W s
`
`UTILITY
`SERIAL
`NUMBER
`
`PATENT DATE
`JAN 0 4 MI°
`
`PATENT
`NUMBER(cid:9)
`
`. SERIAL NUMBER
`
`FILING DATE CLASS
`
`—20 (
`
`SUBCLASS
`4
`
`1111311
`-
`
`11
`111
`----
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`11111
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`GROUP ART UNIT
`
`CONT I NU I NGi DATA (cid:9)
`4, .4 4: ,;r:(cid:9)
`: :::::: ::: :::: *
` •
`VER I lc I ED(cid:9)
`THIS APPL(cid:9) N IS A CIP OF(cid:9)
`
`M44447...ii •
`
`08/565.029 12/ 0 1 /9S FAT
`
`5, 7:32 ,:R7
`
`I
`
`Foreign priority claimed(cid:9) q yes „ Eno
`36 USC 119 conditions met(cid:9) q ye(cid:9)
`no
`Yy
`Veraled andAdmowledged(cid:9)
`Examiner's Initials
`
`AS
`FILE
`1.11*
`
`SHEETS
`STATE OR
`COUNTRY DRWGS.
`
`TOTAL
`CLAIMS
`
`INDEF.
`CLAIMS
`
`FILING FEE
`RECEIVED
`
`ATTORNEY'S
`DOCKET NO .
`
`U.S. DEPT. OF COMM./PAT. iliTM--PT0-438L (Rey.12-94
`
`miner
`Applicatio(cid:9)
`CLAIMS A LOWED
`Print Claim
`Total Claims(cid:9)
`
`\lone( Beau Ireck
`Assistant Examiner
`
`WILLIAM A. CUCHLINSKI, JR.
`SUPERVISORY PATENT EXAMINER
`TECHNOLOP, r.FNTFP 3600
`Primary Examiner
`PREPARED FOR ISSUE
`
`Sheets Drwg
`
`ISSUE
`BATCH
`NUMBER
`
`DRAWING
`Figs. Drwg.
`I Q)
`
`Print Fig.
`
`PARTS OF APPLICATION
`FILED SEPARATELY
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`
`ISSUE FEE
`Amount Due(cid:9)
`Date Paid
`
`Label
`Area
`
`WARNING: The information disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauth d‘disclosure may be prohibited
`by the United States Code Title 35, Sections 122, 181 d 368. Possession outside the U.S.
`Patent & Trademark Office is restricted to authorize mployees and contractors only.
`
`Form PTO-436A
`(Rev. 8/92)„.
`
`AP, NI
`
`praWillgff L.__Siits) set
`Ca— A-
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 1
`
`(cid:9)
`

`
`)76.5-959-f,U1S:::,Vra
`
`PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO.
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`07/15/1997 EKURTZ 00000040 DAN:040549 08868338
`770.00 CH
`01 FC:101(cid:9)
`154.00 CH
`02 FC:103(cid:9)
`
`PTO-1556
`(5/87)
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 2
`
`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`
`RS-8 REV. 9/29/95(cid:9)
`
`..=.7Z■■
`
`131AN,(cid:9)
`
`0
`007.*- et:\
`
`H-198088
`
`DELCO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
`P.O. BOX 905
`ERC BUILDING - MS D -32
`KOKOMO , IN 46904
`
`313 oft 2
`Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks
`Box Patent Application
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`Sir:
`
`Enclosed for filing are the following patent application papers:
`Docket No.:(cid:9)
`H-198088
`Inventors:(cid:9)
`DUANE DONALD FORTUNE
`ROBERT JOHN CASHLER
`
`Title:(cid:9)
`
`OCCUPANT DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AIR
`BAG SYSTEM
`Filing Fee Formula
`Basic Fee (cid:9) (cid:9)
`Additional Fees:
`Number of independent claims in excess
`of 3, times $80.00 (cid:9) (cid:9)
`0.00
`Number of claims in excess of 20,
`times $22.00 (cid:9) (cid:9)
`154.00
`Multiple dependent claim, add $260.00 (cid:9)
`0.00
`Total Filing Fee (cid:9) (cid:9)
`924.00
`The patent specification H-198088 entitled OCCUPANT DETECTION METHOD AND
`APPARATUS FOR AIR BAG SYSTEM and filed in the Patent and Trademark Office
`herewith is the patent specification for which the inventor(s) executed the
`Declaration enclosed herewith.
`
`770.00
`
`Please charge the $924.00 filing fee to Delco Electronics Corporation Deposit
`Account No. 04-0549.
`
`Enclosures
`
`L. FUNKE
`Reg. No. 34166
`317/451-3481
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 3
`
`

`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`H-198088
`
`OCCUPANT DETECTION METHOD AND
`APPARATUS FOR AIR BAG SYSTEM
`
`5 Field of the Invention
`This invention relates to an occupant restraint system
`using an occupant detection device and particularly to an airbag
`system having seat pressure detectors in the seat.
`
`213Lai
`
`10 Background of the Invention
`The expanding use of supplemental inflatable restraints
`(SIRs) or air bags for occupant protection in vehicles
`increasingly involves equipment for the front outboard passenger
`seat. The driver side air bag has been deployed whenever an
`15 imminent crash is sensed. The position and size of the driver is
`fairly predictable so that such deployment can advantageously
`interact with the driver upon a crash. The passenger seat,
`however, may be occupied by a large or a small occupant including
`a baby in an infant seat. It can not be assumed that a passenger
`of any size is at an optimum position (leaning against or near
`the seat back). In a system designed for effective interaction
`with a full sized adult, an advantageous interaction with a small
`person may not be attained. In such cases it is preferred to
`disable the passenger side airbag when a small person occupies
`the seat or when the seat is empty.
`It has been proposed in U.S. Patent No.-5,474,327 to
`Schousek, entitled "VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT WITH SEAT PRESSURE
`g• 17r Aru et North, AY, /95
`SENSOR", and in U.S. Patent
`We •
`“. (cid:9)
`
`I-(cid:9)
`
`I'(cid:9)
`
`10'(cid:9)
`
`. 11(cid:9)
`
`•(cid:9)
`
`'
`
`30
`
`and assigned to the assignee of this
`invention, to incorporate pressure sensors in the passenger seat
`and monitor the response of the sensors by a microprocessor to
`evaluate the weight and weight distribution, and for inhibiting
`deployment in certain cases. These disclosures teach the use of
`35 sensors on the top surface of the seat, just under the seat
`cover, and algorithms especially for detecting the presence and
`orientation of infant seats. Both of these disclosures form a
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 4
`
`

`
`2
`
`foundation for the present invention and are incorporated herein
`by reference. It is desirable, however to provide a system which
`is particularly suited for discriminating between heavy and light.
`occupants and for robust operation under dynamic conditions such
`5 as occupant shifting or bouncing due to rough roads.
`
`Summary of the Invention
`It is therefore an object of the invention to
`discriminate in a SIR system between large and small seat
`10 occupants for a determination of whether an airbag deployment
`should be permitted. Another object in such a system is to
`maintain reliable operation in spite of dynamic variations in
`sensed pressures.
`A SIR system, as is well known, has an acceleration
`15-: sensor to detect an impending crash, a microprocessor to process
`the sensor signal and to decide whether to deploy an air bag, and
`a deployment unit fired by the microprocessor. An occupant
`detection system can determine if an occupant or infant seat is
`positioned in a way to not benefit from deployment, and then
`signaling the microprocessor whether to allow or inhibit
`deploying the air bag.
`A number of sensors, judicially located in the seat,
`can garner sufficient load and distribution information to allow
`determination of the occupant size. Each sensor is a very thin
`25 resistive device, having lower resistance as pressure increases.
`This information is then used to determine whether to inhibit
`airbag deployment. The sensors are arranged in groups in the
`seat. A microprocessor is programmed to sample each sensor,
`determine a total weight parameter by summing the forces,
`30 . determine the forces on local groups of sensors, and averaging or
`filtering to provide several different measures of seat
`occupancy, each of which can be used determine whether to allow
`deployment.
`
`35 Brief Description of the Drawings
`
`2
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
`
` Page 5
`
`

`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`5
`
`3
`
`The above and other advantages of the invention will
`become more apparent from the following description taken in
`conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like
`references refer to, like parts and wherein:
`Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a prior art SIR
`system incorporating - Seat occupant detector;
`Figure 2 is a cross section of a seat equipped with
`pressure sensors, acc ding to the invention;
`Figure(cid:9)
`is a view of a seat support of Figure 2
`10 equipped with pressure ensors;
`Figure(cid:9)
`is flow chart representing an overview of an
`algorithm for determining deployment consent according to the
`invention;
`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`Figure 5 is a flow chart representing a method of
`is computing decision me ures used in the algorithm of Figure 4;
`Figure(cid:9)
`is a flow chart representing a method of
`computing variable(cid:9)
`esholds according to the invention;
`Figure 7 is a graphical representation of a function
`used in fuzzy logic for determining load ratings and a fuzzy
`measure;
`
`2(cid:9)
`
`25
`
`Figure 8 is a flow chart representing a method of
`computing an adult loeiC flag according to the invention;
`Figure 9 is a flow chart for deployment decision
`according to the inve ion; and
`Figure 1 is a flow chart representing a method of
`filtering allow and inhibit decisions according to the invention.
`
`Description of the Invention
`Referring to Figure 1, a SIR system includes a SIR
`30 module 13 coupled to a seat occupant sensing system 14. The SIR
`module 13 includes an accelerometer 15 mounted on the vehicle
`body for sensing an impending crash, a microprocessor 16 for
`receiving a signal from the accelerometer and for deciding
`whether to deploy an air bag. An air bag deployment unit 18 is
`35 controlled by the microprocessor 16 and fires a pyrotechnic or
`compressed gas device to inflate an air bag when a deploy command
`
`3
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
`
` Page 6
`
`

`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`is received. A fault indicator 20, also controlled by the
`microprocessor 16 will show a failure of the seat occupant
`sensing system 14.
`It is the aim of the seat sensing system 14 to inhibit
`5 air bag deployment when a seat is empty or occupied by a small
`child, while allowing deployment when the occupant is large. For
`example, the system may be tuned to always inhibit deployment for
`occupants weighing less than 66 pounds, and always allow
`deployment for occupants exceeding 105 pounds. The seat occupant
`10 sensing system 14 comprises a microprocessor 22 having a 5 volt
`supply and an enabling line 24 periodically provided with a 5
`volt enabling pulse, and a series of voltage dividers coupled
`between the enabling line 24 and ground. Each voltage divider
`has a fixed resistor 26 in series with a pressure sensor or
`variable resistor 28, and the junction point of each resistor 26
`and variable resistor 28 is connected to an A/D port 30 of the
`microprocessor 22. The microprocessor 22 controls the pulse on
`enabling line 24 and reads each sensor 28 voltage during the
`pulse period. The microprocessor 22 analyzes the sensor inputs
`and issues a decision whether to inhibit air bag deployment and
`the decision is coupled to the microprocessor 16 by a line 32.
`The microprocessor 22 also monitors its decisions for consistencY
`and issues a fault signal on line 34 to the microprocessor 16 if
`faults continue to occur over a long period.
`Each fixed resistor 26 is, for example, 10 kohms and
`the variable resistors vary between 10 kohms at high pressure and
`100 kohms at low pressure. Then the voltage applied to the ports
`30 will vary with pressure. Each sensor comprises two polyester
`sheets each having a film of resistive ink connected to a
`30 &conductive electrode, the two resistive films contacting one
`another such that the resistance between electrodes decreases as
`pressure increases. Such pressure sensors are available as ALPS
`pressure sensors from Alps Electric Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
`Figure 2 shows a seat cushion 36 having an upper
`35 surface 38 for holding an occupant, and a lower surface 40 seated
`on a rigid sheet or plastic form 42 which in turn is supported by
`
`25:
`
`4
`
`4
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
`
` Page 7
`
`

`
`5
`
`1(cid:9)
`
`a seat subassembly 44. The form 42, also shown in Figure 3,
`holds a dozen pressure sensors 28 on its upper surface so that
`the sensors are pressed against the bottom surface 40 of the seat
`cushion 36. Automotive seat cushions assemblies do not normally
`5 have the form 42 but here it serves to hold the sensors 28 and to
`provide a reaction surface for the sensors, allowing each sensor
`to detect a force imposed by the weight of a seat occupant.
`The method of operation is illustrated by a series of
`flowcharts wherein the functional description of each block in
`10 the chart is accompanied by a number in angle brackets <nn> which
`corresponds to the reference number of the block. The overall
`operation is shown in Figure 4 wherein the sensor values are
`read by the microprocessor 22 <46> and the data is adjusted by
`bias correction and low pass filtering <48>. Once every 100 ms
`one sensor at a time is turned on and sampled. Then a bias
`calibrated for each sensor is subtracted from each sensor
`reading. Then all decision measures are computed <50> and
`decision algorithms are run <52>. The algorithm output is
`filtered to avoid the effects of transient events and ultimately
`20' a decision is made to allow or inhibit air bag deployment <54>.
`Then either an inhibit signal is issued <56> or an allow signal
`is issued <58>. The microprocessor executes the algorithm every
`100 ms.
`
`The computation of decision measures, as shown in
`25 Figure 5, involves calculating total force and its threshold,
`sensor load ratings and measure, long term average of sensor
`readings and its threshold, the measure of each sensor group
`(right, left, etc.) and corresponding threshold, and a fuzzy
`measure of sensor-readings. A fixed threshold is provided for
`30 'the fuzzy measure and the load rating measure. The other
`thresholds are variable.
`The variable threshold for a measure will slowly
`increase if the measure is above a selected minimum activity
`level (chosen for each measure) and will quickly decrease if the
`35 measure is below the level. Inhibit times are chosen for each
`measure to control the rate of increase or decrease; for increase
`
`5
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
`
` Page 8
`
`

`
`6
`
`1(cid:9)
`
`the time T1 is preferably in the range of 30 to 300 seconds, and
`for decrease the time T2 is preferably less than 1 second. The
`threshold is allowed to vary between a minimum value and a
`maximum value. The variable threshold is calculated as shown in
`5 Figure 6. For this and subsequent flowcharts the functional
`description of each block in the chart is accompanied by a number
`in angle brackets <nn> which corresponds to the reference number
`of the block. Inhibit times are selected for each measure. The
`inhibit times T1 and T2 for the particular measure is retrieved
`10 from memory <60>. If the measure is above the minimum activity
`level <62> and below the variable threshold <64>, and a timer is
`greater than T2 <66>, the threshold is incremented <68> and the
`timer is reset <70>. When the measure is less than the minimum
`activity level <62> and the timer exceeds T1 <72>, the threshold
`is decremented <74> and the timer reset <70>.
`Referring again to Figure 5, the total force is simply
`the sum of the sensor outputs. The load ratings are determined
`in the same way as in the above mentioned application SN
`08/566,029 and as reflected in Figure 7. There if a measure has
`26: a value lower than a it has a zero rating and if it has a value
`greater than b has a maximum rating, while intermediate values
`are linearly dependent on the measure. Thus each sensor is given
`a rating (fuzzy term) depending on its output and reflects the
`certainty that a load is present. The sum of the ratings gives
`25 the load rating measure. The long term average is calculated by
`1) averaging all the sensor outputs in each sample period, 2)
`averaging all of the averages over, say, 16 sample periods, and
`then 3) long term filtering the result - by passing the result
`through a low pass software filter with a 10 to 20 second time
`30 constant. The filter output is the long term average measure.
`Each group measure is the sum of sensor outputs for various
`groups of sensors such as a right croup, left group, front group,
`rear group and central group.
`The fuzzy measure is calculated by 1) applying the
`35 Figure 7 function to the long term average measure to obtain a
`long term fuzzy value, 2) applying the Figure 7 function to the
`
`6
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
`
` Page 9
`
`

`
`7
`
`load rating measure to obtain .a load rating fuzzy value, and 3)
`calculating the product of the two fuzzy values.
`Figure 8 is a flowchart for processing an Adult Lock
`Flag which will be used is the main decision algorithm. The term
`5 "Adult" refers not to the age or maturity of an occupant but
`rather to a weight which is chosen to distinguish from a small
`child. When the Adult Lock Flag is set, the output decision will
`always be to allow deployment. The algorithm uses a lock
`threshold which is above the total force threshold range and an
`10 unlock threshold which represents an empty seat. It also uses a
`lock delay on the order of one to five minutes, and a lock timer
`which measures the time since vehicle ignition is turned on. If
`the decision filter 54 is at its maximum value, the total force
`is greater than the lock threshold, and the lock timer is larger
`than the lock delay <76>, a flag value is increased toward a
`maximum value <78> and the Adult Lock Flag is set <80>. If the
`decision at block 76 is No, it is determined whether the total
`force is above the unlock threshold <82> and if not, whether the
`total force is below the unlock threshold and the flag value is
`greater than zero <84>. If so, the flag value is decremented
`toward zero <86>, and in either case the flag value is tested
`<88>; if the value is above zero the Flag is set <80> and if the
`value is zero the Flag is cleared <90>.
`The main decision algorithm 42 is shown in Figure 9.
`2_j Note that this algorithm will result in an allow or an inhibit
`decision, but this decision is preliminary, subject to subsequent
`filtering to obtain a final consent to .deployment. Each measure
`is determined to be high or low by comparison with its variable
`threshold if one has been computed, or against a fixed threshold.
`30 The Adult Lock Flag is processed <92> according to Figure 8 and
`if the Flag is set <94> an allow decision is made. If not, and
`the load rating is low <96> an inhibit decision is made. If the
`rating is not low the total force is tested <98, 100>. If high,
`an allow decision is issued and if low an inhibit decision is
`35 issued. If neither, it is determined whether the long term
`average measure <102> the load rating <104>, or a group measure
`
`7
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 10
`
`

`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)It will thus be seen that process of determining
`
`<106> is high, and to issue an allow decision. Finally, if no
`decision has yet been made, an allow or inhibit decision is made
`on the basis of the fuzzy measure <108>.
`The final judgment of whether to consent to deployment
`5 is made in the decision filter as shown in Figure 10. An up and
`down counter starting at zero and having a maximum count of 255
`is used. If an allow decision is made <42> the counter is
`incremented <110> and if an inhibit decision is made the counter
`is decremented <112>. When the count exceeds 133 <114> final
`10 consent to deployment is granted <116>; if consent is already
`present, a count over 123 is needed to maintain that state to
`afford hysteresis. When the count falls below 123 the consent is
`revoked and deployment will be inhibited. Assuming that the
`increment size is one count, at the 100 ms loop execution rate a
`15‘ minimum of 13.3 seconds will be required to issue the consent,
`and at least 25.5 seconds are needed to reach the maximum count
`needed to set the Adult Lock Flag. Similarly, once the maximum
`count is attained, at least 13.2 seconds are needed to revoke the
`consent.
`
`20",
`
`8
`
`whether an adult size person is occupying the seat is carried out
`---er by analyzing sensor output with several measures to insure both
`that deployment will be allowed with a large occupant and will
`not occur with a small occupant. Rapid detection of large adults
`25 is enabled by the total force and load rating measures, while
`dynamic sensor outputs caused by frequent occupant movement are
`managed by the long term average measure. The fuzzy measure
`helps discriminate between large and small occupants in
`borderline cases. The seat structure with sensors placed on the
`30 bottom surface of the seat cushion permits sensing of occupant
`weight without great sensitivity to localized forces on the top
`surface of the seat. Off center weight distributions caused by
`sitting on a seat edge or leaning in one direction are still
`detectable.
`
`35
`
`8
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
`
` Page 11
`
`

`
`9
`
`CLAIMS
`
`The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive
`property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
`
`I
`
`1.
`In a vehicle restraint system having a controller
`for deploying air bags and means for selectively allowing
`deployment according to the outputs of seat sensors responding to
`the weight of an occupant, a method of allowing deployment
`according to sensor response including the steps of:
`determining measures represented by individual sensor
`outputs and calculating from the sensor outputs a relative weight
`parameter;
`
`establishing a first threshold of the relative weight
`
`parameter;
`
`allowing deployment when the relative weight parameter
`is above the first threshold;
`establishing a lock threshold above the first
`
`threshold;
`
`setting a lock flag when the relative weight parameter
`is above the lock threshold and deployment has been allowed for a
`given time;
`establishing an unlock threshold at a level indicative
`of an empty seat;
`clearing the flag when the relative weight parameter is
`below the unlock threshold for a time; and
`allowing deployment while the lock flag is set.
`
`5
`
`10
`
`2S
`
`2. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the means for
`of inhibiting deployment,
`allowing deployment also is capa(cid:9)
`30 ,including:
`
`establishing a seco(cid:9)
`parameter; and
`inhibiting deplo nt when the relative weight
`parameter is below the sec d threshold.
`
`reshold of the relative weight
`
`35
`
`9
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
`
` Page 12
`
`

`
`10
`
`The method defined in claim 1 wherein the relative
`3.
`weight parameter is the total force detected by all the sensors.
`
`The method defined in claim 1 wherein the relative
`4.
`5 weight parameter is a long term average obtained by the following
`steps:
`
`averaging all sensor outputs over a plurality of sample
`events to obtain a cumulative average; and
`long term filtering the cumulative average to obtain
`10 the long term average.
`
`5. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the relative
`weight parameter is a load rating obtained by:
`calculating a load rating for each sensor as a function
`of the difference between the sensor output and a base value; and
`summing the load rating for all the sensors to derive a
`total load rating.
`
`1(cid:9)
`
`The method defined in claim 1 wherein the relative
`6.
`2'0 weight parameter is a fuzzy value obtained by:
`calculating a total load rating for all the sensors;
`determining a fuzzy load value from the total load
`
`rating;
`
`calculating a long term average for all the sensors;
`determining a fuzzy average value from the long term
`average; and
`combining the fuzzy average and the fuzzy load value to
`obtain the fuzzy value.
`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`23(cid:9)
`
`30
`
`7. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the step of
`setting the lock flag is executed in repetitive loops and
`comprises:
`
`incrementing a flag value toward a maximum value in
`each loop when the relative weight parameter is above the lock
`35 threshold;
`
`10
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
`
` Page 13
`
`

`
`11
`
`decrementing the flag value toward zero in each loop
`when the relative weight parameter is less than the unlock
`threshold; and
`setting the lock flag when the flag value is greater
`5 than zero and clearing the flag when the flag value is zero,
`so 4A,..0A-
`.witeassb* the flag value at any time determines the minimum time
`for clearing the flag.
`
`10(cid:9)
`
`The method defined in claim 7 including:
`8.
`enabling the incrementing step only when a decision
`filter reaches a maximum count; and
`the decision filter includes
`incrementing a counter toward a maximum count in
`each loop when an allow decision is present, and
`decrementing the counter when an allow decision is
`absent.
`
`9. The method defined in claim 1 wherein a step of
`allowing deployment is a preliminary allow decision and final
`20 deployment consent is attained by long term filtering of the
`allow decision.
`
`10. The method defined in claim 1 wherein a step of
`allowing deployment is a preliminary allow decision and final
`25--: deployment consent is attained by the steps of:
`beginning at a zero count, periodically incrementing a
`counter toward a maximum count when an allow decision is present;
`periodically decrementing the counter when an allow
`decision is absent;
`establishing an allow threshold; and
`issuing deployment consent when the counter count
`exceeds the threshold.
`
`30(cid:9)
`
`11. The method defined in claim 10 wherein the allow
`35 threshold has a first value when deployment consent is absent and
`
`11
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 14
`
`

`
`
`
`10
`
`12
`
`a lower value when deployment consent is present to afford
`hysteresis.
`
`12. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the step of
`5 establishing a first threshold includes varying the first
`threshold over time as a function of the relative weight
`parameter when the relative weight parameter is below the first
`threshold.
`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)15. The method defined in claim 13 wherein increasing(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`13. The method defined in claim 1 wherein the step of
`establishing a first threshold includes varying the first
`threshold over time within a defined range by the steps of:
`setting a minimum activity level of the relative weight
`parameter below the defined range;
`15 increasing the first threshold when the relative weight
`parameter is above the minimum activity level and below the first
`threshold;
`
`2 0
`
`25 -
`
`decreasing the first threshold when the relative weight
`parameter is below the minimum activity level.
`
`14. The method defined in claim 13 wherein increasing
`the first threshold is permitted only after set adjustment times
`have elapsed since a previous variation.
`
`or decreasing the first threshold is permitted only after set
`adjustment times have elapsed since the previous adjustment.
`
`16. In a vehicle restraint system having a controller
`30 for deploying air bags and means for inhibiting deployment when a
`seat is not occupied by an adult including seat sensors
`responding to the weight of an occupant, a method of inhibiting
`and allowing deployment according to sensor response including
`the steps of:
`determining forces represented by individual sensor
`outputs and total force represented by all sensor outputs;
`
`35(cid:9)
`
`12
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 15
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`

`
`
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`10
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`(cid:9) (cid:9)(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`15
`
`20
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`establishing a first threshold of total force and a
`second threshold below the first threshold;
`inhibiting deployment when the total force is below a
`second threshold, and allowing deployment when the total force is
`5 above the first threshold;
`establishing a lock threshold above the first
`
`13
`
`threshold;
`
`setting a lock flag when the total force is above the
`lock threshold and deployment has been allowed for a given time;
`establishing an unlock threshold at a level indicative
`of an empty seat;
`clearing the flag when the total force is below the
`unlock threshold for a time; and
`allowing deployment while the lock flag is set.
`
`17. In a vehicle restraint system having a controller
`for deploying air bags, means for inhibiting and allowing
`7deployment according to whether a seat is occupied by a person of
`at least a minimum weight comprising:
`seat sensors responding to the weight of an occupant to
`n produce sensor outputs;
`a microprocessor coupled to the sensor outputs and
`programmed to inhibit and allow deployment according to sensor
`response and particularly programmed to
`determine measures represented by individual
`sensor outputs and calculate from the sensor outputs a
`relative weight parameter,
`establish a first threshold of the relative weight
`parameter,
`allow deployment when the relative weight
`parameter is above the first threshold,
`establish a lock threshold above the first
`threshold,
`set a lock flag when the relative weight parameter
`is above the lock threshold and deployment has been
`allowed for a given time,
`
`13
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 16
`
`

`
`14
`
`establish an unlock threshold at a level
`indicative of an empty seat,
`clear the flag when the relative weight parameter
`is below the unlock threshold for a time, and
`allow deployment while the lock flag is set.
`
`5(cid:9)
`
`18. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein:
`the seat comprises a resilient pad having a top surface
`10 for bearing an occupant and a bottom surface;
`a support mounting the bottom surface; and
`the seat sensors are arrayed on the bottom surface for
`sensing forces imposed by the weight of the occupant.
`
`19. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein:
`the seat comprises a resilient pad having a top surface
`for bearing an occupant and a bottom surface;
`a support including a panel supporting the bottom
`20:nsurface; and
`the seat sensors are arrayed in an interface defined by
`the bottom surface and the panel for sensing forces imposed by
`the weight of the occupant.
`
`20. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein the microprocessor is further
`programmed to inhibit deployment when the relative weight
`parameter is below a second threshold.
`
`30(cid:9)
`
`21. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein the relative weight parameter is the
`total force detected by all the sensors.
`
`22. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`35 defined in claim 17 wherein relative weight parameter is a long
`
`14
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 17
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`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`
`(cid:9) (cid:9)
`
`5
`
`15
`
`term average of sensor outputs and the microprocessor is further
`programmed to
`average all sensor outputs over a plurality of sample
`events to obtain a cumulative average, and
`long term filter the cumulative average to obtain the
`long term average.
`
`23. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein the relative weight parameter is a
`10 total load rating of the sensors and the microprocessor is
`further programmed to
`calculate a load rating for each sensor as a function
`of the difference between the sensor output and a base value; and
`sum the load rating for all the sensors to derive a
`15 total load rating.
`
`24. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein to set the lock flag the
`microprocessor Apr! is further programmed to
`periodically increment a flag value toward a
`maximum value when the relative weight parameter is
`above the lock threshold,
`periodically decrement the flag value toward zero
`when the relative weight parameter is less than the
`unlock threshold, and
`set the lock flag when the flag value is greater
`than zero and clear the flag when the flag value is
`zero, 601-sty the flag value at any time determines the
`minimum time for clearing the flag.
`
`ti
`
`25. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein a decision to allow deployment is a
`preliminary decision, and to make a final consent decision the
`microprocessor is programmed to
`periodically increment a counter toward a maximum
`count when an allow decision is present,
`
`==.
`
`25 '-j-t
`
`ear
`
`30
`
`35(cid:9)
`
`15
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 18
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`16
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`periodically decrement the counter when an allow
`decision is absent,
`establish an allow threshold, and
`issue final consent when the counter count exceeds
`the threshold.
`
`5
`
`26.
`Means for ,inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein to establish a threshold the
`microprocessor is programmed to vary the first threshold over
`10 time as a function of the relative weight parameter when the
`relative weight parameter is below the first threshold.
`
`27. Means for inhibiting and allowing deployment as
`defined in claim 17 wherein to establish a first threshold which
`15 is variable within a defined range the microprocessor is
`programmed to
`
`2 (Y:i
`
`set a minimum activity level of the relative
`weight parameter below the defined range,
`increase the first threshold when the relative
`weight parameter is above the minimum activity level
`and below the first threshold, and
`decrease the first threshold when the relative
`weight parameter is below the minimum activity level.
`
`16
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 19
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`(cid:9)
`(cid:9)
`

`
`17
`
`H-198088
`
`OCCUPANT DETECTION METHOD AND
`APPARATUS FOR AIR BAG SYSTEM
`5 Abstract of the Disclosure
`
`Pressure sensors on the bottom surface of a seat
`cushion respond to occupant weight. A microprocessor evaluates
`the sensor outputs according to total force, load rating, long
`10 term average, sensor groups and a fuzzy measure to discriminate
`between large and small occupants and allow air bag deployment
`for large but not small occupants. Allow and inhibit decisions
`are filtered avoid sudden response to transient pressure changes
`on the seat. When a large occupant is positively detected, an
`15 allow decision is locked in place as long as total force exceeds
`a threshold.
`
`17
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1002
` Page 20
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`

`
`RS-1 REV. 4/13/93(cid:9)
`
`H-198088, Page 1
`
`DECLARATION
`and
`DESIGNATION OF CORRESPONDE