OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM

摘要

An occupant detection system (10) comprises a weight sensor (12) and an electric field sensor (14), each operatively coupled to a seat (22). The electric field sensor (14) generates an electric field from at least one electrode in the seat bottom of the seat, provides for generating a response to an influence of the occupant (18) thereupon, and is adapted to provide for discriminating from the response a seated infant or child seating condition from another seating condition. If a measure of weight from the weight sensor (12) is less than a threshold, or if a seated child seating condition is detected by the electric field sensor (14), then a signal processor provides for disabling an associated restraint actuator (44). The electric field sensor (14) may comprise a plurality of electrodes (26, 26.1, 26.2) over separate first and second regions of differing proximity to a seated infant or child, or at least one electrode (26) in cooperation with a shield or void over at least one of the regions.