System and method for detecting the presence of contents of a vehicular
compartment in which a detector system generates an output signal
indicative of the absence of an object in the compartment when an object
is not situated in the compartment and a different output signal
indicative of a particular object in the compartment when such an object
is situated in the compartment. Different output signals are thus
generated for different objects. A processor is coupled to the detector
system for processing the output signal to create a signal characteristic
of the object which is indicative of whether the object is animate or
inanimate. This system is coupled to a reactive system for affecting one
or more vehicular components when the created signal is indicative of an
animate object. The reactive system may be a release device for opening
an access door or panel to the compartment.