Vehicle occupant position and velocity sensor
AssigneeAutomotive Technologies International, Inc.
InventorsDavid S. Breed, Vittorio Castelli, Wendell C. Johnson, Wilbur E. DuVall
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An occupant position sensor utilizing either ultrasonic, microwave or optical technologies, or seatbelt spool out and seat position sensors, are used as inputs to the primary vehicle crash sensor circuit to permit the longest possible sensing time before the occupant gets proximate to the airbag and is in danger of being injured by the deploying airbag. The sensor further disables the inflatable restraint system if the occupant is in danger of being injured by the system deployment. Separate systems are used for the driver and passenger to permit the optimum decision to be made for each occupant.
Claims22
In a motor vehicle having an occupant, a vehicle occupant position system comprising:
- sensor means for determining the position of said occupant in a passenger compartment of the vehicle, said sensor means comprising at least one transmitter for transmitting waves toward said occupant;
- at least one receiver for receiving waves which have been reflected off of said occupant and pattern recognition means for processing the waves received by said it least one receiver,
- attachment means for attaching said sensor means to said motor vehicle;
- and
- response means coupled to said sensor means for responding to the determined position of said occupant.
In a motor vehicle having an occupant, a vehicle occupant position and velocity sensor comprising:
- sensor means for determining the relative position and velocity of said occupant within said motor vehicle;
- attachment means for attaching said sensor means to said motor vehicle;
- and
- response means coupled to said sensor means for responding to the determined relative position and velocity of said occupant.
In a motor vehicle, an occupant head position sensor comprising:
- wave generator means arranged in the vehicle for directing waves toward a location in which a head of the occupant is situated;
- receiver means for receiving said waves reflected from said occupant's head;
- pattern recognition means coupled to said receiver means for determining the position of said occupant's head based on said waves reflected from said occupant's head;
- and
- response means for responding to changes in the position of said occupant's head.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.