MULTIPLE SENSOR VEHICLE OCCUPANT DETECTION FOR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT CONTROL

摘要

PURPOSE: A multiple sensor vehicle occupant detection system is provided to prevent the damage of passengers by detecting the positions of passengers. CONSTITUTION: A passenger detection system(400) utilizes an oscillation circuit that causes an antenna electrode to emit an electric field that is disrupted by the electrical characteristics of an object placed on the seat. This disruption alters the current and phase of the signal in the antenna electrode. By comparing the current flowing in the antenna electrode and/or the difference between the phase of the signal in the antenna electrode and the oscillation circuit output signal with predetermined threshold values, it is possible to detect the presence of a passenger in a reliable and inexpensive manner. Environmental sensors are used to make the determination more accurate. Humidity, moisture and/or grounding condition are detected and used to alter processing, values or calculations.