U.S. patent application number 14/790953 was filed with the patent office on 2017-01-05 for systems and methods for removable vehicle seat sensor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ryan Borovansky, Michael McHugh, Roger Roisen, Christian Wilcock. Invention is credited to Ryan Borovansky, Michael McHugh, Roger Roisen, Christian Wilcock.
Application Number | 20170001560 14/790953 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57609429 |
Filed Date | 2017-01-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170001560 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roisen; Roger ; et
al. |
January 5, 2017 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVABLE VEHICLE SEAT SENSOR
Abstract
Methods and systems for detection of removable vehicle seats may
be used to indicate presence or absence of a child in the vehicle.
In some examples, an alarm system includes a radio frequency (RF)
transceiver and a removable seat magnetic coupling. Various actions
are triggered when the parent (e.g., guardian) goes beyond a
predefined range while the removable seat is within the vehicle,
such as sounding an alarm on a mobile electronic device.
Inventors: |
Roisen; Roger; (Minnetrista,
MN) ; McHugh; Michael; (Plymouth, MN) ;
Borovansky; Ryan; (Ramsey, MN) ; Wilcock;
Christian; (Ramsey, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Roisen; Roger
McHugh; Michael
Borovansky; Ryan
Wilcock; Christian |
Minnetrista
Plymouth
Ramsey
Ramsey |
MN
MN
MN
MN |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57609429 |
Appl. No.: |
14/790953 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G08B 21/0266 20130101;
G08B 21/0277 20130101; G08B 21/24 20130101; G08B 21/0247 20130101;
G08B 21/0288 20130101; B60N 2/2821 20130101; B60Q 9/00
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 9/00 20060101
B60Q009/00; G08B 21/02 20060101 G08B021/02 |
Claims
1. A removable object proximity detection system, the system
comprising: a magnet attached to a removable object; a magnetic
sensor attached to a base, the magnetic sensor configured to
generate a magnetic proximity signal representative of a magnetic
proximity between the removable object and the base, the removable
object configured to be removably attached to the base; a radio
frequency (RF) circuit, the RF circuit configured to communicate
with a mobile electronic device and to generate an RF proximity
indication, the RF proximity indication representative of a device
distance between the RF circuit and the mobile electronic device;
and a device processor electrically coupled to the magnetic sensor
and to the RF circuit, the device processor specifically programmed
to: receive the magnetic proximity signal from the magnetic sensor;
determine, based on the magnetic proximity signal, that the
removable object is attached to the base; receive the RF proximity
indication from the RF circuit; determine, based on the RF
proximity indication, that the device distance exceeds a maximum
device distance threshold; and generate an abandonment alert, the
alert indicating that the removable object is attached to the base
and that the device distance exceeds the maximum device distance
threshold.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the device processor is further
specifically programmed to transmit the abandonment alert to the
mobile electronic device via the RF circuit.
3. The system of claim 1, further including an audible alert
circuit, wherein the device processor is further specifically
programmed to cause the audible alert circuit to generate an
audible alert.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the device processor is further
specifically programmed to transmit the abandonment alert to a
vehicle alarm system to generate a vehicle alarm.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the RF proximity indication
includes a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).
6. The system of claim 1, further including an environmental
sensor, wherein the environmental sensor generates an environmental
measurement representative of an environmental condition, and the
device processor is further specifically programmed to: receive the
environmental measurement; determine that the environmental
measurement exceeds a maximum environmental measurement safety
threshold; and generate an environment alert, the alert indicating
that the removable object is attached to the base and that the
environmental condition is unsafe.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the environmental measurement is
at least one of a humidity measurement and a temperature
measurement.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the RF circuit is further
configured to communicate based on a wireless communication
standard.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the wireless communication
standard is based on at least one of a BTLE standard, an IEEE
802.15.1 standard, and an IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic sensor includes a
Hall Effect sensor.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the device processor is a
microcontroller.
12. A magnetic proximity detection system, the system comprising: a
mobile electronic device RF circuit, the RF circuit configured to
communicate with a magnetic sensor and to generate an RF proximity
indication, the RF proximity indication representative of a device
distance between the RF circuit and the magnetic sensor; a mobile
electronic device processor electrically coupled to the RF circuit,
the mobile electronic device configured to execute software
specifically programmed to: receive a magnetic proximity signal
from the magnetic sensor, the magnetic proximity signal
representative of a magnetic proximity between a magnet and the
magnetic sensor; determine, based on the magnetic proximity signal,
that the magnet is in close proximity to the magnetic sensor;
receive the RF proximity indication from the RF circuit; determine,
based on the RF proximity indication, that the device distance
exceeds a maximum device distance threshold; and generate an
abandonment alert, the alert indicating that the magnet is in close
proximity to the magnetic sensor and that the device distance
exceeds the maximum device distance threshold.
13. The system of claim 12, further including an audible signal
generation circuit, wherein the mobile electronic device processor
software is further specifically programmed to cause the audible
signal generation circuit to generate an audible alert.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein the mobile electronic device
processor software is further specifically programmed to transmit
the abandonment alert to a vehicle alarm system to generate a
vehicle alarm.
15. The system of claim 12, wherein the RF proximity indication
includes a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).
16. The system of claim 12, wherein the mobile electronic device
software is further specifically programmed to: receive an
environmental measurement representative of an environmental
condition; determine that the environmental measurement exceeds a
maximum environmental measurement safety threshold; and generate an
environment alert, the alert indicating that the magnet is in close
proximity to the magnetic sensor and that the environmental
condition is unsafe.
17. The system of claim 16, wherein the environmental measurement
is at least one of a humidity measurement and a temperature
measurement.
18. The system of claim 12, wherein the RF circuit is further
configured to communicate based on a wireless communication
standard.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the wireless communication
standard is based on at least one of a BTLE standard, an IEEE
802.15.1 standard, and an IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
20. The system of claim 12, wherein the magnetic sensor includes a
Hall Effect sensor.
21. A method for removable object proximity detection executing on
a specifically programmed device processor, the method including:
generating a magnetic proximity signal representative of a magnetic
proximity between a magnetic sensor attached to a base and a magnet
attached to a removable object, the removable object configured to
be removably attached to the base; determining, based on the
magnetic proximity signal, that the removable object is attached to
the base; generating an RF proximity indication representative of a
device distance between an RF circuit and a mobile electronic
device; determining, based on the RF proximity indication, that the
device distance exceeds a maximum device distance threshold; and
generating an abandonment alert, the alert indicating that the
removable object is attached to the base and that the device
distance exceeds the maximum device distance threshold.
22. The method of claim 21, further including transmitting the
abandonment alert to the mobile electronic device via the RF
circuit.
23. The method of claim 21, further including generating an audible
alert via an audible alert circuit.
24. The method of claim 21, further including transmuting the
abandonment alert to a vehicle alarm system to generate a vehicle
alarm.
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the RF proximity indication
includes a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).
26. The method of claim 21, further including: generating an
environmental measurement representative of an environmental
condition via an environmental sensor; determining that the
environmental measurement exceeds a maximum environmental
measurement safety threshold; and generating an environment alert,
the alert indicating that the removable object is attached to the
base and that the environmental condition is unsafe.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the environmental measurement
is at least one of a humidity measurement and a temperature
measurement.
28. The method of claim 21, wherein the RF circuit is configured to
communicate based on a wireless communication standard.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the wireless communication
standard is based on at least one of a BTLE standard, an IEEE
802.15.1 standard, and an IEEE 802.15.4 standard.
30. The method of claim 21, wherein the magnetic sensor includes a
Hall Effect sensor.
31. A removable object proximity detection system, the system
comprising: a magnet attached to a removable object; a magnetic
sensor attached to a base, the magnetic sensor configured to
provide an attachment signal representative of an attachment of the
removable object to the base; a radio frequency (RF) circuit, the
RF circuit configured to communicate with a mobile electronic
device and to generate an RF proximity indication, the RF proximity
indication representative of a device distance between the RF
circuit and the mobile electronic device and a device processor
electrically coupled to the magnetic sensor, the device processor
specifically programmed to: receive the attachment signal from the
magnetic sensor determine, based on the attachment signal, that the
removable object is attached to the base; receive the RF proximity
indication from the RE circuit; determine, based on the RF
proximity indication, that the device distance exceeds a maximum
device distance threshold; and generate an abandonment alert, the
alert indicating that the removable object is attached to the base
and that the device distance exceeds the maximum device distance
threshold.
32. (canceled)
33. The system of claim 31 wherein the RF circuit receives the
attachment signal and transmits the signal including the RF
proximity indication and the attachment signal to a paired
device.
34. The system of claim 31, further including a user notification
circuit, wherein the user notification circuit is configured to
receive the abandonment alert and notify a user of the abandonment
alert.
35. The system of claim 34, wherein notifying a user of the
abandonment alert includes notifying a user by at least one of
sending a text message, sending an e-mail message, flashing a
light, generating a vibration, playing a sound, and displaying a
warning message.
36. The system of claim 31, wherein generating the RF proximity
indication includes generating an approximate RF distance based on
a received signal strength indicator (RSSI).
37. The system of claim 31, further including an environmental
sensor, wherein the environmental sensor generates an environmental
measurement representative of an environmental condition, and the
device processor is further specifically programmed to: receive the
environmental measurement; determine that the environmental
measurement exceeds a maximum environmental measurement safety
threshold; and generate an environment alert, the alert indicating
that the removable object is attached to the base and that the
environmental condition is unsafe.
38. The system of claim 37, wherein the environmental measurement
is at least one of a humidity measurement and a temperature
measurement.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Due to rapidly increasing temperatures within a locked
vehicle, children left in vehicles run a high risk of heat
exhaustion or death. Existing solutions for child detection rely on
weight sensors, however these weight sensors require weight
calibration.
SUMMARY
[0002] Methods and systems for detection of removable vehicle seats
may be used to indicate presence or absence of a child in the
vehicle. In some examples, an alarm system includes a radio
frequency (RF) transceiver and a removable seat magnetic coupling.
Various actions are triggered when the parent (e.g., guardian) goes
beyond a predefined range while the removable seat is within the
vehicle, such as sounding an alarm on a mobile electronic
device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a removable vehicle seat
detection system, according to some embodiments.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a removable seat detection
and notification system, according to some embodiments.
[0005] FIGS. 3A-3B are block diagrams of a sensor proximity
detection and notification system, according to some
embodiments.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a removable seat detection
and mobile notification system, according to some embodiments.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example removable seat
proximity detection system, according to some embodiments.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a removable vehicle seat detection
method, according to some embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computer system to implement
removable seat detection system, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] In the following description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is
shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be
practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to
enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it
is to be understood that other embodiments may be used and that
structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The following
description of example embodiments is, therefore, not to be taken
in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention is
defined by the appended claims.
[0011] The functions or algorithms described herein may be
implemented in software or a combination of software and human
implemented procedures in one embodiment. The software may consist
of computer executable instructions stored on computer readable
media such as memory or other type of storage devices. Further,
such functions correspond to specifically programmed modules, which
are software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.
Multiple functions may be performed in one or more modules as
desired, and the embodiments described are merely examples. The
software may be executed on a digital signal processor, ASIC,
microprocessor, or other type of processor operating on a computer
system, such as a personal computer, server, or other computer
system.
[0012] Described herein are methods and systems for detecting and
alerting a parent based on proximity to a child vehicle seat. The
child vehicle seat system may include an enclosure containing a
hardware occupancy sensor circuit, a controller circuit, and a
radio frequency (RF) communication circuit. In some embodiments,
the transmitter communicates with a mobile electronic device,
detects proximity to the device, and causes the mobile electronic
device to generate an abandonment alert.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a removable vehicle seat
detection system 100, according to some embodiments. System 100 may
include a removable seat 110 and seat base 120. The base 120 may be
installed in the vehicle and may remain in the vehicle. The
removable seat 110 securely fastens to the base 120, and the seat
110 may be removed from the vehicle without removing a child from
the seat 110. In some examples, the removable seat 110 may be
removed from a vehicle and securely fastened to another base or to
a stroller adapted to receive the seat 110. The seat 110 may
include a magnetic element 130. Magnetic element 130 may be within
the seat 110 as originally manufactured, or may be added to the
seat 110 using adhesive, clips, or any attachment. Similarly, the
base 120 may include a sensor device 140, where the sensor device
140 may be manufactured within the base 120 or may be attached to
the base 120 using adhesive, clips, or any attachment.
[0014] When used in removable vehicle seats, such as those designed
for children, the sensor device 140 may help determine if a child
is within a vehicle. The sensor 140 may include a magnetic
detection sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor that outputs a
voltage in response to a magnetic field. The sensor 140 may
generate a magnetic proximity distance to indicate an approximate
distance between the magnet 130 and the sensor 140. The sensor 140
may generate a binary magnetic proximity signal to indicate whether
the seat 110 is in sufficiently close proximity with the base 120,
such as comparing a Hall effect sensor voltage against a minimum
voltage threshold. In some examples, the seat 110 must be snapped
into the base 120 before the sensor 140 provides a signal
indicating the seat 110 is in sufficiently close proximity with the
base 120. The magnetic proximity signal may be used to determine if
the removable seat 110 has been separated from the base 120, which
may be used by system 100 to infer that a child in seat 110 is no
longer within the vehicle. In one embodiment, the sensor 140 may
include a magnetic reed switch that opens when the seat 110 is
removed from the base 120.
[0015] Though this application discusses proximity detection using
a magnet 130 and sensor 140, other proximity sensors may be used.
For example, the proximity sensor may include a capacitive sensor,
Doppler effect sensor, eddy-current sensor, inductive sensor, laser
rangefinder sensor, magnetic sensor, optical sensor, thermal
infrared sensor, photocell sensor, radar sensor, ionizing radiation
reflection sensor, sonar sensor, ultrasonic sensor, fiber optics
sensor, or another proximity sensor.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a removable seat detection
and notification system 200, according to some embodiments. System
200 includes a removable seat 210 and a mobile electronic device
220, such as a smartphone. The removable seat may include a magnet
230 and a sensor 240, and the sensor 240 may generate a magnetic
proximity signal to indicate that the magnet 230 is in close
proximity with the sensor 240. The sensor 240 includes a processor
250 and an RF communication circuit 260. In various examples, the
sensor 240, via the RF circuit 260, transmits magnetic proximity
signals to the mobile electronic device 220, to a vehicle computer
system, or to another device. The RF circuit may transmit signals
in accordance with a low power wireless transmission standard, such
as Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE), IEEE 802.15.1, IEEE 802.15.4, or
other standards. The RF circuit 260 may be paired with one or more
of the mobile electronic device 220 or with a vehicle to establish
such communications.
[0017] In some embodiments, the sensor 240 receives a raw magnetic
sensor measurement, interprets the raw measurement as an estimated
distance or binary magnetic proximity signal, formats the
interpreted data, and transmits the formatted data. For example, a
raw magnetic sensor measurement may include a voltage level
received from a Hall effect sensor, and the voltage level may be
compared against a voltage threshold to generate a binary magnetic
proximity signal indicating that the seat 210 is securely fastened
within the vehicle. In other embodiments, the sensor 240 receives
and transmits the raw measurement to the device 220, and the device
220 interprets the raw measurement. In still other embodiments, the
sensor 240 receives and interprets the raw measurement, and
transmits both the raw measurement and the interpreted measurement
to the device 220. The raw and interpreted measurements may be
received by the processor 250 and converted into a data format that
is compatible with the target device, such as using a data format
compatible with an application running on the mobile device 220 or
a data format compatible with a vehicle computer system.
[0018] The magnetic proximity signal may be received by device 220,
and an application running on device 220 may indicate whether the
magnet 230 is in close proximity with the sensor 240. The magnetic
proximity signal may be used to determine if the seat 210 is
completely secured. For example, the application on device 220 may
receive a binary magnetic proximity signal and present a
computer-generated image a seat securely snapped into a seat base.
In an example, device 220 or a vehicle computer system may also
determine an apparent vehicle speed, and may use the received
magnetic proximity signals to provide a warning if the seat is not
completely secured while traveling above a vehicle speed threshold.
For example, device 220 may receive a nonzero vehicle speed and a
binary magnetic proximity signal indicating seat 210 is unfastened,
and may generate an audible alarm, a vibrating alarm, and a
flashing display to warn the user that seat 210 is unfastened.
[0019] FIGS. 3A-3B are block diagrams of a sensor proximity
detection and notification system 300, according to some
embodiments. System 300 includes sensor 310 and device 320, where
sensor 310 and device 320 may include proximity detection
circuitry. FIG. 3A illustrates sensor 310 and device 320, where the
proximity detection circuitry determines that the sensor 310 and
the device 320 are separated by a distance of 1-2 feet. FIG. 3B
illustrates sensor 310 and device 320, where the proximity
detection circuitry determines that the sensor 310 and the device
320 are separated by a distance of 30-50 feet. Other distances may
be used, and the distance may be extended in some embodiments using
an RF power amplifier.
[0020] In some examples, the proximity detection circuitry includes
an RF proximity sensor, and the RF proximity sensor may generate an
RF proximity signal. The RF proximity sensor may generate the RF
proximity signal based on a detected signal power, a received
signal strength indicator (RSSI), or other RF signal
characteristics. In some examples, presence or absence of an RF
signal may be used alone or in combination with the RF proximity
sensor to determine a binary RF proximity signal. In some examples,
location information may be used to determine an RF proximity, such
as using GPS information, cellular tower triangulation, Wi-Fi
access point triangulation, or other location information. For
example, a sensor GPS location may be provided by the vehicle in
which the sensor 310 is installed, a device GPS location may be
determined by device 320, and the location differences may be used
to generate or improve accuracy of the RF proximity signal. In some
examples, multiple radio or location sources may be combined to
generate or improve distance determinations.
[0021] The RF proximity signal may include a binary RF proximity
signal to indicate whether the sensor 310 is in sufficiently close
proximity with the device 320. For example, if the RSSI value falls
below an RSSI threshold or if the signal power falls below a signal
power threshold, a binary RF proximity signal may be generated to
indicate that the device 320 has abandoned (e.g., gone out of range
of) the sensor 310. The RF proximity signal may include an
approximate distance between the sensor 310 and the device 320. The
approximate distance may be grouped into two or more ranges, such
as the 1-2 foot range shown in FIG. 3A or the 30-50 foot range
shown in FIG. 3B, and an RF proximity alert (e.g., alarm) may be
generated when there is a transition from a first range to a second
range. The approximate distance may be monitored continually for a
range trend. For example, successive range measurements may
indicate that the distance between device 320 and sensor 310 is
increasing, which may indicate that the device 320 is moving away
from the sensor 310, and a binary RF proximity signal may be
generated to indicate that the device 320 has abandoned the sensor
310.
[0022] An RF proximity alert (e.g., alarm) may be generated to
notify a user. The alert may include a visible alert, an audible
alert, a tactile alert (e.g., vibration), a text or e-mail message,
or other alert. In some examples, the device 320 may include a
mobile device processor, where the processor is executing
foreground or background software to generate a visible or audible
alarm, and the device 320 may include speakers or other hardware or
circuitry to generate the alarm. In some examples, the sensor 310
may generate an alarm either using internal alarm circuitry or by
sending the alert to a vehicle alarm system. One or more alarms may
be used in combination to increase the probability that a user is
notified.
[0023] In some embodiments, the RF proximity detection circuitry
operates unidirectionally, such as sensor 310 detecting an RF
signal from device 320 and determining an RF proximity.
[0024] This unidirectional operation may enable a proximity
detection system where only a single proximity detection circuit is
required. For example, the proximity detection circuit may be
packaged and sold within the sensor 310, and it may operate with
any device 320 that emits an RF signal that can be detected by the
proximity detection circuit on the sensor 310. A unidirectional
system may be used to generate a single alert on the device housing
the proximity detection circuit, or may be used to generate and
send a proximity alert from the proximity detection circuit device
to another device. For example, when a range of 30-50 feet is
detected by the sensor 310, the sensor 310 may send an alert to the
device 320. In other embodiments, the proximity detection circuitry
operates bidirectionally, and sensor 310 and device 320 may receive
RF signals from each other and independently determine RF
proximities. This bidirectional operation may enable independent
detection of proximity or independent generation of proximity
alerts.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a removable seat detection
and mobile notification system 400, according to some embodiments.
System 400 includes a vehicle 410, where vehicle 410 may include
the seat 110, base 120, magnet 130, and sensor 140 shown in FIG. 4.
A magnetic proximity signal may be transmitted from vehicle 410 to
a mobile electronic device, where the magnetic proximity signal
indicates that a removable vehicle seat is within vehicle 410. The
magnetic proximity signal may be received by the mobile electronic
device at a first device location 420. The first device location
420 may be in close proximity to the vehicle, such as when a user
first exits a vehicle. The magnetic proximity signal may also be
received by the mobile electronic device at a second location 430,
where the second location 430 is further from the vehicle 410 than
the first location 420. If the device moves to a second location
430 while the magnetic proximity signal indicates the seat within
the car, then an abandonment alert may be generated. In addition to
the abandonment alert, system 400 may also alert a user of various
combinations of proximities. For example, a minor vibration warning
may be generated when a user first exits a vehicle, and a
substantial abandonment alert may be generated if the user moves
away from the vehicle while the removable seat is attached to the
base.
[0026] System 400 may use various vehicle features. A vehicle alarm
system may be used to notify the user, such as honking the horn or
flashing lights to indicate an abandonment alert. A vehicle
equipped with a roadside emergency service system may contact the
service to request help or to initiate a phone call with an
operator to determine if a child is within the vehicle. A vehicle
may also provide an indication of vehicle speed or movement, and
system 400 may enter a reduced power (e.g., sleep) mode when the
vehicle is moving. A vehicle may provide an environmental response
to an abandonment alert, such as opening car windows or turning on
air conditioning. A vehicle may also provide an environmental
input, such as temperature, humidity, or other environmental
measurement, such as the environmental sensors shown in FIG. 5.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a removable seat proximity
detection system 500, according to some embodiments. The system
includes detection circuitry 510, where detection circuitry 510 may
be a mobile device processor, a dedicated integrated circuit (IC),
or other circuit. The detection circuitry 510 may receive magnetic
proximity signals from a magnetic sensor 520, where the magnetic
proximity signals indicate a magnetic proximity between the
magnetic sensor 520 and a magnet 530. The detection circuitry 510
may receive RF proximity signals from RF circuitry 540, where the
RF proximity signals indicate RF proximity between the RF proximity
sensor 540 and an external mobile electronic device. The detection
circuitry 510 may also use the RF circuitry 540 to communicate with
the external mobile electronic device, including sending or
receiving alerts or proximity information.
[0028] The detection circuitry 510 may also receive various other
inputs, such as an input from a temperature sensor 550 or from a
humidity sensor 560. The detection circuitry 510 may combine inputs
from various sensors to generate various alerts. For example,
detection circuitry 510 may use a magnetic sensor 520 input to
determine that a removable vehicle seat is within a vehicle, and
may warn a user when the temperature sensor 550 and humidity sensor
560 indicate an unsafe environment within a vehicle.
[0029] Components of the removable seat proximity detection system
500 may be implemented on two or more devices. In an example, a
removable vehicle seat may be manufactured to include magnet 530,
and a removable vehicle seat base may be manufactured to include
the detection circuitry 510, magnetic sensor 520, RF circuitry 540,
temperature sensor 550, and humidity sensor 560. In other
embodiments, the RF circuitry 540, temperature sensor 550, or
humidity sensor 560 may be implemented in a mobile electronic
device, in a vehicle, or in another device.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a removable vehicle seat detection
method 600, according to some embodiments. Method 600 may be
executed on a device processor that has been specifically
programmed or designed to carry out method steps. Method 600
includes generating 610 a magnetic proximity signal. The magnetic
proximity signal may include a voltage level generated by a Hall
Effect sensor. The magnetic proximity signal is representative of a
magnetic proximity between a magnetic sensor attached to a base and
a magnet attached to a removable object. The removable object may
be attached to and removed from the base, such as a removable
vehicle seat. Based on the magnetic proximity signal, method 600
includes determining 620 that the removable object is attached to
the base.
[0031] Method 600 includes generating 630 an RF proximity
indication representative of a device distance between an RF
circuit and a mobile electronic device. The RF proximity indication
may be based on a detected signal power, a received signal strength
indicator (RSSI), presence or absence of an RF signal, or other RF
signal characteristics. In some examples, location information may
be used to determine an RF proximity, such as using GPS
information, cellular tower triangulation, Wi-Fi access point
triangulation, or other location information. The RF proximity
indication may be generated by an RF circuit. The RF circuit may be
configured to communicate based on a wireless communication
standard, wherein the wireless communication standard is based on
at least one of a BTLE standard, an IEEE 802.15.1 standard, and an
IEEE 802.15.4 standard. Based on the RF proximity indication,
method 600 includes determining 640 that the device distance
exceeds a maximum device distance threshold. Based on a combination
of determining 620 that the removable object is attached to the
base and determining 640 that the device distance exceeds a maximum
device distance threshold, method 600 may generate 650 an
abandonment alert.
[0032] Method 600 may include determining 660 that an environmental
measurement exceeds a maximum environmental measurement safety
threshold. The environmental measurement may be received by an
environmental sensor. In some examples, the environmental
measurement is at least one of a humidity measurement and a
temperature measurement. Based on a combination of determining 620
that the removable object is attached to the base and determining
660 that an environmental measurement exceeds a maximum
environmental measurement safety threshold, method 600 may generate
670 an environment alert.
[0033] Method 600 includes transmitting 680 an alert, where the
alert may include at least one of the abandonment alert and the
environment alert. The alert may be transmitted via an RF circuit
to a mobile electronic device such as a smartphone, to a vehicle,
or to another electronic device. Method 600 includes notifying 690
a user of the alert. In some examples, notifying 690 includes
causing a mobile electronic device to flash, vibrate, play a sound,
display a warning message, send a text or e-mail message, and other
forms of notification. In some examples, notifying 690 includes
causing a vehicle alarm system to honk a horn, flash vehicle
lights, or provide other vehicular notification. Various forms of
notification may be combined to increase the probability that a
user is notified.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a block schematic diagram of a computer system 700
to implement removable seat detection system, according to some
embodiments. The computer system 700 may use fewer components than
shown in FIG. 7 in some embodiments to perform the methods
described. One example computing device in the form of a computer
700, may include a processing unit 702, memory 703, removable
storage 710, and non-removable storage 712. Memory 703 may include
volatile memory 714 and non-volatile memory 708. Computer 700 may
include--or have access to a computing environment that includes--a
variety of computer-readable media, such as volatile memory 714 and
non-volatile memory 708, removable storage 710 and non-removable
storage 712. Computer storage includes random access memory (RAM),
read only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory
(EPROM) & electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
(EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc
read-only memory (CD ROM), Digital Versatile Disks (DVD) or other
optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic
disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium
capable of storing computer-readable instructions. Computer 700 may
include or have access to a computing environment that includes
input 706, output 704, and a communication connection 716. The
computer may operate in a networked environment using a
communication connection to connect to one or more remote
computers, such as database servers. The remote computer may
include a personal computer (PC), server, router, network PC, a
peer device or other common network node, or the like. The
communication connection may include a Local Area Network (LAN), a
Wide Area Network (WAN) or other networks. Computer-readable
instructions stored on a computer-readable medium are executable by
the processing unit 702 of the computer 700. A hard drive, CD-ROM,
and RAM are some examples of articles including a non-transitory
computer-readable medium. For example, a computer program 718
capable of providing a generic technique to perform access control
check for data access and/or for doing an operation on one of the
servers in a component object model (COM) based system may be
included on a CD-ROM and loaded from the CD-ROM to a hard drive.
The computer-readable instructions allow computer 700 to provide
generic access controls in a COM based computer network system
having multiple users and servers.
[0035] The present disclosure supports several examples, including
but not limited to the following:
[0036] Example 1 includes a removable object proximity detection
system, the system comprising a magnet attached to a removable
object, a magnetic sensor attached to a base, the magnetic sensor
configured to generate a magnetic proximity signal representative
of a magnetic proximity between the removable object and the base,
the removable object configured to be removably attached to the
base, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, the RF circuit configured to
communicate with a mobile electronic device and to generate an RF
proximity indication, the RF proximity indication representative of
a device distance between the RF circuit and the mobile electronic
device, and a device processor electrically coupled to the magnetic
sensor and to the RF circuit, the device processor specifically
programmed to receive the magnetic proximity signal from the
magnetic sensor, determine, based on the magnetic proximity signal,
that the removable object is attached to the base, receive the RF
proximity indication from the RF circuit, determine, based on the
RF proximity indication, that the device distance exceeds a maximum
device distance threshold, and generate an abandonment alert, the
alert indicating that the removable object is attached to the base
and that the device distance exceeds the maximum device distance
threshold.
[0037] Example 2 includes the system of example 1, wherein the
device processor is further specifically programmed to transmit the
abandonment alert to the mobile electronic device via the RF
circuit.
[0038] Example 3 includes the system of example 1, further
including an audible alert circuit, wherein the device processor is
further specifically programmed to cause the audible alert circuit
to generate an audible alert.
[0039] Example 4 includes the system of example 1, wherein the
device processor is further specifically programmed to transmit the
abandonment alert to a vehicle alarm system to generate a vehicle
alarm.
[0040] Example 5 includes the system of example 1, wherein the RF
proximity indication includes a received signal strength indicator
(RSSI).
[0041] Example 6 includes the system of example 1, further
including an environmental sensor, wherein the environmental sensor
generates an environmental measurement representative of an
environmental condition, and the device processor is further
specifically programmed to receive the environmental measurement,
determine that the environmental measurement exceeds a maximum
environmental measurement safety threshold, and generate an
environment alert, the alert indicating that the removable object
is attached to the base and that the environmental condition is
unsafe.
[0042] Example 7 includes the system of any of examples 1-6,
wherein the environmental measurement is at least one of a humidity
measurement and a temperature measurement.
[0043] Example 8 includes the system of example 1, wherein the RF
circuit is further configured to communicate based on a wireless
communication standard.
[0044] Example 9 includes the system of any of examples 1-8,
wherein the wireless communication standard is based on at least
one of a BTLE standard, an IEEE 802.15.1 standard, and an IEEE
802.15.4 standard.
[0045] Example 10 includes the system of example 1, wherein the
magnetic sensor includes a Hall Effect sensor.
[0046] Example 11 includes the system of example 1, wherein the
device processor is a microcontroller.
[0047] Example 12 includes a magnetic proximity detection system,
the system comprising a mobile electronic device RF circuit, the RF
circuit configured to communicate with a magnetic sensor and to
generate an RF proximity indication, the RF proximity indication
representative of a device distance between the RF circuit and the
magnetic sensor, a mobile electronic device processor electrically
coupled to the RF circuit, the mobile electronic device configured
to execute software specifically programmed to receive a magnetic
proximity signal from the magnetic sensor, the magnetic proximity
signal representative of a magnetic proximity between a magnet and
the magnetic sensor, determine, based on the magnetic proximity
signal, that the magnet is in close proximity to the magnetic
sensor, receive the RF proximity indication from the RF circuit,
determine, based on the RF proximity indication, that the device
distance exceeds a maximum device distance threshold, and generate
an abandonment alert, the alert indicating that the magnet is in
close proximity to the magnetic sensor and that the device distance
exceeds the maximum device distance threshold.
[0048] Example 13 includes the system of example 12, further
including an audible signal generation circuit, wherein the mobile
electronic device processor software is further specifically
programmed to cause the audible signal generation circuit to
generate an audible alert.
[0049] Example 14 includes the system of example 12, wherein the
mobile electronic device processor software is further specifically
programmed to transmit the abandonment alert to a vehicle alarm
system to generate a vehicle alarm.
[0050] Example 15 includes the system of example 12, wherein the RF
proximity indication includes a received signal strength indicator
(RSSI).
[0051] Example 16 includes the system of example 12, wherein the
mobile electronic device software is further specifically
programmed to receive an environmental measurement representative
of an environmental condition, determine that the environmental
measurement exceeds a maximum environmental measurement safety
threshold, and generate an environment alert, the alert indicating
that the magnet is in close proximity to the magnetic sensor and
that the environmental condition is unsafe.
[0052] Example 17 includes the system of any of examples 12-16,
wherein the environmental measurement is at least one of a humidity
measurement and a temperature measurement.
[0053] Example 18 includes the system of example 12, wherein the RF
circuit is further configured to communicate based on a wireless
communication standard.
[0054] Example 19 includes the system of any of examples 12-18,
wherein the wireless communication standard is based on at least
one of a BTLE standard, an IEEE 802.15.1 standard, and an IEEE
802.15.4 standard.
[0055] Example 20 includes the system of example 12, wherein the
magnetic sensor includes a Hall Effect sensor.
[0056] Example 2121 includes a method for removable object
proximity detection executing on a specifically programmed device
processor, the method including generating a magnetic proximity
signal representative of a magnetic proximity between a magnetic
sensor attached to a base and a magnet attached to a removable
object, the removable object configured to be removably attached to
the base, determining, based on the magnetic proximity signal, that
the removable object is attached to the base, generating an RF
proximity indication representative of a device distance between an
RF circuit and a mobile electronic device, determining, based on
the RF proximity indication, that the device distance exceeds a
maximum device distance threshold, and generating an abandonment
alert, the alert indicating that the removable object is attached
to the base and that the device distance exceeds the maximum device
distance threshold.
[0057] Example 22 includes the method of example 21, further
including transmitting the abandonment alert to the mobile
electronic device via the RF circuit.
[0058] Example 23 includes the method of example 21, further
including generating an audible alert via an audible alert
circuit.
[0059] Example 24 includes the method of example 21, further
including transmitting the abandonment alert to a vehicle alarm
system to generate a vehicle alarm.
[0060] Example 25 includes the method of example 21, wherein the RF
proximity indication includes a received signal strength indicator
(RSSI).
[0061] Example 26 includes the method of example 21, further
including generating an environmental measurement representative of
an environmental condition via an environmental sensor, determining
that the environmental measurement exceeds a maximum environmental
measurement safety threshold, and generating an environment alert,
the alert indicating that the removable object is attached to the
base and that the environmental condition is unsafe.
[0062] Example 27 includes the method of any of examples 21-27,
wherein the environmental measurement is at least one of a humidity
measurement and a temperature measurement.
[0063] Example 28 includes the method of example 21, wherein the RF
circuit is configured to communicate based on a wireless
communication standard.
[0064] Example 29 includes the method of any of examples 21-29,
wherein the wireless communication standard is based on at least
one of a BTLE standard, an IEEE 802.15.1 standard, and an IEEE
802.15.4 standard.
[0065] Example 30 includes the method of example 21, wherein the
magnetic sensor includes a Hall Effect sensor.
[0066] Example 3131 includes a removable object proximity detection
system, the system comprising a magnet attached to a removable
object, a magnetic sensor attached to a base, the magnetic sensor
configured to provide an attachment signal representative of an
attachment of the removable object to the base, a radio frequency
(RF) circuit, the RF circuit configured to communicate with a
mobile electronic device and to generate an RF proximity
indication, the RF proximity indication representative of a device
distance between the RF circuit and the mobile electronic
device.
[0067] Example 32 includes the system of example 31, further
including a device processor electrically coupled to the magnetic
sensor, the device processor specifically programmed to receive the
attachment signal from the magnetic sensor, determine, based on the
attachment signal, that the removable object is attached to the
base, receive the RF proximity indication from the RF circuit,
determine, based on the RF proximity indication, that the device
distance exceeds a maximum device distance threshold, and generate
an abandonment alert, the alert indicating that the removable
object is attached to the base and that the device distance exceeds
the maximum device distance threshold.
[0068] Example 33 includes the system of example 31 wherein the RF
circuit receives the attachment signal and transmits the signal
including the RF proximity indication and the attachment signal to
a paired device.
[0069] Example 34 includes the system of any of examples 31-33,
further including a user notification circuit, wherein the user
notification circuit is configured to receive the abandonment alert
and notify a user of the abandonment alert.
[0070] Example 35 includes the system of any of examples 31-35,
wherein notifying a user of the abandonment alert includes
notifying a user by at least one of sending a text message, sending
an e-mail message, flashing a light, generating a vibration,
playing a sound, and displaying a warning message.
[0071] Example 36 includes the system of example 31, wherein
generating the RF proximity indication includes generating an
approximate RF distance based on a received signal strength
indicator (RSSI).
[0072] Example 37 includes the system of example 31, further
including an environmental sensor, wherein the environmental sensor
generates an environmental measurement representative of an
environmental condition, and the device processor is further
specifically programmed to receive the environmental measurement,
determine that the environmental measurement exceeds a maximum
environmental measurement safety threshold, and generate an
environment alert, the alert indicating that the removable object
is attached to the base and that the environmental condition is
unsafe.
[0073] Example 38 includes the system of any of examples 31-38,
wherein the environmental measurement is at least one of a humidity
measurement and a temperature measurement.
[0074] Although a few embodiments have been described in detail
above, other modifications are possible. For example, the logic
flows depicted in the figures do not require the particular order
shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. Other
steps may be provided, or steps may be eliminated, from the
described flows, and other components may be added to, or removed
from, the described systems. Other embodiments may be within the
scope of the following claims.
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