llilllIlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllilllll||l|||||l|||||l|l||||||
`US005474327A
`USOO5474327A
`5,474,327
`[ii] Patent Number:
`[11] Patent Number:
`5,474,327
`Dec. 12,1995
`[45] Date of Patent:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Mark A. Navarre
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Mark A. Navarre
`
`United States Patent tw]
`United States Patent [19]
`Schousek
`Schousek
`
`[54] VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT WITH
`[54] VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT WITH
`SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR
`SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR
`[75]
`Inventor: Theresa J. Schousek, Kokomo, Ind.
`[75] Inventor: Theresa J. Schousek, Kokomo, Ind.
`[73] Assignee: Delco Electronics Corporation,
`[73] Assignee? Delco Electronics Corporation,
`Kokomo, Ind.
`Kokomo, Ind.
`
`[57]
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACT
`ABSTRACT
`
`An air bag restraint system is equipped with seat occupant
`An air bag restraint system is equipped with seat occupant
`sensing apparatus for a passenger seat which detects both
`sensing apparatus for a passenger seat which detects both
`infant seats and adults and distinguishes between rear and
`infant seats and adults and distinguishes between rear and
`forward facing infant seats. Air bag deployment is inhibited
`forward facing infant seats. Air bag deployment is inhibited
`.
`.
`.
`.
`when an occupied rear facing infant seat is present. The
`when an occupied rear facing infant seat is present. The
`sensing apparatus comprises eight variable resistance pres_
`sensing apparatus comprises eight variable resistance pres­
`sure sensor in the seat cushion. The response of each sensor
`sure sensor in the seat cushion. The response of each sensor
`_
`_
`_
`to occupant pressure 15 monitored by a microprocessor
`to occupant pressure is monitored by a microprocessor
`which calculated total weight and weight distribution. The
`which calculated total weight and weight distribution. The
`weight is used to discriminate between an occupied infant
`weight is used to discriminate between an occupied infant
`seat, an adult and no occupant. The weight distribution is
`seat, an adult and no occupant. The weight distribution is
`used to distinguish between forward and rear facing infant
`used to distinguish between forward and rear facing infant
`seats. Another embodiment uses the occupant sensing along
`seats. Another embodiment uses the occupant sensing along
`_
`_
`_
`.
`_
`.
`Wlth Seat belt fastemng d?tectlon t0 lndlcate when a Seat 18
`with seat belt fastening detection to indicate when a seat is
`occupied and the belt is not fastened.
`occupied and the belt is not fastened.
`
`11 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`11 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`,
`
`.
`
`..
`
`[2]] App} No . 325 718
`[21] Appl. No.: 325,718
`_
`Jan. 10, 1995
`[22] Filed:
`[22] Filed:
`Jan. 10, 1995
`[51] Int. CI.6
`Int. Cl.6 ................................................... .. B60R 21/32
`[51]
`B60R 21/32
`[52] US. Cl. ...................... .. 280/735; 180/268; 280/730.1
`[52] U.S. CI
`280/735; 180/268; 280/730.1
`[58] Field of Search
`280/730.1, 732,
`[58] Field of Search ............................... .. 280/7301, 732,
`280/735; 180/268
`280/735; 180/268
`
`[56]
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`5,074,583 12/1991 Fujita et al. .......................... .. 280/735
`5,074,583 12/1991 Fujitaetal
`.. 280/735
`5,161,820 11/1992 Vollmer ...... ..
`5,161,820 11/1992 Vollmer
`280/730.1
`5,172,790 12/1992 Ishikawa et a1. ..
`5,232,243
`8/1993 Blackburn et al. ................... .. 230/732
`5,172,790 12/1992 Ishikawa et al.
`.
`.. 180/268
`.. 280/732
`5,232,243
`8/1993 Blackburn et al.
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Alps Product Brochure (publication date unknown).
`Interlink Product Brochure (publication date unknown).
`Alps Product Brochure (publication date unknown).
`Interlink Product Brochure (publication date unknown).
`Primary Examiner-—Kenneth R. Rice
`Primary Examiner—Kenneth R. Rice
`
`132
`132
`
`128
`
`INDICATOR
`INDICATOR
`
`CONTROL
`CIRCUIT
`CONTROL
`CIRCUIT
`
`130
`
`130
`
`126
`
`""" "
`
`122
`
`120
`
`124
`
`\
`
`I
`
`UT*
`
`12°
`
`‘"122
`
`124
`
`v
`
`i /
`
`=>
`120
`
`x:
`
`124
`
`• 1 2 2
`
`y
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1003
` Page 1
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 12,1995
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 1 of 4
`Sheet 1 0f 4
`
`5,474,327
`5,474,327
`
`9 +5V
`f LM
`28
`24
`l V“
`30
`.
`30 28
`,6
`!
`K / 8/
`16
`p
`/
`T
`w
`é DECISION
`5 LW‘
`tr
`DC
`O
`O
`7
`CO
`m
`w
`3i
`M???
`CO
`CO
`CO
`ui
`UJ
`o
`o
`O
`O
`25.
`O
`E
`E 30
`2a
`-
`26 •
`cr
`tr
`an
`\
`28
`Q.
`s
`Q.
`O
`8
`2
`3o
`26'
`O
`r30
`r26
`DC
`CC
`o
`o
`T Z~A/vV
`2
`2
`) 28
`
`26
`26
`
`•
`
`DECISION
`
`1
`
`32
`
`FAULT
`FAULT
`7
`s4
`34
`
`l
`
`? 22 30
`
`I 22
`
`28
`26 ='
`26
`28'
`\
`|
`' SEAT OCCUPANT
`V
`DETECTOR
`SIR MODULE
`12
`SIR MODULE i sE*rOC«JRWr
`12
`I
`
`FIG - 6
`FIG - 6
`
`14
`14
`\
`ACCELEROMETER
`ACCELEROMETER
`
`20
`20
`
`\
`
`FAULTINDICATOR
`FAULT INDICATOR
`\
`18
`
`.
`AIR BAG
`DEPLOYMENT T
`AIR BAG
`DEPLOYMENT
`
`10‘)
`10
`
`132
`132
`
`128
`
`INDICATOR .
`
`INDICATOR -
`I
`
`CONTROL
`CIRCUIT
`CONTROL
`CIRCUIT
`
`13o
`
`130
`
`1 2 2 "
`
`120
`
`g """ ";
`
`______ _
`
`126 ir
`3U
`
`124
`
`ii
`
`/
`
`12°
`
`120
`
`*--122
`
`124
`
`PHC
`n j
`124
`
`•122
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1003
` Page 2
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 12,1995
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 4
`Sheet 2 0f 4
`
`5,474,327
`5,474,327
`
`37 "VT
`
`42
`
`c
`D
`0 o
`
`FIG - 2
`
`B
`
`38
`4P C
`5^
`
`A A
`P
`
`B
`
`28
`
`|
`
`SD
`i
`
`36
`
`37
`
`D
`
`28
`
`I—. ^
`
`46
`
`48
`
`I
`
`50
`
`46
`
`FIG-3
`FIG - 3
`
`50
`
`52
`
`FIG-4
`FIG - 4
`
`48
`
`36
`
`52
`
`36
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1003
` Page 3
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 12, 1995
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 3 of 4
`Sheet 3 of 4
`
`5,474,327
`5,474,327
`
`INITIALIZE TIMER
`60
`INITIALIZE TIMER /\--60
`*:
`
`62
`62
`
`YES
`
`FIG - 5A
`FIG - 5A
`
`LESS
`LESS
`THAN ONE
`THAN ONE
`wSECOND„
`SECOND
`NO
`64
`SAMPLE EACH sENsoR "/- 64
`SAMPLE EACH SENSOR
`I
`I
`66
`FORCE = CALIBRATION - SAMPLE f 66
`FORCE = CALIBRATION - SAMPLE
`I
`I
`CALCULATE TOTAL WEIGHT PARAMETER
`CALCULATE TOTAL WEIGHT PARAMETER
`I
`I
`CALCULATE CENTER OF WEIGHT m 70
`-70
`CALCULATE CENTER OF WEIGHT
`72
`72
`
`68
`68
`
`IS
`IS
`TOTAL WEIGHT >
`MAX INFANT SEAT
`YES
`TOTAL WEIGHT
`THRESHOLD
`MAX INFANT SEAT >
`^THRESHOLD^^
`
`f 74
`74
`
`' ADULT DETECTED
`* ADULT DETECTED
`' DEPLOY DECISION
`* DEPLOY DECISION
`
`.
`
`76
`76
`
`8i
`
`NO
`IS
`TOTAL WEIGHT <
`IS
`MIN INFANT SEAT
`TOTAL WEIGHT
`THRESHOLD
`MIN INFANT SEAT
`OURESHOLD^X^
`NO
`8
`OT\._ INFANT SEAT 0R
`NO
`SMALL CHILD
`DETECTED
`INFANT SEAT OR
`SMALL CHILD
`DETECTED
`IS
`CENTER OF
`WEIGHT FORWARD OF
`IS
`CALIBRATED
`CENTER OF
`REFERENCE
`WEIGHT FORWARD OF
`LINE ?
`CALIBRATED
`NO
`REFERENCE
`s.
`^v^LINE?^^
`* FORWARD FACING w 86
`INFANT SEAT DETECTED
`NO
`’ DEPLOY DECISION
`4 FORWARD FACING
`INFANT SEAT DETECTED
`* DEPLOY DECISION
`
`YES
`YES
`
`78
`‘_>
`
`' SEAT EMPTY
`' NOT DEPLOY DECISION
`* SEAT EMPTY
`* NOT DEPLOY DECISION
`
`82
`82
`
`YES
`
`f- 84
`84
`
`’ REARWARD FACING
`INFANT SEAT DETECTED __>
`" NOT DEPLOY DECISION
`* REARWARD FACING
`INFANT SEAT DETECTED
`* NOT DEPLOY DECISION
`
`86
`
`C
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1003
` Page 4
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`US. Patent
`
`Dec. 12,1995
`Dec. 12, 1995
`
`Sheet 4 of 4
`Sheet 4 of 4
`
`5,474,327
`5,474,327
`
`FIG - 5B
`FIG - 5B
`
`94
`W94
`INCREMENT DECISION COUNTER
`INCREMENT DECISION COUNTER —->
`
`C
`
`C? (‘90
`
`90
`
`STORE DECISION IN ARRAY
`STORE DECISION IN ARRAY
`
`92
`92
`YES
`
`HAVE
`HAVE
`LESS THAN
`^ LESS THAN
`5 DECISIONS BEEN
`5 DECISIONS BEEN
`STOQFIED
`\ STORED ^
`NO
`NO
`CLEAR DECISION COUNTER
`CLEAR DECISION COUNTER
`
`98
`98
`YES
`YES
`
`DE’C‘QECIIE #HE
`^ ARE ALL 5^
`SAME
`DECISIONS THE
`SAME .
`?
`o
`NO
`NO
`
`v
`
`J96
`96
`
`f
`106
`106
`TRANSMIT PREVIOUS DECISION
`1 r
`To SIR MODULE
`TRANSMIT PREVIOUS DECISION
`I
`TO SIR MODULE
`INCREMENT FAULTY DECISION COUNTER I108
`108
`
`I
`
`INCREMENT FAULTY DECISION COUNTER
`110
`
`Is
`DECIS‘IQNLggY ER
`UNT
`IS
`~
`> MAX ALLOWED UNSTABLE
`FACULTY
`READ’INGS
`YES
`^ DECISION COUNTER
`-
`> MAX ALLOWED UNSTABLE^/"—
`\ READINGS
`
`110
`
`NO
`
`( RETURN")
`
`.
`
`/
`
`100
`
`100
`
`*>
`
`TRANSMIT DECISION TO
`TRANSMIT DECISION TO
`SIR MODULE
`SIR MODULE
`‘ F 1 02
`I r
`102
`CURRENT DECISION IS NOw
`THE PREVIOUS DECISION
`CURRENT DECISION IS NOW
`THE PREVIOUS DECISION
`I f
`104
`I
`104
`CLEAR FAULTY DECISION
`CENTER
`CLEAR FAULTY DECISION
`——>
`CENTER
`
`*•
`
`“2
`
`112
`TRANSMIT FAULT To
`SIR MODULE
`TRANSMIT FAULT TO
`I
`#114
`SIR MODULE
`CLEAR FAULTY DECISION
`COUNTER
`I
`CLEAR FAULTY DECISION
`
`114
`v
`
`COUNTER i
`
`1 r
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1003
` Page 5
`
`

`
`1
`1
`VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT WITH
`VEHICLE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT WITH
`SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR
`SEAT PRESSURE SENSOR
`
`10
`10
`
`45
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`This invention relates to occupant restraints for vehicles
`This invention relates to occupant restraints for vehicles
`and particularly to a restraint system having seat sensors to
`and particularly to a restraint system having seat sensors to
`identify adult and infant seat occupancy.
`identify adult and infant seat occupancy.
`
`5,474,327
`5,474,327
`2
`2
`A large array of many hundreds of pressure sensors in or
`A large array of many hundreds of pressure sensors in or
`on a vehicle seat cushion can reveal a pressure profile which
`on a vehicle seat cushion can reveal a pressure pro?le which
`is distinctive for each type of seat occupant and can also
`is distinctive for each type of seat occupant and can also
`measure the weight of the occupant. An adult has one kind
`measure the weight of the occupant. An adult has one kind
`5 of profile, a front facing infant seat has another, and a rear
`of pro?le, a front facing infant seat has another, and a rear
`facing infant seat has still another. These profiles indicate
`facing infant seat has still another. These pro?les indicate
`that the "center of gravity" or center of weight distribution
`that the “center of gravity” or center of weight distribution
`is distinctive for each of these three conditions. Such an
`is distinctive for each of these three conditions. Such an
`array of sensors, however, is very expensive and the elec-
`array of sensors, however, is very expensive and the elec
`tronic equipment for servicing the array and analyzing the
`tronic equipment for servicing the array and analyzing the
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`pressure information is also expensive.
`pressure information is also expensive.
`It has been found, however, that a very small number of
`It has been found, however, that a very small number of
`The expanding use of supplemental in?atable restraints
`The expanding use of supplemental inflatable restraints
`sensors, judicially located in the seat, can garner su?icient
`(SIRs) or air bags for occupant protection in vehicles
`sensors, judicially located in the seat, can gamer sufficient
`(SIRs) or air bags for occupant protection in vehicles
`pressure and distribution information to allow determination
`increasingly involves equipment for the front outboard pas
`pressure and distribution information to allow determination
`increasingly involves equipment for the front outboard pas­
`of the occupant type and infant seat position. This informa
`senger seat. The driver side air bag has been deployed
`senger seat. The driver side air bag has been deployed 15 of the occupant type and infant seat position. This informa-
`tion, in turn, can be used as desired to inhibit SIR deploy
`whenever an imminent crash is sensed. The position and size
`tion, in turn, can be used as desired to inhibit SIR deploy­
`whenever an imminent crash is sensed. The position and size
`ment. Two sets of four sensors symmetrically arranged on
`of the driver is fairly predictable so that such deployment
`ment. Two sets of four sensors symmetrically arranged on
`of the driver is fairly predictable so that such deployment
`either side of a seat centerline are adequate to gather the
`can advantageously interact with the driver upon a crash.
`either side of a seat centerline are adequate to gather the
`can advantageously interact with the driver upon a crash.
`pressure data. In each set, two sensors are situated near the
`The passenger seat, however, may be occupied by a large or
`pressure data. In each set, two sensors are situated near the
`The passenger seat, however, may be occupied by a large or
`centerline and near the back of the seat cushion, the other
`a small occupant including a baby in an infant seat. It can not
`centerline and near the back of the seat cushion, the other
`a small occupant including a baby in an infant seat. It can not 20
`two are further forward and outboard, one on the wing of the
`be assumed that a passenger of any size is at an optimum
`two are further forward and outboard, one on the wing of the
`be assumed that a passenger of any size is at an optimum
`cushion and the other just inboard of the wing. Each sensor
`position (leaning against or near the seat back). An infant
`cushion and the other just inboard of the wing. Each sensor
`position (leaning against or near the seat back). An infant
`is a very thin resistive device, having lower resistance as
`seat is normally used in a rear facing position for small
`is a very thin resistive device, having lower resistance as
`pressure increases. A microprocessor is programmed to
`seat is normally used in a rear facing position for small
`babies and in a forward facing position for larger babies and
`sample each sensor, determine a total weight parameter by
`25
`pressure increases. A microprocessor is programmed to
`small children. While the forward facing position approxi
`babies and in a forward facing position for larger babies and
`summing the pressures registered by the several sensors, and
`small children. While the forward facing position approxi- 25 sample each sensor, determine a total weight parameter by
`mates the preferred position for air bag interaction, the rear
`determine the center of weight distribution from the sum of
`facing position places the top portion of the infant seat close
`summing the pressures registered by the several sensors, and
`mates the preferred position for air bag interaction, the rear
`the products of each sensed pressure and its distance from
`to the vehicle panel which houses the passenger side air bag.
`determine the center of weight distribution from the sum of
`facing position places the top portion of the infant seat close
`the rear of the seat, and dividing the product by the total
`In the latter event, it may be desirable to prevent deployment
`the products of each sensed pressure and its distance from
`to the vehicle panel which houses the passenger side air bag.
`weight.
`of the air bag. Similarly, if a passenger in the seat is leaning
`the rear of the seat, and dividing the product by the total
`In the latter event, it may be desirable to prevent deployment
`forward, it may be desirable to prevent air bag deployment.
`Based on the minimum weight of an occupied infant seat
`weight.
`of the air bag. Similarly, if a passenger in the seat is leaning 30
`(about 10 pounds) and the maximum weight of an occupied
`It has been proposed to use a magnet or other special
`forward, it may be desirable to prevent air bag deployment.
`Based on the minimum weight of an occupied infant seat
`infant seat (50 pounds), maximum and minimum thresholds
`attachment on an infant seat and a special sensor in the seat
`(about 10 pounds) and the maximum weight of an occupied
`It has been proposed to use a magnet or other special
`are calibrated, and those are compared to the measured total
`or panelboard which detects the attachment and allows
`infant seat (50 pounds), maximum and minimum thresholds
`attachment on an infant seat and a special sensor in the seat
`weight parameter to determine whether the vehicle seat is
`determination that an infant seat is present and is positioned
`or panelboard which detects the attachment and allows
`are calibrated, and those are compared to the measured total
`holding an occupied infant seat, a larger person, or has no
`in a particular way. Of course that arrangement is operable
`determination that an infant seat is present and is positioned 35 weight parameter to determine whether the vehicle seat is
`occupant. The center of weight distribution is used to
`only with the specially equipped infant seats; other infant
`in a particular way. Of course that arrangement is operable
`holding an occupied infant seat, a larger person, or has no
`determine the position of an infant seat, a rear facing seat
`seats and passengers are not serviced. A separate sensing
`having a weight center much further forward than a forward
`only with the specially equipped infant seats; other infant
`occupant. The center of weight distribution is used to
`system would have to be employed to detect the position or
`facing seat. Given the occupant information, it can then be
`seats and passengers are not serviced. A separate sensing
`determine the position of an infant seat, a rear facing seat
`presence of small children or adults.
`decided whether to deploy the air bag during a crash. The
`system would have to be employed to detect the position or
`having a weight center much further forward than a forward
`Seat belt restraint systems can also bene?t by information
`decision depends on the desired results which may be
`presence of small children or adults.
`40 facing seat. Given the occupant information, it can then be
`about the presence of passengers. For example, by monitor
`dictated by the legal requirements where the vehicle is
`decided whether to deploy the air bag during a crash. The
`ing which belts are buckled and which seats are occupied, a
`Seat belt restraint systems can also benefit by information
`operated. Typically, the air bag deployment will be pre
`decision depends on the desired results which may be
`warning display can inform the driver that some seat or a
`about the presence of passengers. For example, by monitor­
`vented at least in the case of an occupied rear facing infant
`particular seat is occupied and the belt is not utilized. Where
`dictated by the legal requirements where the vehicle is
`ing which belts are buckled and which seats are occupied, a
`.
`,
`.
`seat.
`an infant seat is in a vehicle seat and the infant seat is
`warning display can inform the driver that some seat or a
`operated. Typically, the air bag deployment will be pre­
`A sampling of the sensors and a deployment decision is
`occupied, this seat also should be belted in and the warning
`vented at least in the case of an occupied rear facing infant
`particular seat is occupied and the belt is not utilized. Where
`made periodically, say each second, and the system is
`system employed to detect a failure to meet this condition.
`seat.
`an infant seat is in a vehicle seat and the infant seat is
`monitored for failure by testing consistency of the decisions.
`A sampling of the sensors and a deployment decision is
`occupied, this seat also should be belted in and the warning
`If ?ve consecutive decisions are the same, that decision is
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`made periodically, say each second, and the system is
`system employed to detect a failure to meet this condition.
`validated and signalled to the SIR rnicrocontroller; if the ?ve
`50 monitored for failure by testing consistency of the decisions.
`decisions are not the same, a failure is registered and the
`It is therefore an object of the invention to detect a full
`If five consecutive decisions are the same, that decision is
`previous validated decision is maintained. In any event, a
`range of vehicle passengers including occupied infant seats
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`validated and signalled to the SIR microcontroller; if the five
`signal to enable or disable deployment is issued every ?ve
`supported on a vehicle seat. Another object is to detect such
`seconds. However the failures are counted and if a large
`decisions are not the same, a failure is registered and the
`passengers and to discriminate between rear facing and front
`It is therefore an object of the invention to detect a full
`number of failures occur, a failure signal is sent to the
`previous validated decision is maintained. In any event, a
`facing infant seats. Another object is to control a restraint
`range of vehicle passengers including occupied infant seats
`micro-controller.
`system in accordance with information developed by detect
`supported on a vehicle seat. Another object is to detect such 55 signal to enable or disable deployment is issued every five
`ing the presence of occupants and the positions of occupants.
`Another use of the seat pressure pro?le sensor in a
`seconds. However the failures are counted and if a large
`passengers and to discriminate between rear facing and front
`restraint system is for a seat belt warning indicator to advise
`number of failures occur, a failure signal is sent to the
`A SIR system, as is well known, has an acceleration
`facing infant seats. Another object is to control a restraint
`the vehicle operator whether any seat is occupied either by
`micro-controller.
`sensor to detect an impending crash, a micro-controller to
`system in accordance with information developed by detect­
`a baby in an infant seat or by a larger person, and the seat
`process the sensor signal and to decide whether to deploy an
`Another use of the seat pressure profile sensor in a
`ing the presence of occupants and the positions of occupants.
`belt for that seat is not fastened.
`air bag, and a deployment unit ?red by the micro-controller.
`A SIR system, as is well known, has an acceleration 60 restraint system is for a seat belt warning indicator to advise
`An occupant detection system can determine if an occupant
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`the vehicle operator whether any seat is occupied either by
`sensor to detect an impending crash, a micro-controller to
`or infant seat is positioned in a way to not bene?t from
`65
`a baby in an infant seat or by a larger person, and the seat
`process the sensor signal and to decide whether to deploy an
`The above and other advantages of the invention will
`deployment, and then signalling the micro-controller
`belt for that seat is not fastened.
`air bag, and a deployment unit fired by the micro-controller.
`become more apparent from the following description taken
`whether to allow deploying the air bag.
`An occupant detection system can determine if an occupant
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`or infant seat is positioned in a way to not benefit from 65
`The above and other advantages of the invention will
`deployment, and
`then signalling
`the micro-controller
`become more apparent from the following description taken
`whether to allow deploying the air bag.
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1003
` Page 6
`
`

`
`5,474,327
`5,474,327
`4
`3
`3
`4
`side of a seat center line and a second set 42 is symmetrically
`in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein
`in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein
`side of a seat center line and a second set 42 is symmetrically
`disposed on the left side of the center line. In each set, a
`like references refer to like parts and wherein:
`like references refer to like parts and wherein:
`disposed on the left side of the center line. In each set, a
`sensor at position A is close to the centerline and near the
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a SIR system and an
`sensor at position A is close to the centerline and near the
`FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a SIR system and an
`back of the cushion, a sensor at position B is outboard of
`associated seat sensor system according to the invention;
`back of the cushion, a sensor at position B is outboard of
`associated seat sensor system according to the invention;
`position A and further back. A third sensor 28 at position C
`position A and further back. A third sensor 28 at position C
`FIG. 2 is a top view of a vehicle seat cushion having 5
`is forward of position A and near the wing 37, and a fourth
`FIG. 2 is a top view of a vehicle seat cushion having
`is forward of position A and near the wing 37, and a fourth
`pressure sensors positioned on the seat, according to the
`sensor at position D is on the wing 37 and forward of
`pressure sensors positioned on the seat, according to the
`sensor at position D is on the wing 37 and forward of
`invention;
`invention;
`position C. Although weight distribution of an occupant may
`position C. Although weight distribution of an occupant may
`be assumed to be approximately balanced between left and
`FIG. 3 is an outline elevational view of a vehicle seat
`be assumed to be approximately balanced between left and
`FIG. 3 is an outline elevational view of a vehicle seat
`containing a rear facing infant seat illustrating an application 10 right
`sides of the seat, having sensors on both sides of the
`right sides of the seat, having sensors on both sides of the
`containing a rear facing infant seat illustrating an application
`10
`'
`"
`seat allows good data collection and measurement of total
`seat allows good data collection and measurement of total
`of the invention;
`of the invention;
`weight and distribution in the event of unbalance. Weight
`weight and distribution in the event of unbalance. Weight
`FIG. 4 is an outline elevational view of a vehicle seat
`FIG. 4 is an outline elevational view of a vehicle seat
`distribution is centered somewhere within the con?nes of the
`distribution is centered somewhere within the confines of the
`containing a forward facing infant seat illustrating an appli
`containing a forward facing infant seat illustrating an appli­
`sensor grouping and is calculated with reference to an
`sensor grouping and is calculated with reference to an
`cation of the invention;
`cation of the invention;
`arbitrary datum line 44 extending transversely of the seat.
`arbitrary datum line 44 extending transversely of the seat.
`FIGS. 5a, 5b and, in combination, comprise a ?ow chart
`FIGS. 5a, 5b and, in combination, comprise a flow chart 15
`The particular center of weight distribution is determined by
`The particular center of weight distribution is determined by
`representing a computer program for seat occupant detection
`representing a computer program for seat occupant detection
`calculating the product of each measured sensor response
`calculating the product of each measured sensor response
`and SIR control according to the invention; and
`and the sensor distance SD from the datum line 44, summing
`and SIR control according to the invention; and
`and the sensor distance SD from the datum line 44, summing
`FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a seat pressure sensor
`the products, and dividing the sum by the total of all the
`FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a seat pressure sensor
`the products, and dividing the sum by the total of all the
`and seat belt system according to another embodiment of the
`measured weights. In practice, it is found that the center of
`and seat belt system according to another embodiment of the
`measured weights. In practice, it is found that the center of
`invention.
`20
`weight varies greatly depending on the type of occupant and
`invention.
`20 weight varies greatly depending on the type of occupant and
`whether an infant seat faces forward or rearward.
`whether an infant seat faces forward or rearward.
`In FIG. 3, a vehicle seat 46 having a bottom cushion 36
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`In FIG. 3, a vehicle seat 46 having a bottom cushion 36
`instrumented according to the arrangement of FIG. 2, sup
`DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`Referring to FIG. 1, a SIR system includes a SIR module
`instrumented according to the arrangement of FIG. 2, sup-
`ports an infant seat 48 facing to the rear, which is the
`10 coupled to a seat occupant sensing system 12. The SIR
`ports an infant seat 48 facing to the rear, which is the
`Referring to FIG. 1, a SIR system includes a SIR module
`preferred position for small babies. Seat belts for securing
`module 10 includes an accelerometer 14 mounted on the
`preferred position for small babies. Seat belts for securing
`10 coupled to a seat occupant sensing system 12. The SIR
`the infant seat are not shown. The top or head portion 50 of
`vehicle body for sensing an impending crash, a micropro
`the infant seat 48 extends toward the front of the passenger
`the infant seat are not shown. The top or head portion 50 of
`module 10 includes an accelerometer 14 mounted on the
`cessor 16 for receiving a signal from the accelerometer and
`compartment and is spaced from the vehicle instrument
`vehicle body for sensing an impending crash, a micropro­
`the infant seat 48 extends toward the front of the passenger
`for deciding whether to deploy an air bag. An air bag
`panel 52. FIG. 4 shows the same infant seat 48 facing
`cessor 16 for receiving a signal from the accelerometer and
`compartment and is spaced from the vehicle instrument
`deployment unit 18 is controlled by the microprocessor 16
`forward and the head portion leans against the seat back. It
`panel 52. FIG. 4 shows the same infant seat 48 facing
`for deciding whether to deploy an air bag. An air bag
`and ?res a pyrotechnic or compressed gas device to in?ate
`is apparent by comparison of the FIGS. 3 and 4 that the
`forward and the head portion leans against the seat back. It
`deployment unit 18 is controlled by the microprocessor 16
`an air bag when a deploy command is received. A fault
`center of gravity of the rear facing infant seat is much further
`is apparent by comparison of the FIGS. 3 and 4 that the
`and fires a pyrotechnic or compressed gas device to inflate
`indicator 20, also controlled by the microprocessor 16 will I
`forward than the forward facing seat, and experimental data
`center of gravity of the rear facing infant seat is much further
`an air bag when a deploy command is received. A fault
`show a failure of the seat occupant sensing system 12.
`supports that conclusion. Adult occupants, when seated
`forward than the forward facing seat, and experimental data
`indicator 20, also controlled by the microprocessor 16 will
`The seat occupant sensing system 12 comprises a micro
`normally, have a center of gravity near the rear of the seat.
`supports that conclusion. Adult occupants, when seated
`show a failure of the seat occupant sensing system 12.
`processor 22 having a 5 volt supply and an enabling line 24
`The seat pressure sensor locations are selected to detect
`The seat occupant sensing system 12 comprises a micro­
`normally, have a center of gravity near the rear of the seat.
`periodically provided with a 5 volt enabling pulse, and a
`the difference of center of gravity of the rear and forward
`series of voltage dividers coupled between the enabling line
`The seat pressure sensor locations are selected to detect
`processor 22 having a 5 volt supply and an enabling line 24
`facing infant seats. In FIG. 2 the positions A and B mainly
`24 and ground. Each voltage divider has a ?xed resistor 26
`the difference of center of gravity of the rear and forward
`periodically provided with a 5 volt enabling pulse, and a
`re?ect the adult occupant presence and the positions C and
`in series with a pressure sensor or variable resistor 28, and
`facing infant seats. In FIG. 2 the positions A and B mainly
`series of voltage dividers coupled between the enabling line
`D mainly re?ect the infant seat presence. While the sensors
`the junction point of each resistor 26 and variable resistor 28
`are localized and do not actually weigh the whole person or
`24 and ground. Each voltage divider has a fixed resistor 26 40 reflect the adult occupant presence and the positions C and
`is connected to an AID port 30 of the microprocessor 22. The
`infant seat, they can measure weight parameters which
`in series with a pressure sensor or variable resistor 28, and
`£> mainly reflect the infant seat presence. While the sensors
`microprocessor 22 controls the pulse on enabling line 24 and
`together represent the total weight and can be empirically
`the junction point of each resistor 26 and variable resistor 28
`are localized and do not actually weigh the whole person or
`reads each sensor 28 voltage during the pulse period. The
`related to the total weight, and in the same way the center of
`is connected to an A/D port 30 of the microprocessor 22. The
`infant seat, they can measure weight parameters which
`microprocessor 22 analyzes the sensor inputs and issues a
`weight distribution calculations can approximate the real
`microprocessor 22 controls the pulse on enabling line 24 and
`together represent the total weight and can be empirically
`decision whether to inhibit air bag deployment and the
`center of gravity positions well enough to clearly distinguish
`reads each sens