WO2016181395A1 - System and method for determining whether objects have been left in unattended vehicles - Google Patents

System and method for determining whether objects have been left in unattended vehicles Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016181395A1
WO2016181395A1 PCT/IL2016/050500 IL2016050500W WO2016181395A1 WO 2016181395 A1 WO2016181395 A1 WO 2016181395A1 IL 2016050500 W IL2016050500 W IL 2016050500W WO 2016181395 A1 WO2016181395 A1 WO 2016181395A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
detection
sensors
steps
engine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2016/050500
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Iris MAIMONI
Original Assignee
Maimoni Iris
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maimoni Iris filed Critical Maimoni Iris
Publication of WO2016181395A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016181395A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms
    • G08B21/22—Status alarms responsive to presence or absence of persons
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/30—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes
    • H04W4/38—Services specially adapted for particular environments, situations or purposes for collecting sensor information
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/002—Seats provided with an occupancy detection means mounted therein or thereon
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
    • B60N2/24—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles
    • B60N2/26—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles for particular purposes or particular vehicles for children
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms
    • G08B21/24—Reminder alarms, e.g. anti-loss alarms
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
    • B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
    • B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
    • B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
    • B60R21/0153—Passenger detection systems using field detection presence sensors
    • B60R21/01534—Passenger detection systems using field detection presence sensors using electromagneticwaves, e.g. infrared

Definitions

  • the present invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles.
  • WO2014072972 discloses a system for monitoring occupancy of seats in vehicles using a sensor and a display system, configured to alert the driver in case an item has been left.
  • US application no. 2012242492 discloses a seat occupancy display system which includes a seat occupancy sensor array with individual sensors, where each sensor is configured to detect the weight bearing thereon and to output an occupancy signal.
  • the sensors are designed to be integrated into the seating locations.
  • US patent no. 6259358 discloses a school bus safety device providing an engine status line wired to a voltage detection location. The falling edge of the engine status line causes the output line of the logic device to go high, thereby driving an annunciator, such as a buzzer. This makes the driver to walk to the rear of the bus, where a key switch device is located, thereby noticing if any sleeping children are left on board.
  • Sensing mechanisms may also be installed above the seating locations, such as in the use of infrared sensing.
  • infrared sensing for detecting the occupying state of seating location is well known in the art.
  • J US patent no. 6026340 discloses a system for sensing the presence, position and type classification of an occupant in a passenger seat of a vehicle, as well as for sensing the presence of a rear-facing child seat therein, for use in controlling a related air bag activator control system to enable, disable or control inflation rate or amount of inflation of an air bag, through the use of infra-red sensing.
  • US application no. 2008142713 discloses systems and methods for sensing occupants using infrared and optionally using information about the occupants to control one or more vehicular components, such as airbag operation.
  • US patent no. 6480616 discloses a system for configuring predetermined multiple points of the front passenger seat and its periphery to be irradiated with spot beams, caught with a camera, and distances to be measured based on the irradiation position of the spot beams.
  • the status of use of the seat is decided based the characteristics for each status of use and the distance information that was previously measured. Based on this decision, the operation of a passive safety device such as an air bag device is controlled.
  • IR infrared
  • processor adapted to execute a computer readable medium, comprising instructions for: identifying the turning on of the vehicle's engine; activating a monitoring application in response to the turning on of the engine; identifying a leaving attempt of a driver of the vehicle; activating the plurality of sensors in response to the identifying a leaving attempt, resulting in negative detection or affirmative detection; and generating a notification message to the driver according to the negative detection or affirmative detection;
  • the plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof;
  • system further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) in communication with the processor, and adapted to provide location and time information relating to the vehicle; further wherein the processor is further adapted to send the notification message together with the location and time information to at
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the at least one remotely located device is selected from the group comprising of a server, a cloud-based server, a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer and any combination thereof.
  • the at least one remotely located device is located at a location selected from the group comprising of a government institution, the ministry of transportation, the ministry of education, a school, a kindergarten, a managing company, a transportation company and any combination thereof.
  • the at least one remotely located device is configured to upload the notification message to an internet based site selected from the group comprising of an online parenting network, an online educational network, a personal email address, a social network, a mobile phone application, a tweeter account and any combination thereof.
  • the security fixture is selected from the group comprising of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depressible button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
  • the security fixture further comprises a timer, adapted to count down a predetermined time duration, and wherein the timer is adapted to be activated once the processor detects the vehicle's engine is turned off and the plurality of sensors detect the driver's attempt to leave the vehicle.
  • the processor is adapted to send the notification message in response to any of the following: the security fixture was not neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is affirmative; the security fixture was not neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is negative; the security fixture was neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is affirmative; the security fixture was neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is negative.
  • the monitoring application further contains a trip mode adapted to prohibit the detection of the plurality of sensors. It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the processor is adapted to prompt a confirmation signature from the driver before activation of the trip mode.
  • At least one temperature sensor is adapted to be installed within sensing range of said seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
  • It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for determining whether living objects occupy seating locations of a vehicle comprising steps of: identifying the turning on of the vehicle's engine; activating a monitoring application in response to the turning on of the engine; identifying a leaving attempt of a driver of the vehicle; in response to the leaving attempt, activating a plurality of sensors adapted to detect objects occupying seating locations of the vehicle, resulting in negative detection or affirmative detection; and generating a notification message to the driver according to the negative detection or affirmative detection; wherein the plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof; further wherein the method further comprises steps of determining the vehicle's geographical location and time information; further wherein the method further comprises steps of sending the notification message together with the location and time information to at least one remotely located device.
  • the monitoring application further contains a trip mode
  • the method further comprising steps of prohibiting the detection by the plurality of sensors once the trip mode is activated.
  • the leaving attempt is selected from the group consisting of an attempt to turn the engine off, removing the keys from the ignition, activating the emergency brake, locking the vehicle, touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, activating a code sequence, and any combination thereof.
  • It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method comprising steps of obtaining the aforementioned system wherein at least one temperature sensor is adapted to be installed within sensing range of the seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
  • It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method comprising steps of obtaining the aforementioned system wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate the system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when the driver has activated a security fixture at rear of said vehicle.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the system disclosed by the present invention
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top level overview of the method disclosed by the present invention
  • FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a detailed overview of a preferred embodiment of the method provided by the present invention
  • Fig. 4 schematically illustrates another embodiment comprising additional features with relations to the method provided by the present invention.
  • driver' hereinafter refers to the person responsible for ensuring that no objects are left in an unattended vehicle. Normally, the driver is the person who has driven the vehicle and who now wants to leave the vehicle unattended.
  • Object hereinafter refers to an object left in a vehicle, of such size that it is detectable, either by a sensor or by visual inspection by a driver.
  • Items include both animate objects such as, but not limited to, children, pets or persons who have fallen asleep or are ill, and inanimate objects.
  • Non-limiting examples of inanimate objects commonly left in vehicles are packages, parcels, handbags, purses, sacks, bags, mobile telephones, cameras, umbrellas, and musical instruments.
  • 'emergency brake' hereinafter refers to a secondary braking system in vehicles, normally activated by pulling a lever, and normally activated at times when the vehicle is not moving and it is undesirable that the vehicle moves. It is also called a "handbrake”.
  • the term 'seating location' hereinafter refers to an area on a vehicle on which, normally, a single person sits.
  • the term 'seat' hereinafter refers to an area on a vehicle intended to seat one or more people.
  • the bench seat in the back of a car is intended to seat up to three people.
  • the area at the left is one seating location
  • the area at the right is a second seating location
  • the center provides the third seating location.
  • the system provided by the present invention provides for the first time inter-related combinations of safety measures, which when combined enable a secure system for identifying objects left in vehicles, without having to rely on compliance of the driver with the safety measures.
  • the system is designed to be readily installed in any vehicle, using the existing infrastructure of the vehicle, with minimal disassembly of any vehicle components, such as seats, carpets, doors and the like.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of the system provided by the present invention.
  • the system described herein can be used on any type of passenger-carrying vehicle 10. It can be a commercial or public vehicle such as a taxi or bus, or it can be a private vehicle. Examples of vehicles which can usefully be equipped with the system described herein are public buses, taxis, vans, children transportation vehicles and private cars. In buses, the system can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of passengers remaining on the bus when the bus leaves service. In taxis, it can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the problem of passengers leaving items such as suitcases or large handbags in the vehicle.
  • the system installed in vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of sensors 12, each of which is preferably configured to detect one seating location, but may be able to detect a region of multiple seating locations. It is a most preferred embodiment that sensor 12 are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof. The sensors are specifically designed to be compatible with the existing built- in infrastructure of vehicle 10' s electricity and wiring systems, and are manufactured in a way to allow modular installment, without having to make elaborate renovations to vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 also comprises a global positioning system (GPS), adapted to provide information relating to the location and time of vehicle 10.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • Sensor 12 and GPS 14 are configured to be operatively connected through vehicle 10' s wiring infrastructure to a processor 16, which is adapted to carry out instructions provided by computer readable mediums.
  • Processor 16 is provided with a monitoring application, which is a computer readable medium comprising instructions for activating sensors 12 and GPS 14, and to collect information detected by sensors 12 and GPS 14.
  • the monitoring application is further adapted to process the information of sensors 12 and GPS 14 and generate according to a predetermined protocol, a corresponding notification message, alarming means or any other operation on vehicle 10, such as not enabling locking of the doors, etc.
  • vehicle 10 also comprises security fixture 18 which is fixed at the rear end of vehicle 10.
  • the security fixture is adapted to be in operative communication with the monitoring application, and once the engine is turned off and the a leaving attempt of the driver is detected, the security fixture is activated, until the driver walks all the way to the back of vehicle 10 to neutralize it. This makes the driver walk over the entire vehicle, and expects the driver to notice any left
  • the system provides also provides timer 19, adapted to count down a predetermined amount of time, such as in a non-limiting example, 2 minutes, after which if the security fixture has not been neutralized, then the monitoring application will execute an operation, such as sending out a notification message.
  • timer 19 adapted to count down a predetermined amount of time, such as in a non-limiting example, 2 minutes, after which if the security fixture has not been neutralized, then the monitoring application will execute an operation, such as sending out a notification message.
  • a notification message may be sent out in any event that the engine is turned on, or turned off, in case a detection of the sensors results in affirmative detection, i.e. at least one object was detected in at least one seating location, in case a detection of the sensors results in negative detection, i.e. no detection of any objects was found, in case the driver did not neutralize the security fixture, in case the drive did neutralize the security fixture and any combination thereof.
  • a notification message such as "need second check-up" once the driver neutralized the security fixture, but in addition, the sensors detected and affirmative detection.
  • Another example may be when the driver has neutralized the security fixture and a negative detection is established, then the notification message may be in the form of "check-up is confirmed, resuming sleeping mode", or the like.
  • the notification message and any other information are sent out to the driver's mobile phone or tablet 40, which also comprises a monitoring application.
  • the notification message and any other information are also sent out to a remote located device 20, which may be a server, a cloud based server, a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer and any combination thereof.
  • Remotely located device 20 may also send out the information further to a third device which could be used by a government institution 36, the ministry of transportation, the ministry of education, a school 32, a kindergarten, a managing company, a transportation company, a plurality of parents 34 and any combination thereof.
  • the system provided herein also comprises display means 17.
  • Display means 17 may be an independent monitor connected to processor 16, or may also be mobile phone or tablet 40, used by the driver.
  • Display means 17 are adapted to display a graphical representation of the detection outcome of the sensors, displaying the occupancy of each seating location.
  • the display means are also adapted to display a user interface provided by the monitoring application.
  • the monitoring application and the GUI display may or may not be enabled to minimize, in accordance with the status of the detection and the neutralized/non-neutralized security fixture.
  • camera 15 is mounted on and imaging each seating location, or at least one camera is provided for imaging the inner area of vehicle 10. Images provided by the camera may be subjected to facial recognition found either in the monitoring application or in the remotely located device 20. One an object, such as a child is recognized, an alarm or notification message may be sent out specifically to his parents, his teachers and the like.
  • the method uses a system comprising a plurality of sensors, a processor, and a global positioning system (GPS).
  • the processor is configured to identify an event in which the engine of the vehicle is turned on 101. Once there is an identification of the engine turning on, the processor is adapted to activate a monitoring application 102.
  • the monitoring application is a computer readable medium, located on said processor, and adapted to receive indications from the system installed in the vehicle, process the information and send it over to a remotely located device. In an embodiment of the method presented herein, the monitoring application sends out a notification message 103 to the driver and a remotely located device each time the engine starts, notifying that the vehicle has started its journey.
  • a leaving attempt When a leaving attempt is identified 104 by said monitoring application, it communicates to activate the detection means 105, i.e. the plurality of sensors, preferably Sensors. An additional notification message is then sent 106, containing the detection status and location and time information relating to the vehicle.
  • the detection means 105 i.e. the plurality of sensors, preferably Sensors.
  • An additional notification message is then sent 106, containing the detection status and location and time information relating to the vehicle.
  • each sensor is located at an optimal detection location with respect to its corresponding seat.
  • the monitoring application is then activated and the vehicle is connected to the remotely located device. After the initial installment, the monitoring application is put on stand-by or sleeping mode, waiting for the next restarting of the vehicle's engine.
  • Fig. 3 schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of the method 200 provided by the present invention.
  • the monitoring application is activated 202, or awakes from its sleeping mode.
  • the detection means i.e. the plurality of Sensors are activated too.
  • a display of the occupation state of the vehicle is provided throughout an entire trip of the vehicle.
  • the monitoring application detects whether the engine is turned off 205. If it is still turned on, the display means presents a graphical presentation of the detection state of each seating location 206. In such a case, it is preferred that the display may not be minimized.
  • a security fixture located at the rear of the vehicle is activated 207, and a timer is activated counting down a predetermined time to neutralize the security fixture.
  • the monitoring application identifies whether the security fixture has been neutralized 208 and if it detects that is was not, the monitoring application identifies whether there is an occupation alert, i.e. an affirmative detection 212. If there is no affirmative detection, the monitoring system sends a notification message that no check-up has taken place 214, and reactivates the timer of the security fixture 207. If the security fixture is not neutralized and there is an affirmative detection, an alert of objects left in the vehicle is sent by the monitoring application 213, and the timer of the security fixture is reactivated 207.
  • a notification is sent that a second check-up is in order 210 and the timer of the security fixture is reactivated 207. If however, the security fixture has been neutralized and no affirmative detection has been confirmed, a notification is sent that check-up is complete and no object has been left 211.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates other preferred embodiments, in which the monitoring application may be put in a trip mode.
  • One trip mode is activated 301, the monitoring application deactivates the sensors and inhibits their detection. It is useful in such cases as when objects are left intentionally in unattended vehicles.
  • a confirmation signature is prompted from the driver 302.
  • Such a security confirmation signature may be any identification method, such as in a non-limiting example, a biometric identification, a password, a phone number, an email address, a user name, an identifying questions and the like. If the signature is invalid 303, the confirmation signature is prompted again.
  • the monitoring application After a predetermined amount of time, such as in a non-limiting example 30 minutes, the monitoring application enters sleeping mode 305. But once there is an indication that the engine is restarting, the monitoring application is activated again and the trip mode is deactivated 306.
  • the system comprises a display screen on which is displayed a schematic of the vehicle and its seating locations.
  • a pre-defined graphic symbol indicates that there is an object at a seating location.
  • a non-limiting example is a rectangle for each seating location and a filled rectangle for a seating location where there is an item.
  • the system also comprises a warning system, such that if the system detects an object at a seating location, an alarm is activated.
  • This alarm is selected from a group comprising a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof.
  • the system comprises one sensor for each seating location in the vehicle.
  • at least one sensor determines the presence of items for multiple seating locations, for example, one sensor per two-person bench.
  • Sensor systems are preferred to be infrared (IR) sensors, enabling to distinguish between animate and inanimate objects.
  • the system may only provide affirmative detection if an animate object is detected in the vehicle.
  • the sensor system is readily adjusted to be constructed through the built- in electricity and wiring system already available in the vehicle.
  • the present invention also encompasses installing cameras which are enabled to image each sitting location, or image the entire inner areas of the vehicle. Images of the object detected to be left in an attended vehicle may be sent to the remotely located device, there it may be subjected to image analysis and facial recognition. One recognized, a notification message may be sent to the object's immediate relatives, teachers or any other known related personnel.
  • the system is activated at such times as the driver is likely to be leaving the vehicle unattended.
  • the system can be activated by an attempt to turn the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
  • activation is either by an attempt to turn the engine off or by removing the key from the ignition.
  • the driver can activate the system at any time via the controller or via a touchscreen in the display system.
  • the means of discouraging the driver from leaving the vehicle unattended include, but are not limited to, preventing the door locks from working until the locking device has been activated, locking the doors of the vehicle until the locking device has been activated, preventing the engine from stopping until the locking device has been activated, and any combination thereof.
  • the system can have a remote display, connected wirelessly to the sensors and controller, enabling remote use of the system.
  • the system is connectable to the vehicle via the vehicle's battery.
  • the system comprises a locking device, preferably a keypad, at the rear of the interior of the vehicle.
  • the locking device is enabled to communicate with a controller interconnectable with the operating system of the vehicle.
  • the locking device is of a kind that requires either physical contact or close proximity in order to have its state altered. Since the locking device is at the rear of the vehicle, this forces the drives to go through the vehicle to the rear and encourages the driver, during the traverse through the vehicle, to check for items left in the vehicle.
  • the locking device is selected from a group comprising a keypad and predefined code, a locking mechanism and key, a switch, any other conventional locking device, and any combination thereof.
  • the means of discouraging the driver from leaving the vehicle unattended include, but are not limited to, preventing the door locks from working until the locking device has been activated, locking the doors of the vehicle until the locking device has been activated, preventing the engine from stopping until the locking device has been activated, and any combination thereof.
  • the doors can not be locked until the predefined code has been entered on the keypad.
  • the system can be activated by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
  • activation is either by turning the engine off or by removing the key from the ignition.
  • the aforementioned system further comprises at least one of said plurality of said sensors adapted to be installed on the seat back facing the seat behind or on the inner wall of said vehicle within sensing range of living objects occupying said seating locations.
  • the aforementioned system comprises at least one temperature sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range of the seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data the aforementioned system data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
  • the processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate the system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when the driver has activated a security fixture at rear of said vehicle.
  • the aforementioned method comprises steps of obtaining the aforementioned system further comprising at least one of said plurality of said sensors is adapted to be installed on the seat back facing the seat behind or on the inner wall of said vehicle within sensing range of living objects occupying said seating locations.
  • the aforementioned method comprises steps of obtaining the aforementioned system wherein at least one temperature sensor is adapted to be installed within sensing range of the seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
  • the aforementioned method comprises steps of obtaining the aforementioned system wherein the processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate the system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when the driver has activated a security fixture at rear of said vehicle.

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Abstract

A system for determining whether living objects occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising: a. a plurality of infrared (IR) sensors adapted to detect objects occupying seating locations of said vehicle; and b. a processor adapted to execute a computer readable medium, comprising instructions for: i. identifying the turning on of said vehicle's engine; ii. activating a monitoring application in response to said turning on of said engine; iii. identifying a leaving attempt of a driver of said vehicle; iv. activating said plurality of sensors in response to said identifying a leaving attempt, resulting in negative detection or affirmative detection; and v. generating a notification message to said driver according to said negative detection or affirmative detection; Wherein said plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof; wherein said system further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) in communication with said processor, and adapted to provide location and time information relating to said vehicle; Further wherein said processor is further adapted to send said notification message together with said location and time information to at least one remotely located device.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING WHETHER OBJECTS HAVE BEEN
LEFT IN UNATTENDED VEHICLES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is a not uncommon occurrence for living individuals to be left unintentionally in vehicles. Such a scenario usually ends with no damages, but could unfortunately end in most dire outcomes, like a death of a child. A few inventions have been presented to address the problem of forgotten children in transportation systems.
Application no. WO2014072972 discloses a system for monitoring occupancy of seats in vehicles using a sensor and a display system, configured to alert the driver in case an item has been left.
US application no. 2012242492 discloses a seat occupancy display system which includes a seat occupancy sensor array with individual sensors, where each sensor is configured to detect the weight bearing thereon and to output an occupancy signal. The sensors are designed to be integrated into the seating locations.
US patent no. 6259358 discloses a school bus safety device providing an engine status line wired to a voltage detection location. The falling edge of the engine status line causes the output line of the logic device to go high, thereby driving an annunciator, such as a buzzer. This makes the driver to walk to the rear of the bus, where a key switch device is located, thereby noticing if any sleeping children are left on board.
However, the solutions provided by the above mentioned art are highly dependent on the compliance of the driver to actively look and search for objects left in the vehicle, pay attention to the alerts, and are therefore prone to human errors. In addition, the installation of the sensing mechanisms demands cumbersome and elaborate dismantling of the vehicle's components and seating locations.
Sensing mechanisms may also be installed above the seating locations, such as in the use of infrared sensing. The use of infrared sensing for detecting the occupying state of seating location is well known in the art.
J US patent no. 6026340 discloses a system for sensing the presence, position and type classification of an occupant in a passenger seat of a vehicle, as well as for sensing the presence of a rear-facing child seat therein, for use in controlling a related air bag activator control system to enable, disable or control inflation rate or amount of inflation of an air bag, through the use of infra-red sensing.
US application no. 2008142713 discloses systems and methods for sensing occupants using infrared and optionally using information about the occupants to control one or more vehicular components, such as airbag operation.
US patent no. 6480616 discloses a system for configuring predetermined multiple points of the front passenger seat and its periphery to be irradiated with spot beams, caught with a camera, and distances to be measured based on the irradiation position of the spot beams. The status of use of the seat is decided based the characteristics for each status of use and the distance information that was previously measured. Based on this decision, the operation of a passive safety device such as an air bag device is controlled.
However, the above referenced art demonstrate features to be installed within the vehicle, specifically adapted to operate on the front- seat only, and directed to operating functions as an air bag operation.
The abovementioned art neglects to provide an easy to install detection system which would readily be available sensing occupants in back seat locations such as in mass transportation systems, buses and vans, without being dependent on the driver's compliance.
It is therefore a long felt need to provide a system and method for easily installed mass transportation detection systems which are not dependent on the drivers' compliance and full attention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It thus an object of the present invention to provide system for determining whether objects occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising: a plurality of infrared (IR) sensors adapted to detect objects occupying seating locations of the vehicle; and a processor adapted to execute a computer readable medium, comprising instructions for: identifying the turning on of the vehicle's engine; activating a monitoring application in response to the turning on of the engine; identifying a leaving attempt of a driver of the vehicle; activating the plurality of sensors in response to the identifying a leaving attempt, resulting in negative detection or affirmative detection; and generating a notification message to the driver according to the negative detection or affirmative detection; wherein the plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof; wherein the system further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) in communication with the processor, and adapted to provide location and time information relating to the vehicle; further wherein the processor is further adapted to send the notification message together with the location and time information to at least one remotely located device.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the at least one remotely located device is selected from the group comprising of a server, a cloud-based server, a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the at least one remotely located device is located at a location selected from the group comprising of a government institution, the ministry of transportation, the ministry of education, a school, a kindergarten, a managing company, a transportation company and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the at least one remotely located device is configured to upload the notification message to an internet based site selected from the group comprising of an online parenting network, an online educational network, a personal email address, a social network, a mobile phone application, a tweeter account and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the plurality of sensors are adapted to be installed above the vehicle's seating locations, using the existing electricity infrastructure of the vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein as long as the detection is affirmative, at least one of the following is prevented: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the plurality of sensors are adapted to provide an affirmative detection only when the detected object occupying the seating locations is a human or pet, or both.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system further comprising a display means adapted to graphically present the detection.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the processor is adapted to automatically activate the plurality of sensors following the activation of the monitoring application, and automatically display the graphical presentation of the detection in the display means.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the graphical presentation of the detection in the display means is not allowed to be minimized in any of the following cases: the processor detects the vehicle's engine is turned off; the plurality of sensors detect the driver's attempt to leave the vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system further comprising a security fixture at the rear of the vehicle, adapted to be in operative communication with the processor.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the security fixture is selected from the group comprising of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depressible button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the security fixture further comprises a timer, adapted to count down a predetermined time duration, and wherein the timer is adapted to be activated once the processor detects the vehicle's engine is turned off and the plurality of sensors detect the driver's attempt to leave the vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the processor is adapted to send the notification message in response to any of the following: the security fixture was not neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is affirmative; the security fixture was not neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is negative; the security fixture was neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is affirmative; the security fixture was neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is negative.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the security fixture's timer is adapted to be automatically re-activated once the security fixture is not neutralized during the predetermined time duration or once the detection is affirmative.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein until the security fixture is neutralized at least one of the following is prevented: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the monitoring application further contains a trip mode adapted to prohibit the detection of the plurality of sensors. It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the processor is adapted to prompt a confirmation signature from the driver before activation of the trip mode.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the processor is adapted to automatically deactivate the trip mode once the vehicle's engine is turned on.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the leaving attempt is selected from the group consisting of an attempt to turn the engine off, removing the keys from the ignition, activating the emergency brake, locking the vehicle, touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, activating a code sequence, and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the monitoring application is adapted to be activated from a remote location.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system additionally comprising an alarm adapted to provide a warning if the detection is affirmative.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein the alarm is selected from a group comprising of a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system additionally comprising at least one camera adapted to image each seating location, and optionally, the monitoring application is configured to provide facial recognition.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein at least one of said plurality of said sensors is adapted to be installed on the seat back facing the seat behind or on the inner wall of said vehicle within sensing range of living objects occupying said seating locations.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein at least one temperature sensor is adapted to be installed within sensing range of said seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide the aforementioned system wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate said system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when said driver has activated said security fixture at rear of said vehicle.
It is another object of the present invention to disclose a method for determining whether living objects occupy seating locations of a vehicle comprising steps of: identifying the turning on of the vehicle's engine; activating a monitoring application in response to the turning on of the engine; identifying a leaving attempt of a driver of the vehicle; in response to the leaving attempt, activating a plurality of sensors adapted to detect objects occupying seating locations of the vehicle, resulting in negative detection or affirmative detection; and generating a notification message to the driver according to the negative detection or affirmative detection; wherein the plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof; further wherein the method further comprises steps of determining the vehicle's geographical location and time information; further wherein the method further comprises steps of sending the notification message together with the location and time information to at least one remotely located device.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of locating the at least one remotely located device a government institution, the ministry of transportation, the ministry of education, a school, a kindergarten, a managing company, a transportation company and any combination thereof.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of uploading the notification message to an internet based site selected from the group comprising of an online parenting network, an online educational network, a personal email address, a social network, a mobile phone application, a tweeter account and any combination thereof.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of generating the notification message in response to the activation of the monitoring application.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of installing the plurality of sensors above the vehicle's seating locations, using the existing electricity infrastructure of the vehicle. It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of preventing at least one of the following, as long as the detection is affirmative: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of providing an affirmative detection only when the detected object occupying the seating locations is a human or pet, or both.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of graphically presenting the detection using a display means.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of automatically activating the plurality of sensors in response to the activating the monitoring application, in addition to automatically displaying the graphical presentation of the detection in the display means.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of prohibiting the minimization of the graphical presentation of the detection in the display means in any of the following cases: the processor detects the vehicle's engine is turned off; the plurality of sensors detect the driver's attempt to leave the vehicle.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of fixing a security fixture at the rear of the vehicle, having operative communication with the monitoring application.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of selecting the security fixture from the group comprising of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depressible button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of activating the security fixture to operate through a timer adapted to count down a predetermined time duration, and activating the timer once the vehicle's engine detected to be turned off and the driver is detected to attempt to leave the vehicle.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of sending the notification message in response to any of the following: the security fixture was not neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is affirmative; the security fixture was not neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is negative; the security fixture was neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is affirmative; the security fixture was neutralized during the predetermined time duration and the detection is negative.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of re-activating the security fixture once the security fixture is not neutralized during the predetermined time duration or once the detection is affirmative.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of preventing at least one of the following until the security fixture is neutralized: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, wherein the monitoring application further contains a trip mode, and the method further comprising steps of prohibiting the detection by the plurality of sensors once the trip mode is activated.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of prompting a confirmation signature from the driver before activation of the trip mode.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of automatically deactivating the trip mode once the vehicle's engine is turned on. It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method wherein the activating the plurality of sensors is executed in response to activating the monitoring application. It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of graphically displaying the detection once the engine is turned on.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method wherein the leaving attempt is selected from the group consisting of an attempt to turn the engine off, removing the keys from the ignition, activating the emergency brake, locking the vehicle, touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, activating a code sequence, and any combination thereof.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of activating the monitoring application from a remote location.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of activating an alarm once the detection is affirmative.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method, further comprising steps of selecting the alarm from a group comprising of a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method comprising steps of obtaining a system further comprising at least one of said plurality of said sensors is adapted to be installed on the seat back facing the seat behind or on the inner wall of said vehicle within sensing range of living objects occupying said seating locations.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method comprising steps of obtaining the aforementioned system wherein at least one temperature sensor is adapted to be installed within sensing range of the seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
It is still an object of the present invention to disclose the aforementioned method comprising steps of obtaining the aforementioned system wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate the system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when the driver has activated a security fixture at rear of said vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In order to better understand the invention and its implementation in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a preferred embodiment of the system disclosed by the present invention;
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top level overview of the method disclosed by the present invention;
Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a detailed overview of a preferred embodiment of the method provided by the present invention; and Fig. 4 schematically illustrates another embodiment comprising additional features with relations to the method provided by the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMB ODIEMNTS
The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a means and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles.
The term 'plurality' hereinafter refers to any number greater than one.
The term 'driver' hereinafter refers to the person responsible for ensuring that no objects are left in an unattended vehicle. Normally, the driver is the person who has driven the vehicle and who now wants to leave the vehicle unattended.
The term Object' hereinafter refers to an object left in a vehicle, of such size that it is detectable, either by a sensor or by visual inspection by a driver. Items include both animate objects such as, but not limited to, children, pets or persons who have fallen asleep or are ill, and inanimate objects. Non-limiting examples of inanimate objects commonly left in vehicles are packages, parcels, handbags, purses, sacks, bags, mobile telephones, cameras, umbrellas, and musical instruments.
The term 'emergency brake' hereinafter refers to a secondary braking system in vehicles, normally activated by pulling a lever, and normally activated at times when the vehicle is not moving and it is undesirable that the vehicle moves. It is also called a "handbrake".
The term 'seating location' hereinafter refers to an area on a vehicle on which, normally, a single person sits.
The term 'seat' hereinafter refers to an area on a vehicle intended to seat one or more people. For non-limiting example, the bench seat in the back of a car is intended to seat up to three people. The area at the left is one seating location, the area at the right is a second seating location, and the center provides the third seating location.
The system provided by the present invention provides for the first time inter-related combinations of safety measures, which when combined enable a secure system for identifying objects left in vehicles, without having to rely on compliance of the driver with the safety measures.
J O The system is designed to be readily installed in any vehicle, using the existing infrastructure of the vehicle, with minimal disassembly of any vehicle components, such as seats, carpets, doors and the like.
Reference is now made to Fig. 1, schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of the system provided by the present invention. The system described herein can be used on any type of passenger-carrying vehicle 10. It can be a commercial or public vehicle such as a taxi or bus, or it can be a private vehicle. Examples of vehicles which can usefully be equipped with the system described herein are public buses, taxis, vans, children transportation vehicles and private cars. In buses, the system can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of passengers remaining on the bus when the bus leaves service. In taxis, it can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the problem of passengers leaving items such as suitcases or large handbags in the vehicle. In private cars and in child transportation services, it can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of forgetting a sleeping child in the car. The system installed in vehicle 10 comprises a plurality of sensors 12, each of which is preferably configured to detect one seating location, but may be able to detect a region of multiple seating locations. It is a most preferred embodiment that sensor 12 are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof. The sensors are specifically designed to be compatible with the existing built- in infrastructure of vehicle 10' s electricity and wiring systems, and are manufactured in a way to allow modular installment, without having to make elaborate renovations to vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 also comprises a global positioning system (GPS), adapted to provide information relating to the location and time of vehicle 10. Sensor 12 and GPS 14 are configured to be operatively connected through vehicle 10' s wiring infrastructure to a processor 16, which is adapted to carry out instructions provided by computer readable mediums. Processor 16 is provided with a monitoring application, which is a computer readable medium comprising instructions for activating sensors 12 and GPS 14, and to collect information detected by sensors 12 and GPS 14. The monitoring application is further adapted to process the information of sensors 12 and GPS 14 and generate according to a predetermined protocol, a corresponding notification message, alarming means or any other operation on vehicle 10, such as not enabling locking of the doors, etc. In preferred embodiments vehicle 10 also comprises security fixture 18 which is fixed at the rear end of vehicle 10. The security fixture is adapted to be in operative communication with the monitoring application, and once the engine is turned off and the a leaving attempt of the driver is detected, the security fixture is activated, until the driver walks all the way to the back of vehicle 10 to neutralize it. This makes the driver walk over the entire vehicle, and expects the driver to notice any left
JJ objects. However, the system provides also provides timer 19, adapted to count down a predetermined amount of time, such as in a non-limiting example, 2 minutes, after which if the security fixture has not been neutralized, then the monitoring application will execute an operation, such as sending out a notification message.
A notification message may be sent out in any event that the engine is turned on, or turned off, in case a detection of the sensors results in affirmative detection, i.e. at least one object was detected in at least one seating location, in case a detection of the sensors results in negative detection, i.e. no detection of any objects was found, in case the driver did not neutralize the security fixture, in case the drive did neutralize the security fixture and any combination thereof. For example, a notification message such as "need second check-up" once the driver neutralized the security fixture, but in addition, the sensors detected and affirmative detection. Another example may be when the driver has neutralized the security fixture and a negative detection is established, then the notification message may be in the form of "check-up is confirmed, resuming sleeping mode", or the like.
The notification message and any other information are sent out to the driver's mobile phone or tablet 40, which also comprises a monitoring application. The notification message and any other information are also sent out to a remote located device 20, which may be a server, a cloud based server, a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer and any combination thereof. Remotely located device 20 may also send out the information further to a third device which could be used by a government institution 36, the ministry of transportation, the ministry of education, a school 32, a kindergarten, a managing company, a transportation company, a plurality of parents 34 and any combination thereof.
In preferred embodiments the system provided herein also comprises display means 17. Display means 17 may be an independent monitor connected to processor 16, or may also be mobile phone or tablet 40, used by the driver. Display means 17 are adapted to display a graphical representation of the detection outcome of the sensors, displaying the occupancy of each seating location. The display means are also adapted to display a user interface provided by the monitoring application. The monitoring application and the GUI display may or may not be enabled to minimize, in accordance with the status of the detection and the neutralized/non-neutralized security fixture.
In certain embodiments of the system provided herein, camera 15 is mounted on and imaging each seating location, or at least one camera is provided for imaging the inner area of vehicle 10. Images provided by the camera may be subjected to facial recognition found either in the monitoring application or in the remotely located device 20. One an object, such as a child is recognized, an alarm or notification message may be sent out specifically to his parents, his teachers and the like.
Reference is now made to Fig. 2, schematically illustrating a top level overview of the method 100 provided by the present invention. The method uses a system comprising a plurality of sensors, a processor, and a global positioning system (GPS). The processor is configured to identify an event in which the engine of the vehicle is turned on 101. Once there is an identification of the engine turning on, the processor is adapted to activate a monitoring application 102. The monitoring application is a computer readable medium, located on said processor, and adapted to receive indications from the system installed in the vehicle, process the information and send it over to a remotely located device. In an embodiment of the method presented herein, the monitoring application sends out a notification message 103 to the driver and a remotely located device each time the engine starts, notifying that the vehicle has started its journey.
When a leaving attempt is identified 104 by said monitoring application, it communicates to activate the detection means 105, i.e. the plurality of sensors, preferably Sensors. An additional notification message is then sent 106, containing the detection status and location and time information relating to the vehicle.
It is a preferred embodiment that once the system is installed in the vehicle, it is calibrated to ensure each sensor is located at an optimal detection location with respect to its corresponding seat. The monitoring application is then activated and the vehicle is connected to the remotely located device. After the initial installment, the monitoring application is put on stand-by or sleeping mode, waiting for the next restarting of the vehicle's engine.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3, schematically illustrating a preferred embodiment of the method 200 provided by the present invention. Once the engine of the vehicle is turned on 201, the monitoring application is activated 202, or awakes from its sleeping mode. In some embodiments, once the monitoring application is activated, the detection means, i.e. the plurality of Sensors are activated too. In some embodiments, a display of the occupation state of the vehicle is provided throughout an entire trip of the vehicle. Once a leaving attempt of the driver is identified 204, the monitoring application detects whether the engine is turned off 205. If it is still turned on, the display means presents a graphical presentation of the detection state of each seating location 206. In such a case, it is preferred that the display may not be minimized. It the engine is turned off after the identification of the leaving attempt 204, a security fixture located at the rear of the vehicle is activated 207, and a timer is activated counting down a predetermined time to neutralize the security fixture. The monitoring application identifies whether the security fixture has been neutralized 208 and if it detects that is was not, the monitoring application identifies whether there is an occupation alert, i.e. an affirmative detection 212. If there is no affirmative detection, the monitoring system sends a notification message that no check-up has taken place 214, and reactivates the timer of the security fixture 207. If the security fixture is not neutralized and there is an affirmative detection, an alert of objects left in the vehicle is sent by the monitoring application 213, and the timer of the security fixture is reactivated 207.
If the security fixture has been neutralized, but an affirmative detection is found 209, a notification is sent that a second check-up is in order 210 and the timer of the security fixture is reactivated 207. If however, the security fixture has been neutralized and no affirmative detection has been confirmed, a notification is sent that check-up is complete and no object has been left 211.
Reference is now made to Fig. 4, schematically illustrating another embodiment of the system and method provided in the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates other preferred embodiments, in which the monitoring application may be put in a trip mode. One trip mode is activated 301, the monitoring application deactivates the sensors and inhibits their detection. It is useful in such cases as when objects are left intentionally in unattended vehicles. In order to activate the trip mode, it is a preferred embodiment that a confirmation signature is prompted from the driver 302. Such a security confirmation signature may be any identification method, such as in a non-limiting example, a biometric identification, a password, a phone number, an email address, a user name, an identifying questions and the like. If the signature is invalid 303, the confirmation signature is prompted again. It is valid, it is enabled to minimize the display of the monitoring application and prohibit the detection of the sensor system 304. In some embodiments, after a predetermined amount of time, such as in a non-limiting example 30 minutes, the monitoring application enters sleeping mode 305. But once there is an indication that the engine is restarting, the monitoring application is activated again and the trip mode is deactivated 306.
In preferred embodiments, the system comprises a display screen on which is displayed a schematic of the vehicle and its seating locations. A pre-defined graphic symbol indicates that there is an object at a seating location. A non-limiting example is a rectangle for each seating location and a filled rectangle for a seating location where there is an item.
In some embodiments, the system also comprises a warning system, such that if the system detects an object at a seating location, an alarm is activated. This alarm is selected from a group comprising a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof.
In preferred embodiments, the system comprises one sensor for each seating location in the vehicle. In other embodiments, at least one sensor determines the presence of items for multiple seating locations, for example, one sensor per two-person bench. Sensor systems are preferred to be infrared (IR) sensors, enabling to distinguish between animate and inanimate objects. In some embodiments, the system may only provide affirmative detection if an animate object is detected in the vehicle.
In preferred embodiments the sensor system is readily adjusted to be constructed through the built- in electricity and wiring system already available in the vehicle. The present invention also encompasses installing cameras which are enabled to image each sitting location, or image the entire inner areas of the vehicle. Images of the object detected to be left in an attended vehicle may be sent to the remotely located device, there it may be subjected to image analysis and facial recognition. One recognized, a notification message may be sent to the object's immediate relatives, teachers or any other known related personnel.
In preferred embodiments, the system is activated at such times as the driver is likely to be leaving the vehicle unattended. The system can be activated by an attempt to turn the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
In preferred embodiments, activation is either by an attempt to turn the engine off or by removing the key from the ignition. In other embodiments, the driver can activate the system at any time via the controller or via a touchscreen in the display system.
The means of discouraging the driver from leaving the vehicle unattended include, but are not limited to, preventing the door locks from working until the locking device has been activated, locking the doors of the vehicle until the locking device has been activated, preventing the engine from stopping until the locking device has been activated, and any combination thereof.
In some embodiments, the system can have a remote display, connected wirelessly to the sensors and controller, enabling remote use of the system.
In preferred embodiments, the system is connectable to the vehicle via the vehicle's battery. the system comprises a locking device, preferably a keypad, at the rear of the interior of the vehicle. The locking device is enabled to communicate with a controller interconnectable with the operating system of the vehicle.
In these embodiments, it is made undesirable to leave the vehicle unattended until the driver changes the state of the locking device. The locking device is of a kind that requires either physical contact or close proximity in order to have its state altered. Since the locking device is at the rear of the vehicle, this forces the drives to go through the vehicle to the rear and encourages the driver, during the traverse through the vehicle, to check for items left in the vehicle. The locking device is selected from a group comprising a keypad and predefined code, a locking mechanism and key, a switch, any other conventional locking device, and any combination thereof.
The means of discouraging the driver from leaving the vehicle unattended include, but are not limited to, preventing the door locks from working until the locking device has been activated, locking the doors of the vehicle until the locking device has been activated, preventing the engine from stopping until the locking device has been activated, and any combination thereof. In preferred embodiments, the doors can not be locked until the predefined code has been entered on the keypad.
In some embodiments the system can be activated by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof. In preferred embodiments, activation is either by turning the engine off or by removing the key from the ignition.
In some embodiments the aforementioned system further comprises at least one of said plurality of said sensors adapted to be installed on the seat back facing the seat behind or on the inner wall of said vehicle within sensing range of living objects occupying said seating locations.
In some embodiments the aforementioned system comprises at least one temperature sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range of the seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data the aforementioned system data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
In some embodiments the aforementioned system the processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate the system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when the driver has activated a security fixture at rear of said vehicle.
In some disclosures of the present invention the aforementioned method comprises steps of obtaining the aforementioned system further comprising at least one of said plurality of said sensors is adapted to be installed on the seat back facing the seat behind or on the inner wall of said vehicle within sensing range of living objects occupying said seating locations.
In some disclosures of the present invention the aforementioned method comprises steps of obtaining the aforementioned system wherein at least one temperature sensor is adapted to be installed within sensing range of the seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
In some disclosures of the present invention the aforementioned method comprises steps of obtaining the aforementioned system wherein the processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate the system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when the driver has activated a security fixture at rear of said vehicle.

Claims

A system for determining whether living objects occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising:
a. a plurality of infrared (IR) sensors adapted to detect objects occupying seating locations of said vehicle; and
b. a processor adapted to execute a computer readable medium, comprising instructions for:
i. identifying the turning on of said vehicle's engine;
ii. activating a monitoring application in response to said turning on of said engine; iii. identifying a leaving attempt of a driver of said vehicle;
iv. activating said plurality of sensors in response to said identifying a leaving attempt, resulting in negative detection or affirmative detection; and
v. generating a notification message to said driver according to said negative detection or affirmative detection;
Wherein said plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof;
wherein said system further comprises a global positioning system (GPS) in communication with said processor, and adapted to provide location and time information relating to said vehicle;
Further wherein said processor is further adapted to send said notification message together with said location and time information to at least one remotely located device.
The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one remotely located device is selected from the group comprising of a server, a cloud-based server, a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer and any combination thereof.
The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one remotely located device is located at a location selected from the group comprising of a government institution, the ministry of transportation, the ministry of education, a school, a kindergarten, a managing company, a transportation company and any combination thereof.
The system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one remotely located device is configured to upload said notification message to an internet based site selected from the group comprising of an online parenting network, an online educational network, a personal email address, a social network, a mobile phone application, a tweeter account and any combination thereof.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors are adapted to be installed above said vehicle's seating locations, using the existing electricity infrastructure of the vehicle.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein as long as said detection is affirmative, at least one of the following is prevented: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of sensors are adapted to provide an affirmative detection only when said detected object occupying said seating locations is a human or pet, or both.
8. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a display means adapted to graphically present said detection.
9. The system according to claim 8, wherein said processor is adapted to automatically activate said plurality of sensors following said activation of said monitoring application, and automatically display said graphical presentation of said detection in said display means.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein said graphical presentation of said detection in said display means is not allowed to be minimized in any of the following cases:
a. said processor detects said vehicle's engine is turned off;
b. said plurality of sensors detect said driver's attempt to leave said vehicle.
11. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a security fixture at the rear of the vehicle, adapted to be in operative communication with said processor.
12. The system according to claim 11, wherein said security fixture is selected from the group comprising of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depressible button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
13. The system according to claim 11, wherein said security fixture further comprises a timer, adapted to count down a predetermined time duration, and wherein said timer is adapted to be activated once said processor detects said vehicle's engine is turned off and said plurality of sensors detect said driver's attempt to leave said vehicle.
14. The system according to claim 11, wherein said processor is adapted to send said notification message in response to any of the following:
a. said security fixture was not neutralized during said predetermined time duration and said detection is affirmative;
b. said security fixture was not neutralized during said predetermined time duration and said detection is negative;
c. said security fixture was neutralized during said predetermined time duration and said detection is affirmative;
d. said security fixture was neutralized during said predetermined time duration and said detection is negative;
15. The system according to claim 11, wherein said security fixture's timer is adapted to be automatically re-activated once said security fixture is not neutralized during said predetermined time duration or once said detection is affirmative.
16. The system according to claim 11, wherein until said security fixture is neutralized at least one of the following is prevented: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
17. The system according to claim 1, wherein said monitoring application further contains a trip mode adapted to prohibit said detection of said plurality of sensors.
18. The system according to claim 17, wherein said processor is adapted to prompt a confirmation signature from said driver before activation of said trip mode.
19. The system according to claim 17, wherein said processor is adapted to automatically deactivate said trip mode once said vehicle's engine is turned on.
20. The system of claim 1, wherein said leaving attempt is selected from the group consisting of an attempt to turn the engine off, removing the keys from the ignition, activating the emergency brake, locking the vehicle, touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, activating a code sequence, and any combination thereof.
21. The system of claim 1, wherein said monitoring application is adapted to be activated from a remote location.
22. The system of claim 1, additionally comprising an alarm adapted to provide a warning if said detection is affirmative.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein said alarm is selected from a group comprising of a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof.
24. The system of claim 1, additionally comprising at least one camera adapted to image each seating location, and optionally, said monitoring application is configured to provide facial recognition.
25. A method for determining whether living objects occupy seating locations of a vehicle comprising steps of:
a. identifying the turning on of said vehicle's engine;
b. activating a monitoring application in response to said turning on of said engine;
c. identifying a leaving attempt of a driver of said vehicle;
d. in response to said leaving attempt, activating a plurality of sensors adapted to detect objects occupying seating locations of said vehicle, resulting in negative detection or affirmative detection; and
e. generating a notification message to said driver according to said negative detection or affirmative detection;
Wherein said plurality of sensors are selected from the group consisting of optical sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasound sensors and any combination thereof;
Further wherein said method further comprises steps of determining said vehicle's geographical location and time information;
Further wherein said method further comprises steps of sending said notification message together with said location and time information to at least one remotely located device.
26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of selecting said at least one
remotely located device from the group comprising of a server, a cloud-based server, a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer and any combination thereof.
27. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of locating said at least one
remotely located device a government institution, the ministry of transportation, the ministry of education, a school, a kindergarten, a managing company, a transportation company and any combination thereof.
28. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of uploading said notification message to an internet based site selected from the group comprising of an online parenting network, an online educational network, a personal email address, a social network, a mobile phone application, a tweeter account and any combination thereof.
29. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of generating said notification message in response to said activation of said monitoring application.
30. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of installing said plurality of sensors above said vehicle's seating locations, using the existing electricity infrastructure of the vehicle.
31. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of preventing at least one of the following, as long as said detection is affirmative: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
32. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of providing an affirmative detection only when said detected object occupying said seating locations is a human or pet, or both.
33. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of graphically presenting said detection using a display means.
34. The method according to claim 33, further comprising steps of automatically activating said plurality of sensors in response to said activating said monitoring application, in addition to automatically displaying said graphical presentation of said detection in said display means.
35. The method according to claim 33, further comprising steps of prohibiting the minimization of the graphical presentation of said detection in said display means in any of the following cases:
a. said processor detects said vehicle's engine is turned off;
b. said plurality of sensors detect said driver's attempt to leave said vehicle.
36. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of fixing a security fixture at the rear of the vehicle, having operative communication with said monitoring application.
37. The method according to claim 36, further comprising steps of selecting said security fixture from the group comprising of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depressible button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
38. The method according to claim 36, further comprising steps of activating said security fixture to operate through a timer adapted to count down a predetermined time duration, and activating said timer once said vehicle's engine detected to be turned off and said driver is detected to attempt to leave said vehicle.
39. The method according to claim 36, further comprising steps of sending said notification message in response to any of the following:
a. said security fixture was not neutralized during said predetermined time duration and said detection is affirmative;
b. said security fixture was not neutralized during said predetermined time duration and said detection is negative;
c. said security fixture was neutralized during said predetermined time duration and said detection is affirmative; d. said security fixture was neutralized during said predetermined time duration and said detection is negative;
40. The method according to claim 36, further comprising steps of re-activating said security fixture once said security fixture is not neutralized during said predetermined time duration or once said detection is affirmative.
41. The method according to claim 36, further comprising steps of preventing at least one of the following until said security fixture is neutralized: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
42. The method according to claim 25, wherein said monitoring application further contains a trip mode, and said method further comprising steps of prohibiting said detection by said plurality of sensors once said trip mode is activated.
43. The method according to claim 42, further comprising steps of prompting a confirmation signature from said driver before activation of said trip mode.
44. The method according to claim 42, further comprising steps of automatically deactivating said trip mode once said vehicle's engine is turned on.
45. The method according to claim 25, wherein said activating said plurality of sensors is executed in response to activating said monitoring application.
46. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of graphically displaying said detection once said engine is turned on.
47. The method according to claim 25, wherein said leaving attempt is selected from the group consisting of an attempt to turn the engine off, removing the keys from the ignition, activating the emergency brake, locking the vehicle, touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, activating a code sequence, and any combination thereof.
48. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of activating said monitoring application from a remote location.
49. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of activating an alarm once said detection is affirmative.
50. The method according to claim 25, further comprising steps of selecting said alarm from a group comprising of a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof.
51. The system according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of said sensors is adapted to be installed on the seat back facing the seat behind or on the inner wall of said vehicle within sensing range of living objects occupying said seating locations.
52. The system according to claim 1 wherein at least one temperature sensor is adapted to be installed within sensing range of said seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
53. The system according to claim 1 wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate said system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when said driver has activated said security fixture at rear of said vehicle.
54. The method according to claim 25 comprising steps of obtaining a system of claim 1 further comprising at least one of said plurality of said sensors is adapted to be installed on the seat back facing the seat behind or on the inner wall of said vehicle within sensing range of living objects occupying said seating locations.
55. The method according to claim 25 comprising steps of obtaining a system of claim 1 wherein at least one temperature sensor is adapted to be installed within sensing range of said seating location configured to detect temperature and at least one said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound, motion sensor adapted to be installed within sensing range further wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions for combining data from said at least one temperature sensor and said at least one of said optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasound sensor, motion sensor to provide characteristics of said data sufficient to distinguished living objects occupying said seating locations.
56. The method according to claim 25 comprising steps of obtaining a system of claim 1 wherein said processor is adapted to execute computer readable medium instructions to activate said system simultaneously as the vehicle engine is turned off and deactivate when said driver has activated said security fixture at rear of said vehicle.
PCT/IL2016/050500 2015-05-11 2016-05-11 System and method for determining whether objects have been left in unattended vehicles WO2016181395A1 (en)

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