Gm Global Technolgoy Operations, Inc.

Stephane Vitet

David T Proefke

Fred W Huntzicker

William A Biondo

A method and apparatus for detecting impairment of a vehicle operator are provided. The method includes detecting a first impairment level at a first time; detecting a second impairment level at a second time after the first time; based on the detected first impairment level and the detected second impairment level, determining a third impairment level at a third time after the second time; and inhibiting vehicle operation in response to determining that the third impairment level is greater than an impairment threshold. The apparatus and method may be used in a vehicle or other apparatus to prevent vehicle operator from operating the vehicle while impaired or prior to becoming impaired.

Method and apparatus for detecting projected impairment

A seat belt retractor is provided for a motor vehicle with a receiving part for a seat belt retractable on the receiving part, a deceleration sensor for detecting a deceleration in the seat belt retractor, a first extension speed sensor for detecting an extension speed of the seat belt prior to activating an energy absorption device. The energy absorption device fixes the seat belt during an accident with energy absorption, so that when a first deceleration limit detected by the deceleration sensor is exceeded the seat belt is restrained with energy absorption. The seat belt retractor encompasses a locking mechanism for securing the seat belt and a second extension speed sensor for detecting an extension speed after activating the energy absorption device. When a second extension speed limit of the seat belt has been exceeded, the locking mechanism restrains the seat belt without energy absorption.

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Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Stephane Vitet