U.S. patent application number 15/549094 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-18 for child safety seat alarm.
The applicant listed for this patent is JROD TEJAS, LLC. Invention is credited to Rhonda BORGNE, Roy RAMIREZ Jr..
Application Number | 20180015841 15/549094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54538993 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180015841 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BORGNE; Rhonda ; et
al. |
January 18, 2018 |
CHILD SAFETY SEAT ALARM
Abstract
An alarm system can remind or alert an adult about the presence
of a child in a vehicle. A child detector, such as a weight sensor
or weight-activated circuit, can detect whether a child is
occupying the child safety seat. The child detector may be
integrated with or coupled to a child safety seat. The child
detector can be used in coordination with a vehicle alarm system to
remind or alert a driver that a child is occupying the child safety
seat when a key is not in the ignition.
Inventors: |
BORGNE; Rhonda; (Dallas,
TX) ; RAMIREZ Jr.; Roy; (Oklahoma City, OK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
JROD TEJAS, LLC |
Dallas |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54538993 |
Appl. No.: |
15/549094 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2016 |
PCT Filed: |
February 5, 2016 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2016/016870 |
371 Date: |
August 4, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14615273 |
Feb 5, 2015 |
9545856 |
|
|
15549094 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60N 2/002 20130101;
B60N 2/26 20130101; G08B 21/22 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60N 2/00 20060101
B60N002/00; G08B 21/22 20060101 G08B021/22; B60N 2/26 20060101
B60N002/26 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A vehicle comprising: a seat for a passenger; an ignition
sensor configured to indicate whether an engine of the vehicle is
running; a detector configured to detect a presence of the
passenger in the seat; and an alarm system coupled to the detector
and the ignition sensor, wherein the alarm system is configured to
produce a distinct alert in response to detecting the presence of
the passenger in the seat when the ignition sensor indicates that
the engine is deactivated.
23. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the detector is part of a
child safety seat system in the vehicle.
24. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the distinct alert is
different from a confirmatory honk normally associated with
securing the vehicle.
25. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the detector comprises at
least one of a weight sensor, a weight-sensitive switch, or a
pressure-activated switch.
26. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the detector comprises at
least one of an in-vehicle camera, a motion detector, an infrared
sensor, a buckle sensor, or a proximity detector.
27. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the alarm system is further
configured to produce an alternative notification that is normally
associated with a problem preventing the alarm system from securing
the vehicle.
28. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the alarm system is configured
to refrain from securing the vehicle in response to detecting the
presence of the passenger in the seat.
29. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the detector is coupled to the
alarm system via an interface unit.
30. The vehicle of claim 29, wherein the interface unit comprises a
junction to a door or window sensor coupled to the alarm
system.
31. The vehicle of claim 29, wherein the interface unit comprises
at least one of: an electrical connection to a sensor input of the
alarm system; a wireless connection to the alarm system; a junction
to an existing sensor coupled to the alarm system; or a circuit for
controlling an output device associated with the alarm system.
32. An alarm system for use in a vehicle, the alarm system
comprising: a first input for coupling to a detector configured to
detect a presence of a passenger in a seat of the vehicle; a second
input for coupling to an ignition sensor configured to indicate
whether an engine of the vehicle is running; at least one output
for coupling to an apparatus for generating an alert; and a
controller configured to: receive, via the first input, a first
signal indicative of the presence of the passenger in the seat,
receive, via the second input, a second signal indicative that the
engine is deactivated, and produce, via the at least one output, a
distinct alert in response to receiving the first signal indicative
of the presence of the passenger in the seat and the second signal
indicative that the engine is deactivated.
33. The alarm system of claim 32, wherein the controller is further
configured to: prevent the alarm system from producing a
confirmatory honk normally associated with securing the vehicle in
response to a command associated with securing the vehicle.
34. The alarm system of claim 32, wherein the controller configured
to produce the distinct alert includes the controller being
configured to produce the distinct alert when the first signal
indicates the presence of the passenger after a threshold wait
time.
35. The alarm system of claim 32, further comprising: a network
interface capable of transmitting an emergency alert message;
wherein the controller is further configured to send the emergency
alert message when the first signal indicates the presence of the
passenger after a threshold wait time.
36. The alarm system of claim 32, further comprising: a key sensor;
and the controller further configured to: detect, via the key
sensor, a removal of a key from an ignition of the vehicle, and
produce, via the at least one output, the distinct alert in
response to receiving the first signal indicative of the presence
of the passenger in the seat and in response to the removal of the
key.
37. A method for use in an alarm system of a vehicle, the method
comprising: detecting, via a detector of the vehicle, a presence of
a passenger in a seat of the vehicle; determining, via an ignition
sensor, whether an engine of the vehicle is running; and producing
a distinct alert in response to detecting the presence of the
passenger in the seat when the ignition sensor indicates that the
engine is deactivated.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the distinct alert is different
from a confirmatory honk normally associated with securing the
vehicle.
39. The method of claim 37, further comprising: receiving a command
from a fob of the alarm system, the command associated with a user
attempting to secure the vehicle using the alarm system, wherein
the distinct alert is further in response to receiving the
command.
40. The method of claim 37, further comprising: detecting, via the
detector, the presence of the passenger for more than a threshold
wait time; and causing a notification, in response to detecting,
via the detector, the presence of the passenger for more than the
threshold wait time.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein causing the notification
comprises at least one of: sounding an audible alarm; transmitting
an emergency alert message; or broadcasting a distress signal.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S.
application Ser. No. 14/615,273 filed Feb. 5, 2015.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Embodiments of the present subject matter generally relate
to the field of child safety equipment, and, more particularly, to
techniques for integrating a child safety seat with a vehicle alarm
system.
[0003] Each year, children die from being left unattended in a
vehicle. Often a child may be forgotten or left by a driver of the
vehicle, such as a caregiver or parent. For example, a driver may
neglectfully leave a child in the car while going in for a "quick
stop" that takes longer than expected. Alternatively, a driver may
simply forget that the child is in the vehicle. For example, the
child may tall asleep during a drive and remain quiet for a period
of time. Upon arriving at a destination, the driver may be
preoccupied or forgetful about the presence of the sleeping
child.
[0004] Whether the child is left intentionally or unintentionally,
being left in a vehicle causes a great risk of it to the child. The
internal weather conditions, such as high temperatures, can cause a
fatality in a short period of time. Even when fatality is not the
result, a child may be left with serious and possibly permanent
injury due to heat exhaustion or dehydration.
[0005] It is believed that these tragic accidents can be prevented
by a timely reminder to the driver about the presence of a child in
the vehicle.
SUMMARY
[0006] A driver may be reminded about the presence of a child in
the vehicle. In one embodiment, a child safety seat includes a
sensor which can detect the presence of the child. The child safety
seat can be used in coordination with a Vehicle alarm system to
remind or alert the driver that the child is in the child safety
seat.
[0007] In some embodiments, a child safety seat, for use in a
vehicle, comprises a seat portion; and a child detector configured
to detect a presence of a child in the seat portion and provide a
signal to an alarm system of the vehicle, the signal indicative of
the presence of the child, wherein the signal modifies operation of
the alarm system.
[0008] In some embodiments, the child detector comprises at least
one of a weight sensor, a weight-sensitive switch, and a
pressure-activated switch.
[0009] In some embodiments, the child detector comprises at least
one of a motion detector, an infrared sensor, a buckle sensor, and
a proximity detector.
[0010] In some embodiments, the modified operation of the alarm
system comprises at least one of causing a notification and
preventing the alarm system from securing the vehicle.
[0011] In some embodiments, the child safety seat further comprises
an interface unit configured to couple the child detector to the
alarm system.
[0012] In some embodiments, the interface unit comprises at least
one of an electrical connection to a sensor input of the alarm
system; a wireless connection to the alarm system; a junction to an
existing sensor coupled to the alarm system; and a circuit for
controlling an Output device associated with the alarm system.
[0013] In some embodiments, the interface unit comprises a
transformer circuit to receive, from the child detector, the signal
indicative of the presence of the child; produce a first output
when the child is present, and produce a second output when the
child is not present; and provide either the first output or the
second output to the alarm system based, at least in part, on the
signal indicative of the presence of the child.
[0014] In some embodiments, an alarm system, for use in a vehicle,
comprises at least one input circuit for coupling to a child
detector associated with a child safety seat in the vehicle; at
least one output circuit coupled to an apparatus for generating an
alert; a receiver; and a controller configured to receive, via the
receiver, a command associated with security the vehicle, receive,
via the at least one input circuit, a signal indicative of a
presence of a child in the child safety seat, and refrain from
securing the vehicle in response to the signal indicative of the
presence of the child.
[0015] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to
determine, from the signal, that the presence of the child exceeds
a threshold wait time after the command is received, and cause, via
the at least one output circuit, a notification when the presence
of the child exceeds the threshold wait time.
[0016] In some embodiments, the notification comprises an emergency
alert message, and wherein the at least one output circuit is
coupled to a network interface capable of transmitting the
emergency alert message.
[0017] In some embodiments, the network interface comprises at
least one member of a group consisting of a cellular connection,
satellite service connection, and wireless local area network
connection.
[0018] In some embodiments, the alarm system further comprises a
key sensor; and the controller further configured to detect, via
the key sensor, a removal of a key from an ignition of the vehicle,
and cause, via the at least one output circuit, a preliminary alarm
in response to the signal indicative of the presence of the child
and in response to the removal of the key.
[0019] In some embodiments, the alarm system further comprises a
delay trigger; and the controller further configured to receive,
via the delay trigger, a user activation associated with silencing
the preliminary alarm, and temporarily silence the preliminary
alarm in response to the user activation of the delay trigger.
[0020] In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting, at an
alarm system of a vehicle, a command associated with securing the
vehicle; determining whether a child detector detects a presence of
a child occupying a child safety seat in the vehicle; and
refraining from securing the vehicle in response to determining
that the child detector detects the presence of the child.
[0021] In some embodiments, the command is detected responsive to a
user activation of a fob associated with the alarm system.
[0022] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
determining that the child detector does not detect the presence of
the child occupying the child safety seat; and securing the vehicle
in response to determining that the child detector does not detect
the presence of the child.
[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
determining that the child detector detects the presence of the
child for more than a threshold wait time; and causing a
notification, in response to determining that the child detector
detects the presence of the child for more than the threshold wait
time.
[0024] In some embodiments, the step of causing the notification
comprises at least one of sounding an audible alarm; transmitting
an emergency alert message; and broadcasting a distress signal.
[0025] In some embodiments, a method comprises detecting, at an
alarm system of a vehicle, removal of a key from an ignition of the
vehicle; determining whether a child detector detects a presence of
a child occupying a child safety seat in the vehicle; and causing,
by the alarm system, a preliminary alarm in response to determining
that the child detector detects the presence of the child and in
response to detecting the removal of the key.
[0026] In some embodiments, the method further comprises detecting
a user activation of a delay trigger associated with silencing the
preliminary alarm; and temporarily silencing the preliminary alarm
in response to detecting the user activation of the delay
trigger.
[0027] In some embodiments, the method further comprises causing a
notification after causing the preliminary alarm for a threshold
wait time.
DRAWINGS
[0028] The present embodiments may be better understood, and
numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those
skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 depicts an example system to introduce concepts of
this disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 2 depicts a conceptual illustration of a child detector
in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 3 depicts an example of integrating a child detector
with a vehicle alarm system using a direct connection in accordance
with an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 4 depicts an example of integrating a child detector
with a vehicle alarm system using an interface unit in accordance
with an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 5 depicts an example of integrating a child detector
with a vehicle alarm system using an existing sensor circuit in
accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 6 depicts an example of integrating a child detector
with a vehicle alarm system using a bypass circuit in accordance
with an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0035] FIG. 7 depicts an example of integrating a child detector
with a vehicle alarm system using a replacement fob in accordance
with an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0036] FIG. 8 depicts aspects of a vehicle alarm system in
accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.
[0037] FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart for preventing a vehicle alarm
system from securing the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment
of this disclosure.
[0038] FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart for alerting one or more
persons near the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of this
disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 11 depicts an apparatus for implementing various
embodiments of this disclosure.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)
[0040] The description that follows includes exemplary systems,
methods, techniques, instruction sequences and computer program
products that embody techniques of the present subject matter.
However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known instruction instances, protocols, structures and
techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obfuscate
the description.
[0041] Preventing injury or loss of life to a child may be aided by
reducing the number of children left in enclosed vehicles.
Ultimately, remembering to take a child out of a vehicle may depend
on the attentiveness of an adult. This disclosure provides several
example embodiments of techniques to remind or alert an adult about
the presence of a child in an unattended vehicle. A child detector
can be integrated with or coupled to a child safety seat. The child
detector is configured to detect whether a child is occupying the
child safety seat. A child detector is any device or instrument
designed to detect the presence of a child in the child safety seat
and provide a signal indicative of the presence. In one example,
the child detector may be a weight-activated switch which can open
or dose an electrical circuit in response to the weight of a child
in a child safety seat. Other examples of a child detector are
described in FIG. 2.
[0042] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the child
detector can be used in coordination with a vehicle alarm system to
remind or alert a driver when a child is occupying the child safety
seat. There are at least two ways that a driver can be reminded or
alerted about the presence of a child in the child safety seat. In
one embodiment, the alarm system may sound a preliminary alarm
(such as an alert bell or beep) when the key is removed from the
ignition and the child detector detects a child is present in the
child safety seat. The preliminary alarm may be followed by a
louder alarm after a period of time to alert the driver or other
persons near the vehicle to check on the cause of the alarm. The
alarm system may also be configured to cause transmission of
emergency alert message, such as a text message or call. The
emergency alert message may be sent via wireless connectivity to
the vehicle, such as a cellular connection, satellite service,
wireless local area network connection, or the like. For example,
the emergency alert message may be a Short Message Service (SMS)
message, a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), or a data message
transmitted via wireless connection. The emergency alert message
may alert rescue personnel and/or authorities about the child left
in an unattended vehicle.
[0043] In another embodiment, the vehicle alarm system may prevent
securing a parked vehicle when a child is present. For example,
when a driver exits the parked vehicle, the driver may attempt to
secure the vehicle by clicking a button on an alarm system remote
device (hereinafter referred to as a "fob," or key fob). The
typical response after clicking the button is for the alarm system
to secure the vehicle. The alarm system may be configured to
provide a feedback to the driver to indicate the vehicle is
secured, for example the feedback may be a short honk of the horn
or flash of the lights. If the driver does not receive the
feedback, the driver may be psychologically conditioned to check
why the vehicle is not secured. This may occur, for example, when a
door is left ajar or a window is open. In this disclosure, the
alarm system may also prevent securing the vehicle when a child
detector indicates that a child is present. The driver may return
to the vehicle to determine why the alarm system did not secure the
vehicle and become reminded that the child is present. If the
driver does leave the proximity of the vehicle, the alarm system
may prevent securing the vehicle so that the child can be extracted
by a Good Samaritan or emergency response personnel. If the child
remains in the vehicle after a period of time, the alarm system may
activate an alarm and/or transmit an emergency alert message.
[0044] FIG. 1 depicts an example system 100 to introduce concepts
of this disclosure. A child 120 is sitting in a child safety seat
110. The child safety seat 110 is illustrated as a forward facing
booster seat. However, in other embodiments, the child safety seat
110 may be a rear-facing baby seat, or any other type of seat that
a child 120 may occupy. Other types of seats might include a low
profile booster, a custom seat, or the like. In some embodiments,
the vehicle may be manufactured with a seat that acts as a child
safety seat.
[0045] The child safety seat 110 has a child detector 130. For
example, the child detector 130 may be integrated into or coupled
to a seat portion of the child safety seat 110. The child detector
130 may also be coupled to an alarm system 150 of the vehicle. This
disclosure describes many ways that the child detector 130 may be
coupled with the alarm system 150. For example, the child detector
130 may electrically couple to one or more inputs of the alarm
system 150. In some embodiments, an interface unit 140 may be used
to couple the child detector 130 to the alarm system 150. The
interface unit 140 may have a first connection 135 w the child
detector 130 and a second connection 145 to the alarm system 150.
In some embodiments, a portion of the connectivity between the
child safety seat 110 and the alarm system 150 may be wireless. For
example, the first connection 135 or the second connection 145 may
comprise a wireless connectivity. In an example, a vehicle may
provide in-car wireless local area network (WLAN), such as IEEE
802.11a/b/g/n or WiFi.TM.. The interface unit 140 may access the
alarm system 150 using communication messages via the WLAN. In
other embodiments, a portion of the connectivity between the child
safety seat 110 and the alarm system 150 may be wired. For example,
the child safety seat 110 may be communicatively coupled using a
controller area network (CAN) connection, a powerline
communications (PLC) connection, or a wired electrical circuit. In
yet further examples, the child detector 130 may integrate with the
alarm system 150 through an existing sensor already coupled to the
alarm system 150. For example, the alarm system 150 may be a legacy
system which does not provide an additional input for the child
detector 130. However, the child detector 130 may be linked to the
alarm system 150 by tapping into a connection between the alarm
system 150 and an existing sensor (not shown) in the vehicle.
[0046] The alarm system 150 may be coupled (shown as audio output
connection 165) to a speaker 170. The speaker 170 may be any
apparatus or means for alerting a human, including a horn, a bell,
a speaker, a siren, a clicker, or any audio output device. Other
examples of apparatus and means for alerting a human may include a
head lamp, interior light, dash indicator, a display, a messaging
interface, a vibration device, or any type of device which can
provide a sensory experience to the human to gain the attention of
the human. In this disclosure, example embodiments will be
described as utilizing a speaker 170. However, embodiments are not
so limited. In other embodiments, other means for alerting the
human may be used in lieu of, or in addition to, a speaker.
[0047] Also shown in FIG. 1 is a fob 180. A fob refers to any alarm
system remote device which can send or receive information to the
alarm system 150. In one embodiment, the fob 180 may be a
traditional vehicle alarm remote. In another embodiment, the fob
180 may be an application running on an electronic device, such as
a smartphone or wearable electronic device. The fob 180 may
transmit signals to the alarm system 150 to cause the alarm system
150 to arm or disarm the security features of the vehicle. For
example, the alarm system 150 may secure the vehicle by locking the
doors. In some embodiments, the fob 180 and alarm system 150 may be
capable of two-way communication. For example, the alarm system 150
may be able to send a signal to the fob 180 to alert the user when
the alarm system 150 is unable to secure the vehicle.
Alternatively, the alarm system 150 may communicate to with the fob
180 to indicate that the alarm system 150 has detected an alarm
event.
[0048] Having described the system 100, two example scenarios can
be described to introduce concepts of alerting a human about the
presence of the child. In one example, the alarm system 150 may
include a key sensor (not shown) for detecting a removal of a key
from an ignition (not shown) of the vehicle. When the key is
removed from the ignition, the alarm system 150 may cause a
preliminary alarm (such as an alert bell, chime, beep, audible
message, or music) if a child is present in the child safety seat.
For example, the preliminary alarm may be similar to a beeping
alert used to get the attention of a driver regarding an open door,
headlamps left on, or driving without a seatbelt. In one
embodiment, the preliminary alarm may be a lullaby Or verbal
message (e.g., "Attention, child detected in child safety seat.").
In one embodiment, the preliminary alarm may be sounded immediately
upon removal of the key from the ignition. In another embodiment,
the preliminary alarm may be sounded after a first delay (for
example, a minute) allowing the driver to get out of the vehicle.
After the first delay, the preliminary alarm may sound to gain the
attention of the driver. After a threshold wait time (e.g., longer
than the first delay), the preliminary alarm could be followed by a
notification (such as a loud alarm or an emergency alert message)
if the child remains in the child safety seat after the threshold
wait time. In one embodiment, a delay trigger could be used to
temporarily silence the preliminary alarm and/or reset the
threshold wait time. The delay trigger could concurrently reset the
threshold wait time and temporarily silence the preliminary alarm.
The delay trigger may be used to temporarily silence the
preliminary alarm to allow the driver more time before sounding the
preliminary alarm again. For example, the driver may use the delay
trigger to temporarily silence the preliminary alarm while the
driver loads groceries or equipment into or out of the vehicle. For
example, the delay trigger may be a button or sensor on the vehicle
or fob. Alternatively, the delay trigger may be associated with
another action on the vehicle, such as a power lift gate or truck
latch. However, after the threshold wait time, if the delay trigger
has not been pressed, the alarm system 150 may cause a
notification. Examples of a notification may include sounding the
vehicle alarm, causing transmission of an emergency alert message,
broadcasting a distress signal, or the like.
[0049] In another example scenario, the alarm system 150 may
refrain from securing the vehicle in response to detecting the
presence of the child. Based on a signal from the child detector
130, the operation of the alarm system 150 may be modified w
prevent an expected result For example, a command from the fob 180
to the alarm system 150 may be associated with securing the
vehicle. The driver, having pressed a button on the fob 180, may
expect a confirmatory honk when the vehicle is secured. However, if
the child detector 130 provides a signal to the alarm system 150
that indicates a child 120 is present in the child safety seat 110,
the alarm system 150 may refrain from securing the vehicle. As a
result of the alarm system 150 refraining from securing the
vehicle, the driver may not receive the expected confirmatory honk,
causing the driver to remember the child. Alternatively, when the
alarm system 150 refrains from securing the vehicle, the alarm
system 150 may provide an unexpected, different, feedback. For
example, the alarm system 150 may honk the horn with four short
honks (rather than one short honk indicating the vehicle is
secured). When the driver hears the four short honks, the driver
may instinctively become aware that the vehicle has not been
secured. Upon inspection why the vehicle has not been secured, the
driver may be reminded that the child is in the child safety
seat.
[0050] FIG. 2 depicts a conceptual illustration of a child detector
200 in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. The child
detector 200 described in FIG. 2 is only one example of many
different embodiments of child detectors within the scope of this
disclosure. For example, a child detector may include a
pressure-activated switch, a weight sensor, a weight-sensitive
switch, or any other type of sensor that can be used to determine
whether a child is present in a child safety seat.
[0051] The child detector 200 includes a first surface 210 (which
may also be referred to as a contact plate, contact surface, or the
like) and a second surface 250. In the example of FIG. 2, the first
surface 210 and the second surface 250 may comprise conductive
surfaces and may be separated by a non-conductive separation 230.
For example, a spring or other material could separate the first
surface 210 and the second surface 250 when a weight is not forcing
the first surface 210 to contact the second surface 250. When a
weight (such as the weight of a child) applies a downward force on
the first surface 210, the non-conductive separation 230 may
compress, such that at least a portion of the first surface 210
comes into contact with at least a portion of the second surface
250. The first surface 210 may be coupled to a first wire 260 and
the second surface 250 may be coupled to a second wire 270. So when
the portion of first surface 210 comes into contact with the
portion of the second surface 250, the first and second wires may
form a conductive circuit (also referred to as a "closed" circuit,
in contrast to an "open" circuit when the wires do not form a
conductive circuit).
[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the child detector 200 may be
configured so that whet weight is not applied, the first and second
wires form a dosed circuit, and when weight is applied, the first
and second wires form an open circuit. The toggling of the open and
closed circuits may be logically referred to as a switch 290. The
switch 290 may be a binary state (e.g., open and closed, or "on"
and "off"). One of the first and second wires may be associated
with a negative electricity source, while the other may be
associated with a positive electricity return. When the first
surface 210 comes into contact with the second surface 250, the
electricity may flow through the circuit. The flowing electricity
may be detected as a signal indicative of the presence of a child
detected by the child detector 200.
[0053] Although the example in FIG. 2 represents a child detector
200 with a binary state, other types of child detectors may be more
sophisticated. For example, the child detector may measure a weight
and provide a representation of the measured weight in the form of
a message or a variable output voltage. In another example, the
child detector may comprise a pressure-activated switch at the rear
or side of the child safety seat, responsive to a backward or
sideways force caused by a child in the child safety seat.
[0054] In addition to the examples of child detectors previously
described, other child detectors could comprise other types of
sensors. Examples of other types of sensors that could be used in
the child detector may include a motion detector, a contact
detector, a buckle latch detector, an infrared sensor, a proximity
sensor, or the like. A contact detector may contact of a body
against the contact detector. The buckle latch detector may detect
whether a buckle of a seatbelt or harness is latched. An infrared
sensor may detect the temperature range of a human child in a seat
portion of the child safety seat. A proximity sensor is a sensor
able to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical
contact. For example, a proximity sensor can emits an
electromagnetic field or a beam of electromagnetic radiation
(infrared, for instance), and looks for changes in the field or
return signal. In one embodiment a proximity sensor can have a high
reliability and long functional life because of the absence of
mechanical parts and lack of physical contact between the proximity
sensor and the child. In another example, an in-vehicle camera may
be used as a child detector. For example, vehicles may be equipped
with a rear seat camera (such as for passenger safety or for
passenger video calling). A processor may analyze images from the
camera to determine whether a child is in the child safety
seat.
[0055] For brevity, the child detector shown in the following
figures arc illustrated similarly as the child detector 200.
However, any type of child detector may be substituted for the
child detector 200 in the following figures. FIGS. 3-7 describe
several example embodiments of coupling a child detector to an
alarm system of a vehicle. In some implementations, the
manufacturer of the vehicle may be different from the manufacturer
of the child detector. For example, the child detector may be
integrated into a child safety seat by a manufacturer of the child
safety seat, different from a manufacturer of the vehicle. In some
implementations, the child detector can be coupled to an existing
alarm system included in the vehicle by the manufacturer of the
vehicle. In other implementations the child detector may include or
couple to a separate alarm system (which may be referred to as a
redundant alarm system) that is different from an alarm system
originally manufactured into a vehicle. In some implementations, a
manufacturer of the vehicle may include connector ports or
interfaces to facilitate coupling the child detector. For example,
a vehicle may be equipped with an industry standardized connection
to facilitate connections from child detectors sold by different
manufacturers. The "Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)
Restraint System" is an example of an industry standardized
connection for securing a car seat to a vehicle. A similar industry
standardized system could be used to establish consistent interface
ports for a child detector to integrate into a vehicle alarm
system.
[0056] FIG. 3 depicts an example 300 of integrating a child
detector 200 with an alarm system 150 using a direct connection in
accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. In FIG. 3, the
alarm system 150 includes a plurality of input ports which can
receive inputs from a plurality of sensors For example a first
sensor 345 may be connected via a first circuit 340 to the alarm
system 150. The first circuit 340 may comprise a two wire loop
which has the first sensor 345 in the circuit. The first sensor 345
might be, for example, a door sensor which detects whether a door
of the vehicle is open or closed. Depending on whether the door is
open or closed, the first circuit 340 may be an open circuit or a
closed circuit. The open circuit may not conduct electricity, while
the closed circuit can conduct electricity. The alarm system 150
may have electrical components which utilize the conductivity of
the first circuit 340 to determine whether the vehicle can be
secured or not.
[0057] Returning to the child detector 200, in FIG. 3, a direct
circuit 320 may plug into an available port of the alarm system
150. For example, the alarm system 150 may provide an auxiliary
port that is available for auxiliary sensors. The child detector
200 may be coupled to the alarm system 150 by directly connecting
one or more wires into the auxiliary port. This may be used, for
example, when the alarm system 150 is manufactured and integrated
with the vehicle, while the child detector 200 is manufactured and
integrated with a child safety seat that is installed by a
consumer.
[0058] FIG. 4 depicts an example 400 of integrating a child
detector 200 with an alarm system 150 using an interface unit 450.
The interface unit 450 may be used to integrate the child detector
200 with different types of alarm systems. For example, depending
on the manufacturer of the alarm system 150, the interface unit 450
may provide different connection options. The interface unit 450
may receive a signal from the child detector 200 via a detector
circuit 420, and may provide an output to the alarm system 150 via
an alarm sensor circuit 460. The interface unit 450 may also
include a transformer circuit (not shown) which converts or
transforms the signal from the child detector 200 into a form that
is useful for the alarm system 150. For example, the interface unit
450 may receive, from the child detector 200, a signal indicative
of the presence of the child. The interface unit 450 may produce a
first output when the child is present, and produce a second output
when the child is not present. The first output or the second
output may be provided via the alarm sensor circuit 460 to the
alarm system 150.
[0059] If the detector circuit 420 is a binary state, but is
opposite of the form needed by the alarm system 150, the interface
unit 450 may cause an inverse circuit state in the alarm sensor
circuit 460. For example, when the child is sitting on a
weight-sensitive switch, the child detector 200 may produce a
closed circuit in the detector circuit 420. However, the alarm
system 150 may associate an error condition with an open circuit.
In that scenario, the interface unit 450 may cause an open circuit
condition on the alarm sensor circuit 460 in response to detecting
the closed circuit condition on the detector circuit 420.
[0060] In another embodiment, the interface unit 450 may include a
processor for determining a weight measurement or voltage level
from the child detector 200. Depending on the capabilities of die
alarm system 150, the interface unit 450 may produce a message,
circuit condition, or other form of communication to influence the
operation of the alarm system 150 based on the signal from the
detector circuit 420. In the example where the alarm system 150
includes a communications system and processor, the interface unit
450 may communicate with the alarm system 150 using a wired or
wireless communications protocol understood by the alarm system
150.
[0061] FIG. 5 depicts an example 500 of integrating a child
detector 200 with an alarm system 150 using an existing circuit to
a first sensor 570. The interface unit 550 may receive an input
from a detector circuit 520 and a first sensor circuit 580 and
provide an output to the alarm system 150 via an alarm sensor
circuit 560. For example, prior to installing the interface unit
550 in the vehicle, the first sensor 570 may have an existing
circuit (not shown) to the alarm system 150. To install the child
detector 200 and interface unit 550, the child detector 200 may be
integrated with an existing circuit. For example, the existing
circuit may be cut so that a first portion of the existing circuit
becomes the first sensor circuit 580 to the interface unit 550 and
a second portion of the existing circuit becomes the alarm sensor
circuit 560. However, the interface unit 550 may combine (or
otherwise utilize) both of the first sensor circuit 580 and the
detector circuit 520 to determine the circuit condition that should
be provided via alarm sensor circuit 560.
[0062] The interface unit 550 in FIG. 5 might be useful when
coupling a child detector 200 to the alarm system 150 without
modifying the alarm system 150 itself. For example, the interface
unit 550 may utilize an existing circuit to a door sensor or window
sensor of a vehicle. The alarm system 150 may already be
preprogrammed (by an alarm system manufacturer) to prevent securing
the vehicle, or withhold confirmatory feedback, when a door or
window is open. The same existing circuit could be used to simulate
an open door or window when the child detector 200 detects a child
is present. In one example, when either the door is open or the
child is present, the alarm system 150 may prevent the confirmatory
feedback or may provide an alternative feedback (such as four short
honks) to indicate a problem with securing the vehicle. As a result
of using the existing circuit, an alarm system in an older vehicle
could be used with the child detector 200 and interface unit
550.
[0063] FIG. 6 depicts an example 600 of integrating a child
detector 200 with an alarm system 150 using a bypass circuit. In
the example 600, the interface unit 650 may bypass a controller of
the alarm system 150 and instead influence operation of the speaker
170 directly. The alarm system 150 may have a wire pair 625 to the
speaker 170. To install the interface unit 650 one or more wires of
the wire pair 625 may be cut and a first portion of the wire pair
625 may become an alarm wire pair 637 from the alarm system 150 to
the interface unit 650. A second portion of the wire pair 625 may
become a speaker wire pair 639 from the interface unit 650 to the
speaker 170. The interface unit 650 may be configured to send
signals via the speaker wire pair 639 responsive to either the
alarm wire pair 637 or a detector circuit 620.
[0064] FIG. 7 depicts an example 700 of integrating a child
detector 200 with an alarm system 150 using a replacement fob 182
to replace the fob 180. The replacement fob 182 may be configured
to communicate with the alarm system 150 similarly to how the
original fob 180 communicated with the alarm system 150. However,
different from the original fob 180, the replacement fob 182 may
also be responsive to a signal from an interface unit 750. The
interface unit 750 may have a detector circuit 720 coupled to the
child detector 200. The interface unit 750 may send a signal to the
replacement fob 182 to indicate when the child is detected by the
child detector 200. When a button on the replacement fob 182 is
pressed, if the signal from the interface unit 750 is detected, the
replacement fob 182 may refrain from sending a command to the alarm
system 150 to secure the vehicle.
[0065] Alternatively, instead of sending the signal when a child is
detected, the interface unit 750 may send a signal to indicate that
a child is not detected. In other words, when the signal is
provided, the replacement fob 182 may send the command to the alarm
system 150 to secure the vehicle. In the absence of the signal from
the interface unit 750, the replacement fob 182 may not send the
command to the alarm system 150. In this scenario, absence of the
signal may be due to a child being detected by the child detector
200, due to distance between the interface unit 750 and the
replacement fob 182, and/or due to a low power condition of the
interface unit 750. Regardless of the reason, the replacement fob
182 can be prevented from sending a command to the alarm system 150
to secure the vehicle. The replacement fob 182 may include a
vibration unit, display, or other apparatus to provide a short
alert to the user that the signal is absent. However, the short
alert on the replacement fob 182 may discontinue after a period of
time or in response to a user input, so that the short alert does
not drain a battery of the replacement fob 182 when a driver and
child are both away from the vehicle.
[0066] FIG. 8 depicts aspects of an alarm system 800 in accordance
with an embodiment of this disclosure. The alarm system 800
includes a controller 810. The controller 810 may be manufactured
with analog circuitry, digital processor, or any combination of
analog and digital components. The controller 810 may implement
logic about when and how to cause alarms for a user. The controller
810 may take inputs from a variety of sensors. The alarm system 800
illustrates several input ports 830-840 for various sensors. A
first input port 830 may be coupled to a seat belt sensor. A second
input port 832 may be coupled to an ignition sensor (to determine
whether the engine is running). A third input port 834 may be
coupled to a key sensor to determine whether a key is in the
ignition. A fourth input port 836 may be coupled to a window
sensor. A fifth input port 838 may be coupled to a door sensor. An
auxiliary input port 840 may allow for an auxiliary input to the
controller 810. Each of the input ports 830-840 in FIG. 8 are
provided as examples, and may or may not be present in various
implementations.
[0067] The controller 810 may also have output ports to control
various types of alarms. For example, output ports 852-860 may
include a first output port 852 to a speaker, a second output port
854 to a horn, and/or a third output pan 856 to control the one or
more lights associated with the vehicle. A network interface 860
may also be considered an output port and may be utilized to
transmit an emergency alert message via cellular, satellite, or
other wireless networks.
[0068] The controller 810 may be controlled, at least partially, by
a fob 820 that wirelessly communicates with a receiver 825 coupled
to the controller 810. The fob 820 can send a command associated
with securing the vehicle to the receiver 825. The controller 810
may process the command and determine whether to secure the vehicle
based on one more of the input ports 830-840. In an embodiment of
this disclosure a signal indicative of the presence of a child in a
child safety seat is provided via one of the input ports to the
controller 810. An interface unit (not shown) may also be in the
path between a child detector and the controller 810. If a child is
present, the controller 810 may refrain from securing the vehicle.
The controller 810 may also send an alert is one of the output
ports 852-860 lithe child remains in the vehicle more than a
threshold wait time after a key is removed from the ignition.
[0069] FIG. 9 depicts a flow chart 900 for preventing a vehicle
alarm system from securing the vehicle in accordance with an
embodiment of this disclosure.
[0070] Beginning at block 910, an alarm system of a vehicle may
detect a command associated with securing the vehicle. For example,
the command may be detected responsive to a user activation of a
fob associated with the alarm system.
[0071] At decision 920, the alarm system may determine whether a
child detector detects a presence of a child occupying a child
safety seat in the vehicle. If the child detector does not detect
the presence of the child, the flow chart 900 continues to block
940 where the alarm system secures the vehicle. If the child
detector does detect the presence of the child, the flow chart 900
continues to block 930.
[0072] At block 930, the alarm system may refrain from securing the
vehicle in response to determining that the child detector detects
the presence of the child. The alarm system may then begin a timer
or counter to monitor how long the child is present in the vehicle
after a key is removed from the ignition.
[0073] At decision 950, the alarm system may determine whether the
child detector still detects the presence of the child occupying
the child safety seat. If the alarm system determines that the
child detector does not detect the presence of the child occupying
the child safety seat, the flow chart 900 continues to block 940
where the alarm system secures the vehicle. If the alarm system
determines that the child detector still detects the presence of
the child occupying the child safety seat, the flow chart 900
continues to decision 960.
[0074] At decision 960, the alarm system determines whether the
child detector detects the presence of the child for more than a
threshold wait time. For example, the alarm system may compare the
timer or counter to the threshold wait time. Alternatively, the
alarm system may determine that the timer or counter has expired.
If the threshold wait time has not been reached, the flow chart 900
returns to block 930 or decision 950 to continue refraining from
securing the vehicle and monitoring the presence of the child. If
the threshold wait time has been reached, the flow chart 900
continues to block 970.
[0075] At block 970, the alarm system may cause a notification, in
response to determining that the child detector detects the
presence of the child for more than the threshold wait time. There
are several types of notifications which could be caused, either
separately or in combination. For example, at block 980 the alarm
system may sound an audible alarm. At block 982, the alarm system
may transmit an emergency alert message. The emergency alert
message may be sent to an emergency agency (such as a public
service answering point, PSAP, or "911" center), to police
authorities, and/or to a parent associated with the vehicle or
child. In some examples, the vehicle may be equipped with a
wireless data connection via cellular, satellite, or WLAN
connectivity. The alarm system may send the emergency alert message
via the wireless data connection. At block 984, the alarm system
may broadcast a distress signal.
[0076] FIG. 10 depicts a flow chart 1000 for alerting one or more
persons near the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of this
disclosure.
[0077] At block 1010, an alarm system may detect removal of a key
from an ignition of the vehicle.
[0078] At decision 1020, the alarm system may determine whether a
child detector detects a presence of a child occupying a child
safety seat in the vehicle. If presence of the child is not
detected, the flow chart 1000 may simply end. However, if presence
of the child is detected, the flow chart 1000 continues to block
1030.
[0079] At block 1030, the alarm system may cause a preliminary
alarm in response to determining that the child detector detects
the presence of the child and in response to detecting the removal
of the key.
[0080] At decision 1040, the alarm system may determine if a delay
trigger has detected a user activation associated with silencing
the preliminary alarm, tithe user activation is detected, the flow
chart 1000 continues to block 1050. If no user activation is
detected, the flow chart 1000 continues to decision 1060.
[0081] At block 1050, the alarm system may temporarily silence the
preliminary alarm in response to the user activation of the delay
trigger.
[0082] At decision 1060 the alarm system determines whether the
child detector detects the presence of the child for more than a
threshold wait time. For example, the alarm system may compare the
timer or counter to the threshold wait time. Alternatively, the
alarm system may determine that the timer or counter has expired.
If the threshold wait time has not been reached, the flow chart
1000 returns to block 1030 or decision 1020 to continue the
preliminary alarm. If the threshold wait time has been reached, the
flow chart 1000 continues to block 1070.
[0083] At block 1070, the alarm system may cause a notification, in
response to determining that the child detector detects the
presence of the child for more than the threshold wait time.
Similar to FIG. 9, there are several types of notifications which
could be caused, either separately or in combination.
[0084] FIGS. 1-10 and the operations described herein are examples
meant to aid in understanding various embodiments and should not be
used to limit the scope of the claims. Embodiments may perform
additional operations, fewer operations, operations in parallel or
in a different order, and sonic operations differently. While this
disclosure enumerates several embodiments, additional embodiments
are considered within the scope of this disclosure.
[0085] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of
the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, method, or
computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present
disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, a
software embodiment (including firmware, resident software,
micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware
aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a
"circuit," "unit" or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present
disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied
in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable
program code embodied thereon.
[0086] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s)
may be utilized, with the sole exception being a transitory,
propagating signal. The computer readable medium may be a computer
readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be,
for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,
electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or
device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific
examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage
medium would include the following: an electrical connection having
one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a
random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical
fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an
optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable
combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a
computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that
can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an
instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.
[0087] Computer program code embodied on a computer readable medium
for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure
may be written in any combination of one or more programming
languages, including an object oriented programming language such
as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural
programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or
similar programming languages.
[0088] Aspects of the present disclosure are described with
reference to flow diagrams and/or block diagrams of methods,
apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to
embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be understood that
each block of the flow diagrams and/or block diagrams, and
combinations of blocks in the flow diagrams and/or block diagrams,
can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer
program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general
purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable
data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the
instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or
other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for
implementing the functions/acts specified in the flow diagrams
and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0089] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a
computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other
programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored
in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture
including instructions which implement the function/act specified
in the flow diagrams and/or block diagram block or blocks. The
computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,
other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to
cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the
computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce
a computer implemented process such that the instructions which
execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide
processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flow
diagrams and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0090] FIG. 11 is an example block diagram of one embodiment of an
electronic device 1100 capable of implementing various embodiments
of this disclosure. In some implementations, the electronic device
1100 may be a child safety seat or an interface unit for coupling a
child'safety seat to an alarm system The electronic device 1100
includes a processor 1102 (possibly including multiple processors,
multiple cores, multiple nodes, and or implementing
multi-threading, etc.). The electronic device 1100 includes a
memory 1106. The memory 1106 may be system memory (e.g., one or
more of cache, SRAM, DRAM, zero capacitor RAM, Twin Transistor RAM,
eDRAM, EDO RAM, DDR RAM, EEPROM, NRAM, RRAM, SONOS, PRAM, etc.) or
any one or more of the above already described possible
realizations of machine-readable media. The electronic device 1100
also includes a bus 1101 (e.g., PCI, ISA, PCI-Express,
HyperTransport.RTM., InfiniBand.RTM., NuBus, AHB, AXI, etc.). In
some implementations the bus 1101 may be a CAN bus or other
in-vehicle communication bus. The electronic device may include one
or more network interfaces (not shown) that may be a wireless
network interface (e.g., a WLAN interface, a Bluetooth.RTM.
interface, a WiMAX interface, a ZigBee.RTM. interface, a Wireless
USB interface, etc.) or a wired network interface (e.g., a
powerline communication interface, an Ethernet interface,
etc.).
[0091] The memory 1106 may store instructions to implement
embodiments described above. The memory 1106 may include
instructions which, when executed by the processor 1102, cause the
electronic device 1100 to perform one or more features described in
this disclosure. Any one of these functionalities may be partially
(or entirely) implemented in hardware and/or on the processor 1102.
Further, realizations may include fewer or additional components
not illustrated in FIG. 11 (e.g., video cards, audio cards,
additional network interfaces, trait capture devices, etc.). The
processor 1102, and the memory 1106, may be coupled to the bus
1101. Although illustrated as being coupled to the bus 1101, the
memory 1106 may be directly coupled to the processor 1102.
[0092] The electronic device 1100 may include a sensor interface
1110 and an alarm system interface 1120. For example, the sensor
interface 1110 may couple to a child detector, such as those
described above. The alarm system interface 1120 may couple to a
vehicle alarm system. In another embodiment, the sensor interface
1110 may include a speaker interface 1130, capable of coupling the
electronic device 1100 to a means for alerting a human, such as a
speaker of a vehicle.
[0093] While the embodiments are described with reference to
various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood
that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the
present subject matter is not limited to them. In general, a child
safety seat alarm system as described herein may be implemented
with facilities consistent with any hardware system or hardware
systems. Many variations, modifications, additions, and
improvements are possible.
[0094] Plural instances may be provided for components, operations
or structures described herein as a single instance. Finally,
boundaries between various components, operations and data stores
are somewhat arbitrary, and particular operations are illustrated
in the context of specific illustrative configurations. Other
allocations of functionality are envisioned and may fall within the
scope of the present subject matter. In general, structures and
functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary
configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or
component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a
single component may be implemented as separate components. These
and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements
may fall within the scope of the present subject matter.
* * * * *