Alanna Marie Quail

US Patent:

6519551, Feb 11, 2003

Filed:

Aug 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/650132

Inventors:

Daniel Reich - Macomb MI
Alanna Marie Quail - Oakland Township MI
Emmanuel V. Garcia - Sterling Hts. MI

Assignee:

Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

G06F 1500

US Classification:

702173, 702176, 701 45

Abstract:

A vehicle weight classification system includes a method of classifying weight information. A plurality of zones are defined and are associated with each of the weight classifications. In one example, the upper and lower limits of the zones overlap those of an adjacent zone. The upper and lower limits of the zones preferably also overlap the thresholds of the corresponding weight classifications. Whenever weight information exists within a zone, a value for that zone is increased. The zone having the highest value is determined to be the zone where the weight information should be classified. The weight information is then classified into the classification associated with the zone having the highest value.

US Patent:

6441363, Aug 27, 2002

Filed:

Feb 23, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/510688

Inventors:

Dan ORourke - Auburn Hills MI
Jeff Clark - Sterling Hghts. MI
Alanna Quail - Oakland Township MI
Paul Witt - St. Charles IL
Hubert Braunwarth - Friedberg, DE
Mark Clark - Clarkston MI
Dan Reich - Macomb MI
Lauren M. Peterson - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Siemens VDO Automotive Corporation - Auburn Hills MI

International Classification:

B60R 2132

US Classification:

250221, 280735, 340436, 180273, 701 45

Abstract:

A vehicle occupant sensing system includes a laser array that generates three beams. A first beam is directed toward an upper body zone, a second beam is directed toward a middle body zone, and a third beam is directed toward a lower body zone. A first sensor assembly receives reflection beams from the upper body zone and generates a first signal that represents a proportional amount of an occupant present in the upper body zone. A second sensor assembly receives reflection beams from the middle body zone and generates a second signal that represents a proportional amount of the occupant present in the middle body zone. A third sensor assembly receives reflection beams from the lower body zone and generates a third signal that represents a proportional amount of the occupant present in the lower body zone. The laser array and the first, second, and third sensor assemblies are all mounted within a common housing that is mounted to a vehicle structure such as an A-pillar or rear view mirror. A central processor receives the first, second, and third signals and combines the signals to generate a control signal representative of the position of the occupant within the vehicle.