEN FELDS

摘要

An apparatus (100) for sensing size and location of a vehicle occupant includes a conductor (110) that is electrically coupled to a voltage signal generator (612) and disposed within the seat of the vehicle. The conductor generates a periodic electric field (124). A plurality of sensor electrostatic antennas (120) is disposed adjacent the roof and is capable of sensing at least a portion of the electric field (124). A detection circuit (624) determines the size and location of a vehicle occupant based upon an amount of the electric field (124) incident on each sensor electrostatic antenna (120).