WO2004001695A1

WO2004001695A1 - Vehicle hazardous environment detecting and signaling system

Info

Publication number: WO2004001695A1
Application number: PCT/US2003/018646
Authority: WO
Original assignee: Arakelian, Marlane
Priority date: 2002-06-20
Filing date: 2003-06-12
Publication date: 2003-12-31
Also published as: AU2003236499A1

Abstract

A vehicle hazardous environment detecting and signaling system (10) that is designed to detect the presence of a living being inside a parked vehicle when the living being is at risk from a hazardous environmental condition. The system (10) functions in combination with a vehicle (100) and certain elements of the vehicle (100), such as a horn (102) and lights (104). The system (10) is comprised of at least one life-detecting sensor (12),at least environmental-hazard sensor (34), at least one vehicle-state sensor (50), at least one signaling device (52), a microcontroller (62) and a power source (64). when the sensors detect that a living being is in a hazardous environment within the vehicle (100), the microcontroller (62) activates the signaling device (52), which alerts people outside of the vehicle (100) that there is a person inside the vehicle (100) who requires assistance.

Description

VEHICLE HAZARDOUS ENVIRONMENT DETECTING AND SIGNALING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to vehicle alarm systems in general, and more particularly to a sensor and alarm system for to detecting living being inside a vehicle, detect a deadly environmental condition such as high or low temperature, and signal to the outside world that the living being is at risk for their life.

BACKGROUND ART

One of the most significant problems associated with many types of vehicles is the inherent danger of a living being located within a relatively small, enclosed space, such as inside an unattended parked vehicle. As a result of certain des ign characteristics and the means used to power most conventional vehicles, the interior of the unattended parked vehicles present a variety of dangerous conditions. In order to provide a quiet ride and to optimize the use of air conditioning, a vehicle with its doors closed and windows up is substantially air-tight. The glass used for windows and especially the curved glass used on many windshields can create a greenhouse effect that can significantly raise the interior temperature of the vehicle. Also, after a vehicle has been parked in a cold climate, the interior temperature can drop to dangerously low temperatures. All gasoline/petroleum powered, internal-combustion engines produce carbon monoxide gas as waste. The carbon monoxide gas is odorless and colorless and can be fatal if breathed by humans and animals in significant quantities. These conditions are potentially more dangerous than other, more obvious conditions because there is often little or no warning that they are occurring and once a person has been affected, it is too late and therefore impossible for the person to be saved.

There have been previous attempts to create and implement devices or systems to solve this problem, and, while some of the attempts have produced partial solutions, no prior art has included a means for detecting the presence of a living being within a vehicle. Also, there is no controlling logic to activate an alarm or other warning when life is detected. Every year many people, including babies, children, the elderly, and pets are injured or killed as a result of environmental hazards inside cars. children often enter an unattended vehicle to play, and are unable to get out of the vehicle. This can be fatal to the child or children, when auto accidents occur and the vehicle is hidden from the road, the injured are often unable to exit or summon help. Most states have made it a crime to leave unattended children in parked vehicles for any amount of time. Because of this situation there is a significant need for a device or system that will notify persons that there is a living human being or a pet within a vehicle and that the living being or pet is in danger from a hazardous environmental condition. A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention, however the following U.S. patents are considered related:

PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED. 5,739,756 Margulies 14 April 1968 4,297,689 Shaw, et al 27 October 1981 3,102,257 Miller 27 August 1963

The 5,739,756 patent discloses a carbon monoxide detector for motor vehicles for detecting dangerous levels of carbon monoxide within the passenger areas of motor vehicles. The device includes a carbon monoxide detector mounted at the highest point within a passenger compartment of the vehicle; a visual indicating signal to visually signal a warning when dangerous levels of carbon monoxide are detected; and an audible signaling device to provide an audible signal when dangerous levels are detected.

The 4,297,689 patent discloses a dosimeter which includes an electrochemical sensing cell and circuitry which provides a first alarm when the contaminant concentration exceeds a short-term exposure limit. A second alarm is also provided when the time weighted average concentration level over a relatively longer term exceeds a different threshold limit value.

The 3,102,257 patent discloses a gas detection device for causing a signal to be given in response to the presence of a particular gas. The device can be used adjacent to a motor vehicle or enclosures which ordinarily house motor vehicles. The particular gas that is principally dealt with is carbon monoxide gas, although other gases can be detected and caused to trigger the gas warning device in order to yield a signal .

For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention relates reference may be made to the remaining cited patents. PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED.

5,973,603 Judy 26 October 1999

4,668,940 Beard, et al 26 May 1987

3,445,669 Jordan, et al 20 May 1968

3,418,914 Finkin 31 December 1968

3,246,312 McGinn 12 April 1966

3,027,552 Landis 27 March 1962

2,835,886 Bogdanowski, iat al May 1956

2,787,782 Rosenblum, et al April 1957

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The vehicle hazardous environment detecting and signaling system (VEDS) is designed to detect the presence of several kinds of hazards that might exist within an unattended parked vehicle, such as a high or low temperature, lack of oxygen or the influx of carbon monoxide gas. The VEDS is also designed to determine the presence of a person or persons and if a person or persons inside of a vehicle are in imminent danger or have already been affected by an environmental hazard. Once the VEDS has determined that a person(s) is in danger, the VEDS alerts people outside of the vehicle that the person inside the vehicle needs help. The means by which the EDS alerts other people can be the vehicle's horn sounding or other audio or visual devices, such as a spoken message that is broadcast from the vehicle. Additionally, upon an alarm condition, vehicles with power windows can have their windows lowered, and vehicles with power door locks can have their door locks unlocked. The VEDS can function in combination with a vehicle equipped with a horn; a set of lights, which can include headlights/tail lights, fog lights, third brake lights or other standard vehicle lights; at least one seat, which includes bucket or bench type seats; floor mats; an ignition switch; and a conventional 12-volt vehicle battery.

In its most basic design, the VEDS has means for detecting a life-threatening environment within a vehicle, and means for providing a vehicle-external signaling device that is activated when the life-threatening environment exceeds a preselected threshold level. in a preferred design, the VEDS is comprised of at least one life-detecting sensor, which can detect the presence of at least one living being within the vehicle. The VEDS also has at least one environmental -hazard sensor which has means for detecting when there is a life-threatening environment within the vehicle. in order to alert people either inside or outside of the vehicle that someone within the vehicle is in danger from the life-threatening environment, at least one signaling device is utilized. The signaling device may be audio or visual or a combination of both. A microcontroller, which has means for receiving and processing data from the life-detecting sensor(s), the environmental-hazard sensor(s), is utilized to produce an output signal that activates the signaling device(s). The microcontroller is operated by a logic/firmware program.

The final element of the VEDS is a power source, which has means for providing power to the life-detecting sensor<s), the environmental-hazard sensor(s), the signaling devices and the microcontroller.

In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a means for alerting others that a person, persons or a pet within a vehicle are at risk of injury or death from a hazardous environmental condition within the vehicle. Once alerted, a person outside of the vehicle can summon emergency/rescue personnel or do whatever is necessary to save the person(s) inside the vehicle. In addition to the primary object of the invention, it is also an object of the invention to provide a vehicle hazardous environmental -detecting and signaling system that: o can be used in different types of vehicles and water craft, o can be included as OEM equipment by a manufacturer or can be sold by an aftermarket addition, o can be integrated into exisitng OEM vehicle alarm systems, o requires no skill to use and, once installed in a vehicle, is maintenance free, o can be implemented with an Application Specific integrated Circuit (ASIC) to reduce cost and improve the reliability of the system, o is cost effective from both a manufacturer's and consumer's point of view, and o can save the lives of pets as well as humans .

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGURE 1 is a block diagram showing the basic elements that comprise the vehicle hazardous environment detecting and signaling system. FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of a life-detection sensor and a list of selectable elements that comprises the sensor.

FIGURE 3 is a block diagram of an environmental hazard sensor and a list of selectable elements that comprise the sensor.

FIGURE 4 is a block diagram of a vehicle state sensor and a list of selectable elements that comprise the sensor.

FIGURE 5 is a block diagram illustrating the various devices that can be utilized for a signaling device.

FIGURE 6 is a block diagram showing a system-dedicated audio signaling device.

FIGURE 7 is a block diagram of a system GO/NOGO indicating circuit.

FIGURE 8 is an illustration of a vehicle showing typical locations for the basic elements that comprise the system.

FIGURE 9A-9F are flow charts of the logic/firmware utilized by the microcontroller to operate the system.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment for a vehicle hazardous environment detecting and signaling system 10. The preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGURES 1-9, is comprised of the following major elements: at least one life-detecting sensor 12, at least one environmental -hazard sensor 34, at least one vehicle state sensor 50, at least one signaling device 52, a system GO/NO-GO indicating circuit 60, a microcontroller 62, and a power source 64. The inventive elements are designed to function in combination with a vehicle 100, which includes automobiles, suvs, trucks, vans, RVs and the like. The system 10 is also applicable for use on boats that have an enclosed passenger compartment. The vehicle 10Q as defined herein includes a horn 102, a set of lights 104, at least one seat 106, floor mats 108, an ignition switch 110 and a battery 112. The at least one life-detecting sensor 12, as shown in the block diagram of FIGURES 1 and 2, is primarily comprised of an infrared motion-detecting sensor 16, an ultrasonic motion-detecting sensor 18, and/or a microwave motion-detecting sensor 20. The life-detecting sensor 12 can also consist of a vehicle-seat pressure sensor 22, vehicle floor-mat pressure sensor 24, an infrared body heat sensor 26, an infant seat pressure sensor 28 and/or a child booster seat pressure sensor 28 or a proximity sensor 30.. if the weight changes due to the seated person falling or becoming displaced from the seated position, the change in the preset weight will be detected as life. A simple open-close switch in the seat can be used to detect the presence of life. When the vehicle floor-mat sensor 24 is used, if the person moves their feet, the pressure change is detected as life. A simple open-close switch in the vehicle floor mat 108 can also be used to detect the presence of life. Likewise the proximity sensor 30, which typically consist of a capacitive device senses and produces an alarm when the position of a seated person deviates from a normal position.

The at least one environmental-hazard sensor 34, as shown in the block diagram of FIGURES 1 and 3, can be comprised of several designs. A significant cause of death, for persons and especially infants, who are left unattended in a closed vehicle is heat stroke caused by extreme heat; freezing due to extreme cold; or suffocation due to the lack of oxygen. Therefore, the primary sensors utilized in the system 10 are an internal temperature sensor 36 and an internal oxygen sensor 38. The internal oxygen sensor 38 typically consists of a single gas monitor, such as a Model 02S from Apogee instruments located in Logan, Utah, other sensors that can be utilized in the system 10, as also shown in FIGURE 3, include an internal air flow sensor 40, an internal carbon monoxide sensor 42, and an internal humidity sensor 44, and a vehicle impact sensor 46. The logic included in the microcontroller 62 can be designed to produce a signal that activates the signaling device 52 when one or a combination of the environmental -hazard sensors are triggered.

The at least one vehicle state sensor 50, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 4, is comprised of an airbag(s) deployment sensor 11, a door lock position sensor 13, a window position sensor 15, a battery voltage sensor 17 and a vehicle ignition switch on/off sensor 19. The vehicle state sensors provide a signal to alert externally located individuals of a potentially dangerous situation or to reduce false alarms when the vehicle is in normal operation.

The at least one signaling device 52, as shown in the block diagram of FIGURES 1 and 5, can consist of an audio alarm 54, a visual indicator 56 and/or a remote signaling device 58.

The most accessible audio alarm is the vehicle's horn 102. Alternatively, as shown in FIGURE 6, a dedicated audio circuit 27 can be used. In a typical design, the circuit 27 utilizes an audio transducer 33 that is placed to optimally allow its output to be heard outside the vehicle 100. The audio transducer 33 is connected to the output of an audio amplifier 31 which has its input connected to an audio media 29 consisting of a message, such as "a living being is in danger in this vehicle, please help", or an audible sound.

The visual indicator 56 preferably consists of the vehicle's set of lights 104 which includes the headlights or rear lights or both, an illuminated dashboard icon 41. Alternatively, a custom light(s) 43 can be added that specifically indicate a particular hazardous condition.

The remote signaling device 58 can be comprised of an RF transmitter/receiver 51, an automatic telephone dialer 53, a LOJACK TM system, or an 0N5TARTM system. When a life-threatening event is present, the transmitter is activated and sends a signal to a preselected location. The preselected location can consist of a dedicated receiver that may be stationary

TIYI TM or portable. Likewise, the LOJACK and ONSTAR systems can be programmed to send a signal, an emergency signal i.e., a "911" call or a signal to a preselected location.

The system 10 can also be designed to include a system GO/NO-GO indicating circuit 60. The circuit is designed to process various inputs and/or outputs from the sensors and indicators that comprise the system 10. If the sampled inputs and outputs do not exceed a predetermined threshold level, a green light illuminates indicating that the system 10 is in a "GO" or operational state, conversely if any of the inputs and outputs exceed the threshold level, a blinking red light 115 illuminates and an audio alarm 117 sounds indicating that the system 10 is in a "NO-GO" non-operational state, at which time corrective action is taken to correct the failure mode.

The system 10 can also be designed to include a dashboard icon, similar to the "seat belt not connected" illuminated icon. The icon illuminates when an environmental hazard is detected. The control of the system 10 is provided by the microcontroller 62, which preferably consists of a PIC microcontroller 62. The microcontroller 62 has primary means for receiving and processing the data from the at least one life-detecting sensor 12, and the at least one environmental -hazard sensor 34 and producing an output signal that activates the at least one signaling device 52. The microcontroller 62 can also be configured to control the operation of the at least one vehicle state sensor 50 and the GO/NO-GO indicating circuit 60. The typical location of the various sensors devices, circuits and the microcontroller together with the vehicle components are shown in FIGURE 8. The microcontroller 62 is operated by a logic/firmware program 66 that is written in microchip assembly language however, other firmware programs can also be used. The sequential steps of the program 66 are shown in FIGURES 9A-9F.

The system 10 is connected to the vehicle's battery voltage at all times and thus, is always powered. Before the vehicle's 100 engine is started, the key is inserted into the vehicle's ignition switch 110 and is typically turned in a clockwise direction through a series of increments. One of which is the "ignition on". since the system 10 is always powered, the vehicle's ignition is constantly monitored which is known as the "check ignition", in FIGURE 9A . once the system 10 determines that the ignition has been turned on, the microcontroller initiates the "system reset and self test" (SRST) mode, as shown in FIGURE 9A. During the SRST, all of the systems internal timers and counters are reset, and the system performs a self-test of the elements and their function. After the system has reset and the self-tests are completed, the microcontroller 62 activates the system. If the self test fails, a blinking red light 115 comes on and an audio alarm 117 sounds in the passenger compartment. A timer will silence the alarm after a predetermined delay, or the alarm can be silenced by pushing a manual reset switch 118. The system 10 should be serviced if the self-test fails. Prior to activating the system, a short delay is implemented to allow the life-detecting sensors 12 and the environmental-hazard sensors 34, as well as the vehicle's 100 internal temperature to stabilize. This is necessary for the sensors 12,34 to provide accurate readings and to avoid false-positive or false-negative readings.

After the ignition has changed state from on to off and the self-test has been successfully completed and the system 10 is in the "system on" state, the microcontroller 62 checks for a door open by monitoring the door switches 114. when all doors are determined to be closed, after a predetermined delay the microcontroller 62 checks the internal temperature sensor 36 to determine if the temperature is less than a predetermined minimum value. Once the minimum value has been checked, and it is not less than the preset minimum, the microcontroller 62 checks the internal temperature sensor 36 to determine if the temperature is higher than a preset maximum value. The microcontroller 62 continues checking the internal temperature sensor 36 until the temperature is not within either of the predetermined limits.

If the microcontroller 62 determines that the temperature is not within the high temperature or low temperature predetermined limits, the microcontroller 62 then checks the motion-detecting sensor 14. Any motion detected by the motion-detecting sensor 14 is determined to be life detection. If life is not detected, the microcontroller 62 returns to check the internal temperature sensor 36 until the temperature is not within the predetermined limits, hen any door is opened, all monitoring of environmental conditions and life detection ceases and any alarm condition is reset. The system is also reset. when all doors are closed and all door switches are determined to be closed, after a predetermined delay the system returns to the "on state".

If life is detected, a two-count life detection counter is incremented from a count of zero to a count of one. After a predetermined delay, the microcontroller 62 returns to monitor the internal temperature sensor 34 as described earlier. if the microcontroller 62 determines that the temperature is not within the predetermined limits, the microcontroller 62 then checks the motion-detecting sensor 14. If life is detected, the two-count life detection counter is incremented from a count of one to a count of two. upon the microcontroller 62 detecting the two-count life detection counter to have a count of two the microcontroller 62 would then start the audio alarm 54. The audio alarm 54 continues to sound until any of the following events occur:

1. Any door is opened, operating any door switch 114. All doors must be closed to reactivate the system.

2. The manual reset switch 118 is pushed. Any door must be opened and closed, operating any door switch 114 to reactivate the system.

3. The ignition switch 110 is turned on. After the ignition switch 110 is turned off, the system is activated after a delay. A manual reset switch 118 is located inside the vehicle, as shown in FIGURE 9D, to interrupt the audio alarm 54 sounding and reset all the microcontroller 62 timers and counters. After the manual reset switch 118 has been activated, the system returns to the "system on" mode, with all sensors functioning as previously described. hile the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorial ly shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. For example, the system 10 can be easily modified to include: additional environmental threat and hazard sensors that sense outside air temperature and outside air humidity; additional life detection devices that sense body temperature utilizing an infrared sensor, and an intelligent video camera or still digital camera. Also, a Global Positioning System (GPS) can be added to determine the location of the problem vehicle. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle hazardous environment detecting and signaling system designed to function in combination with a vehicle equipped with a horn, a set of lights, at least one seat, floor mats, an ignition switch and a battery, said system comprising: a) at least one life-detecting sensor having means for detecting at least one living being located within the vehicle, b) at least one environmental -hazard sensor having means for detecting a life-threatening environment located within the vehicle, c) at least one signaling device having means for alerting persons that are inside or outside of the vehicle that said at least one living being within the vehicle is in danger as a result of said life-threatening environment, d) a microcontroller having means for receiving and processing data from said at least one life-detecting sensor and said at least one environmental-hazard sensor and producing an output signal that activates said at least one signaling device, and e) a power source having means for providing power to said at least one life-detecting sensor, to said at least one environmental -hazard sensor, to at least one signaling device and to said microcontroller.

2. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one life-detecting sensor is comprised of a motion-detection sensor.

3. The system as specified in claim 2 wherein said motion-detecting sensor comprises an RF motion-detecting sensor.

4. The system as specified in claim 2 wherein said motion-detecting sensor comprises an infrared motion-detecting sensor.

5. The system as specified in claim 2 wherein said motion-detecting sensor comprises an ultrasonic motion-detecting sensor.

6. The system as specified in claim 2 wherein said motion-detecting sensor comprises a microwave motion-detecting sensor.

7. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one life-detecting sensor is comprised of a vehicle-seat pressure sensor.

8. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one life-detecting sensor is comprised of a vehicle floor mat pressure sensor.

9. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one life-detecting sensor is comprised of an infrared body-heat sensor.

10. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one life detecting sensor is comprised of a vehicle infant seat pressure sensor or a vehicle child booster seat pressure sensor..

11. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one life detecting sensor is comprised of a proximity sensor.

12. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental -hazard sensor is comprised of an internal temperature sensor.

13. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental-hazard sensor is comprised of an internal oxygen sensor.

14. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental -hazard sensor is comprised of an internal air flow sensor.

15. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental-hazard sensor is comprised of an carbon monoxide sensor.

16. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental -hazard sensor is comprised of an internal humidity sensor.

17. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one environmental-hazard sensor is comprised of a vehicle impact sensor.

18. The system as specified in claim 1 further comprising at least one vehicle-state sensor.

19. The system as specified in claim 18 wherein said vehicle state sensor is comprised of an airbag(s) deployment sensor.

20. The system as specified in claim 18 wherein said vehicle-state sensor comprises a door lock position sensor.

21. The system as specified in claim 18 wherein said vehicle-state sensor comprises a window position sensor.

22. The system as specified in claim 18 wherein said vehicle-state sensor comprises a battery voltage sensor.

23. The system as specified in claim 18 wherein said vehicle-state sensor comprises a vehicle ignition on/off sensor.

24. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one signaling device is comprised of an audio alarm.

25. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one signaling device is comprised of a visual indicator.

26. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said at least one signaling device is comprised of a remote signaling device.

27. The system as specified in claim 26 wherein said at least one signaling device is comprised of an audio alarm.

28. The system as specified in claim 27 wherein said audio alarm comprises the vehicle's horn.

29. The system as specified in claim 21 wherein said audio alarm is in the form of a dedicated audio circuit that comprises: a) an audio transducer that is placed to optimally allow its output to be heard outside of the vehicle, b) an audio amplifier having an input and an output, wherein the output is connected to said audio transducer, and c) an audio media connected to the input of said audio amplifier, wherein said audio media consists of a message that is heard through said audio transducer.

30. The system as specified in claim 26 wherein said at least one signaling device comprises a visual indicator.

31. The system as specified in claim 30 wherein said visual indicator comprises the vehicle's set of lights.

32. The system as specified in claim 30 wherein said visual indicator comprises a custom light(s).

33. The system as specified in claim 26 wherein said remote signaling device is comprised of a police vehicle alarm monitoring system such as LOWJACK TM.

34. The system as specified in claim 26 wherein said remote signaling device is comprised of a private vehicle monitoring system such as ONSTAR TM.

35. The system as specified in claim 1 further comprising a system GO/NO-GO circuit.

36. The system as specified in claim 1 wherein said power source is comprised of a power supply having an input that is connected to a 12-volt d-c voltage source that is provided by the vehicle, and an output that provides the required voltage and current to operate said system whether the vehicle is in motion or stationary.

37. The system as specified in claim 25 wherein said 12-volt d-c voltage source is provided directly from the vehicle's battery or from the vehicle's ignition switch circuit.

38. A vehicle hazardous environment detecting and signaling system designed to function in combination with a vehicle equipped with a horn, a set of lights, a seat, floor mats, an ignition switch and a battery, said system comprising: a) a set of life-detecting sensors having means for detecting the presence of at least one living being located within the vehicle, said set of sensors comprising: (1) an RF motion-detection sensor, <2> an infrared body heat sensor, (3) an ultrasonic motion-detection sensor,

(4) a microwave motion-detection sensor,

(5) a vehicle-seat pressure sensor,

(6) a vehicle floor-mat pressure sensor, (7) a vehicle infant seat or child booster seat pressure sensor, and (8) a proximity sensor, b) a set of environmental-hazard sensors having means for detecting the presence of a life-threatening environment located within the vehicle, said set of sensors

5 comprising:

(1) an internal temperature sensor,

(2) an internal oxygen sensor, <3> an internal airflow sensor,

(4) an internal carbon monoxide sensor. 10 (5) an internal humidity sensor, and

(6) a vehicle impact sensor, c) at least one signaling device having means for alerting person located outside of the vehicle that said at least one

15 living being is exposed to said life-threatening environment, said signaling devices comprising:

( 1 ) an audio alarm,

(2) a visual indicator,

20 (3) a remote signaling device, d) a microcontroller having means for receiving and processing the data from said set of life-detecting sensor and said set of environmental-hazard sensors

25 and producing an output signal (s) that activates at least one of said signaling devices, and e) a power source having means for providing power to said set of life-detecting

30 sensors, said set of environmental-hazard sensors, said signaling devices and said microcontroller.

39. The system as specified in claim 38 wherein said microcontroller is operated by a logic/firmware program.

40. The system as specified in claim 38 wherein said system is further comprised of a set of devices that provide data pertaining to the state of the vehicle, said devices having an output that is applied to said microcontroller for further processing and for providing an output signal that is applied to said at least one of said signaling devices, wherein said devices provide data pertaining to: a) ignition ON or OFF, b) seat belt attached, c) battery voltage, d) position of the vehicle windows, e) door switch, f) door lock position switch, and g) door lock position sensor.

41. A vehicle hazardous environment detecting and signaling system having means for detecting a life-threatening environment within a vehicle and means for providing a vehicle-external signaling device that is activated when the life-threatening environment exceeds a preselected threshold level.