illlillllliiilillliilliiliiiiiiililliiiliillllliliiliflllillliliilli
`
`US008235416B2
`
`(12) United States Patent
`Breed et al.
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Aug. 7, 2012
`
`(54) ARRANGEMENT FOR SENSING WEIGHT OF
`AN OCCUPYING ITEM IN A VEHICULAR
`SEAT
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: David S. Breed, Miami Beach, FL (US);
`Wendell C. Johnson, Kaneohe, HI (US);
`Wilbur E. DuVall, Reeds Spring, MO
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: American Vehicular Sciences LLC,
`Frisco, TX (US)
`
`( “ ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`use. 154(0) by 0 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimcr.
`
`(21) App1.No.: 13/229,788
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Sep. 12, 2011
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2012/0001463 Al
`Jan. 5, 2012
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Division of application No. 11/560,569, filed on Nov.
`16,
`2006,
`now abandoned, which
`is
`a
`continuation-in—part of application No. 10/413,426,
`filed on Apr. 14, 2003, now Pat. No. 7,415,126, which
`is
`a
`continuation—in-part
`of
`application No.
`09/849,559, filed on May 4, 2001, now Pat. No.
`6,689,962, which is
`a
`continuation-in-part of
`application No. 09/193,209, filed on Nov. 17, 1998,
`now
`Pat.
`No.
`6,242,701,
`which
`is
`a
`continuation-in-part of application No. 09/128,490,
`filedonAug. 4, 1998, now Pat. No. 6,078,854, which is
`a continuation-in—part of application No. 08/474,783,
`filed on Jun. 7, 1995, now Pat. No. 5,822,707, and a
`continuation-in—part of application No. 08/970,822,
`filed on Nov. 14, 1997, now Pat. No. 6,081,757, said
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`360R 21/015
`280/735; 130/273; 340/667
`(52) US. Cl.
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 280/735;
`180/268, 270, 273; 340/667
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,022,976 A *
`2/1962 Zia
`(Continued)
`
`248/430
`
`EP
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`0728636
`8/1996
`
`(Continued)
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Defendant's Preliminary Invalidity Contentions presented in Auto-
`motive Technologies, Inc. v. Delphi Corporation Civil Action No.
`08-CV-11048, United States District Court, Eastern District of
`Michigan, Southern Division, Dec. 10, 2008.
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner - Joseph Rocca
`Assistant Examiner — Timothy Wilhelm
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Brian Rofl‘e
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`In or for a vehicle, an arrangement for measuring weight ofan
`occupant of a seat connected to a floor of the vehicle via a
`slide mechanism, the floor, in part, defining a passenger com-
`partment ofthe vehicle. A support structure extends between
`the slide mechanism and the seat. A force sensing device is
`coupled to the support structure and configured for measuring
`force in the support structure indicative of weight applied by
`the occupant to the seat. The weight may be used for compo-
`nent conn-ol.
`
`(Continued)
`
`7 Claims, 26 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`Page 1 of 75
`
`-
`
`Hyundai Exhibit 1001
`
`Page 1 of 75
`
`Hyundai Exhibit 1001
`
`

`

`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`Page 2
`
`.................. 280/735
`
`1111111111111 340/667
`............ 280/732
`
`................. 280/735
`
`
`
`.....
`
`.. 280/735
`
`9/1973 Dowcr .............................. 185/2
`3,760,905 A *
`
`.. 248/371
`1/1974 Harder, Jr.
`3,784,147 A ’1‘
`
`. 73/761
`5/1973 Babcock
`4,090,399 A >x<
`
`. 177/179
`8/1983 Brendel
`4,396,079 A *
`4/1987 Kashiwamura et a1.
`4.655,505 A
`9/1988 Johnson eta].
`............... 248/393
`4,771,975 A *
`21/13:? gfitomto TI 31'
`iii/Si :
`3,1991 Ikgiiage e a.
`5’003‘240 A
`12/1991 White et a1.
`5:071:160 A *
`12,/1991 Fujita et 31,
`5,074,533 A
`11/1992 Vollmcr
`5,161,820 A
`1 [/1992 lamberty et a1.
`5,164,709 A '
`8/1993 Blackburn eta].
`5,232,243 A
`3:133; 33:: i 3:?
`22372473 2
`
`10/1995 Mazui‘etal. ........... 280/735
`51454591 A
`
`.......... 280/7301
`11/1995 Gotomyo et a1.
`5,466,001 A
`12,/1995 Schousek
`5,474,327 A
`5,573,269 A * 11/1996 Gentry et a1.
`5.670.853 A
`9/1997 Bauer
`5,714,695 A *
`2/1998 Bruns ..................... 73/862641
`5733375 A
`3/1993 Cashler
`_
`5,810,392 A *
`9/1998 Gagnon ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 280/735
`5,957,491 A
`9/1999 Cech et a1.
`5,975,568 A
`“/1999 Speckharletal.
`5,979,585 A
`11/1999 VanVoorhies
`5,984,349 A
`11/1999 VanVoorhies
`6,039,344 A *
`3/2000 Mehney et a1.
`6,045,155 A
`4/2000 Cech et al.
`60555473 A
`4/2000 ZWOIinSki
`6056979 A
`”000 Cech et al-
`6076353 A
`6/2000 Stanley
`6‘0§9’106 A
`7/,2000 Pateletal'
`6,251,076 B1
`5/2001 BlakesIey el al.
`6 250 671 Bl
`6/2001 Osmer et a1
`'
`6:2595167 B1
`7/2001 Norton
`6,636j792 B2
`10/2003 Lichtinger 6t a].
`6.653,577 B2 >i< 11,2003 Breed et a].
`................... 177/144
`6,670,560 132
`12,/2003 Curtis
`6,958,451 B2
`10/2005 Breed et a].
`7,243,945 B2
`7/2007 Breed et al.
`7,407.029 132
`8/2008 Breed et a1.
`74135048 B2
`8/2003 Breedet 31~
`7766383 132*
`8/2010 Breed elal
`7979060 B2:
`”/2011 Breed ~~~~~~~
`2007/0132220 A1
`6/2007 Breed et 31‘
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3-32943
`2/1991
`4-46843
`271992
`4-138996
`5/ 1992
`
`
`
`280/73?
`~ 280/733
`280733
`
`
`
`JP
`JP
`JP
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Exhibit C to Defendant’s Preliminary Invalidity Contentions pre-
`sented in Automotive Technologies, Inc. V. Delphi Corporation Civil
`Action No. 08-CV—11048, United States District Court, Eastern Dis-
`trict of Michigan, Southern Division, Dec. 10, 2008.
`Exhibit F to Defendant’s Preliminary Invalidity Contentions pre-
`sented in Automotive Technologies, Inc. v. Delphi Corporation Civil
`Action No. 08-CV-1 1048, United States Di strict Court, Eastern Dis-
`trict of Michigan, Southern Division, Dec. 10, 2008.
`Abstract of JP 4-46843.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Related U.S.Application Data
`
`application No.10/413,426isacontinuation-in-partof
`applicationNo.09/901,879, filedonJul. 9, 2001,now
`Pat. No. 6,555,766, and a continuation—in—part of
`application No. 10/061,016, filed on Jan. 30, 2002,
`now Pat. No. 6,833,516, and a continuation-in—part of
`application No. 10/227,781, filed on Aug. 26, 2002,
`110W,
`P?“ , N0~
`9792:3423 WhiCh
`is
`a
`continuation—iii—part ot applicatlon No. 09/500,346,
`filedonFeb.8,2000,nowPat.No.6,442,504,whichis
`a continuation-in-part of application No, 09/128,490:
`said
`application
`No.
`11/560,569
`is
`21
`continuation-in-part of application No. 10/733,957,
`PledonDCC‘.11*2.0032 nowpat‘NO' 7724.37945‘Wh1Ch
`15
`a
`C01111111131110“'m'PaIT
`0f
`a1313110319011 N0.
`09/849,559, and a continuation-in—part of application
`No.
`10/061,016,
`and a
`continuation-in-part of
`application No. 10/227,781, said application No.
`11/560,569isacontinuation-impartoi'applicationNo.
`10/931,288, filed on Aug. 31, 2004, now Pat. No.
`7164117 which is
`a
`continuation-in— an Of
`’
`.’
`.
`’
`P
`application No. 10/303,364, filed on Nov. 25, 2002,
`110W
`Pat.
`N0.
`6:784:379,
`which
`is
`a
`continuation-in-part of application No. 10/174,803,
`filed on Jun. 19, 2002, now Pat. No. 6,958,451, which
`is
`a
`continuation-in-part
`of
`application No.
`09/500,346, and a continuation-in-part of application
`No. 09/849,558, filed on May 4, 2001, now Pat. No.
`6,653,577, which is
`a
`continuation-in—part of
`application No. 09/193,209, said application No.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`10/ 174,803 isacontinuation-in-partofapplicationNo.
`09/849,559, and a continuation-in-part of application
`NO. 09/901,879, said application NO. 11/560.569 is a
`continuation-in-part Of application NO. 10/940,881.
`filed on Sep. 13, 2004, now Pat. No. 7,663,502, which
`is
`a
`continuation-in-part
`of
`application
`\0.
`10/061,016, and a continuation-in-part of application
`No.
`10/ 174,803,
`and a
`continuation-in-part of
`application No. 10/227,781, said application \0.
`11/560,569isacontinuation—in—partofapplicationVo.
`11/278,979,
`filed on Apr. 7, 2006, now Pat. \0.
`7,386,372, and a continuation-in—part of application
`No. ll/420,297, filed on May 25, 2006, now Pat. \0.
`7,330,784, and a continuation-in—part of application
`No. 11/423,521, filed on Jun. 12, 2006, now Pat. \10.
`7,523,803, and a continuation-in—part of application
`No. 11/428,436, filed on Jul. 3, 2006, now Pat. \0.
`7,860,626, and a continuation-in-part of application
`No. 11/456,879, filed on Jul. 12, 2006, now Pat. \0.
`7,575,248, and a continuation—in—part of application
`No.
`11 #1575904:
`filed on Jul.
`173 2006,
`0w
`abandoned, and a continuation-in—part of applicatlon
`N0~ 11/4705715: filed on Sep. 75 2006: HOW Pat \0-
`7,762,582.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(56)
`
`_
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,672,699 A *
`6/1972 DeWindt ...................... 280/735
`
`3,736,795 A *
`6/1973 Andersson
`73/862632
`
`Page 2 of 75
`
`Page 2 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 1 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`Page 3 of 75
`
`Page 3 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 2 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`Page 4 of 75
`
`Page 4 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 3 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`5
`
`9,60,61, /
`
`(72,62,632
`
`
`
`T
`
`””413
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Page 5 of 75
`
`Page 5 of 75
`
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 4 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`59,60,61,62,62’,63,64)
`
`mi.
`58
`LE]
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 6 of 75
`
`Page 6 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 5 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 7 of 75
`
`Page 7 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 6 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 8 of 75
`
`Page 8 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 7 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 8E \
`
`\\‘:_m\:;,, \ v—\
`
`
`
`Page 9 of 75
`
`Page 9 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 8 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`Heart Beat
`Sensor 71
`
`Capacitive
`777777Motion
`FIG_ 9
`
`Sensor 78
`Sensor 73
`
`
`Weight
`
`Sensors 6 & 7‘
`
`SeatTrack
`"
`~
`Network
`
`
`
`
`
`7T
`mm // I —‘\—[
`w
`:rgifsztsorst
`250
`
`
`Gate
`
`6 ChC
`
`U itrason ic
`Sensor
`D'
`C'
`
`rt
`
`_ \\
`
`MW
`
` Ultrasonic Sensor F
`UltrasonicSensor8/7;
`58rrver WCU'
`\\\\\
`fl
`fl
`
`\\\+ Processing]
`9 mm
`, Circuit 63
`'7
`LEELSEEEEnéoTx
`
`
`\ VV
`a CM
`7777777777777777777777777777777 /
`Multiplex
`Band Pass Filt
`Ampl'f'er >ADC
`
`
`
`Clrourt
`50
`62______
`59
`UltrasonicSenso
`5 ChB
`mm
`
`
`/
`
`3% Obtain Information
`:
`
`About Contents ;<—
`of Seat
`
`=g
`
`Generate Signal
`339
`k Based on Contents
`Only When Present
`
`
`340
`\‘
`
`
`
`341
`
`\
`
`\
`
`Signal
`Analysis
`
`¢
`
`Deployment
`Control
`
`No Crash
`
`Signal
`Received
`
`FIG. 26
`
`Page 10 of 75
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Crash
`
`
`Received
`
`l Signal
`Occupant
`342
`k Restraint
`Device
`
`Page 10 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 9 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`FIG. mm)
`
`FIG. 10(6)
`
`
`
`Page 11 of 75
`
`Page 11 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 10 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`Mount Sensors into Vehicle
`
`
`
`
`Determine Occupant Position Vectors
`
`
`l
`
`
`
`
`
`Collect Training Vectors
`
`
`
`
`
`
`l
`
`Data Processing - Noise Removal
`l
`Data Processing - Normalization
`
`l
`
`
`
`l
`
`Neural Network Training & Testing
`=
`
`
`
`
`l
`
`‘
`l
`
`Generation of Algorithm
`
`
`
`Transfer Algorithm to Microprocessor
`
`8'1
`
`8'2
`
`8-3
`
`3'4
`
`3'5
`
`8-6
`
`3-7
`
`S-8
`
`FIG. 12
`
`Page 12 of 75
`
`Page 12 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 11 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`139140141
`
`LAYER 1
`
`FFH or FFCS
`RFCS or OOPH
`VACANT
`
`Page 13 of 75
`
`Page 13 of 75
`
`
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 12 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Optical Image
`Reception (106)
`
`
`323;)Denvauon
`
`Processor
`(109)
`
`|
`Security System
`5 or other Vehicle
`Componentfl 10)
`
`Training Phase of
`Pattern
`Recognition
`Algorithm (108)
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 16
`
`Page 14 of 75
`
`Page 14 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 13 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`\ Train Pattern
`giggflglighase \fi42/
`'w‘ Recognition
`n
`
`Algorithm
`
`1 l 6\ Obtain Image(s)
`Including Driver
`
`1 1 5
`
`Set System In
`\’/ Training Phase
`
`
`
`Obtain Images
`\v’ Including
`
`Authorized Driver(s)
`
`112\
`
`113\
`
`11 4
`
`
`
`
`
`11
`
`A l P tt
`
`7\ Ragga?
`
`Algorithm
`
`1 18
`
`V98
`‘
`
`
`
`Does Pattern
`Recognition
`Algorithm Indicate
`Image Includes
`Authorized Driver /
`
`No
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Sound
`Alarm/Contact
`Police
`
`
`
`FIG, 17
`
`1 1 9’"
`
`5
`
`E bl
`na .6
`fill?” °f
`6 1c 6
`
`
`
`Page 15 of 75
`
`Page 15 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 14 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`356
`
`18A ‘—“#\
`
`
`
`164 A‘\ ‘1
`
`161
`
`162
`
`#472
`
`flso
`
`165
`
`
`183
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 16 of 75
`
`Page 16 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 15 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Page 17 of 75
`
`Page 17 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 16 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
` FIG. 203
`
`Page 18 of 75
`
`Page 18 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 17 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`193
`
`K
`
`,193
`
`/,193
`
`198"
`
`j
`
`180
`
`199’”\
`
`\
`
`180
`
`200 ’\
`/‘\
`
`180
`
`FIG. 21A
`
`FIG. ZIB
`
`FIG. 21C
`
` Interrogator
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 22A
`
`Page 19 of 75
`
`
`
`
`
`
`208
`
`1“
`
`Page 19 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 18 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`17
`,1;
`
`
`’
`
`
`1
`
`:7»;
`‘4»
`245
`
`1
`
`
`1
`248
`7V
`
`( XT\\ (5541/ FIG. 23E
`\ X4 11
`‘
`
`
`
`,
`24:17
`\\;
`
`Page 20 of 75
`
`Page 20 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 19 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`F1G. 23A
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 23D
`
`Page 21 of 75
`
`Page 21 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 20 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
` FIG. 25A
`
`
`
`Page 22 of 75
`
`Page 22 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 21 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`Information
`
`About Contents
`
`FIG. 27
`
`
`
`
`
`
`egg???
`\\345
`
`
`
`
`\ _.
`
`Contents
`on Seat?
`\
`\V \‘343
`
`NW3“
`\
`ls
`/ Child seat
`‘>\
`f7“\Prejj:/4;
`
`:
`
`:
`
`351
`
`
`
`I
`
`Detei'mine
`ls Child\\
`Deployment
`SeatIn Particular\ aI
`Controt
`Orientation /9I
`Signal
`\Present?/
`I
`f
`v
`:349
`
`
`
`
`/
`
`Is Child\\
`/
`//Seat in ParticulaF\ /
`Position
`
`resent?
`\
`\\~348
`
`OCCUP?”t
`RestraInt
`Device
`
`/
`
`359/
`
`FIG. 28
`
`352
`
`Page 23 of 75
`
`Page 23 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 22 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`/
`
`if
`
`364
`Pressure sensor
`
`/ 358
`
`
`352
`Airbag
`!
`FIG. 28A TMN”
`
`
`
`357
`lnflator
`
`
`Apparatus
`or
`Seat
`
`
`Control
`
`Means
`
`Measurement
`Means
`
`
`
`
`
`Processor
`
`FIG. 29A
`
`Means
`
`Seat
`
`Power
`Means
`
`Controi
`Means
`
`Positiomng
`
` Adjustment
`
`Measurement
`Means
`
`Memory
`Means
`
`FIG. 298
`
`
`
`Page 24 of 75
`
`Page 24 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 23 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`Occupant W
`Morphology
`
`p Determination
`396
`
`30
`
`FIG 30
`
`
`
`
`
`V
`g
`3 Component
`
`401
`
`4
`
`y Determination
`397
`
`
`
`
`
`Seat
`Memory
`Adjusiment m Means
`Means
`398
`tional)
`
`\
`
`9
`
`6
`
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 31
`
`391M\_
`
`390’“
`
`27 /’
`
`Page 25 of 75
`
`Page 25 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 24 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`
`
`
`370
`
`Page 26 of 75
`
`Page 26 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 25 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`430
`
`\\
`
`Morphoiogy
`Determining x
`System
`
`FIG. 33A
`
`
`
`Page 27 of 75
`
`Page 27 of 75
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`Aug. 7, 2012
`
`Sheet 26 of 26
`
`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`150
`
`\ Presence
`Determining
`Means
`
`151
`Means for
`
`
`Determining
`
`
`.
`.
`Occupant
`v
`Health State
`Location (& Velocuty
`
`of Occupant
`Determlnln
`or Part Thereof
`9
`
`152
`
`Means
`
`157'
`
`Vehicle
`
`Position
`Determining
`Means
`
`Processor
`
`lnp_ut
`Devrce
`
`158
`
`153
`
`Cemmunications
`Unit
`
`
`
`Vehicular
`
`Component
`or Subsystem
`
`155
`
`154
`
`156
`
`158
`
`158
`
`600\
`
`
`Sensing
`System
`
`593-
`
`3
`
`\ ‘ Environmental
`E
`Sensors T\
`
`592
`
`“
`“
`Vehicle f
`
`Sensors
`/‘ 594
`
`
`
`
`Video
`
`
`
`
`Crash
`
`Sensor
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(i
`/
`Conferencing ‘ X599
`k/
`2 K)
`\\J\ Dealer/Repair
`2
`
`
`J
`K
`kv\
`Facility
`Law Enforcement 4 )
`
`
`
`r“; Facility l
`5957/
`l EMS
`l
`Manufacturer \ 7598
`
`FIG. 36
`
`597
`
`Page 28 of 75
`
`Page 28 of 75
`
`

`

`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`1
`ARRANGEMENT FOR SENSING WEIGHT OF
`AN OCCUPYING ITEM IN A VEHICULAR
`SEAT
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
`Ser. No. 11/560,569 filed NOV. 16, 2006, now abandoned,
`which is:
`1. a continuation—in—part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser.
`No. 10/413,426 filed Apr. 14, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.
`7,415,126, which is:
`A. a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/849,559
`filed May 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,962, which is a
`CIP ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/193,209 filed Nov.
`17,1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,701 , whichis a CIP ofU.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 09/128,490 filed Aug. 4, 1998,
`now U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,854, which is:
`l) a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/474,783
`filed Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,707; and
`2) a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/970,822
`filed Nov. 14, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,081,757; and
`B. a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/901,879
`filed Jul. 9, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,766:
`C. a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/061,016
`filed Jan. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,516; and
`D. a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/227,781
`filed Aug. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,342, which is a
`CIP ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/500,346 filed Feb.
`8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,504, which is a CIP ofU.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 09/128,490 filed Aug. 4, 1998,
`now U.S. Pat. No. 6,078,854, the history ofwhich is set forth
`above; and
`2. a CIP ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/733,957 filed
`Dec. 11, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,945, which is:
`A. a CIP of U.S. pa ent application Ser. No. 09/849,559
`filed May 4, 2001, now is. Pat. No. 6,689,962, the history of
`which is set forth above;
`B. a CIP of U.S. pa ent application Ser. No. 10/061,016
`filed Jan. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,516, the history
`of which is set forth above;
`C. a CIP of U.S. pa ent application Ser. No. 10/227,781
`filed Aug. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,342, the history
`of which is set forth above; and
`3. a ClP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/931,288 filed
`Aug. 31, 2004, now L .8. Pat. No. 7,164,] 17, which is aCIP
`of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/303,364 filed NOV.
`25, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,784,379, which is a CIP of
`U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/174,803 filed Jun. 19,
`2002, now U.S. Pat. \10. 6,958,451, which is:
`A. a CIP of U.S. pa ent application Ser. No. 09/500,346
`filed Feb. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,504, the history of
`which is set forth above;
`B. a CIP of U.S. pa ent application Ser. No. 09/849,558
`filed May 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,653,577, which is a
`CIP ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/193,209 filed Nov.
`17,1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,242,701, the history ofwhich is
`set forth above;
`C. a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/849,559
`filed May 4,2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,689,962, the history of
`which is set forth above; and
`D. a CIP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/901,879
`filed Jul. 9, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,555,766, the history of
`which is set forth above;
`4. a ClP of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/940,881 filed
`Sep. 13, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,663,502, which is:
`
`
`
`10
`
`tou.
`
`30
`
`40
`
`50
`
`u. u.
`
`60
`
`
`
`2
`A. a CIP of L .S. patent application Ser. No. 10/061,016
`filed Jan. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,833,516, the history
`of which is set forth above;
`B. a CIP of L .S. patent application Ser. No. 10/174,803
`filed Jun. 19, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,451, the history
`of which is set forth above; and
`C. a CIP of L .S. patent application Ser. No. 10/227,781
`filedAug. 26, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,342, the history
`of which is set forth above;
`5. a CIP of U.S. oatent application Ser. No. 11/278,979 filed
`Apr. 7, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,386,372;
`6. a CIP of U.S. 3atent application Ser. No. 11/420,297 filed
`May 25, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,330.784:
`7. a CIP of U.S. oatent application Ser. No. 11/423,521 filed
`Jun. 12, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,523,803;
`8. a CIP of US. talent application Ser. No. 11/428,436 filed
`Jul. 3, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,860,626;
`9. a CIP ofU.S. 3atent application Ser. No. 11/456,879 filed
`Jul. 12, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,575,248;
`10. a CIP ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/457,904 filed
`Jul. 17, 2006 now abandoned; and
`11. a CIP ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/470,715 filed
`Sep. 7, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,762,582.
`This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser.
`No. 09/226,023 filed Jan. 6, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,134,
`492, Ser. No. 09/500,347 filed Feb. 8, 2000, now US. Pat. No.
`6,330,501, Ser. No. 09/500,876 filed Feb. 9, 2000, now U.S.
`Pat. No. 6,253,134, Ser. No. 10/302,106 filed Nov. 22, 2002,
`now U.S. Pat. No. 6,782,316, Ser. No. 10/895,121 filed Jul.
`21,2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,407,029, Ser. No. 11/010,819
`filed Dec. 13, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,387,183, Ser. No.
`11/065,668 filed Feb. 24, 2005, Ser. No. 11/191,850 filed Jul.
`28,2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,246, and Ser. No. 11/369,
`088 filed Mar. 6, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,413,048, on the
`grounds that they contain common subject matter.
`All of the above-referenced applications are incorporated
`by reference herein.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for
`sensing, measuring or deriving the weight of an occupying
`item of the vehicle seat and using tie sensed, measured or
`derived weight to control a component in the vehicle.
`
`
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE lNVENTlON
`
`There are numerous patents, patent applications, technical
`papers and other references mentioned below and in applica-
`tions incorporated by reference herein which provide back-
`ground information of the invention, and which themselves
`are incorporated by reference herein.
`Background information about
`the invention claimed
`herein is found in particular in the ’957 application. Defini-
`tions ofterms used in the instant application are also set forth
`in the ’957 application, among others.
`Preferred embodiments of the invention are described
`below and unless specifically noted, it is the applicants’ inten-
`tion that the words and phrases in the specification and claims
`be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of
`ordinary skill in the applicable art(s). 1f the applicants intend
`any other meaning, they will specifically state they are apply—
`ing a special meaning to a word or phrase.
`Likewise, applicants’ use ofthe word “function” here is not
`intended to indicate that the applicants seek to invoke the
`special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, to
`define their invention. To the contrary, if applicants wish to
`
`Page 29 of 75
`
`Page 29 of 75
`
`

`

`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`5
`
`10
`
`tou.
`
`30
`
`40
`
`50
`
`u. u.
`
`60
`
`3
`invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, to
`define their invention, they will specifically set forth in the
`claims the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function,
`without also reciting in that phrase any structure, material or
`act in support of the function. Moreover, even if applicants
`invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, to
`define their invention, it is the applicants’ intention that their
`inventions not be limited to the specific structure, material or
`acts that are described in the preferred embodiments herein.
`Rather, if applicants claim their inventions by specifically
`invoking the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §1 12, sixth paragraph, it
`is nonetheless their intention to cover and include any and all
`structure, materials or acts that perform the claimed function,
`along with any and all known or later developed equivalent
`structures, materials or acts for perfomiing the claimed func-
`tion.
`
`SUMIVIARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`A11 arrangement for measuring weight of an occupant of a
`seat comlected to a floor ofthe vehicle via a slide mechanism,
`including a support structure extending between the slide
`mechanism and the seat, and a force sensing device coupled to
`the support structure and configured for measuring force in
`the support structure indicative ofweight applied by the occu-
`pant to the seat. \Iumerous components in the vehicle can be
`controlled based at least in part on the measured weight ofthe
`occupant, or other occupying item in the seat.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`
`
`The following drawings are illustrative of embodiments of
`the system developed or adapted using the teachings of at
`least one of the inventions disclosed herein and are not meant
`to limit the scope of the invention as encompassed by the
`claims.
`FIG. 1 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a
`vehicle showingthe passenger compartment containing a rear
`facing child seat on the front passenger seat and a preferred
`mounting location for an occupant and rear facing child seat
`presence detector including an antenna field sensor and a
`resonator or reflector placed onto the forwardmost portion of
`the child seat.
`FIG. 2 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed
`showing schematically the interface between the vehicle inte—
`rior monitoring system of at least one of the inventions dis-
`closed herein and the vehicle cellular or other telematics
`communication system including an antenna field sensor.
`FIG. 3 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a
`vehicle showing the passenger compartment containing a box
`on the front passenger seat and a preferred mounting location
`for an occupant and rear facing child seat presence detector
`and including an antenna field sensor.
`FIG. 4 is a side view with parts cutaway and removed of a
`vehicle showing the passenger compartment containing a
`driver and a preferred mounting location for an occupant
`identification system and including an antenna field sensor
`and an inat‘tentiveness response button.
`FIG. 5 is a side view, with certain portions removed or cut
`away, of a portion ofthe passenger compartment of a vehicle
`showing several preferred mounting locations of occupant
`position sensors for sensing the position ofthe vehicle driver.
`FIG. 6 shows a seated-state detecting unit in accordance
`with the present invention and the connections between ultra-
`sonic or electromagnetic sensors, a weight sensor, a reclining
`angle detecting sensor, a seat track position detecting sensor,
`
`Page 30 of 75
`
`
`
`
`
`4
`a heartbeat sensor, a motion sensor, a neural network, and an
`airbag system installed within a vehicle compartment.
`EIG. 6A is an illustration as in FIG. 6 with the replacement
`of a strain gage weight sensor within a cavity within the seat
`cushion for the bladder weight sensor of FIG. 6.
`EIG. 6B is a schematic showing the manner in which
`dynamic forces of the vehicle can be compensated for in a
`weight measurement of the occupant.
`7IG. 7 is a perspective view of a vehicle showing the
`position of the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors relative
`to he driver and front passenger seats.
`EIG. 8A is a side planar view, with certain portions
`removed or cut away, of a portion of the passenger compart-
`ment of a vehicle showing several preferred mounting loca-
`tions of interior vehicle monitoring sensors shown particu-
`larly for sensing the vehicle driver illustrating the wave
`pattern from a CCD or CMOS optical position sensor
`motmted along the side of the driver or centered above his or
`her head.
`FIG. 8B is a view as in FIG. 8A illustrating the wave pattern
`from an optical system using an infrared light source and a
`CCD or CMOS array receiver using the windshield as a
`reflection surface and showing schematically the interface
`between the vehicle interior monitoring system of at least one
`of the inventions disclosed herein and an instrument panel
`mounted inattentiveness warning light or buzzer and reset
`button.
`FIG. 8C is a View as in FIG. 8A illustrating the wave pattern
`from an optical system using an infrared light source and a
`CCD or CMOS array receiver where the CCD or CMOS array
`receiver is covered by a lens permitting a wide angle view of
`the contents of the passenger compartment.
`FIG. 8D is a view as in FIG. 8A illustrating the wave pattern
`from a pair of small CCD or CMOS array receivers and one
`infrared transmitter where the spacing of the CCD or CMOS
`arrays permits an accurate measurement of the distance to
`features on the occupant.
`FIG. 8E is a view as in FIG. 8A illustrating the wave pattern
`from a set of ultrasonic transmitter/receivers where the spac-
`ing of the transducers and the phase of the signal permits an
`accurate focusing ofthe ultrasonic beam and thus the accurate
`measurement of a particular point on the surface of the driver.
`EIG. 9 is a circuit diagram ofthe seated-state detecting unit
`of the present invention.
`FIGS. 10(a), 10(1)) and 10(c) are each a diagram showing
`the configuration of the reflected waves of an ultrasonic wave
`transmitted from each transmitter of the ultrasonic sensors
`toward the passenger seat, obtained within the time that the
`reflected wave arrives at a receiver, FIG. 10(a) showing an
`example of the reflected waves obtained when a passenger is
`in a normal seated—state, FIG. 10(1)) showing an example of
`the reflected waves obtained when a passenger is in an abnor-
`mal seated-state (where the passenger is seated too close to
`the instrument panel), and FIG. 10(r:) showing a transmit
`pu se.
`"1G. 11 is a diagram of data processing of the reflected
`waves from the ultrasonic or electromagnetic sensors.
`EIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the training steps of a neural
`network.
`EIG. 13a is an explanatory diagram of a process for nor-
`malizing the reflected wave and shows normalized reflected
`waves.
`
`
`
`EIG. 13b is a diagram similar to FIG. 13a showing a step of
`extracting data based on the normalized reflected waves and a
`step of weighting the extracted data by employing the data of
`the seat track position detecting sensor, the data of the reclin—
`ing angle detecting sensor, and the data of the weight sensor.
`
`Page 30 of 75
`
`

`

`US 8,235,416 B2
`
`loca
`
`5
`F G. 14 is a perspective view of the interior of the passen—
`ger compartment of an automobile, with parts cut away and
`removed, showing a variety oftransmitters that can be used in
`a phased array system.
`F G. 15 is a perspective view of a vehicle containing an
`adult occupant and an occupied infant seat on the front seat
`with the vehicle shown in phantom illustrating one preferred
`ion of the transducers placed according to the methods
`taught in at least one of the inventions disclosed herein.
`F G. 16 is a schematic illustration of a system for control-
`ling operation of a vehicle or a component thereof based on
`recognition of an authorized individual.
`F G. 17 is a schematic illustration of a method for control-
`ling operation of a vehicle based on recognition of an indi-
`vidual.
`F G. 18 is a perspective view ofa seat shown in phantom.
`with a movable headrest and sensors for measuring the height
`of the occupant from the vehicle seat, and a weight sensor
`shown mounted onto the seat.
`
`F G. 18A is a view taken along line 18A-18A in FIG. 18.
`F G. 18B is an enlarged view ofthe section designated 18B
`in F G. 18.
`F G. 18C is a view of another embodiment of a seat with a
`weight sensor similar to the view shown in FIG. 18A.
`F G. 18D is a view of another embodiment of a seat with a
`weight sensor in which a SAW strain gage is placed on the
`bottom surface of the cushion.
`F G. 19 is a perspective view of a one embodiment of an
`apparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item ofa
`seat illustrating weight sensing transducers mounted on a seat
`control mechanism portion which is attached directly to the
`seat.
`FIG. 20 illustrates a seat structure with the seat cushion and
`back cushion removed illustrating a three-slide attachment of
`the seat to the vehicle and preferred mounting locations on the
`seat structure for strain measuring weight sensors of an appa-
`ratus for measuring the weight of an occupying item of a seat
`in accordance Vvith the invention.
`F G. 20A illustrates an alternate view of the seat structure
`transducer mounting location taken in the circle 20A of FIG.
`20 with the addition of a gusset and where the strain gage is
`mounted onto the gusset.
`F G. 20B illustrates a mounting location for a weight sens-
`ing transducer on a centralized transverse support member in
`an asparatus for measuring the weight of an occupying item
`of a seat in accordance with the invention.
`F GS. 21A, 21B and 21C illustrate three alternate methods
`of mounting strain transducers of an apparatus for measuring
`the weight of an occupying item of a seat in accordance with
`the invention onto a tubular seat support structural member.
`F G. 22 illustrates an alternate weight sensing transducer
`utilizing pressure sensitive transducers.
`F G. 22A illustrates a part of another alternate weight
`sensing system for a seat.
`F G. 23 illustrates an altemate seat structure assembly
`utilizing strain transducers.
`F G. 23A is a perspective view of a cantilevered beam type
`load cell for use with the weight measurement system of at
`least one of the inventions disclosed herein for mounting
`loca ions of FIG. 23, for example.
`F G. 23B is a perspective view of a simply supported beam
`type load cell for use with the weight measurement system of
`at least one of the inventions disclosed herein as an alternate
`to the cantilevered load cell of FIG. 23A.
`F G. 23C1s an enlarged view ofthe portion designated 23C
`in F G. 23B.
`
`
`
`10
`
`lgu.
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`50
`
`u. u.
`
`60
`
`Page 31 of 75
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`6
`3IG. 23D is a perspective view ofa tubular load cell foruse
`wi h the weight measurement system of at least one of the
`inventions disclosed herein as an alternate to the cantilevered
`load cell of FIG 23A
`3IG. 23Eis a perspective view ofa torsional beam load cell
`for use with the weight measurement apparatus in accordance
`Vvi h the invention as an alternate to the cantilevered load cell
`of FIG. 23A