Tech. Indic.
`
`
`Unexamined Utility Model Application
`
`
`
`(19) Japanese Patent Office (JP)
`(12) Unexamined Utility Model Application (U)
`(11) Laid Open Utility Model Application No.
`
`6-22939
`(43) Publication Date
`
`March 25, 1994
`Number of Claims
`
`
`4
`Number of Pages
`
`
`4
`Examination Request
`
`not yet made
`
`Identification Code
`FI
`
`
`
`(51)
`
`
`Int. Cl.5
`G01L 1/18
` 5/00
`(21) Application No.:
`
`Z
`
`4-65010
`
`
`Internal File No.
`
`8505-2F
`
`(71) Applicant: 000010098
`Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
`1-7 Yukigayaotsuka, Ota-ku,
`Tokyo-to
`TOKUYAMA, Hiroshi
`Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
`1-7 Yukigayaotsuka, Ota-ku,
`Tokyo-to
`OTSUKA, Yukimi
`Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
`1-7 Yukigayaotsuka, Ota-ku,
`Tokyo-to
`
`(22) Application Date:
`
`August 25, 1992
`
`(72) Creator:
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(72) Creator:
`
`
`(54) [Title of the device] Seat Load Detection Apparatus
` (57) [Abstract]
`detection units S1 to S12, spacers 30 are disposed
`at least around the load detection units S10, S11,
`load detection
`[Purpose] To provide a seat
`and S12, which, are disposed near the front edge of
`apparatus that can accurately distinguish between
`the seat unit 2.
`sitting on a seat unit and placing baggage or the like
`onto the seat unit, without the load detection unit
`operating, for example due to the tension of the
`surface sheet of the seat unit, when the load
`detection units are not directly pressed.
`[Configuration] A load detection body A has multiple
`load detection units S1 to S12 disposed on the inner
`side of a surface sheet 5 of a seat unit 2 of a seat 1.
`These multiple load detection units are formed
`arranged in a matrix shape resulting from the
`intersections of conductors 12 and 13, which are
`disposed at right angles on the opposite sides of a
`pair of flexible sheets 10 and 11 that are overlaid one
`atop the other and, based on the output values from
`these multiple load detection units, it is distinguished
`whether a person is sitting. Among the multiple load
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 1 of 15
`
`

`
`[Claims]
`[Claim 1] In a seat load detection unit having
`multiple load detection units disposed at least on
`the inner side of the surface sheet of the seat unit
`of the seat, which distinguishes, based on the
`output values of these multiple load detection units,
`whether a person is sitting, the seat load detection
`apparatus characterized
`in
`that, among
`the
`multiple load detection units, spacers are disposed
`at least around load detection units disposed near
`the front edge of the seat unit.
`[Claim 2] A seat load detection apparatus as
`recited in claim 1, characterized in that the multiple
`load detection units are formed arranged in a
`matrix shape resulting from the intersections of
`conductors disposed perpendicular to each other
`on the facing surfaces of a pair of flexible sheets
`that are overlaid one atop the other.
`[Claim 3] A seat load detection apparatus as
`recited in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that among
`the multiple load detection units, the peripheries of
`at least the load detection units disposed near the
`front edge of the seat unit are affixed to each other.
`[Claim 4] In a seat load detection apparatus having
`multiple load detection units disposed at least on
`the inner side of the surface sheet of the seat unit
`of the seat, these multiple load detection units
`being formed arranged in a matrix shape resulting
`from the intersections of conductors disposed
`perpendicular to each other on the facing surfaces
`of a pair of flexible sheets that are overlaid one
`atop the other, which distinguishes, based on the
`output values of these multiple load detection units,
`whether a person is sitting, the seat load detection
`apparatus characterized
`in
`that, among
`the
`multiple load detection units, a pair of flexible
`
`[FIG.1]
`
`JP-06-022939-U (2)
`
`sheets is affixed to the surface sheet at least
`around load detection units disposed near the front
`edge of the seat unit.
`[Brief Description of the Drawings]
`[FIG. 1] A partially broken oblique view of a seat,
`showing a working example of the present device.
`[FIG. 2] An exploded oblique view, showing the
`structure of the load detection unit in FIG. 1.
`[FIG. 3] An enlarged exploded oblique view of the
`main parts of the load detection unit in FIG. 2.
`[FIG. 4] An enlarged cross-sectional view, along
`line A-A' in FIG. 3, of the seat load detection unit.
`[FIG. 5] An oblique view of a flexible sheet.
`[FIG. 6] A block diagram showing the sitting
`distinguishing operation.
`[FIG. 7] A flowchart showing the detection and
`distinguishing processing circuit that is connected
`to a load detection unit.
`[FIG. 8] A top view showing the disposition of
`multiple load detection units disposed in a matrix
`arrangement on the seat unit of a conventional seat.
`[Explanation of the symbols]
`1 seat
`2 seat unit
`3 backrest unit
`4 cushion material
`5 surface sheet (covering)
`A load detection body
`S1 to S12 load detection units
`10, 11 flexible sheets
`12, 13 conductors
`14, 15 spacer patterns
`20 detection and distinguishing processing circuit
`23 microprocessor
`30, 31 spacers
`42 adhesive
`
`[FIG.2]
`
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 2 of 15
`
`

`
`[FIG. 3]
`
`[FIG. 5]
`
`[FIG. 8]
`
`
`
`
`
`JP-06-022939-U (3)
`
`
`[FIG. 4]
`
`[FIG. 6]
`
`
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`
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`
`
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`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 3 of 15
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`

`
`[FIG. 7]
`
`
`Start detection
`
`JP-06-022939-U (4)
`
`
`( a )
`
`( b )
`
`( c )
`
`( d )
`
`( e )
`
`( f )
`
`( g )
`
`YES
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`NO
`
`Judged to be a
`person
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 4 of 15
`
`

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`JP-06-022939-U (5)
`
`
`[Detailed Description of the Device]
`[0001]
`[Field of Industrial Application]
`
`The present device relates to a seat load detection apparatus, used in a seat of an automobile such as a
`private vehicle, for detecting the presence or absence of sitting by a passenger.
`[0002]
`[Prior Art]
` Recently the present applicant's patent application H3-254527 has disclosed an apparatus in which
`multiple load detection units S1 to S9 are disposed on the inner side of a surface sheet 5 of a seat unit 2 of
`an automobile seat 1 as shown in FIG. 8, which can distinguish, by the output pattern from the load detection
`units S1 to S9, whether a driver or passenger is sitting in the automobile seat 1 or whether only baggage has
`been placed there, as well as whether there is nothing on the seat 1. With this apparatus, by distinguishing
`the output pattern from the load detection units S1 to S9 that are disposed on the top surface of the seat, it
`can be distinguished whether an adult is sitting or whether baggage has been placed. But children, who do
`not weigh much, have frequently been identified as baggage. To detect such a child, it is effective to dispose
`load detection units on the front edge of the seat 1. This is because this front edge is never pressed if baggage
`is placed on the seat 1. But because a surface sheet 5 is stretched over the seat 1 for esthetic reasons, due
`to the tension, a pressure is imposed on the load detection units that are disposed on the front edge. And
`even if a pressing pressure is imposed only on the center part of the seat 1, because the four edges of the
`surface sheet 5 are stretched, a load acts on the load detection units that are disposed at the edges, due to
`this tension. Because of this, pressing is imposed on the load detection units at the edges of the seat, where
`properly speaking it should not be imposed. Therefore, even if a child or adult is not aboard, this is detected
`as a body weight having been imposed, which results in incorrectly distinguishing that a driver or passenger
`has sat there.
`[0003]
`[Problems to be Solved by the Device]
`
`Thus, the purpose of the present device is to provide a seat load detection apparatus that can easily
`distinguish sitting by a driver or passenger (hereafter called a person) and placement of baggage or another
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 5 of 15
`
`

`
`JP-06-022939-U (6)
`
`
`object on the seat unit of a seat.
`[0004]
`[Means for Solving the Problems]
`
` In a seat load detection unit having multiple load detection units disposed distributed at least on the inner
`side of the surface sheet of the seat unit of the seat, which distinguishes, based on the detection outputs of
`these multiple load detection units, whether a person is sitting, the device recited in claim 1 is characterized
`in that, among the multiple load detection units, spacers are disposed at least around load detection units
`disposed near the front edge of the seat unit.
`[0005]
`
`The device recited in claim 2 is characterized in that the multiple load detection units are formed arranged
`in a matrix shape resulting from the intersections of conductors disposed perpendicular to each other on the
`facing surfaces of a pair of flexible sheets that are overlaid one atop the other.
`[0006]
`
`The device recited in claim 3 is characterized in that among the multiple load detection units, the
`peripheries of at least the load detection units disposed near the front edge of the seat unit are affixed to each
`other.
`[0007]
`
`In a seat load detection apparatus having multiple load detection units disposed distributed at least on the
`inner side of the surface sheet of the seat unit of the seat, these multiple load detection units being formed
`arranged in a matrix shape resulting from the intersections of conductors disposed perpendicular to each
`other on the facing surfaces of a pair of flexible sheets that are overlaid one atop the other, which distinguishes,
`based on the detection outputs of these multiple load detection units, whether a person is sitting, the device
`recited in claim 4 is characterized in that a pair of flexible sheets is affixed to the surface sheet.
`[0008]
`[Operation]
` With the present device, by virtue of a structure such as described above, a seat load detection apparatus
`can be provided that makes it possible to easily distinguish the sitting of the driver or the placement of baggage
`or other object onto the seat unit, because the load detection units no longer operate, for example due to the
`tension of the surface sheet of the seat unit or the like, when the load detection units are not directly pressed.
`[0009]
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 6 of 15
`
`

`
`JP-06-022939-U (7)
`
`And because the flexible sheets are affixed to a surface sheet, as a result of pressing the middle of the seat
`unit, only the surface sheet is pulled, and it no longer happens that the front edge of the seat is pressed by
`this tension.
`[0010]
`[Working Example]
`
`The following describes in detail, based on the drawings, a working example of the case in which the load
`detection apparatus of the present device is applied to an automobile seat.
`First, to refer to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5,
`FIG. 1 is a partially broken oblique view of a seat, showing a working example of the present device;
`FIG. 2 is an exploded oblique view of the load detection unit shown in FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is an enlarged exploded oblique view of the main parts of the load detection unit shown in FIG. 2;
`FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view, along line A-A' in FIG. 3, of the seat load detection unit; and
`FIG. 5 is an oblique view of a flexible sheet.
`[0011]
`
`The automobile seat 1 shown in FIG. 1 has a seat unit 2 and a backrest 3, and a load detection body A is
`disposed between the cushion material 4 and the surface sheet (covering) 5 of the surface that is subject to
`pressure (the top surface) of the seat unit 2.
`[0012]
`
`As shown in FIG. 2, the load detection body A has two flexible sheets 10 and 11, one atop the other, that
`are made of an insulating material such as cloth. And strip-shaped conductors 12 made up of multiple pieces
`(3 pieces) of electrically conductive rubber are provided on the upper surface of the lower flexible sheet 10,
`strip-shaped conductors 13 made up of multiple pieces (4 pieces) of electrically conductive rubber are
`provided on the upper surface of the upper flexible sheet 11, and with the two flexible sheets 10 and 11 placed
`one atop the other, as shown in FIG. 1, multiple (12 points) load detection units S1 to S12 are formed arranged
`in a matrix shape resulting from the overlaid parts of the conductors 12 and 13.
`[0013]
`
`Also, as shown in FIG. 1, among the load detection units S1 to S12, the three load detection units S10,
`S11, and S12 are disposed near the front edge of the seat unit 2, where they would be touched by a person's
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 7 of 15
`
`

`
`JP-06-022939-U (8)
`
`legs, and the remaining nine load detection units S1 to S9 are disposed on the upper surface side of the seat
`unit 2.
`[0014]
`
`To describe the structure of the load detection body A in greater detail, as shown in FIG. 3, the conductors
`12 are adhesively affixed to the upper surface of the lower flexible sheet 10. These conductors 12 consist of,
`for example, electrically conductive rubber, in which fine carbon particles are mixed into silicon rubber. Formed
`on the surface of this conductor 12, in a mesh shape, is a spacer pattern 14 of a prescribed thickness, made
`from a non-electrically conductive material, such as silicone ink. This spacer pattern 14 is made up of an edge
`pattern 14a that covers both edges of the surface of the conductor 12, and a grid pattern 14b that is formed
`in a fine grid shape between this edge pattern 14a. The conductor 12 is exposed in the part that is surrounded
`by this grid pattern 14b.
`[0015]
`
`And as shown in FIG. 2, conductors 13 are adhesively affixed to the lower surface of the upper flexible
`sheet 11. And these conductors 13 also consist of the same electrically conductive rubber as in the conductors
`12. And as shown in FIG. 3, a spacer pattern 15 of a prescribed thickness, made from a non-electrically
`conductive material such as silicone ink, is formed on both edges of the lower surface of this conductor 13,
`that is, on the facing surfaces (in FIG. 3, the facing surfaces are shown facing upward). The conductor 13 is
`exposed between the spacer pattern 15 at the two edges.
`[0016]
`
`As shown in FIG. 4, in the state in which the flexible sheet 10 and the flexible sheet 11 are overlaid one
`atop the other, the two conductors 12 and 13 face each other across a gap 16 that is the thickness of the
`patterns 14 and 15, and the facing surface parts, where these conductors 12 and 13 cross each other,
`constitute the respective load detection units S1 to S12. Now in FIG. 4, when pressure is applied from above
`to the upper flexible sheet 11, as indicated by the arrow F, the part subjected to the pressure deforms, and
`among the load detection units S1 to S12, in the load detection units S1 to S12 that are in the deformation
`region, the conductors 12 and 13 of make contact with each other across the gap 16 of the grid pattern 14b.
`[0017]
`
`The contact area over which the conductor 12 and the conductor 13 make contact when this pressing
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 8 of 15
`
`

`
`JP-06-022939-U (9)
`
`pressure is applied is affected by the magnitude of the pressure that acts upon them; when the pressure is
`large, then in the load detection units S1 to S12 the area where the conductors 12 and 13 make contact, and
`the contact pressure, increase. Conversely, if the pressure is small, the contact area and the contact pressure
`decrease. Accordingly, if a prescribed voltage is applied to the conductors 12 and 13 from an outside power
`source (not pictured), an electric current that corresponds to the size of the contact area between the
`conductors 12 and 13 will flow between the two conductors 12 and 13. That is, when no pressing pressure is
`applied, then in the load detection units S1 to S12 no electric current will flow between the conductors 12 and
`13, and when pressing pressure is applied, the amount of current that flows between the conductors 12 and
`13 will vary according to the magnitude of the pressing pressure.
`[0018]
`
`As stated above, an edge pattern 14a is formed on both edges of the upper surface of the conductors 12,
`and a spacer pattern 15 is formed on both edges of the lower surface of the conductors 13, and providing this
`edge pattern 14a and this spacer pattern 15 makes it possible to accurately detect any increase or decrease
`in the current value caused by changes in the pressing pressure. That is, in a state in which the strip-shaped
`conductors 12 and 13 face each other across the grid pattern 14b, if pressure is applied to both, then sagging
`occurs at the edges of conductors 12 and 13 due to the pressure, and the conductors 12 and 13 preferentially
`make contact via these edges. Because the contact area of these edges is relatively large, if there is no non-
`conductive pattern in these edges, a relatively large current will flow between the edges. Due to the presence
`of a current flowing between these edges, the value of the current caused by changes in the area over which
`the conductors 12 and 13 make contact across the gap 16 in the grid pattern 14b can no longer be accurately
`captured. Thus, by providing a non-conductive pattern at the edges of the conductors 12 and 13, the value of
`the current corresponding to the change in pressure can be accurately detected.
`[0019]
`
`As shown in FIG. 2, spacers 30 are provided in places where there is no overlap with the conductor 13,
`which is around the places, on the upper surface of the conductor 12, that correspond to the load detection
`units S10, S11, and S12. The spacers 30 are formed from non-conductive rubber of roughly the same
`hardness as the conductor 12, and are formed with roughly the same thickness as the conductor 13.
`Furthermore, spacers 31 of roughly the same thickness as the conductor 12 are also provided in places where
`there is no overlap with the conductor 12, which is around the places, on the upper surface of the conductor
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 9 of 15
`
`

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`JP-06-022939-U (10)
`
`13, that correspond to the load detection units S10, S11, and S12. The spacers 31 can be made from non-
`conductive rubber of roughly the same hardness as the conductor 13.
`[0020]
`
`If none of the aforementioned spacers 30 and 31 are interposed, then because a gap is formed around
`the load detection units S1 to S12 between the flexible sheets 10 and 11, the front edge of the seat unit 2 is
`subject to tension by the surface sheet 5 being stretched, so that the conductors 12 and 13 of the load
`detection units S10, S11, and S12 readily make contact, and because of the tension acting on the surface
`sheet 5, when the approximate middle of the seat unit 2 is pressed down, the conductors 12 and 13 of the
`load detection units S10, S11, and S12 on the front edge readily make contact. Therefore, it is no longer
`possible to accurately capture the value of the current due to changes in the area over which the conductors
`12 and 13 make contact.
`[0021]
`
`As opposed to this, with a configuration such as described above, by disposing spacers 30 and 31 around
`the load detection units S10, S11, and S12, it becomes possible to accurately detect the current that
`corresponds to the imposed pressure, only when pressing pressure is directly applied to the front edge of the
`seat unit 2.
`[0022]
`
`In addition, in this working example, as shown in FIG. 5, an adhesive 42 is used that glues together the
`flexible sheet 11 and the surface sheet 5 at least toward the middle of the seat unit 2 from the load detection
`units S10 to S12, preferably between the spacers 30 and the load detection units S1, S2, and S3.
`[0023]
` When the middle of the seat 1 is pressed, because the surface sheet 5 is pulled toward the middle, due
`to the tension, a pressing pressure acts on the load detection units S10, S11, and S12 near the front edge of
`the seat unit 2. But in this working example, the flexible sheets 10 and 11 are glued to the surface sheet 5
`with an adhesive 42 in places toward the middle from the load detection units S10, S11, and S12, such that,
`as the surface sheet 5 is pulled, the flexible sheets 10 and 11 of the load detection body A themselves get
`pulled. In this way, a pulling force can be kept from acting on the parts of the load detection units S10, S11,
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 10 of 15
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`

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`JP-06-022939-U (11)
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`and S12. It is thus possible to accurately detect the value of current that corresponds to the pressure that is
`applied to the front edge of the seat 2.
`[0024]
`
`Also, in the pictured working example, the flexible sheets 10 and 11 are each sewn together with machine-
`sewing thread (not pictured) or the like, between mutually adjacent conductors 12 and 12 and between
`mutually adjacent conductors 13 and 13 of the flexible sheet 11, so no pressure due to pulling acts on the
`load detection units S1 to S12 either, such that the detection operation by the facing parts of the conductors
`12 and 13 is unaffected.
`[0025]
`
`Also, instead of using machine-sewing thread (not pictured), the same effect can be obtained by joining
`together with an adhesive or the like.
`[0026]
`
`Therefore, with a load detection apparatus having a configuration such as described above, when a load
`is detected by the load detection body A installed on the seat unit 2, the distinguishing unit functions based
`on the output value from the load detection body A that has detected a load, and it can be clearly distinguished
`whether a person has sat down or whether something other than a person, such as baggage, has been placed
`there.
`[0027]
`
`Furthermore, two flexible sheets and conductors that are formed in a matrix shape between these flexible
`sheets, are used for the structure of the multiple load detection units, and thus load detection units can be
`configured that do not cause discomfort when a person sits down.
`[0028]
`
`FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of a detection distinguishing processing circuit 20 that is
`connected to the load detection body A. The conductors 12 and 13 are connected to input parts 21a and 21b,
`respectively, of a matrix switch 21. The matrix switch 21 is switched under the control of a multiplexer 24, and
`under this control these input parts 21a and 21b are switched to, in sequence, and the load detection units
`S1 to S12 assume a detection state, in sequence. A power source 25 is provided on the output parts from the
`matrix switch 21, and for each of the load detection units S1 to S12 that are switched to in sequence by the
`matrix switch 21, it is detected whether an electric current is flowing between the conductors 12 and 13, and
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 11 of 15
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`

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`JP-06-022939-U (12)
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`the value of the current is detected. This detection output is converted to a digital signal by an A/D converter
`22, and processing is done by a microprocessor 23, serving as the distinguishing unit.
`[0029]
` With the microprocessor 23, by way of an ON-OFF judgment as to whether a current is flowing in each
`load detection unit S1 to S12, and by way of the detected value of the current at each load detection unit S1
`to S12, it is distinguished whether the load that acts on the seat unit 2 of the seat 1 is due to a person, or is
`due to something other than a person.
`[0030]
`
`FIG. 7 shows an example of this distinguishing operation.
`[0031]
`
`First, in step (a), it is decided whether all twelve load detections units S1 to S12 that are shown in FIG. 1
`are OFF (in a state in which no current flows between the conductors 12 and 13); if they are all OFF, it is
`decided that no load is acting upon the seat unit 2, and if any of the load detection units S1 to S12 is ON, it is
`decided that a load is acting on the seat unit 2, and [control] proceeds to the following steps (b) to (h),
`sequentially.
`
`In step (b), it is determined whether four or more of the nine load detection units S1 to S9 are ON. If fewer
`than three of the nine load detection units S1 to S9 are ON, it is decided that it is a load due to something
`other than a person.
`
`In step (c), it is decided whether S2, S5, and S8 of the load detection units are all OFF. If a person has
`sat down on the seat unit 2, then the vertical row in the middle, S2, S5, and S8, will never be all OFF. Thus,
`if S2, S5, and S8 are all OFF, it is decided that it is a load due to something other than a person. Similarly, in
`step (d), if the load detection units S4, S5, and S6 of the horizontal row in the middle are all OFF, it is decided
`that it is a load due to something other than a person.
` Next, in step (e), it is decided whether, in each of the nine load detection units S1 to S9, the total value of
`the current flowing between the conductors 12 and 13 is less than or equal to a prescribed value. If the total
`current flowing in all the load detection units S1 to S9 is greater than or equal to a prescribe value (for example,
`2 mA), it is decided that the load acting on the seat unit 2 is due to something other than a person.
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 12 of 15
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`

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`JP-06-022939-U (13)
`
`
`In step (f), it is decided whether the value of the current detected in any of the nine load detection units
`S1 to S9 is greater than or equal to 40% of the total value of the current detected in all nine of the load
`detection units S1 to S9. If the amount of current detected in any load detection unit is greater than or equal
`to 40% of the total value of the current detected, it is decided that it is a load due to something other than a
`person.
`[0032]
`
`Further, in step (g), it is decided whether the sum of the value of the detected current in load detection
`units S4 and S6 is greater than or equal to 50% of the total value of the current detected in the nine load
`detection units S1 to S9. In the case of a person, the sum of the value of the current detected in load detection
`units S4 and S9 on the two edges will never be 50% or more of the total value of the current detected. Thus
`if the sum of the current detected due to S4 and S9 is greater than or equal to 50%, it is decided that it is a
`load due to something other than a person.
`
`And if all the conditions of the above steps (a) through (g) are satisfied, it is decided that the load on the
`seat unit 2 is due to a person having sat down.
`[0033]
`
`Further, in step (h), for cases in which any of the conditions in steps (a) through (g) were not satisfied,
`which is to say, cases in which it is not thought that a person has sat down, it is decided whether S10, S11,
`and S12 are all OFF. If they are all OFF, it is decided that it is not a person. If even one is ON, it is decided
`that it is a person (child).
`[0034]
`
`Also, once it has been decided, according to steps (a) through (h), that a person has sat down, until the
`value of the current detected due to all of the load detection units S1 to S12 have all reached zero, the state
`is maintained in which a person has been detected, even if one of the conditions in steps (b) through (h) is
`lacking. In this way it is possible to maintain a state in which a person has been detected, even if, after a
`person has once sat down in the seat unit 2, the body has been moved in an extreme way.
`[0035]
`
`By performing distinguishing processing with a microprocessor 23 on the detection signals of the load
`detection units S1 to S12 provided in the seat unit 2, as described above, it can be distinguished whether a
`person is sitting in the seat 1.
`[0036]
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 13 of 15
`
`

`
`JP-06-022939-U (14)
`
`
`Also, in the above working example, as shown in FIG. 1, a load detection body A is formed with the load
`detection units in twelve places indicated by load detection units S1 to S12, but the number of these load
`detection units is not limited to twelve places; it may be more, such as the 25 places in a 5x5 matrix, or fewer,
`such as two places on the seat unit upper surface and the front edge. And the multiple load detection units
`need not be configured in a matrix but may be configured by independent load detection units. Likewise, for
`the spacers 30, as long as they have roughly the same height and roughly the same hardness as the load
`detection units, they may assume a shape in which they surround the load detection units.
`[0037]
`
`Also, in the above working example, the spacers 30 are disposed only around the load detection units
`S10 to S12 near the front edge of the seat unit 2, but spacers 30 may also be similarly disposed around the
`other load detection units S1 to S9.
`[0038]
`
`In addition, if multiple independent load detection units are used, spacers 30 can be provided between
`the cushion material and the surface sheet around the load detection units, and the cushion material and the
`surface sheet may be directly affixed around the load detection units.
`[0039]
`[Effects of the Device]
` With this device, by virtue of the above structure, a seat load detection apparatus can be provided that
`makes it possible to easily distinguish between sitting and placing baggage or the like on the seat unit,
`because the load detection units no longer make contact, for example due to the tension of the surface sheet
`of the seat unit or the like, when a pressing pressure is not directly applied to the load detection units.
`
`
`
`
`
`Translation by Patent Translations Inc. 1-800-844-0494 mail@PatentTranslations.com
`
`Aisin Seiki Exhibit 1004
`Page 14 of 15
`
`

`
`FROM :
`l"'o!I!Je! L Ul .J
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`I ~1,
`
`:
`FAX NO.
`20·15-11--'0 16:06:~3 (GMT)
`
`No<). 30 2015 03:32PM P2
`Patent Tran$lstions Fro~"'"' Mert:in Cro:!:
`
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`
`Certification of Translation
`
`Translator's Declaration: November 30, 2015
`
`I, Mark Spahn, hereby declare:
`
`That I possess advanced knowledge of the Japanese and English languages. My
`qualifications are as follows:
`• over 35 years as a Japanese-English translator, focusing primarily on technical
`and legal documents, including four years in-house at the law offices of Baker &
`McKenzie in Tokyo
`• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering/Computer Science from the University of
`Utah
`computer programmer at Computer Task Group
`co-author of "Japanese Kanji & Kana: A Complete Guide to the Japanese Writing
`System," Tuttle Publishing, 1981, 1997,2011,2012
`co-author of "The Kanji Dictionary" (a 47 ,000-entry bilingual dictionary. well known
`as the Spahn·Hadamitzky dictionary) Tuttle Publishing 1996, 1998, 2002.
`
`•
`•
`
`•
`
`I hereby certify that I translated Japanese Unexamined Utility Model Application Number
`JP-06-022939-U, from Japanese to English and that. to the bast of my ability, my English
`translation, attached hereto, is a true and correct translation.
`
`I further certify that I am competent in both English and Japanese to render and certify
`such translation. I understand that willful false statements and the like are punishable by
`a fine or imprisonment, or both (18 U .S.C. 1001 ). I declare under penalty of perjury under
`the laws of the United States of America that all statements made herein of my own
`knowledge are true, and all statements made on informati