Patent attributes
An occupant detection system includes a weight sensor and an electric field sensor, each operatively coupled to a seat. The electric field sensor generates an electric field from at least one electrode in the bottom of the seat, provides for generating a response to an influence of the occupant, and is adapted to discriminate the response of a seated infant or child seating condition from another seating condition. If a measure of weight from the weight sensor is less than a threshold, or if a child seating condition is detected by the electric field sensor, then a signal processor provides for disabling an associated restraint actuator. The electric field sensor may include a plurality of electrodes over first and second regions of differing proximity to a seated infant or child, or at least one electrode in cooperation with a shield or void over at least one of the regions.
