Occupant detection system

(19) United States

US 20020003345A1

(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2002/0003345 A1

Publication Classification

(51) Int. Cl.7 .. .............. .. B60R 21/32 (52) U.S.Cl. ....................................... .. 280/735; 280/728.1

(57) ABSTRACT

An occupant detection system incorporates a radar range sensor adapted to sense the position of an occupant in a vehicle. The activation of the radar range sensor is responsive to the proximity of the occupant to a restraint actuator, or to an occupant sensor adapted to sense the presence or position of the occupant on a seat. The radar range sensor is disabled and the restraint actuator is enabled responsive to an occupant seated proximate to the seat back as sensed by a range/proximity sensor. The radar range sensor is disabled and the restraint actuator is disabled responsive to an infant or Child in and infant or Child seat on the vehicle seat sensed by an electric field sensor or a seat weight sensor. The radar range sensor is enabled and the restraint actuator is controlled responsive thereto if the occupant is on the seat but not proximate to the seat back.

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