A FAR INFRARED THERMAL IMAGER FOR OCCUPANT SIZE AND POSITION SENSING. IN: AIR BAGS AND BELT RESTRAINTS

The proposed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) smart air bag rules state that the safety restraint system adjusts its operation depending upon the classification and position of the occupants to reduce the possibility of injury being caused by the air bag. To meet this requirement, QinetiC and First Technology are developing a sensor system based on a low cost thermal sensor that is extremely robust and consumes little electrical power. The paper outlines the requirements of the sensor and trial work to address the feasibility of using a thermal sensor in the automotive cabin environment. The effects of background temperature, occupant clothing, contamination and obstruction of the lens of the sensor are also addressed.