An occupant classification system comprising: a seat upon which an occupant may
sit or on which an object may be placed, the seat having one of a seat cushion
and a seat back; at least one optical fiber having a measurable optical characteristic,
arranged in a specific pattern, the optical characteristics of the fiber changeable
when a force is applied to the fiber; and a processor responsive to an output signal
from each fiber for generating a control signal determinative of a physical characteristic
of an object or occupant on the seat.
