Simplified Manufacturing Sensor Implementation

Abstract

The sensing system determines the movement and location of passengers and objects inside the vehicle or elsewhere. The sensing system transmits multiple signals during a transmission period and can use the signals sensed during a frame to create different heat maps representing the movement and location of people or objects during an integration period. The flexibility and performance of the sensing system and its antenna allows the sensing system to be placed inside or adjacent to a component to reduce construction costs.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any person of the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office file wrapper or records, but otherwise reserves any and all copyrights.

[0002] The systems and methods of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of sensing, and more particularly to the implementation and integration of sensors in complex environments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0003] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. While exemplary embodiments and related data are disclosed to illustrate the invention, other embodiments and related data will become apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure herein.

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 shows an occupant inside a vehicle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a sensing system for use with a vehicle seat. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a rear view of an embodiment of a sensing system for use with a vehicle seat. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a sensing system that matches an existing component structure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is another view showing a portion of the sensing system that matches an existing component structure. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is another view showing a portion of the sensing system that matches an existing component structure. [Figure 7]FIG. 13 illustrates the stitching used to secure parts of the sensing system together. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is another view showing a portion of the sensing system that matches an existing component structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0005] In various embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a sensing system that can be manufactured and assembled to utilize complex environments and components within such environments. In general, the sensing systems described herein can detect both objects and people within a particular environment. For example, in an embodiment, the sensing system can sense passengers and object motion and location determination within a vehicle. The sensing system can transmit at least one signal and / or multiple signals during a measurement period, and the received signal can be used to represent the motion and / or location of a person. In an embodiment, the received signal is used to form a heat map that reflects the motion and / or location of the object or person. By utilizing the flexibility of the sensing system components, the sensing system can be manufactured and installed within a complex environment, such as a vehicle seat, to reduce costs and avoid interference with other components that may occur in conventional sensing systems.

[0006] Throughout this disclosure, the term "event" may be used to describe a period of time during which the movement and / or position of an object or subject is determined. According to an embodiment, events may be detected, processed, and / or provided to downstream computational processes with very low latency, for example, on the order of 10 milliseconds or less, or on the order of less than 1 millisecond.

[0007] As used in this application, particularly in the claims, order terms such as first and second are not intended to imply order, time or uniqueness by themselves, but rather are used to distinguish one claimed feature from another. In some uses, where the context indicates, these terms may imply that the first and second are unique. For example, if an event occurs at a first time and another event occurs at a second time, there is no intention to imply that the first time occurs before the second time, after the second time, or simultaneously with the second time. However, if a further limitation that the second time is after the first time is presented in the claim, the context requires that the first and second time be read as unique times. Similarly, where the context indicates or permits, order terms are intended to be broadly interpreted such that the features of two express claims may be of the same or different characteristics. Thus, for example, the first frequency and the second frequency may be the same frequency, e.g., the first frequency is 10 Mhz and the second frequency is 10 Mhz, or may be different frequencies, e.g., the first frequency is 10 Mhz and the second frequency is 11 Mhz, unless further limited otherwise by the context, in which case they may not be the same frequency, e.g., the first frequency and the second frequency are further limited to be frequency orthogonal to each other.

[0008] This application contemplates various embodiments of the sensing system. The sensing system described herein is suitable for use with frequency orthogonal signaling methods (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,019,224 and 9,529,476, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,811,214, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference). The sensing system featured herein may be used with other signaling methods, including scanning or time division and / or code division methods. The sensing system described and illustrated herein is suitable for use in conjunction with signal injection (also called signal injection) methods and devices. Signal injection is a technique in which a signal is transmitted to a person, and the signal can travel on, through and through the person. In some embodiments, the injected signal causes the object of the injection (e.g., a hand, a finger, an arm, or the entire person) to be the transmitter of the signal.

[0009] This application also relates to the following U.S. Patent Nos. 9,933,880, 9,019,224, 9,811,214, 9,804,721, 9,710,113, 9,158,411, 10,191,579, 10,386,975, 10,175,772, 10,528,201, 10,528,182, Nos. 10,620,696, 10,705,667, 10,732,778, 10,795,437, 10,928,180, 11,099,680, and 11,209,936. Familiarity with the disclosures, concepts, and terminology in these patents is assumed. The entire disclosures of these patents and the applications incorporated by reference therein are incorporated herein by reference. This application also employs principles used in high speed multi-touch sensors and other interfaces disclosed in the following U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0371487A1, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 575,005, 62 / 621,117, 62 / 619,656, and PCT Publication No. PCT / US2017 / 050547, the entire disclosures of which and the applications incorporated by reference therein are incorporated herein by reference.

[0010] Certain principles of fast multi-touch (FMT) sensors are disclosed in the above patents and patent applications. Orthogonal signals may be transmitted into multiple transmit antennas (or conductors) and the information may be received by receivers attached to multiple receive antennas (or conductors). In one embodiment, the receiver "samples" the signal present on the receive antennas (or conductors) during a sampling period (τ). In one embodiment, the signal (e.g., the sampled signal) is then analyzed by a signal processor to identify events (e.g., including actual touches, proximity touches, hovers, and more distant events that cause changes in coupling between the transmit antennas (or conductors) and the receive antennas (or conductors). In one embodiment, one or more transmit antennas (or conductors) can move relative to one or more receive antennas (or conductors), and such movement causes a change in coupling between at least one of the transmit antennas (or conductors) and at least one of the receive antennas (or conductors). In some embodiments, one or more transmit antennas (or conductors) are fixed relative to one or more receive antennas (or conductors), and the interaction of the transmitted signal and / or signals with environmental factors results in a change in coupling between at least one of the transmit antennas (or conductors) and at least one of the receive antennas (or conductors). The transmit antennas (or conductors) and receive antennas (or conductors) can be organized in a variety of configurations, including, for example, a matrix, a pattern that matches the shape of an object, a pattern that matches a convenient interval within or on the object, or a pattern that is efficiently placed within or on the object. In these arrangements, the transmit antennas and receive antennas can be placed in locations where coupling of signals between the transmit antennas and the receive antennas results in providing information about an object or person located closest to the antenna of the detection system. In some embodiments where the orthogonal signals are frequency orthogonal, the spacing Δf between the orthogonal frequencies is at least the reciprocal of the integration period τ, which is equal to the period during which the column conductors are sampled.Thus, in one embodiment, the received signal may be measured over a period of 1 millisecond (τ) with a frequency interval (Δf) of 1 kilohertz (ie, Δf=1 / τ).

[0011] Generally, in embodiments, a signal processor of the mixed signal integrated circuit (or downstream components or software) is adapted to determine at least one value representative of each frequency orthogonal signal transmitted to (or present on) a row conductor (or antenna). In some embodiments, the signal processor of the mixed signal integrated circuit (or downstream components or software) performs a Fourier transform on the signal present on the receive antenna (or conductor). In some embodiments, the mixed signal integrated circuit is adapted to digitize the receive signal. In some embodiments, the mixed signal integrated circuit (or downstream components or software) is adapted to digitize the signal present on the receive conductor or antenna and perform a Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) on the digitized information. In some embodiments, the mixed signal integrated circuit (or downstream components or software) is adapted to digitize the signal present on the receive conductor or antenna and perform a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) on the digitized information, where the FFT is a type of Discrete Fourier Transform.

[0012] It will be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that the DFT essentially deals with a sequence (e.g., a window) of digital samples that are extracted as if repeating during a sampling period (e.g., a measurement period, an integration period). As a result, a signal that is not at a center frequency (i.e., not an integer multiple of the inverse of the integration period, which defines the minimum frequency interval) may have the relatively small, but unintended, consequence of contributing small values ​​into other DFT bins. Thus, it will also be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that the term orthogonal, as used herein, is not "violated" by such small contributions. In other words, as the term frequency orthogonal, as used herein, two signals are considered to be frequency orthogonal if substantially all of the contributions of one signal to a DFT bin are in a different DFT bin than substantially all of the contributions of the other signal.

[0013] During sampling, in one embodiment, the received signal is sampled at least at 1 MHz. In one embodiment, the received signal is sampled at least at 2 MHz. In one embodiment, the received signal is sampled at least at 4 Mhz. In one embodiment, the received signal is sampled at 4.096 Mhz. In one embodiment, the received signal is sampled at a frequency greater than 4 MHz. To achieve kHz sampling, for example, 4096 samples may be sampled at 4.096 MHz. In such an embodiment, the integration period is 1 millisecond, which results in a minimum frequency interval of 1 KHz, with the constraint that the frequency interval must be greater than or equal to the inverse of the integration period. (It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that, for example, sampling 4096 samples at 4 MHz would result in an integration period slightly longer than a millisecond, would not achieve kHz sampling, and would result in a minimum frequency interval of 976.5625 Hz.) In one embodiment, the frequency interval is equal to the inverse of the integration period. In such an embodiment, the maximum frequency of the frequency orthogonal signal range should be less than 2 MHz. In such an embodiment, the maximum practical frequency of the frequency orthogonal signal range should be less than about 40% of the sampling rate, or about 1.6 MHz. In one embodiment, a DFT (which may be an FFT) is used to convert the digitized received signal into bins of information, each bin reflecting the frequency of a transmitted frequency orthogonal signal, which may have been transmitted by a transmit antenna. In one embodiment, the 2048 bins correspond to frequencies from 1 KHz to about 2 MHz. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of this disclosure that these examples are merely illustrative. Depending on the needs of the system and subject to the above constraints, the sampling rate may be increased or decreased, the integration period adjusted, the frequency range adjusted, etc.

[0014] In one embodiment, the DFT output (which may be an FFT) includes a bin for each frequency orthogonal signal to be transmitted. In one embodiment, each DFT bin (which may be an FFT) includes an in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) component. In one embodiment, the sum of the squares of the I and Q components is used as a measure corresponding to the signal strength of the bin. In one embodiment, the square root of the sum of the squares of the I and Q components is used as a measure corresponding to the signal strength of the bin.

[0015] In one embodiment, the DFT output (which may be an FFT) includes a bin for each frequency orthogonal signal to be transmitted. In one embodiment, each DFT bin (which may be an FFT) includes an in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q) component. In one embodiment, the sum of the squares of the I and Q components is used as a measure corresponding to the magnitude, phase, and impedance of the bin. In one embodiment, the square root of the sum of the squares of the I and Q components is used as a measure corresponding to the magnitude of the bin. In one embodiment, the arctangent of the I and Q components is used as a measure corresponding to the phase of the bin. In one embodiment, the magnitude and phase utilize Z=magnitude*(sin(wt) / sin(wt+phase)) as a measure corresponding to the impedance of the bin. For clarity, w=2*pi*F, where pi=3.14 and F=frequency.

[0016] In this application, the sensing system that is manufactured and assembled to utilize a composite environment and components therein is described with respect to a vehicle seat environment. However, it should be understood that the vehicle seat environment is for illustrative purposes, and that other environments and settings in which the sensing system may be implemented may utilize the versatility of the sensing system and each of the components featured herein. Further description regarding the implementation of transmitting antennas (or conductors) and receiving antennas (or conductors) associated with a vehicle is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,572,088 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11,112,905, the contents of all of the above applications are incorporated herein by this reference.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 1, an occupant 40 is shown seated in a seat 50 located inside a vehicle. The seat 50 shown in FIG. 1 is a seat located in the front row of the vehicle, but it should be understood that any seat located inside the vehicle may have a sensing system implemented therein, on, or proximate to the occupant. Additionally, the sensing system may be located on a portion of the vehicle seat, or on more than one portion of the vehicle seat or seats. In some embodiments, one or more sensing systems may be located throughout the vehicle. In some embodiments, one or more sensing systems may be located at other or additional locations on the vehicle seat that allow for the determination of the presence of a passenger and / or activity inside the vehicle. In some embodiments, one or more sensing systems may be located at other or additional locations on the vehicle seat that allow for the determination of the presence of a passenger or object in the vehicle seat and / or activity thereon.

[0018] 2 and 3 show a sensing system 100, which represents an example of a sensing system 100 disposed on a sheet. FIG. 2 shows a front view of a surface layer of a sheet 50. FIG. 3 shows a rear view of a surface layer of a sheet 50. The sensing system 100 is formed by a transmitting antenna 101 and a receiving antenna 102, which are operatively connected to at least one transmitter (not shown), at least one receiver (not shown), and at least one signal processor (not shown). In an embodiment, there is only one transmitting antenna 101 and two or more receiving antennas 102. In an embodiment, there are two or more transmitting antennas 101 and only one receiving antenna 102. In an embodiment, the transmitting antenna 101 transmits two or more signals, and there is only one receiving antenna 102 adapted to receive two or more of the transmitted signals. In an embodiment, the transmitting antenna 101 can also function as a receiving antenna, and the receiving antenna 102 can also function as a transmitting antenna. In an embodiment, there are two or more layers of the sensing system 100 used in the sheet 50. In some embodiments, each portion of sheet 50 has its own sensing system. In some embodiments, only some portions of sheet 50 have a sensing system. In some embodiments, a sensing system is formed throughout sheet 50. In Figures 2 and 3, sensing system 100 is formed within a substantial portion of sheet 50.

[0019] In one embodiment, each transmit antenna 101 transmits a unique orthogonal signal. In one embodiment, each transmit antenna 101 transmits a unique frequency orthogonal signal. The receive antenna 102 is adapted to receive the signals transmitted by the transmit antennas 101. The signals received by the receive antennas 102 during a period of time (also known as an integration period) are used to determine information about an object or person located on or in the closest vicinity of the seat 50. In one embodiment, information about an object or person located on or in the closest vicinity of the seat is determined through the formation of a heat map based on the signals received by the receive antennas 102 and then processed.

[0020] 4 shows a partial view of a detection system 400 adapted to be placed in a complex environment in such a manner that may reduce manufacturing costs and avoid mutual interference or damage of parts. In one embodiment, the environment in which the detection system 400 is implemented is a vehicle seat environment. In one embodiment, the detection system 400 comprises at least one receiving antenna 402 and at least one transmitting antenna 401, where a field may be formed for detecting objects and people in an area.

[0021] In one embodiment, the sensing system 400 comprises at least one receive antenna 402 having multiple signal receivers, such as ADCs, mounted at various points thereof. In one embodiment, the sensing system 400 comprises at least one receive antenna 402 formed from an elongated conductive material. In one embodiment, the sensing system 400 comprises at least one receive antenna 402 formed from an elongated conductive material and includes two or more receivers operably mounted to the receive antenna 402, each receiver operably mounted at a different location on the receive antenna 402. In one embodiment, the sensing system 400 comprises at least one receive antenna 402 formed from an elongated conductive material and includes receivers operably mounted at or near opposing ends thereof.

[0022] In one embodiment, the phase and / or frequency of the received signal at different locations on the receive antenna 402 is used to ascertain where an object or person is located relative to the detection system. In one embodiment, a receive antenna 402 with two or more operatively connected receivers can determine the location of an object or person by using physical characteristics of the received signal. In one embodiment, there are multiple receive antennas 402 and at least one transmit antenna 401. In one embodiment, there are multiple transmit antennas 401 and at least one receive antenna 402. In one embodiment, there are multiple transmit antennas 401 and multiple receive antennas 402.

[0023] 4, one receiving antenna 402 is shown arranged in a particular pattern adapted to correspond to the pattern of a component 406 in the same environmental space. In one embodiment, the component 406 is an electrical component adapted to transmit electricity. In one embodiment, the component 406 is a mechanical component, such as a spring, adapted to provide elasticity.

[0024] In some embodiments, the transmit antennas shown in FIG. 4 are located in a different part of the vehicle seat than the one shown. In FIG. 4, the receive antennas 402 shown in FIG. 4 form a pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern will be located inside the vehicle seat. In some embodiments, one or more receive antennas 402 are located in the vehicle seat and one or more transmit antennas 401 are located behind the vehicle seat. In some embodiments, one or more receive antennas 402 are located behind the vehicle seat and one or more transmit antennas 401 are located on the vehicle seat. In some embodiments, both the vehicle seat and the back of the vehicle seat have one or more transmit antennas 401 and one or more receive antennas 402.

[0025] In one embodiment, the part 406 is a portion of a mechanical spring to be placed inside a vehicle seat. The part 406 may be made of any material adapted to provide suitable mechanical resilience. Typically, such parts are metal or plastic and may be shaped in a variety of forms that may be non-linear or otherwise complex shapes. Furthermore, such parts may be linear in nature and form curves, circles, ellipses, or other patterns that may be more complex than straight lines. In one embodiment, the part 406 is placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 406 is placed inside a dashboard. In one embodiment, the part 406 is placed inside a steering wheel. In one embodiment, the part 406 is placed inside a vehicle tire. In one embodiment, the part is placed inside a vehicle chassis.

[0026] In one embodiment, the part 406 is a metal wire that is to be placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 406 is a heating wire that is to be placed inside a vehicle seat. The part 406 may be any part adapted to transmit electricity. Typically, such parts are wires, and therefore may be shaped in various forms that may be non-linear or otherwise complex shapes. Furthermore, such parts may be linear in nature and form curves, circles, ellipses, or other patterns that may be more complex than straight lines. In one embodiment, the part 406 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 406 is a wire that is placed inside a dashboard. In one embodiment, the part 406 is a wire that is placed inside a steering wheel. In one embodiment, the part 406 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle tire. In one embodiment, the part 406 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle chassis.

[0027] In some embodiments, components 406 are arranged in a complex pattern. In some embodiments, components 406 are supported on dielectric material 407(a). In some embodiments, dielectric material 407(a) is felt. In some embodiments, other material or materials having the same or similar physical properties may be used in place of felt. In some embodiments, components 406 are sewn to dielectric material 407(a).

[0028] 5 shows a partial view of a detection system 500 adapted to be placed in a complex environment in such a way that manufacturing costs can be reduced and mutual interference or damage of parts can be avoided. In one embodiment, the environment in which the detection system 500 is implemented is a vehicle seat environment. In one embodiment, the detection system 500 comprises at least one receiving antenna 502 and at least one transmitting antenna 501, where a field may be formed for detecting objects and people in an area.

[0029] 5, two receiving antennas 503(a) and 503(b) are shown, each of which is arranged in a specific pattern adapted to correspond to the pattern of a component 506 in the same environmental space. In one embodiment, the component 506 is an electrical component adapted to transmit electricity. In one embodiment, the component 506 is a mechanical component, such as a spring, adapted to provide elasticity.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sensing system 500 comprises a receiving antenna 503(a), 503(b) having multiple signal receivers, such as ADCs, attached at various points thereof. In one embodiment, the sensing system 500 comprises a receiving antenna 503(a), 503(b) formed from an elongated conductive material. In one embodiment, the sensing system 500 comprises at least a receiving antenna 503(a), 503(b) formed from an elongated conductive material and includes two or more receivers operably attached to the receiving antenna 503(a), 503(b), each receiver operably attached to a different location on the at least receiving antenna 503(a), 503(b). In one embodiment, the sensing system 500 comprises a receiving antenna 503(a), 503(b) formed from an elongated conductive material and includes receivers operably attached at or near opposite ends thereof.

[0031] In one embodiment, the phase and / or frequency of the received signal at different locations on the receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) are used to ascertain where an object or person is located relative to the detection system. In one embodiment, a receiving antenna 503(a), 503(b) with two or more operatively connected receivers can determine the location of an object or person by using physical characteristics of the received signal. In one embodiment, there are multiple receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) and at least one transmitting antenna. In one embodiment, there are multiple transmitting antennas 501 and receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b). In one embodiment, there are multiple transmitting antennas 501 and receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b).

[0032] 5, receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) are shown arranged in a particular pattern adapted to correspond to the pattern that a component 506 would assume in the same environmental space. In one embodiment, the component 506 is an electrical component adapted to transmit electricity. In one embodiment, the component 506 is a mechanical component, such as a spring, adapted to provide elasticity.

[0033] In some embodiments, the transmit antennas shown in FIG. 5 are located within a different portion of the vehicle seat than the portion shown. In FIG. 5, the receive antennas form a pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern is located within the vehicle seat. In some embodiments, one or more receive antennas are located within the vehicle seat and one or more transmit antennas are located behind the vehicle seat. In some embodiments, one or more receive antennas are located behind the vehicle seat and one or more transmit antennas are located within the vehicle seat. In some embodiments, both the vehicle seat and the back of the vehicle seat have one or more transmit antennas and one or more receive antennas.

[0034] In one embodiment, the part 506 is a portion of a mechanical spring that is to be placed inside a vehicle seat. The part 506 may be made of any material adapted to provide suitable mechanical resilience. Typically, such parts are metal or plastic and may be shaped in a variety of forms that may be non-linear or otherwise complex shapes. Furthermore, such parts may be linear in nature and form curves, circles, ellipses, or other patterns that may be more complex than straight lines. In one embodiment, the part is placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 506 is placed inside a dashboard. In one embodiment, the part 506 is placed inside a steering wheel. In one embodiment, the part 506 is placed inside a vehicle tire. In one embodiment, the part 506 is placed inside a vehicle chassis.

[0035] In one embodiment, the part 506 is a metal wire that is to be placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 506 is a heating wire that is to be placed inside a vehicle seat. The part 506 may be any part adapted to transmit electricity. Typically, such parts, being wires, may be shaped in various forms that may be non-linear or otherwise complex shapes. Furthermore, such parts may be linear in nature and form curves, circles, ellipses, or other patterns that may be more complex than straight lines. In one embodiment, the part 506 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 506 is a wire that is placed inside a dashboard. In one embodiment, the part 506 is a wire that is placed inside a steering wheel. In one embodiment, the part 506 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle tire. In one embodiment, the part 506 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle chassis.

[0036] In some embodiments, components 506 are arranged in a complex pattern. In some embodiments, components 506 are supported on dielectric material 507(a). In some embodiments, dielectric material 507(a) is felt. In some embodiments, other material or materials having the same or similar physical properties may be used in place of felt. In some embodiments, electrical components 506 are sewn to dielectric material 407(a).

[0037] In one embodiment, the receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) are also supported by a material such as felt. In one embodiment, the material 507(b) is a dielectric. In one embodiment, the material 507(b) is felt. In one embodiment, another material having the same or similar physical properties may be used in place of the felt. In one embodiment, the receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) are also sewn to the material 507(b).

[0038] Due to the nature of sensing system 500 and its respective components and operations, receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) may be sewn to material 507(b) in a corresponding pattern that corresponds to the pattern formed by the placement of components 506. When material 507(a) with components 506 is placed over material 507(b) and receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b), the respective patterns of electrical components 506 and receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) are substantially the same and coincident with one another.

[0039] In one embodiment, the receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) are also supported by a material such as felt. In one embodiment, the material 507(b) is a dielectric. In one embodiment, the material 507(b) is felt. In one embodiment, another material having the same or similar physical properties may be used in place of the felt. In one embodiment, the receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) are also sewn to the material 507(b).

[0040] Due to the nature of sensing system 500 and its respective components and operations, receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) may be sewn to material 507(b) in a corresponding pattern that corresponds to the pattern formed by the placement of components 506. When material 507(a) with components 506 is placed over material 507(b) and receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b), the respective patterns of electrical components 506 and receiving antennas 503(a), 503(b) are substantially the same and coincident with one another.

[0041] In Fig. 6, one receiving antenna 602 is shown, which is arranged in a specific pattern adapted to correspond to the pattern that a part 606 would take in the same environmental space. In Fig. 6, the part 606 is a mechanical part, such as a spring adapted to provide elasticity. In an embodiment, the part 606 has electrical properties.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows a partial view of a detection system 600 adapted to be disposed within a composite environment in a manner that can reduce manufacturing costs and may avoid component interference or damage. In one embodiment, the environment in which the detection system 600 is implemented is the environment of a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the detection system 600 includes at least one receiving antenna 602 and at least one transmitting antenna 601, where a field may be formed for detecting objects and humans within the area.

[0043] In one embodiment, the detection system 600 includes at least one receiving antenna 602 having a plurality of signal receivers, such as ADCs, attached at various points thereof. In one embodiment, the detection system 600 includes at least one receiving antenna 602 formed from a long conductive material. In one embodiment, the detection system 600 includes at least one receiving antenna 602 formed from a long conductive material and includes two or more receivers operably attached to the receiving antenna 602, each receiver being operably attached at a different location on the receiving antenna 602. In one embodiment, the detection system 600 includes at least one receiving antenna 602 formed from a long conductive material and includes a receiver operably attached at or near its opposite ends.

[0044] In one embodiment, the phase and / or frequency of the received signals at different locations on the receiving antenna 602 are used to determine where an object or person is located relative to the detection system. In one embodiment, a receiving antenna 602 having two or more operably connected receivers can determine the location of an object or person by using the physical characteristics of the received signals. In one embodiment, there are a plurality of receiving antennas and at least one transmitting antenna. In one embodiment, there are a plurality of transmitting antennas 601 and at least one receiving antenna 602. In one embodiment, there are a plurality of transmitting antennas 601 and a plurality of receiving antennas 602.

[0045] 6, one receiving antenna 602 is shown arranged in a particular pattern adapted to correspond to the pattern of a component 606 in the same environmental space. In one embodiment, the component 606 is an electrical component adapted to transmit electricity. In one embodiment, the component 606 is a mechanical component, such as a spring, adapted to provide elasticity.

[0046] In one embodiment, the transmit antenna 601 shown in FIG. 6 is located in a different part of the vehicle seat than the one shown. In FIG. 6, the receive antenna 602 shown in FIG. 6 forms a pattern. In one embodiment, the pattern will be located inside the vehicle seat. In one embodiment, one or more receive antennas 602 are located in the vehicle seat and one or more transmit antennas 601 are located behind the vehicle seat. In one embodiment, one or more receive antennas 602 are located behind the vehicle seat and one or more transmit antennas 601 are located on the vehicle seat. In one embodiment, both the vehicle seat and the back of the vehicle seat have one or more transmit antennas 601 and one or more receive antennas 602.

[0047] In one embodiment, the part 606 is a portion of a mechanical spring that is to be placed inside a vehicle seat. The part 606 may be made of any material adapted to provide suitable mechanical resilience. Typically, such parts are metal or plastic and may be shaped in a variety of forms that may be non-linear or otherwise complex shapes. Furthermore, such parts may be linear in nature and form curves, circles, ellipses, or other patterns that may be more complex than straight lines. In one embodiment, the part 606 is placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 606 is placed inside a dashboard. In one embodiment, the part 606 is placed inside a steering wheel. In one embodiment, the part 606 is placed inside a vehicle tire. In one embodiment, the part 606 is placed inside a vehicle chassis.

[0048] In one embodiment, the part 606 is a metal wire that is to be placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 606 is a heating wire that is to be placed inside a vehicle seat. The part 606 may be any part adapted to transmit electricity. Typically, such parts, being wires, may be shaped in various forms that may be non-linear or otherwise complex shapes. Furthermore, such parts may be linear in nature and form curves, circles, ellipses, or other patterns that may be more complex than straight lines. In one embodiment, the part 606 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle seat. In one embodiment, the part 606 is a wire that is placed inside a dashboard. In one embodiment, the part 606 is a wire that is placed inside a steering wheel. In one embodiment, the part 606 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle tire. In one embodiment, the part 606 is a wire that is placed inside a vehicle chassis.

[0049] In some embodiments, the components 606 are arranged in a complex pattern. In some embodiments, the components 606 are supported on a dielectric material 607(a). In some embodiments, the dielectric material 607(a) is felt. In some embodiments, other material or materials having the same or similar physical properties may be used in place of the felt. In some embodiments, the electrical components 606 are sewn to the dielectric material 607(a).

[0050] In one embodiment, the receiving antenna 602 is also supported by a material such as felt. In one embodiment, the material 607(b) is a dielectric. In one embodiment, the material 607(b) is felt. In one embodiment, another material having the same or similar physical properties may be used in place of the felt. In one embodiment, the receiving antenna 602 is also sewn to the material 607(b).

[0051] Due to the nature of the sensing system 600 and its respective components and operations, the receiving antenna 602 may be sewn to the material 607(b) in a corresponding pattern that corresponds to the pattern formed by the placement of the components 606. When the material 607(a) having the components 606 is placed over the material 607(b) and the receiving antenna 602, the respective patterns of the electrical components 606 and the receiving antenna 602 or antennas are substantially the same and match one another.

[0052] 7 shows various stitches that may be used with various antennas depending on the final pattern desired to be obtained. The stitch pattern used may vary depending on the proximity of the wires, the material used, and the nature of the overall pattern. The sensing system and the antennas implemented within the sensing system allow the system to match complex patterns that may be formed by electrical components, mechanical components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0053] Stitch pattern 701 is formed from larger curvatures than stitch pattern 702. Stitch pattern 703 is formed from larger curvatures than stitch pattern 702. Stitch pattern 704 is formed from smaller curvatures than stitch pattern 701 and stitch pattern 703. The stitch patterns are formed in an S-shaped pattern. The curvature at each turn can be wide or narrow. The size of the curvature is determined by the distance between the two legs of the curvature. In one embodiment, the stitch patterns are formed from curvatures of different sizes.

[0054] FIG. 8 shows another view of a portion of a sensing system 800 that matches an existing component structure. It is a sheet wire connected on one side to a double receiver in a housing 806. FIG. 8 shows a receiving antenna 802 shaped to match an electrical or mechanical component (not shown) in a vehicle environment. The receiving antenna 802 has one terminal of the receiving antenna 802 connected to a housing 806 that has two or more receivers (not shown). In an embodiment, the signal received at the receiver is adapted to determine the position of an object, person, or living thing relative to the receiving antenna 802. In an embodiment, there are two receivers located in the housing 806. In an embodiment, there are three receivers located in the housing 806. In an embodiment, there are four or more receivers located in the housing 806.

[0055] In some embodiments, the receive antenna and the electrical component are directly connected to each other without the presence of a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the receive antenna and the electrical component are in direct contact with each other without the presence of a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the receive antenna and the electrical component are fixed to each other without the presence of a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the transmit antenna and the electrical component are directly connected to each other without the presence of a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the receive antenna, the transmit antenna and the electrical component are directly connected to each other without the presence of a dielectric material.

[0056] In some embodiments, the receiving antenna and the component are affixed to the same or opposite sides of the material, respectively. In some embodiments, the transmitting antenna and the component are operably attached to the same or opposite sides of the material, respectively. In some embodiments, the receiving antenna, the transmitting antenna, and the electrical component are all operably attached to one or the other side of the material.

[0057] In some embodiments, the components are made of wire. In some embodiments, the receiving antenna is made of copper wire, ITO, carbon fiber wire, or other materials suitable for receiving signals. In some embodiments, the transmitting antenna is made of copper wire, copper wire, ITO, carbon fiber wire, or other materials suitable for receiving signals. In some embodiments, the receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna are made of the same material. In some embodiments, the receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna are made of copper wire. In some embodiments, the receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna are made of carbon fiber wire. In some embodiments, one or more of the receiving antennas are made of copper wire and one or more of the transmitting antennas are made of carbon fiber wire. In some embodiments, one or more of the receiving antennas are made of carbon fiber wire and one or more of the transmitting antennas are made of copper wire.

[0058] In some embodiments, the similarity of the patterns allows two pieces of material to be effectively sewn together to form a one-piece sheet having both the electrical components and the receiving antenna or antennas. This saves space and prevents the electrical or mechanical components and the physical features of the receiving antenna from unintentionally damaging each other when the vehicle seat moves during installation. For example, any compression in one direction that may move the components in one direction will also move the receiving antenna in the same direction. If the patterns did not substantially or at least partially match, the components could come into contact with the receiving antenna in a manner that would damage either one as the components moved.

[0059] In some embodiments, the similarity of the patterns allows the component and the receiving antenna(s) to be effectively stitched together on the same or opposite sides of the material, thereby saving space and preventing the physical features of the electrical component and the receiving antenna from unintentionally damaging each other when the vehicle seat moves during installation. For example, any compression in one direction that may move the component in one direction will also move the receiving antenna in the same direction. If the patterns did not substantially or at least partially match, movement of the electrical component could cause the component to contact the receiving antenna in a manner that would damage either one of them.

[0060] Due to the nature of the detection system, the proximity of components to one or more of the receiving antennas and / or one or more of the transmitting antennas does not impede the ability of the detection system to determine the movement, presence, and activity of a person, living thing, or object in an area, e.g., a vehicle seat.

[0061] In some embodiments, the transmit antenna is adapted to transmit at least one signal. In some embodiments, multiple transmit antennas are adapted to transmit at least one signal. In some embodiments, the transmit antenna is adapted to transmit multiple frequency orthogonal signals. In some embodiments, multiple transmit antennas are adapted to transmit multiple frequency orthogonal signals. In some embodiments, multiple transmit antennas are adapted to transmit each of the multiple frequency orthogonal signals, respectively. In some embodiments, each signal transmitted is frequency orthogonal to each other signal transmitted during the integration period. In some embodiments, there is one transmit antenna adapted to transmit two or more signals during each measurement period. In some embodiments, one transmit antenna transmits multiple signals.

[0062] The sensing system can transmit and receive signals quickly enough that it does not interfere with existing electrical components, so that the wires that make up the transmitting and receiving antennas can be routed, for example, throughout a vehicle, without compromising the physical or electrical presence of other electrical components.

[0063] In some embodiments, a sensing system formed from a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna (also referred to herein as a conductor) is embedded within the material of the sheet. In some embodiments, a sensing system formed from a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna is disposed on the material of the sheet. In some embodiments, a sensing system formed from a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna is embedded within the sheet and disposed on the sheet. In some embodiments, an antenna is disposed on a flexible substrate (which may be made from a non-conductive fabric, plastic or elastomeric material) and used to form the material of the sheet. In some embodiments, an antenna is embedded within the flexible substrate and used to form the material of the sheet. In some embodiments, a sewing thread is disposed on or sewn to a flexible material (e.g., a fabric) to allow for the desired expansion (e.g., zigzag, wavy, etc.) in one or more desired dimensions and used to form the sheet. In some embodiments, the flexible substrate or fabric has a crossed zigzag pattern (or, for example, a crossed sinusoidal pattern) that is used to form the sheet. In certain embodiments, the flexible substrate or fabric has one of the patterns featured above, or another pattern adapted to withstand flexible use by humans.

[0064] A transmitter transmits a unique frequency orthogonal signal to each of one or more transmit antennas. These transmitted signals create a field between the one or more transmit antennas and one or more receive antennas. Interference with the field or changes in the field are measured by a signal processor from measurements by one or more receivers operably attached to the one or more receive antennas. The interference with the field or changes in the field can be used to create a heat map or other data set reflecting interactions occurring at the vehicle seat.

[0065] In some embodiments, each of the antennas functions as either a transmit antenna or a receive antenna. In some embodiments, there is one transmit antenna and one receive antenna. In some embodiments, there is at least one transmit antenna and multiple receive antennas. In some embodiments, there are multiple transmit antennas and at least one receive antenna. In some embodiments, there is one or more transmit antennas and one receive antenna that uses multiple receivers to operatively receive the signal at different locations on the receive antenna.

[0066] When an occupant sits in a seat within a vehicle, there is movement of the seat and / or movement within the seat. The material from which the seat is made moves and / or flexes. In some embodiments, this movement causes the transmitting and receiving antennas to move. In some embodiments, the movement causes the transmitting and receiving antennas to move relative to each other. This movement affects the measurement of the signal received by the receiving antenna. This movement occurs not only when the occupant sits in the seat, but also while the vehicle is moving and while the occupant sits in the seat when the car is stationary. In addition, the occupant can interact with the fields generated by the transmitting antenna(s) and the receiving antenna(s). The occupant's interaction with the fields causes the measurements measured by the system to be different.

[0067] The processed measurements taken from a receiver connected to the receiving antenna can be used to determine whether an occupant is seated in the seat. The measurements taken and processed by the signal processor can be used by a detection system to further process to determine seat occupancy. In some embodiments, the determination of seat occupancy is performed on the signal processor and can take measurements and determine whether the seat is occupied. In some embodiments, the determination of seat occupancy is performed by software logic that processes the measurements processed by the signal processor. In some embodiments, the determination of seat occupancy is performed by a portion of the detection system that is separate from the signal processor. In some embodiments, the determination of seat occupancy is performed by circuitry that processes the measurements processed by the signal processor. In some embodiments, the determination of seat occupancy is performed by a portion of the detection system that is located in the vehicle remote from the seat. In some embodiments, the determination of seat occupancy is located in the vehicle proximate to the seat.

[0068] In some embodiments, the detection system detects the presence or absence of an occupant in the vehicle. In some embodiments, the detection system detects a biometric of the occupant. In some embodiments, the detection system determines the heart rate of the occupant. In some embodiments, the detection system determines the respiratory activity of the occupant. In some embodiments, the detection system determines an estimate of the occupant's weight. In some embodiments, the detection system determines an estimate of the occupant's height. In some embodiments, the detection system detects the position of the occupant in the seat. In some embodiments, the detection system detects the type of occupant in the seat. In some embodiments, the detection system determines whether the vehicle is stolen or legitimate based on the determined occupant ID. In some embodiments, the detection system detects the presence of a child. In some embodiments, the detection system detects the presence of a child seat. In some embodiments, the detection system detects the presence of a child in a child seat. In some embodiments, the detection system detects the position of the occupant inside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the detection system determines the position of the seat back. In some embodiments, the detection system determines the comfort setting of the seat. In some embodiments, the detection system detects the distance of the head from the head restraint. In some embodiments, the detection system detects a type of % classification category of occupant vs. non-occupant detection (i.e., an object is present but not exclusively a human occupant). In some embodiments, the detection system determines whether something has been left behind or placed inside the vehicle. In some embodiments, the detection system detects an object. In some embodiments, the detection system detects an object via passive means. In some embodiments, the detection system detects an object via active means. In some embodiments, the detection system detects a type of occupant object by either active and / or passive means. In some embodiments, the detection system detects at least one of a person, a car seat, a wallet, a laptop, a phone, a dog, a cat, etc.In one embodiment, each logic category (i.e., presence or absence of a human occupant) or measurement estimate (i.e., height and weight) may also include a separately calculated confidence factor (i.e., confidence level) (e.g., 99.9999% empty, 80% confidence height 5'6"). In one embodiment, the sensing system detects cushion and back pressure distribution. In one embodiment, the sensing system determines dynamic movement, such as how much and how often the occupant moves.

[0069] As mentioned above, information in addition to the presence of an occupant can be ascertained due to the sensitivity of the implemented sensors. In one embodiment, machine learning is applied to data received from measurements taken by a sensing system in or on the seat to accurately determine the weight of the individual seated in the seat. By being able to accurately determine the physical characteristics of the person seated in the seat, the vehicle can be further programmed to react accordingly by correlating the person's weight with the likely identity of the driver.

[0070] For example, in one embodiment, if the detection system detects a 185 pound male sitting in the vehicle, the vehicle automatically adjusts its settings. The car settings may be adjusted to the person most likely to be associated with a weight reading of 185 pounds. In one embodiment, the number of occupants in the vehicle is determined using measurements from the detection system. In one embodiment, the number and weight of occupants in the vehicle is determined using sensors. In one embodiment, the vehicle is programmed to determine the identity of the occupants based on where they are sitting, their weight, and / or other physical characteristics ascertained via the detection system. In one embodiment, the vehicle optimizes fuel usage based on the vehicle load as determined by the detection system. In one embodiment, the detection system in the passenger area determines whether or not a child remains in the car seat based on the weight reading. This reading is then used to activate an alarm or other warning indicator if the child has not been removed when the vehicle is stopped for a period of time.

[0071] It should be understood that the detection system may be located elsewhere on and within the seat in addition to the seating area of ​​the seat. In some embodiments, the detection system or parts of the detection system are located within the seat back area. The detection system located within the seat back area may be used to determine information regarding various movements of the occupant. For example, sudden movements may be used to determine additional information related to the speed of the vehicle or the terrain over which the vehicle may be traveling. In some embodiments, this type of information is used by the vehicle to adjust the control or movement of the vehicle. For example, in some embodiments, an airbag is deployed or the brakes are applied upon determining that there is a sudden movement or jerk that exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, the detection system is located within the headrest of the vehicle. In some embodiments, biometric data is obtained about the occupant based on the occupant's interaction with the seat. In some embodiments, the position and movement of the occupant is used to determine whether the occupant is asleep. If the occupant is asleep, an alarm may be activated. Other potentially dangerous situations may also be monitored and detected by the detection system based on the positioning and movement of the occupant while seated in the seat, such as distracted driving and driving under the influence of drugs.

[0072] Additionally, while a car seat is shown, it is understood that the sensing system may be used with seats in vehicles other than cars. In some embodiments, the sensing system is used in a truck seat. In some embodiments, the sensing system is used in a boat seat. In some embodiments, the sensing system is embedded in a waterproofing material in a boat seat. In some embodiments, the sensing system is used in an airplane seat. In some embodiments, the sensing system is used in a train seat.

[0073] Also, while the seating discussed herein has been discussed within the context of vehicles, seats, chairs, etc., the sensing system may be implemented in or on fabrics and materials found elsewhere within the seating. In some embodiments, the sensing system is used in stadium seating. In some embodiments, the sensing system is used with chairs in a home. In some embodiments, the sensing system is used with seats in a waiting room. In some embodiments, the sensing system is used with seats on rides at an amusement park.

[0074] An aspect of the disclosure is a sensing system operatively connected to a vehicle seat, the sensing system comprising at least one transmitting antenna, where a plurality of signals are transmitted during respective integration periods, each of the plurality of signals transmitted during an integration period being orthogonal to each of the other signals transmitted during the integration period, at least one receiving antenna adapted to receive the transmitted signals, where at least one of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna is mated with at least one component adapted to transmit electricity within the vehicle, and a processor adapted to determine measurements of the received transmitted signals, the processor further adapted to process the measurements to determine a position or motion of an occupant or object.

[0075] Another aspect of the disclosure is a sensing system disposed within a vehicle, the sensing system comprising at least one transmitting antenna adapted to transmit at least one signal during a measurement period, at least one receiving antenna adapted to receive the transmitted signal, the at least one receiving antenna mated with at least one component adapted to transmit electricity within the vehicle, and a processor adapted to determine measurements of the transmitted signals received during the measurement period, the processor further adapted to process the measurements to determine a position or movement of an occupant or object.

[0076] Another aspect of the disclosure is a sensing system disposed within a vehicle, the sensing system comprising at least one transmitting antenna adapted to transmit at least one signal during a measurement period, at least one receiving antenna adapted to receive the transmitted signal, the at least one receiving antenna mated with at least one component adapted to transmit electricity within the vehicle, and a processor adapted to determine measurements of the transmitted signals received during the measurement period, the processor further adapted to process the measurements to determine a position or movement of an occupant or object.

[0077] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a sensing system comprising a signal transmission source adapted to transmit at least one signal during a measurement period, a receiving conductor substantially coinciding with at least one component not part of the sensing system, a first receiver and a second receiver operatively connected to the receiving conductor at a first location and a second location, respectively, and a processor adapted to determine a measurement value for the at least one signal transmitted during the measurement period when received by each of the first and second receivers, the processor further adapted to process the measurement value to determine a position or motion of an occupant or object.

[0078] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a sensing system disposed within a vehicle, the sensing system comprising at least two transmitting antennas adapted to transmit signals, each of which is orthogonal to each of the other signals transmitted during a measurement period, a receiving antenna adapted to receive the transmitted signals, the receiving antenna mated with at least one component adapted to transmit electricity within the vehicle, and a processor adapted to determine measurements of the transmitted signals received during the measurement period, the processor further adapted to process the measurements to determine a position or motion of an occupant or object.

[0079] Although the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A sensing system operably connected to a vehicle seat, comprising: at least one transmit antenna over which a plurality of signals are transmitted during each integration period, each of the plurality of signals transmitted during an integration period being orthogonal to each of the other signals transmitted during the integration period; at least one receiving antenna adapted to receive a transmitted signal, wherein at least one of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna is mated with at least one component adapted to transmit electricity inside the vehicle; and a processor adapted to determine measurements of received transmitted signals, the processor further adapted to process the measurements to determine a position or movement of an occupant or object; A detection system comprising:

2. The sensing system of claim 1 , further comprising a dielectric portion interposed between the receiving antenna and the at least one component adapted to communicate electricity.

3. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the dielectric portion is made of a felt material.

4. The detection system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one receiving antenna comprises copper.

5. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one receiving antenna comprises carbon fiber.

6. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one component adapted to transmit electricity and the at least one receiving antenna are in contact with each other.

7. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one component adapted to transmit electricity and the at least one receiving antenna are geometrically matched to one another.

8. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one component adapted to transmit electricity and the at least one receiving antenna are arranged in the same pattern.

9. 10. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein vehicle seat compression is determined, in part, by measuring signals received by the at least one receive antenna.

10. 10. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein the component adapted to transmit electricity is operatively connected to a system adapted to adjust a position of a vehicle seat.

11. 10. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein the component adapted to transmit electricity is operably connected to a system adapted to heat a vehicle seat.

12. The sensing system of claim 1 , wherein both the transmitting antenna and the at least one receiving antenna are adapted to mate with the at least one component adapted to transmit electricity.

13. 2. The sensing system of claim 1, wherein the at least one transmitting antenna is located within a seat portion of the vehicle seat and the at least one receiving antenna is located within a back portion of the vehicle seat.

14. A detection system disposed within a vehicle, comprising: at least one transmit antenna adapted to transmit at least one signal during a measurement period; at least one receiving antenna adapted to receive the transmitted signal, the at least one receiving antenna mated with at least one component adapted to transmit electricity inside the vehicle; a processor adapted to determine measurements of transmitted signals received during said measurement period, said processor further adapted to process said measurements to determine a position or movement of an occupant or object; A detection system comprising:

15. The sensing system of claim 14 , further comprising a dielectric portion interposed between the receiving antenna and the at least one component adapted to communicate electricity.

16. The sensing system of claim 14 , wherein the dielectric portion is made of a felt material.

17. The detection system of claim 14 , wherein the at least one receiving antenna comprises copper.

18. The sensing system of claim 14 , wherein the at least one receiving antenna comprises carbon fiber.

19. The sensing system of claim 14 , wherein the at least one component adapted to transmit electricity and the at least one receiving antenna are in contact with each other.

20. 15. The sensing system of claim 14, wherein the component adapted to transmit electricity is operably connected to a system adapted to heat a vehicle seat.

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