United States Patent
`[19]
`Ulllted States Patent [19]
`Fu
`Fu
`
`US005848661A
`US005848661A
`[ii] Patent Number:
`[11] Patent Number:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`5,848,661
`5,848,661
`Dec. 15, 1998
`Dec. 15, 1998
`
`[54] VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY INCLUDING AT
`[54] VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY INCLUDING AT
`LEAST ONE OCCUPANT SENSING SYSTEM
`LEAST ONE OCCUPANT SENSING SYSTEM
`AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
`AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
`_
`_
`_
`Inventor: David T. Fu, Rochester Hills, Mich.
`[75]
`[75] Inventor: David T. Fu, Rochester Hills, Mich.
`
`[73] Assignee: Lear Corporation, Southfield, Mich.
`[73] Assignee: Lear Corporation, South?eld, Mich.
`
`[56]
`[56]
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 735,326
`[21] Appl' NO‘: 735’326
`[22] Filed;
`()CL 22, 1996
`Oct. 22, 1996
`[22] Filed:
`Int. Cl.6 ................................................... .. B60K 28/00
`[51]
`[51] Int. CI.6
`B60K 28/00
`[52] US. Cl. ......................... .. 180/273; 280/735; 297/410
`180/273; 280/735; 297/410
`[52] U.S. CI
`[58] Field of Search ........................... .. 280/735; 297/410,
`280/735; 297/410,
`[58] Field of Search
`297/391; 318/568.1, 567; 180/273
`297/391; 318/568.1, 567; 180/273
`References Cited
`References Cited
`U'S' PATENT DOCUMENTS
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`3,420,572
`1/1969 Bisland ................................. .. 297/410
`297/410
`4,082,354
`4/1978 Renner et a1. ........................ .. 297/410
`3,420,572
`1/1969 Bisland
`4,645,233
`2/1987 Brllse et a1~ -
`297/410
`4,082,354
`4/1978 Renner et al
`4,807,934
`2/1989 Sakak'ibara ............................ .. 297/403
`4,645,233
`2/1987 Bruse et al. .
`297/403
`4’834’42O
`5/1989 sanlfnthl et a1‘ '
`4,807,934
`2/1989 Sakakibara
`4,935,680
`6/1990 Sugiyama .............................. .. 318/567
`4,834,420
`5/1989 Sankrithi et al. .
`570717160 12/1991 White et a1”
`318/567
`ma
`4,935,680
`6/1990 Sugiya
`570747583 12/1991 Fujita et a1__
`5,071,160 12/1991 White et al. .
`5,095,257
`3/1992 Ikeda et a1. ........................ .. 318/568.1
`5,074,583 12/1991 Fujita et al. .
`5,118,134
`6/1992 Manes et at _
`5,095,257
`3/1992 Ikeda et al
`5,366,241 11/1994 Kithil .
`5,118,134
`6/1992 Mattes et al. .
`5,398,185
`3/1995 Omura.
`5,366,241 11/1994 Kithil .
`5,400,487
`3/1995 Gioutsos et a1. .
`5,398,185
`3/1995 Omura .
`5,400,487
`3/1995 Gioutsos et al. .
`
`318/568.1
`
`5/1995 Steffens, Jr., et al. .
`5,413,378
`5/1995 Steffens, Jr., et a1. .
`5,413,378
`5,474,327 12/1995 Schousek.
`5,474,327 12/1995 Schousek~
`Primary Examiner—Christopher P. Ellis
`Primary Examiner—Christopher P. Ellis
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Brooks & Kushman PC.
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Brooks & Kushman RC.
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`_
`_
`_
`_
`A vehicle seat assembly comprising occupant sensing sys­
`A vehicle seat assembly comprising occupant sensing sys
`tems for use in headrest adjusting and/or air bag actuation
`tems for use in headrest adjusting and/or air bag actuation
`systems. One sensing system includes a passive transducer
`systems. One sensing system includes a passive transducer
`array in the form of pressure transducers such as force
`array in the form of pressure transducers such as force
`sensing resistors vertically spaced in a ?rst embodiment in
`sensing resistors vertically spaced in a first embodiment in
`a headrest Cushion of the Vehicle Seat In a Second
`a headrest cushion of the vehicle seat. In a second
`embodiment, the pressure transducers are vertically spaced
`embodiment, the pressure transducers are vertically spaced
`in a backrest cushion of the seat. The pressure transducers
`in a backrest cushion of the seat. The pressure transducers
`generate signals Which are processed by a controller to
`generate signals which are processed by a controller to
`generate a control signal to control a bidirectional headrest
`generate a control signal to control a bidirectional headrest
`motor coupled to the headrest of the vehicle seat. In another
`motor coupled to the headrest of the vehicle seat. In another
`sensing system, occupant sensors in~the form of either force
`sensing system, occupant sensors in the form of either force
`sensing resistors or mechanical sWitches are embedded in
`sensing resistors or mechanical switches are embedded in
`the seat back cushion and the seat bottom cushion to
`the seat back cushion and the seat bottom cushion to
`generate signals Which are processed by the controller to
`generate signals which are processed by the controller to
`generate a control signal for use by an air bag actuation
`Circuit to prevent air bag deployment When the Controller
`generate a control signal for use by an air bag actuation
`determines that the vehicle seat is either unoccupied or is
`circuit to prevent air bag deployment when the controller
`.
`.
`.
`occupied by a rear-‘facing child car seat. The controller
`determines that the vehicle seat is either unoccupied or is
`includes control logic to distinguish betWeen a properly
`occupied by a rear-facing child car seat. The controller
`Seated Occupant and the rear-faclng Infant Seat based on the
`includes control logic to distinguish between a properly
`electrical output signals from the occupant sensors located in
`seated occupant and the rear-facing infant seat based on the
`the seat back and bottom cushion.
`electrical output signals from the occupant sensors located in
`the seat back and bottom cushion.
`13 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
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`13 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets
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`*• AIR BAG ACTUATION CIRCUIT
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
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`U.S. Patent
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`Dec. 15, 1998
`Dec. 15,1998
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
` Page 7
`
`

`
`5,848,661
`5,848,661
`1
`2
`2
`1
`system having a sensor mounted in the seat back. Preferably,
`VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY INCLUDING AT
`system having a sensor mounted in the seat back. Preferably,
`VEHICLE SEAT ASSEMBLY INCLUDING AT
`the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor having a sound beam.
`LEAST ONE OCCUPANT SENSING SYSTEM
`the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor having a sound beam.
`LEAST ONE OCCUPANT SENSING SYSTEM
`AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
`The Mattes et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,134 discloses a
`AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
`The Mattes et al. US. Pat. No. 5,118,134 discloses a
`vehicle seat assembly including an occupant sensing system
`vehicle seat assembly including an occupant sensing system
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`5 having a position sensor in the headrest of the vehicle seat.
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`having a position sensor in the headrest of the vehicle seat.
`The position sensor has at least one light transmitter and one
`This invention relates to vehicle seat assemblies and
`The position sensor has at least one light transmitter and one
`This invention relates to vehicle seat assemblies and
`light receiver.
`light receiver.
`method of making same and, in particular, to vehicle seat
`method of making same and, in particular, to vehicle seat
`The Fujita et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,583 discloses a
`assemblies including at least one occupant sensing system
`The Fujita et al. US. Pat. No. 5,074,583 discloses a
`assemblies including at least one occupant sensing system
`vehicle seat assembly including an occupant sensing system
`vehicle seat assembly including an occupant sensing system
`and methods of making same.
`and methods of making same.
`10
`10 including a plurality of pressure sensors having a spaced
`including a plurality of pressure sensors having a spaced
`relationship relative to one another to detect pressure acting
`relationship relative to one another to detect pressure acting
`BACKGROUND ART
`BACKGROUND ART
`on the seat back and seat cushion. The sensors typically are
`on the seat back and seat cushion. The sensors typically are
`Vehicle seat assemblies come in a Wide variety of shapes
`Vehicle seat assemblies come in a wide variety of shapes
`electrostatic capacitance sensors to detect a pressure distri
`electrostatic capacitance sensors to detect a pressure distri­
`and siZes. Many vehicle seat assemblies currently include
`and sizes. Many vehicle seat assemblies currently include
`bution across the seat device in order to provide a control
`bution across the seat device in order to provide a control
`integrated front seat belts. Such assemblies eliminate the
`15
`integrated front seat belts. Such assemblies eliminate the is
`signal for an air bag system.
`signal for an air bag system.
`need to anchor the shoulder belts to a pillar betWeen the front
`need to anchor the shoulder belts to a pillar between the front
`The Schousek US. Pat. No. 5,474,327 discloses a vehicle
`and rear WindoWs, instead containing the entire belt appa
`The Schousek U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,327 discloses a vehicle
`and rear windows, instead containing the entire belt appa­
`seat assembly including an air bag restraint system Wherein
`ratus Within the seat. Some advantages of such integrated
`seat assembly including an air bag restraint system wherein
`ratus within the seat. Some advantages of such integrated
`air bag deployment is inhibited When an occupied, rear
`seat belts is that they eliminate unsightly shoulder belts
`air bag deployment is inhibited when an occupied, rear-
`seat belts is that they eliminate unsightly shoulder belts
`facing infant seat is present. The sensing apparatus com
`hooked to the pillars and also improves entry and eXit in
`20
`facing infant seat is present. The sensing apparatus com­
`prises eight variable resistance pressure sensors located in a
`hooked to the pillars and also improves entry and exit in 20
`some vehicles. The integrated belts also make it easier to
`prises eight variable resistance pressure sensors located in a
`seat cushion.
`some vehicles. The integrated belts also make it easier to
`remove the second and third roWs of seats in minivans.
`seat cushion.
`remove the second and third rows of seats in minivans.
`The Steffens, Jr. et al. US. Pat. No. 5,413,378 also
`Furthermore, such integrated seat belts are generally more
`The Steffens, Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,378 also
`discloses a vehicle seat assembly including an occupant
`Furthermore, such integrated seat belts are generally more
`comfortable because the belts move With the seat.
`sensing system having an occupant position sensor Which
`discloses a vehicle seat assembly including an occupant
`comfortable because the belts move with the seat.
`Vehicle seat assemblies including occupant sensing sys
`25
`sensing system having an occupant position sensor which
`takes the form of an ultrasonic sensor.
`tems are Well knoWn. One method for the automatic adjust
`Vehicle seat assemblies including occupant sensing sys- 25
`takes the form of an ultrasonic sensor.
`US. Pat. Nos. 5,071,160; 5,232,243; 5,366,241; 5,398,
`ment of headrest height involves active transducers (i.e.
`tems are well known. One method for the automatic adjust­
`185; and 5,400,487 all discloses passenger seat detecting
`ultrasound or infrared light-emitter transmitter and receiver
`U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,071,160; 5,232,243; 5,366,241; 5,398,
`ment of headrest height involves active transducers (i.e.
`and position determining sensors for controlling passive
`pairs). The transmitters emit non-visible Waves and receiv
`185; and 5,400,487 all discloses passenger seat detecting
`ultrasound or infrared light-emitter transmitter and receiver
`restraint systems including air bags in vehicles.
`ers at various locations sense the re?ected or interrupted
`and position determining sensors for controlling passive
`pairs). The transmitters emit non-visible waves and receiv­
`signal from the head of the occupant.
`US. Pat. No. 4,834,420 discloses an air bag-equipped
`ers at various locations sense the reflected or interrupted 30 restraint systems including air bags in vehicles,
`child seat.
`For example, the Bruse et al. US. Pat. No. 4,645,233
`signal from the head of the occupant.
`U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,420 discloses an air bag-equipped
`discloses an adjustment mechanism for automatically
`child seat.
`For example, the Bruse et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,233
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`adjusting the height of a headrest of vehicle seat Wherein a
`discloses an adjustment mechanism for automatically
`An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle
`sensor detects the seating height of a person seated on the
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`adjusting the height of a headrest of vehicle seat wherein a
`seat assembly including an occupant sensing system and
`vehicle seat in a normal position and controls a motor for the
`sensor detects the seating height of a person seated on the 35
`An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle
`height adjustment of the headrest in accordance With detec
`method of making same Wherein strategically placed occu
`vehicle seat in a normal position and controls a motor for the
`seat assembly including an occupant sensing system and
`tion results. In one embodiment, one light emitter-receiver is
`pant sensing sensors are incorporated in the seat to generate
`height adjustment of the headrest in accordance with detec­
`method of making same wherein strategically placed occu­
`located in the upper area of the front side of a headrest, While
`signals for use by a controller of the system Which, in turn,
`another light emitter-receiver detects the height of a shoul
`tion results. In one embodiment, one light emitter-receiver is
`generates a control signal for use by an occupant restraint
`pant sensing sensors are incorporated in the seat to generate
`system.
`der of the person.
`located in the upper area of the front side of a headrest, while
`signals for use by a controller of the system which, in turn,
`Another vehicle seat assembly including an occupant
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`another light emitter-receiver detects the height of a shoul- 40 generates a control signal for use by an occupant restraint
`sensing system is disclosed in the Bauer US. Pat. No.
`vehicle seat assembly including at least one occupant sens
`der of the person.
`system.
`5,431,447. Sensors generate signals Which are processed by
`ing system and method of making same Wherein occupant
`Another vehicle seat assembly including an occupant
`Another object of the present invention is to provide a
`sensing sensors are strategically placed in the vehicle seat to
`a microcomputer and to, in turn, generate a control signal
`sensing system is disclosed in the Bauer U.S. Pat. No.
`vehicle seat assembly including at least one occupant sens-
`generate signals for use by a controller of the system Which,
`Which actuates a motor in a seat belt restraint system. The
`5,431,447. Sensors generate signals which are processed by 45 ing system and method of making same wherein occupant
`in turn, generates a control signal for use to control a motor
`sensors sense characteristics of an occupant such as Weight
`a microcomputer and to, in turn, generate a control signal
`sensing sensors are strategically placed in the vehicle seat to
`and location of the occupant in the vehicle.
`coupled to a headrest of the seat assembly to adjust the
`which actuates a motor in a seat belt restraint system. The
`generate signals for use by a controller of the system which,
`height of the headrest.
`Other vehicle seat assemblies include occupant sensing
`sensors sense characteristics of an occupant such as weight
`in turn, generates a control signal for use to control a motor
`Automatic headrest adjustment is to protect an occupant
`systems in order to generate a control signal Which can be
`and location of the occupant in the vehicle.
`coupled to a headrest of the seat assembly to adjust the
`during a rear crash (Whiplash). Aproperly adjusted headrest
`used by an air bag actuation circuit to inhibit air bag
`Other vehicle seat assemblies include occupant sensing 5Q height of the headrest,
`can reduce neck injury. Also, When the headrest carries a
`deployment. When one or more air bags are provided in an
`seatbelt, automatic adjustment of the headrest automatically
`systems in order to generate a control signal which can be
`Automatic headrest adjustment is to protect an occupant
`automobile, the air bag may be stored in many different
`adjusts the position of the seatbelt.
`locations such as in a steering Wheel, in a seat bolster, a door
`used by an air bag actuation circuit to inhibit air bag
`during a rear crash (whiplash). Aproperly adjusted headrest
`panel or in an instrument panel of the vehicle.
`Still further in carrying out the above objects and other
`deployment. When one or more air bags are provided in an
`can reduce neck injury. Also, when the headrest carries a
`objects of the present invention, a method is provided for
`Such systems are desirable and are often times preferred
`automobile, the air bag may be stored in many different
`seatbelt, automatic adjustment of the headrest automatically
`over occupant sensing systems mounted in front of the
`manufacturing a vehicle seat assembly including a vehicle
`locations such as in a steering wheel, in a seat bolster, a door 55 adjusts the position of the seatbelt.
`vehicle occupant. Mounting an occupant position sensor in
`seat having a headrest and back and bottom cushions
`panel or in an instrument panel of the vehicle.
`Still further in carrying out the above objects and other
`Wherein a passive transducer array is positioned in the back
`front of a vehicle occupant or to the side of the occupant may
`Such systems are desirable and are often times preferred
`objects of the present invention, a method is provided for
`provide a false reading because of an object placed betWeen
`cushion so as to sense height of an occupant in the seat.
`over occupant sensing systems mounted in front of the
`manufacturing a vehicle seat assembly including a vehicle
`the position sensor and the occupant. For example, the
`In carrying out the above objects and other objects of the
`vehicle occupant. Mounting an occupant position sensor in
`seat having a headrest and back and bottom cushions
`object may be the hand of the vehicle occupant, the crossed
`present invention, a vehicle seat assembly constructed in
`front of a vehicle occupant or to the side of the occupant may go wherein a passive transducer array is positioned in the back
`legs of the occupant, or a map or the like held betWeen the
`accordance With the present invention is provided. The
`provide a false reading because of an object placed between
`cushion so as to sense height of an occupant in the seat.
`position sensor and the occupant.
`assembly includes a vehicle seat having seat back and
`65
`the position sensor and the occupant. For example, the
`In carrying out the above objects and other objects of the
`bottom cushions to support corresponding back and bottom
`The Steffens, Jr. et al. US. Pat. No. 5,439,249 discloses
`object may be the hand of the vehicle occupant, the crossed
`present invention, a vehicle seat assembly constructed in
`a vehicle seat assembly including an occupant sensing
`parts of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat and a headrest
`legs of the occupant, or a map or the like held between the
`accordance with the present invention is provided. The
`position sensor and the occupant.
`65 assembly includes a vehicle seat having seat back and
`bottom cushions to support corresponding back and bottom
`The Steffens, Jr. et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,249 discloses
`parts of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat and a headrest
`a vehicle seat assembly including an occupant sensing
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`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
` Page 8
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`5,848,661
`5,848,661
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`having a headrest cushion with a variable height relative to
`the passive transducer array to the controller, the motor to
`having a headrest cushion With a variable height relative to
`the passive transducer array to the controller, the motor to
`the bottom cushion. The assembly also includes an
`the headrest and the controller to the motor to obtain the
`the bottom cushion. The assembly also includes an
`the headrest and the controller to the motor to obtain the
`occupant-sensing system having a passive transducer array
`assembly.
`assembly.
`occupant-sensing system having a passive transducer array
`mounted in one of the seat back and headrest cushions to
`Preferably, the passive transducer array includes three
`mounted in one of the seat back and headrest cushions to
`Preferably, the passive transducer array includes three
`detect pressure caused by the occupant seated on the vehicle 5 pressure transducers and the step of mounting includes the
`detect pressure caused by the occupant seated on the vehicle
`pressure transducers and the step of mounting includes the
`seat and to generate corresponding electrical output signals.
`step of mounting the three pressure transducers in a
`seat and to generate corresponding electrical output signals.
`step of mounting the three pressure transducers in a
`Finally, the assembly includes a controller coupled to the
`vertically-spaced relationship in the back cushion of the
`Finally, the assembly includes a controller coupled to the
`vertically-spaced relationship in the back cushion of the
`passive transducer array for processing the electrical output
`passive transducer array for processing the electrical output
`headrest. In one embodiment, the back cushion is a headrest
`headrest. In one embodiment, the back cushion is a headrest
`signals and generating an electrical control signal adapted to
`signals and generating an electrical control signal adapted to
`cushion. In another embodiment, the back cushion is a seat
`cushion. In another embodiment, the back cushion is a seat
`automatically control a motor coupled to the headrest to 10 back cushion,
`automatically control a motor coupled to the headrest to
`back cushion.
`10
`adjust the variable height of the headrest cushion.
`adjust the variable height of the headrest cushion.
`The above objects and other objects, features, and advan
`The above objects and other objects, features, and advan­
`In one embodiment, the passive transducer array is
`In one embodiment, the passive transducer array is
`tages of the present invention are readily apparent from the
`tages of the present invention are readily apparent from the
`mounted in the headrest cushion to detect location of a head
`mounted in the headrest cushion to detect location of a head
`folloWing detailed description of the best mode for carrying
`following detailed description of the best mode for carrying
`of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat relative to the
`of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat relative to the
`out the invention When taken in connection With the accom
`out the invention when taken in connection with the accom-
`headrest. The controller generates the control signal based
`panying draWings.
`15
`headrest. The controller generates the control signal based 15 panyfng drawings
`on a seating height of the occupant seated on the vehicle
`on a seating height of the occupant seated on the vehicle
`seat.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`seat.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`In another embodiment, the passive transducer array is
`In another embodiment, the passive transducer array is
`FIG. 1 is a perspective vieW of a vehicle passenger side
`mounted in the seat back cushion to detect location of an at
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle passenger side
`seat assembly including an occupant sensing system and
`mounted in the seat back cushion to detect location of an at
`least one acromion of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat
`20 seat assembly including an occupant sensing system and
`automatic head restraint adjustment system constructed in
`least one acromion of the occupant seated on the vehicle seat
`relative to the seat back cushion. The controller generates
`automatic head restraint adjustment system constructed in
`accordance With the present invention;
`relative to the seat back cushion. The controller generates
`the control signal based on a sitting acromial height of the
`accordance with the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a side elevational vieW illustrating different
`the control signal based on a sitting acromial height of the
`occupant seated on the vehicle seat.
`FIG. 2 is a side elevational view illustrating different
`positions in a vehicle seat for a passive transducer array and
`occupant seated on the vehicle seat.
`Preferably, the passive transducer array includes three
`positions in a vehicle seat for a passive transducer array and
`three different positions of a headrest of the seat;
`25
`vertically spaced pressure transducers. Also, preferably, the
`Preferably, the passive transducer array includes three
`25 three different positions of a headrest of the seat;
`FIG. 3 is a side elevational vieW illustrating a rear-facing
`pressure transducers are force-sensing resistors.
`vertically spaced pressure transducers. Also, preferably, the
`child car seat;
`FIG. 3 is a side elevational view illustrating a rear-facing
`The assembly also preferably includes a seat belt coupled
`pressure transducers are force-sensing resistors.
`FIG. 4 is a vieW similar to the vieW of FIG. 3 Wherein the
`child car seat;
`to the headrest to move thereWith. In this case, When the
`The assembly also preferably includes a seat belt coupled
`child car seat is forWard facing;
`headrest is at the proper height (based on the height of a
`FIG. 4 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 3 wherein the
`to the headrest to move therewith. In this case, when the
`shoulder of the occupant), then the seatbelt is also at the
`FIGS. 5a and 5b are computer-generated images illustrat
`headrest is at the proper height (based on the height of a 30 child car seat is forward facing;
`proper height to optimiZe the protection of the occupant.
`ing the distribution of body pressure on car seat bottom and
`shoulder of the occupant), then the seatbelt is also at the
`FIGS. 5a and 5b are computer-generated images illustrat­
`Further in carrying out the above objects and other objects
`back cushions, respectively, for a ?rst occupant;
`proper height to optimize the protection of the occupant.
`ing the distribution of body pressure on car seat bottom and
`of the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly constructed
`FIG. 5c is a schematic vieW of a vehicle seat assembly
`Further in carrying out the above objects and other objects
`back cushions, respectively, for a first occupant;
`in accordance With the present invention is provided. The
`Which has alphanumeric characters corresponding to the
`of the present invention, a vehicle seat assembly constructed
`FIG. 5c is a schematic view of a vehicle seat assembly
`assembly includes a vehicle seat having seat back and
`images of FIG. 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b;
`in accordance with the present invention is provided. The 35 which has alphanumeric characters corresponding to the
`bottom cushions to support corresponding back and bottom
`FIGS. 6a and 6b are images corresponding to the images
`assembly includes a vehicle seat having seat back and
`parts of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat. The assembly
`images of FIG. 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b;
`of FIGS. 5a and 5b for a different height occupant of the
`bottom cushions to support corresponding back and bottom
`also includes an occupant-sensing system including at least
`FIGS. 6a and 6b are images corresponding to the images
`vehicle seat;
`parts of an occupant seated on the vehicle seat. The assembly
`one occupant-sensing sensor mounted in the seat back
`of FIGS. 5a and 5b for a different height occupant of the
`FIG. 7a is a side elevational schematic vieW of a vehicle
`cushion to generate a ?rst electrical output signal and a
`also includes an occupant-sensing system including at least
`vehicle seat;
`seat having ?rst and second occupant sensing sensors
`second occupant-sensing sensor mounted in the bottom
`one occupant-sensing sensor mounted in the seat back 4Q
`mounted therein; and
`FIG. la is a side elevational schematic view of a vehicle
`cushion to generate a second electrical output signal in
`cushion to generate a first electrical output signal and a
`FIG. 7b is a block diagram ?oW chart illustrating control
`seat having first and second occupant sensing sensors
`response to pressure caused by the occupant seated on the
`second occupant-sensing sensor mounted in the bottom
`logic for use in a controller to distinguish betWeen a properly
`mounted therein; and
`vehicle seat. Finally, the assembly includes a controller
`cushion to generate a second electrical output signal in
`seated occupant and a rear-facing infant seat positioned on
`coupled to the sensors for processing the electrical output
`FIG. lb is a block diagram flow chart illustrating control
`response to pressure caused by the occupant seated on the
`the vehicle seat.
`signals and generating an electrical control signal. The
`vehicle seat. Finally, the assembly includes a controller 45 logic for use in a controller to distinguish between a properly
`controller includes control logic to distinguish betWeen a
`seated occupant and a rear-facing infant seat positioned on
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`coupled to the sensors for processing the electrical output
`properly seated occupant and a rear-facing infant seat on the
`the vehicle seat.
`INVENTION
`signals and generating an electrical control signal. The
`vehicle seat based on the electrical output signals.
`controller includes control logic to distinguish between a
`Preferably, the control signal is adapted for use by an air
`Referring noW to the draWing Figures, there is illustrated
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`properly seated occupant and a rear-facing infant seat on the
`bag activation system to prevent an air bag from being
`in FIG. 1 a vehicle seat assembly, generally indicated at 10,
`INVENTION
`vehicle seat based on the electrical output signals.
`deployed in the absence of an occupant (or a rear-facing
`including a vehicle seat, generally indicated at 11, and an
`occupant sensing system, gener