Sequenced Sensor Power Management for Extended Battery Life of Trapped Occupant Detectors

摘要

Power management processes and circuits for battery-powered abandoned occupant or trapped occupant detectors are disclosed in which power to at least two families of sensors are controlled independently by a control process or circuit, wherein a first family of sensors is lower power consuming and suitable for periodic or continuous monitoring, and wherein at least a second family of sensors is higher power consuming and suitable for more certain determination of a dangerous condition currently existing or potentially existing soon. The second family is disabled from consuming power until at least one sensor of the first family detects at least an initial condition indicative of a possible dangerous condition.