Passenger identification device for vehicle

Abstract

A passenger identification device for a vehicle is provided to identify a passenger by integrating a sensor that senses a change in dielectric constant and a sensor that senses a change in pressure. The device includes a dielectric constant change sensing unit installed in a seat and sensing a change in capacitance generated by the dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat, and a pressure change sensing unit installed in the seat and sensing a change in pressure generated by the load of the passenger seated on the seat. A controller adjusts the power supplied to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, and uses the dielectric constant and pressure change values ​​sensed by the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit to determine whether a passenger is seated on the seat and the type of the passenger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a passenger identification device for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a passenger identification device for a vehicle that identifies a passenger through integration of a sensor that senses a change in dielectric constant and a sensor that senses a change in pressure. Background Art

[0002] Generally, various safety devices for ensuring the safety of passengers are provided in vehicles, and an airbag that expands between a vehicle structure and a passenger to protect the passenger during a vehicle collision corresponds to one of such safety devices. Such an airbag is deployed to protect the passenger in a vehicle collision. However, due to the position of the airbag relative to the child, the inflated airbag may be dangerous to the child. Therefore, in order to determine the deployment of the airbag, it is important to determine whether a passenger is seated on each seat and whether the passenger is an adult, a child of 6 years old or younger, or an infant of 1 year old or younger.

[0003] The technology for identifying a passenger seated on a seat can be generally divided into a method using a seat belt reminder (SBR) and a method using an occupant detection sensor (ODS). The SBR method can be used to notify a passenger whether he or she has fastened a seat belt after sitting on the seat through a warning sound or a warning light, and uses a technology for detecting whether a passenger is seated on the seat by sensing a change in applied pressure according to the load of the passenger as a passenger identification technology.

[0004] The SBR method has the advantage of being able to sense whether a passenger is seated on a seat, but errors in passenger identification may often occur due to significant differences in the load of a passenger sensed according to the posture of the passenger seated on the seat. Further, even when a passenger is not seated on a seat but places an object with a load on the seat, he or she may be mistakenly sensed as a passenger on the seat.

[0005] Further, the occupant detection sensor (ODS) method uses a technology that detects whether a passenger is seated on a seat by sensing a change in dielectric constant according to an object placed on the seat. The occupant detection sensor (ODS) method has an advantage in that it can sense whether an object is placed on a seat, but even if a passenger is not seated on the seat but an object with a small load (such as electronic equipment) is placed on the seat, it may be erroneously sensed as a passenger on the seat.

[0006] The above description is provided to help understanding the background of the present invention and should not be construed as conventional techniques known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] Therefore, the present invention provides a passenger identification device for a vehicle, which can reduce passenger identification errors using a sensor configured to sense a change in dielectric constant and a sensor configured to sense a change in pressure.

[0008] According to the present invention, the above and other purposes can be achieved by providing a passenger identification device for a vehicle, which identifies a passenger sitting on a seat of the vehicle and may include a dielectric constant change sensing unit, a pressure change sensing unit and a controller, the dielectric constant change sensing unit being installed in the seat and configured to sense a change in capacitance caused by the dielectric constant of the passenger sitting on the seat, the pressure change sensing unit being installed in the seat and configured to sense a change in pressure caused by the load of the passenger sitting on the seat, the controller being configured to adjust the power supplied to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, and using the dielectric constant and pressure change values ​​sensed by the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit to determine whether a passenger is sitting on the seat and the type of the passenger.

[0009] The dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit may be installed in different areas of the seat, respectively, and electrically connected in parallel. The controller may include a switch configured to switch between the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, for selectively supplying power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit.

[0010] In addition, the dielectric constant change sensing unit may include a first dielectric constant electrode, a second dielectric constant electrode, and a first insulator, the first dielectric constant electrode being configured to sense a change in the dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat, the second dielectric constant electrode being spaced downward from the first dielectric constant electrode to be opposite thereto, and being configured to prevent an ambient noise signal from being sensed by the first dielectric constant electrode, and the first insulator being disposed between the first dielectric constant electrode and the second dielectric constant electrode to insulate the first dielectric constant electrode and the second dielectric constant electrode from each other. The pressure change sensing unit may be disposed to be spaced apart from the dielectric constant change sensing unit in the horizontal direction, and may include a first pressure electrode and a second pressure electrode spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction to be opposite to each other. A spacer may be disposed between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode. In addition, a second insulator and a third insulator may be disposed on the outer surfaces of the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to insulate the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode.

[0011] The dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit may be installed in the same area of ​​the seat to be arranged in a vertical direction and may be electrically connected in parallel. The controller may include a switch configured to switch between the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit for selectively supplying power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit.

[0012] In addition, the dielectric constant change sensing unit may include a first dielectric constant electrode, a second dielectric constant electrode, and a first insulator, the first dielectric constant electrode being configured to sense a change in the dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat, the second dielectric constant electrode being spaced downward from the first dielectric constant electrode to be opposite thereto, and being configured to prevent an ambient noise signal from being sensed by the first dielectric constant electrode, and the first insulator being disposed between the first dielectric constant electrode and the second dielectric constant electrode to insulate the first dielectric constant electrode and the second dielectric constant electrode from each other. The pressure change sensing unit may be disposed below the dielectric constant change sensing unit, and may include a first pressure electrode and a second pressure electrode spaced vertically from each other to be opposite to each other. A spacer may be disposed between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode. In addition, a second insulator and a third insulator may be disposed on the outer surfaces of the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to insulate the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode. The second insulator of the pressure change sensing unit may be disposed to contact the lower surface of the second dielectric constant electrode of the dielectric constant change sensing unit.

[0013] The dielectric constant change sensing unit may include a first dielectric constant electrode configured to sense a change in the dielectric constant of a passenger seated on a seat, and a first insulator disposed below the first dielectric constant electrode. The pressure change sensing unit may be disposed below the dielectric constant change sensing unit, and may include a first pressure electrode and a second pressure electrode spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction to be opposite to each other. A spacer may be disposed between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode. A second insulator may be disposed between the first pressure electrode and the spacer and a third insulator may be disposed between the spacer and the second pressure electrode to insulate the first pressure electrode, the spacer, and the second pressure electrode from each other. The first pressure electrode of the pressure change sensing unit may be disposed to contact the lower surface of the first insulator of the dielectric constant change sensing unit.

[0014] Further, the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit may be respectively installed in different areas of the seat, or may be installed in the same area of ​​the seat to be arranged in a vertical direction, and may be electrically connected in series, and the controller may be configured to alternately supply alternating current (AC) power and direct current (DC) power, the AC power being supplied to the dielectric constant change sensing unit, and the DC power being supplied to the pressure change sensing unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a view showing a configuration of a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 2 is a view showing a configuration of a dielectric constant change sensing unit and a pressure change sensing unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 3 is a view showing a configuration of a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 4 is a view showing a configuration of a dielectric constant change sensing unit and a pressure change sensing unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 5 is a view showing a configuration of a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] Figure 6 is a view showing a configuration of a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms as used herein generally include motor vehicles, such as passenger cars (including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles), watercraft (including various motorboats and ships), aircraft, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, internal combustion, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than petroleum).

[0023] Although the exemplary embodiments are described as using multiple units to perform the exemplary processes, it should be understood that the exemplary processes can also be performed by one or more modules. In addition, it should be understood that the term controller / control unit refers to a hardware device including a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more processes described further below.

[0024] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are also intended to include plural forms. It will be further understood that when the term "comprises / comprising" is used in this specification, it specifies the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more items in the associated listed items.

[0025] Unless specifically stated or apparent from the context, as used herein, the term "about" is to be understood as being within the normal tolerance range in the art, e.g., within 2 standard deviations of the mean. "About" may be understood as being within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, all numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term "about".

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0027] Figure 1 is a view showing a configuration of a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a view showing a configuration of a dielectric constant change sensing unit and a pressure change sensing unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] As in Figure 1 and Figure 2As exemplarily shown in FIG, a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be configured to identify whether a passenger is seated on a seat 1 provided in the vehicle and the type of the passenger, and may include a dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, a pressure change sensing unit 20, and a controller 30, wherein the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 is installed in the seat 1 to sense a change in capacitance caused by a dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat 1, the pressure change sensing unit 20 is installed in the seat 1 to sense a change in pressure caused by a load of the passenger seated on the seat 1, and the controller 30 is configured to adjust the power supplied to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20, and use the dielectric constant and pressure change values ​​sensed by the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 to determine whether a passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger.

[0029] Specifically, the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be installed in different areas of the seat 1, respectively, and may be electrically connected in parallel. Therefore, the controller 30 may include a switch 31 to switch between the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 for selectively supplying power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20. The dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 may be configured to identify whether a passenger is seated on the seat 1 by sensing a change in capacitance generated by the dielectric constant of the passenger seated on the seat 1.

[0030] As in Figure 2 As exemplarily shown in the figure, the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 may include a first dielectric constant electrode 11a, a second dielectric constant electrode 11b and a first insulator 12, the first dielectric constant electrode 11a being configured to sense a change in the dielectric constant of a passenger sitting on the seat 1, the second dielectric constant electrode 11b being spaced downward from the first dielectric constant electrode 11a to be opposite to the first dielectric constant electrode 11a, and being configured to prevent an ambient noise signal from being sensed by the first dielectric constant electrode 11a, and the first insulator 12 being disposed between the first dielectric constant electrode 11a and the second dielectric constant electrode 11b to insulate the first dielectric constant electrode 11a and the second dielectric constant electrode 11b from each other.

[0031] The first dielectric constant electrode 11a and the second dielectric constant electrode 11b may identify whether a passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by sensing the dielectric constant of the passenger seated on the seat 1 or an item placed on the seat 1. The first dielectric constant electrode 11a and the second dielectric constant electrode 11b may be configured to identify whether a passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by detecting a change in capacitance generated by a change in dielectric constant. The dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 uses the principle that capacitance is proportional to a change in dielectric constant.

[0032] Specifically, the first dielectric constant electrode 11a may be configured to determine whether a passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by sensing a dielectric constant difference of a passenger or an object on the seat 1. The sensing of the dielectric constant difference indicates that the dielectric constant difference causes a current difference, and the current difference is sensed by the controller 30.

[0033] In addition, the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be configured to determine whether the passenger is seated on the seat 1 by sensing a change in the amount of the seat 1 pressurized by the load of the passenger seated on the seat 1. Specifically, the pressure change sensing unit 20 uses the principle that capacitance is inversely proportional to the distance between electrodes. The difference in the amount of the pressurized seat 1 sensed indicates that the difference in the pressurization force causes the difference in the distance between the electrodes, which causes the difference in current, and the current difference may be sensed by the controller 30. The pressure change sensing unit 20 may be disposed in an area different from the position of the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 in the seat 1 so as to be spaced apart from the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 in the horizontal direction.

[0034] As in Figure 2 As exemplarily shown in the figure, the pressure change sensing unit 20 may include a first pressure electrode 21a and a second pressure electrode 21b, a spacer 23, and a second insulator 22a and a third insulator 22b, wherein the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction to be opposite to each other, the spacer 23 is arranged between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b, and the second insulator 22a and the third insulator 22b are arranged on the outer surfaces of the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b to insulate the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b.

[0035] Specifically, the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b may be configured to determine whether a passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by sensing a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b caused by a pressure according to a load of a passenger seated on the seat 1 or an item placed on the seat 1. In the above-mentioned passenger identification device for a vehicle according to the first exemplary embodiment, if a passenger is seated on the seat 1, the controller 30 may be configured to alternately supply power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20.

[0036] Then, the dielectric constant detected by the first dielectric constant electrode 11a is changed by the passenger, and the controller 30 may be configured to determine whether the passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by sensing such a change in the dielectric constant. Thereafter, when power is alternately supplied to the pressure change sensing unit 20, the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b may be changed by the pressure caused by the load of the passenger, and the controller 30 may be configured to determine whether the passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by detecting the change in the distance.

[0037] Therefore, the controller 30 may be configured to alternately supply power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20, and correctly determine whether a passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by reading the change in dielectric constant and the change in pressure alternately detected by the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20. The configuration and arrangement of the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be variously modified.

[0038] Figure 3 is a view showing a configuration of a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a view showing the configuration of a dielectric constant change sensing unit and a pressure change sensing unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 , in the same manner as the above-mentioned first embodiment, a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, a pressure change sensing unit 20 and a controller 30.

[0039] Specifically, the functions of the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, the pressure change sensing unit 20, and the controller 30 in the second exemplary embodiment are similar to those in the first exemplary embodiment. However, in the second exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 is changed. For example, in the passenger identification device for a vehicle according to the second exemplary embodiment, the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be installed in the same area of ​​the seat 1 to be arranged in a vertical direction, and may be electrically connected in parallel. Therefore, the controller 30 may include a switch 31, which is configured to switch between the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20, for selectively supplying power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20.

[0040] In the same manner as the first exemplary embodiment, the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 may include a first dielectric constant electrode 11a, a second dielectric constant electrode 11b, and a first insulator 12, wherein the first dielectric constant electrode 11a is configured to sense a change in the dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat 1, the second dielectric constant electrode 11b is spaced downward from the first dielectric constant electrode 11a to be opposite thereto and is configured to prevent an ambient noise signal from being sensed by the first dielectric constant electrode 11a, and the first insulator 12 is disposed between the first dielectric constant electrode 11a and the second dielectric constant electrode 11b to insulate the first dielectric constant electrode 11a and the second dielectric constant electrode 11b from each other.

[0041] Further, in the same manner as the first exemplary embodiment, the pressure change sensing unit 20 may include a first pressure electrode 21a and a second pressure electrode 21b, a spacer 23, and second and third insulators 22a and 22b, wherein the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction to be opposite to each other, the spacer 23 is arranged between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b, and the second and third insulators 22a and 22b are arranged on outer surfaces of the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b to insulate the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b.

[0042] However, the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be disposed below the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, and specifically, the second insulator 22a of the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be disposed to contact the lower surface of the second dielectric constant electrode 11b of the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10. In the above-mentioned passenger identification device for a vehicle according to the second exemplary embodiment, if a passenger is seated on the seat 1, the controller 30 may be configured to alternately supply power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20.

[0043] Then, the dielectric constant detected by the first dielectric constant electrode 11a is changed by the passenger, and the controller 30 may be configured to determine whether the passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by detecting the change in the dielectric constant. Thereafter, when power is alternately supplied to the pressure change sensing unit 20, the load of the passenger may be transmitted to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be pressurized by the load transmitted to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, and therefore, the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b is changed, and the controller 30 may be configured to determine whether the passenger is seated on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by detecting the change in the space.

[0044] Therefore, the controller 30 can be configured to alternately supply power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20, and correctly identify whether a passenger is sitting on the seat 1 and the type of the passenger by reading the changes in the dielectric constant and the changes in the pressure alternately detected by the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20.

[0045] Figure 5 is a view showing the configuration of a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 , in the same manner as the above-mentioned first exemplary embodiment, a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, a pressure change sensing unit 20 and a controller 30.

[0046] However, the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be installed in different areas of the seat 1, respectively, or may be installed in the same area of ​​the seat 1 to be arranged in a vertical direction, and may be electrically connected in series. Specifically, the controller 30 may be configured to alternately supply alternating current (AC) power and direct current (DC) power, the AC power being supplied to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, and the DC power being supplied to the pressure change sensing unit 20. Therefore, while supplying AC power, the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 may be configured to sense a change in dielectric constant, and while supplying DC power, the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be configured to sense a change in pressure.

[0047] Figure 6 is a view showing the configuration of a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 As exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 , in the same manner as the above-mentioned first exemplary embodiment, a passenger identification device for a vehicle according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, a pressure change sensing unit 20 and a controller 30.

[0048] However, in the passenger identification device for a vehicle according to the fourth exemplary embodiment, the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be installed in the same area of ​​the seat 1 to be arranged in a vertical direction, and may be electrically connected in parallel. Specifically, one electrode may be commonly used as one of the dielectric constant electrodes of the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and one of the pressure electrodes of the pressure change sensing unit 20.

[0049] Therefore, the controller 30 may include one or more switches 31a and 31b for selectively supplying power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20. When two switches 31a and 31b are provided, one of the wires electrically connected to each of the corresponding switches 31a and 31b may be connected to an electrode that is shared in the dielectric constant sensing unit 10 and the pressure change sensing unit 20 to simultaneously serve as a dielectric constant electrode and a pressure electrode. For example, the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10 may include a first dielectric constant electrode 11a configured to sense a change in the dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat 1, and a first insulator 12 disposed below the first dielectric constant electrode 11a.

[0050] Further, the pressure change sensing unit 20 may be disposed below the dielectric constant change sensing unit 10, and may include a first pressure electrode 21a and a second pressure electrode 21b, a spacer 23, and a second insulator 22a and a third insulator 22b, wherein the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction to be opposite to each other, the spacer 23 is disposed between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode 21a and the second pressure electrode 21b, the second insulator 22a is disposed between the first pressure electrode 21a and the spacer 23 and the third insulator 22b is disposed between the spacer 23 and the second pressure electrode 21b to insulate the first pressure electrode 21a, the spacer 23 and the second pressure electrode 21b from each other.

[0051] The first pressure electrode 21a of the pressure variation sensing unit 20 may be disposed to contact the lower surface of the first insulator 12 of the dielectric constant variation sensing unit 10. Therefore, the first pressure electrode 21a may also function as the second dielectric constant electrode 11b of the dielectric constant variation sensing unit 10.

[0052] The controller 30 according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by a processor (not shown) configured to perform the operations to be described above using an algorithm configured to control the operations of various components of the vehicle, or a non-volatile memory (not shown) configured to store data related to software commands for reproducing the algorithm and data stored in a corresponding memory. The memory and the processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as one integrated chip. One or more processors may be provided.

[0053] As is apparent from the above description, the passenger identification device for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can identify whether a passenger is seated on a seat and the type of the passenger by completely sensing a change in the load of the passenger and a change in the dielectric constant, and thus reduce the possibility of passenger identification errors. Further, the passenger identification device for a vehicle can correctly identify whether a passenger is seated on a seat and the type of the passenger, and thus allow the airbag to be correctly deployed as needed.

[0054] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A passenger identification device for a vehicle, the passenger identification device identifying a passenger seated on a seat of the vehicle, the passenger identification device comprising: a dielectric constant change sensing unit installed in the seat and configured to sense a change in capacitance generated by a dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat; a pressure change sensing unit installed in the seat and configured to sense a pressure change generated by a load of a passenger seated on the seat; and a controller configured to adjust power supplied to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, and determine whether a passenger is seated on the seat and the type of the passenger using dielectric constant and pressure change values ​​sensed by the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, The dielectric constant sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit are respectively installed in different areas of the seat and are electrically connected in parallel, The pressure change sensing unit is arranged to be spaced apart from the dielectric constant change sensing unit in a horizontal direction. Wherein, the dielectric constant change sensing unit includes: a first dielectric constant electrode configured to sense a change in a dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat; a second dielectric constant electrode spaced downwardly from the first dielectric constant electrode to be opposite to the first dielectric constant electrode and configured to prevent an ambient noise signal from being sensed by the first dielectric constant electrode; and A first insulator is provided between the first dielectric constant electrode and the second dielectric constant electrode to insulate the first dielectric constant electrode and the second dielectric constant electrode from each other.

2. The passenger identification device according to claim 1, wherein: The controller includes a switch configured to switch between the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit to selectively supply power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit.

3. The passenger identification device according to claim 1, wherein the pressure change sensing unit comprises: a first pressure electrode and a second pressure electrode, the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode being spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction to be opposite to each other; a spacer disposed between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode; and A second insulator and a third insulator are provided on outer surfaces of the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to insulate the first pressure electrode from the second pressure electrode.

4. A passenger identification device for a vehicle, the passenger identification device identifying a passenger seated on a seat of the vehicle, the passenger identification device comprising: a dielectric constant change sensing unit installed in the seat and configured to sense a change in capacitance generated by a dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat; a pressure change sensing unit installed in the seat and configured to sense a pressure change generated by a load of a passenger seated on the seat; and a controller configured to adjust power supplied to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, and determine whether a passenger is seated on the seat and the type of the passenger using dielectric constant and pressure change values ​​sensed by the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, in: The dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit are installed in the same area of ​​the seat to be arranged in a vertical direction and are electrically connected in parallel, Wherein, the dielectric constant change sensing unit includes: a first dielectric constant electrode configured to sense a change in a dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat; a second dielectric constant electrode spaced downwardly from the first dielectric constant electrode to be opposite to the first dielectric constant electrode and configured to prevent an ambient noise signal from being sensed by the first dielectric constant electrode; and A first insulator is provided between the first dielectric constant electrode and the second dielectric constant electrode to insulate the first dielectric constant electrode and the second dielectric constant electrode from each other.

5. The passenger identification device according to claim 4, wherein: The controller includes a switch configured to switch between the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit for selectively supplying power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit.

6. The passenger identification device according to claim 4, wherein the pressure change sensing unit is disposed below the dielectric constant change sensing unit, and comprises: a first pressure electrode and a second pressure electrode, the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode being spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction to face each other; a spacer disposed between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode; and a second insulator and a third insulator, wherein the second insulator and the third insulator are disposed on outer surfaces of the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to insulate the first pressure electrode from the second pressure electrode, The second insulator of the pressure change sensing unit is configured to contact a lower surface of the second dielectric constant electrode of the dielectric constant change sensing unit.

7. The passenger identification device according to claim 4, wherein the dielectric constant change sensing unit comprises: a first dielectric constant electrode configured to sense a change in a dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat; and A first insulator is disposed below the first dielectric constant electrode.

8. The passenger identification device according to claim 7, wherein the pressure change sensing unit is disposed below the dielectric constant change sensing unit, and comprises: a first pressure electrode and a second pressure electrode, the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode being spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction to face each other; a spacer disposed between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode to maintain the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode in response to a change in the distance between the first pressure electrode and the second pressure electrode; and a second insulator and a third insulator, the second insulator being disposed between the first pressure electrode and the spacer, and the third insulator being disposed between the spacer and the second pressure electrode, so that the first pressure electrode, the spacer, and the second pressure electrode are insulated from each other, The first pressure electrode of the pressure change sensing unit is arranged to contact a lower surface of the first insulator of the dielectric constant change sensing unit.

9. A passenger identification device for a vehicle, the passenger identification device identifying a passenger seated on a seat of the vehicle, the passenger identification device comprising: a dielectric constant change sensing unit installed in the seat and configured to sense a change in capacitance generated by a dielectric constant of a passenger seated on the seat; a pressure change sensing unit installed in the seat and configured to sense a pressure change generated by a load of a passenger seated on the seat; and a controller configured to adjust power supplied to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, and determine whether a passenger is seated on the seat and the type of the passenger using dielectric constant and pressure change values ​​sensed by the dielectric constant change sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit, in: The dielectric constant sensing unit and the pressure change sensing unit are respectively installed in different areas of the seat, or installed in the same area of ​​the seat to be arranged in a vertical direction, and are electrically connected in series; and The controller is configured to alternately supply AC power to the dielectric constant change sensing unit and DC power to the pressure change sensing unit.

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