OCCUPANT DETECTION AND MONITORING SYSTEM

The invention is a system for use in detecting and monitoring an occupant in an environment, such as within a vehicle interior. A first sensor detects the presence of the occupant within the environment, while a second sensor confirms the presence of the occupant. Once the presence of the occupant is confirmed by the sensors, the system enters an active mode and monitors the environment for a triggering event. If a triggering event is detected, the end user is notified, and immediate action is taken by the system to abate the triggering event. If the presence of the occupant is not detected by the first sensor and confirmed by the second sensor, the system remains in inactive mode and does not monitor the environment for a triggering event.