The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 22, 2003
Filed:
Apr. 19, 2000
Edward J. Gillis, South Lyon, MI (US);
Stephen R. W. Cooper, Fowlerville, MI (US);
TRW Inc., Lyndhurst, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus ( ) determines distance to an object ( ), and preferably the object is a vehicle occupant. A sensor ( ) of the apparatus ( ) senses distance to the occupant ( ) at a sensor rate. A rate determination function portion ( ) of a controller ( ) varies the sensor rate as a function of the sensed distance. Preferably, the sensor ( ) emits signals ( ) at the sensor rate toward the occupant ( ) and receives reflected signals from the occupant. A time between emission of a signal and reception of an associated reflected signal is used to determine a distance to the occupant ( ) at a distance determination function portion ( ) of the controller ( ). Change in the rate of signal emission is in response to each change in determined distance and is continuous with the change in determined distance. Preferably, the apparatus is part of an occupant protection system ( ) for a vehicle ( ). A portion ( ) of the controller ( ) makes determinations regarding control of a protection device ( ) of the system ( ) using the sensed distance.