Classifications

• • 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
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
  • A61B5/026—Measuring blood flow
  • A61B5/0265—Measuring blood flow using electromagnetic means, e.g. electromagnetic flowmeter
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/16—Devices for psychotechnics; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state
  • A61B5/18—Devices for psychotechnics; Testing reaction times ; Devices for evaluating the psychological state for vehicle drivers or machine operators
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
  • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating devices
  • B60H1/00642—Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices
  • B60H1/00735—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models
  • B60H1/00742—Control systems or circuits characterised by their input, i.e. by the detection, measurement or calculation of particular conditions, e.g. signal treatment, dynamic models by detection of the vehicle occupants' presence; by detection of conditions relating to the body of occupants, e.g. using radiant heat detectors
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60H—ARRANGEMENTS OF HEATING, COOLING, VENTILATING OR OTHER AIR-TREATING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PASSENGER OR GOODS SPACES OF VEHICLES
  • B60H1/00—Heating, cooling or ventilating devices
  • B60H1/00642—Control systems or circuits; Control members or indication devices for heating, cooling or ventilating devices
  • B60H1/00985—Control systems or circuits characterised by display or indicating devices, e.g. voice simulators
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
  • B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
  • B60Q1/50—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking
  • B60Q1/52—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating other intentions or conditions, e.g. request for waiting or overtaking for indicating emergencies
• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
  • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • B60R22/00—Safety belts or body harnesses in vehicles
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G08—SIGNALLING
  • G08B—SIGNALLING SYSTEMS, e.g. PERSONAL CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
  • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
  • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
  • G08B21/06—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons indicating a condition of sleep, e.g. anti-dozing alarms
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/0002—Remote monitoring of patients using telemetry, e.g. transmission of vital signals via a communication network
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording for evaluating the cardiovascular system, e.g. pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow
  • A61B5/024—Measuring pulse rate or heart rate
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/08—Measuring devices for evaluating the respiratory organs
  • A61B5/0816—Measuring devices for examining respiratory frequency
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
  • A61B5/103—Measuring devices for testing the shape, pattern, colour, size or movement of the body or parts thereof, for diagnostic purposes
  • A61B5/11—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb
  • A61B5/113—Measuring movement of the entire body or parts thereof, e.g. head or hand tremor or mobility of a limb occurring during breathing

Definitions

• a distress signaling system a body area network for enabling a distress signaling, a method for signaling a condition of a distress and a vehicle arranged with a distress signaling system
• the invention relates to a distress signaling system for a seated passenger in a vehicle.
• the invention further relates to a body area network arranged to enable a distress signaling for a seated passenger in a vehicle.
• the invention still further relates to a method for signaling a condition of a distress of a seated passenger in a vehicle.
• the invention still further relates to a vehicle comprising a distress signaling system.
• a signaling system for a seated passenger in a vehicle is known from US 5, 990, 795.
• the known signaling system is arranged to provide means of awakening a sleeping or unconscious operator of the vehicle by sounding an alarm with a recorded message within the cabin of the vehicle.
• the l ⁇ iown signaling system comprises monitoring means comprising a capacitance element arranged in a shoulder belt of a fastening system of a vehicle seat.
• the capacitance element is arranged to monitor a value of the capacitance, it being changed upon an event the operator of the vehicle falls into a sleep, which is usually followed by a nodding of the operator's head.
• the known signaling system provides means for monitoring a single manifestation of an abnormal operator's condition.
• the l ⁇ iown system is not suitable for detecting a condition of a distress of the operator, for example a health-related abnormality or a condition of an anxiety, which can also potentially be harmful to the passenger.
• the known system also cannot detect a condition of a sleep or unconsciousness, when the head of the operator is not touching his chest. It is an object of the invention to provide a signaling system which is capable of detecting different kinds of a passenger's distress conditions, ranging from a condition of an anxiety to a condition of a medical emergency, while the passenger is being seated in the vehicle.
• a distress signaling system comprises: monitoring means arranged in said vehicle to monitor a vital sign of the seated passenger by means of a sensor arranged to measure a signal representative of said sign; data processing means arranged to process the measured signal in order to yield data representative to a condition of said passenger; analysis means arranged to analyze said data in order to yield a condition-related parameter, said analysis means being further arranged to compare said condition-related parameter to a preset valid parameter and to generate a trigger signal upon an event said condition-related parameter exceeds said preset valid parameter; indicating means actuatable by the trigger signal, said indicating means being arranged to generate a feedback to said passenger.
• the technical measure of the invention is based on the insight that a condition of a distress is accompanied by a change in at least one vital sign of a person in question. Therefore, by monitoring a suitable vital sign and by carrying out a suitable analysis thereof, a reliable and versatile distress signaling system is obtained. It must be understood that under the definitions of the current invention, the term passenger is applicable to the operator of the vehicle and to any other seated person in the vehicle.
• the monitoring means is arranged in a direct vicinity of a seat of the vehicle or is integrated in the seat and/or a belt-fastening system.
• the monitoring means in the system according to the invention comprise a sensor arranged to monitor a vital sign by means of measuring a suitable signal.
• a cardiac activity by means of measuring an ECG-signal and/or a respiration rate by means of acquiring a plethysmogram are being monitored.
• the sensor is further arranged to make available the measured signal to the data processing means, which is arranged to process the measured signal in order to yield data representative to a condition of the passenger.
• the data processing means analyze an output signal from the sensor and deduce corresponding ECG spectra.
• the resulting ECG spectra are then forwarded by the data processing means to the data analysis means, which is arranged to analyze the spectra to yield a condition-related parameter.
• a suitable condition-related parameter are a heart-rate, a value of an amplitude of a selected peak in the ECG spectrum, or any other suitable characteristic deduced from the ECG spectrum.
• the analysis means is further arranged to compare the condition-related parameter to a preset valid parameter.
• An example of a suitable preset valid parameter is a threshold value of a heart-rate. It is also possible to prescribe a plurality of valid parameters, corresponding to a plurality of conditions of the passenger.
• the system according to the invention can comprise suitable storage means, for example a memory unit, where a plurality of valid parameters are being stored for comparison purposes.
• Said plurality of valid parameters can comprise a first value of the valid parameter, corresponding to a first condition of the passenger, for example a condition of being asleep.
• said plurality of valid parameters can comprise a second value of the valid parameter, corresponding to a second condition of the passenger, for example a condition of an anxiety.
• said plurality of valid parameters can comprise a third value of the valid parameter, corresponding to a third condition of the passenger, for example a condition of a non- life threatening medical abnormality.
• said plurality of valid parameters can comprise a forth value of the valid parameter, corresponding to a forth condition of the passenger, for example a condition of a medical emergency.
• the analysis means of the system according to the invention is further arranged to compare the yielded condition-related parameter to the preset valid parameter. In case the yielded condition-related parameter exceeds the preset parameter, a trigger signal actuating the indicating means is generated.
• the indicating means is arranged to generate a feedback to the passenger upon a receipt of the trigger signal.
• An example of a suitable feedback is a replay of a prerecorded message, like a verbal message or an instruction or a musical melody. It is also possible that a feedback comprises a buzz-tone.
• the feedback can comprise an actuation of a cabin light of the vehicle or a suitable actuation of a seat under the passenger in question.
• the seat is brought into a slightly vibrating state.
• the indicating means is further arranged to control a climate control means of the vehicle upon a receipt of a trigger signal.
• a climate control means of the vehicle In a situation when the seated passenger is experiencing a state of anxiety, it can be favorable to create a more pleasant environment, by correspondingly varying a cabin temperature of the vehicle, for example.
• the indicating means is preferably arranged to actuate an alarming means of the vehicle upon a receipt of the trigger signal.
• the external lights and/or an acoustic alarming means for example, a horn of the vehicle can be actuated in order to attract an attention of possible bystanders.
• This feature is of particular advantage in case the seated passenger is a driver. This action is preferably followed by a controlling of the engine of the vehicle, for example by means of an actuation of a cruise control or any other suitable means.
• the senor comprises magnetic means arranged as a resonant circuit, said magnetic means being conceived to induce an oscillating magnetic field in a body volume of the passenger, said magnetic means being connectable to a power supply means, said data processing means being arranged to determine an amount of a power loss of said resonant circuit upon an application of said magnetic field to said body volume.
• the sensor comprises magnetic means which is arranged to induce an oscillating magnetic field in the body volume of the seated passenger upon an actuation of said sensor.
• the measuring principle is based on the Faraday's law. As biological tissue is a conductor, the oscillating magnetic filed induces eddy currents in the body of the passenger. The density of the induced eddy currents is proportional to the conductivity of the volume. The induced eddy currents generate a secondary magnetic field, pointing in an opposite direction with respect to a primary magnetic field.
• the secondary magnetic field induces an electromotive force in the primary coil, the phase of said force being 180 degrees shifted with respect to the direction of a driving current.
• the conductive body can thus be represented as a resistive load to the driving current.
• a determination of a blood flow in a volume located in a vicinity of a resonant circuit can be used for monitoring purposes. This is particularly suitable for cardiac applications. Alternatively, it is possible to monitor a respiration rate, as during inhalation the conductivity of thorax decreases due to an air inflow.
• the magnetic means comprise a coil with a loop of a conductor, said loop being integrated into a shoulder portion of a set belt.
• the shoulder portion of the seat belt is defined as a loop of the seat belt, which transverses a thorax region of the passenger.
• the loop of the conductor is positioned about 50 cm from a fixating means of the belt, this ensuring that the coil will be positioned substantially near a heart or a stomach of the seated passenger.
• the magnetic means can be adjustably attached to the shoulder portion of the seat belt, so that the seated passenger can customize their position with respect to his body.
• the magnetic means are actuated upon a fastening of the seat belt, the belt fastening means being provided with a suitable wiring leading to a suitable battery of the vehicle.
• the magnetic means of the system according to the invention can be integrated in a back support portion of the seat in a region, substantially corresponding to a thorax region of the seated passenger.
• the magnetic means can comprise a permanent wiring to a battery of the vehicle, and can be actuated upon a start-up of the vehicle' s engine.
• the senor comprises an RF-transmitter unit and an RF-receiver unit, said RF- transmitter unit and said RF-receiver unit being conceived to be arranged under operating conditions in a spatial relation so that the body volume is located substantially therebetween.
• This alternative embodiment enables a measurement of a blood flow in the body volume located between the RF-transmitter unit and the RF-receiver unit.
• the measuring principle is based on inductive coupling of two coils which varies by a conducting medium in between the coils.
• a change in a value of the induced voltage at the RF-receiver is a measure of the conductivity of the body volume.
• a body area network being arranged to enable a distress signaling for a seated passenger in a vehicle, comprises: a control unit conceived to be worn by a person, said unit arranged to communicate with an ambient sensor integrated into the vehicle; said sensor being actuatable by a power supply means, said sensor being arranged to measure a signal representative of a vital sign of the passenger; - said unit further comprising a first communication means; said sensor further comprising a second communication means; said unit further comprising a range detection means arranged to detect an actuated sensor in a communication range of the unit, said range detection means being arranged to actuate the first communication means in order to establish a communication with the second communication means, the second communication means being arranged to transmit said signal to the control unit upon an establishing of said communication.
• a body area network is a flexible platform comprising a control unit, which is arranged to communicate with an ambient sensor. It is also possible to arrange the BAN so that it communicates with a plurality of ambient sensors.
• a person being monitored is wearing the control unit.
• the range detection means of the control unit enable a communication between the sensor and the control unit.
• the sensor transmits the signal representative of the vital sign of the person to the control unit, where this signal is being analyzed.
• the sensor can be provided with a pre-processing means arranged to carry-out a suitable pre- processing of a raw measured signal.
• the senor comprises magnetic means arranged as a resonant circuit, said magnetic means being conceived to induce an oscillating magnetic field in a body volume of the passenger.
• a sensor can be integrated into a shoulder portion of the vehicle's seat or in a back support portion of the seat.
• the sensor comprises an RF-transmitter unit and an RF-receiver unit, said RF-transmitter unit and said RF-receiver unit being conceived to be arranged under operating conditions in a spatial relation so that the body volume is located substantially therebetween.
• control unit further comprises: data processing means arranged to process the measured signal in order to yield data representative to a condition of the passenger; analysis means arranged to analyze said data in order to yield a condition-related parameter, said analysis means being further arranged to compare said condition-related parameter to a preset valid parameter and to generate a trigger signal upon an event said health-related parameter exceeds said preset valid parameter; indicating means actuatable by the trigger signal, said indicating means being arranged to generate a feedback to the passenger.
• control unit comprises suitable data analysis algorithms, per se l ⁇ iown in the art, said algorithms being arranged to calculate the condition-related parameter, like a heart-rate, a respiration rate or a blood-flow in the volume.
• control unit comprises a display to present the feedback to the passenger, said feedback comprising, for example, a textual string.
• the control unit is being further arranged to send a control signal to the central processing unit of the vehicle.
• said control signal is arranged to actuate the alarming means of the vehicle, and/or to actuate the climate control means of the vehicle and/or to actuate the cruise control means of the vehicle.
• the control unit comprises suitable algorithms for accommodating the settings of the vehicle in accordance with the condition of the passenger.
• a vehicle comprises the distress signaling system, said system comprising: monitoring means arranged in said vehicle to monitor a vital sign of the seated passenger by means of a sensor arranged to measure a signal representative of said sign; data processing means arranged to process the measured signal in order to yield data representative to a condition of said passenger; analysis means arranged to analyze said data in order to yield a condition-related parameter, said analysis means being further arranged to compare said condition-related parameter to a preset valid parameter and to generate a trigger signal upon an event said condition-related parameter exceeds said preset valid parameter; indicating means actuatable by the trigger signal, said indicating means being arranged to generate a feedback to said passenger.
• said vehicle comprises electronic means arranged to customize a setting of a vehicle in order to yield a preferred setting, said preferred setting being selectable from a plurality of pre-stored valid settings, said electronic means being further arranged to select a valid parameter in accordance with the selected preferred setting.
• Fig. 1 presents a schematic view of an embodiment of the distress signaling system according to the invention.
• Fig. 2 present a schematic view of an embodiment of a sensor comprising magnetic means.
• Fig. 3 presents a schematic front view of an embodiment of a sensor being integrated into a shoulder portion of a seat belt of the vehicle.
• Fig. 4 presents a schematic view of a sensor comprising an RF- transmitter unit and an RF-receiver unit.
• Fig. 5 presents a schematic view of an embodiment of a body are network according to the invention.
• Fig. 1 presents a schematic view of an embodiment of the distress signaling system for a seated passenger according to the invention.
• the distress signaling system 10 comprises monitoring means 11 arranged in a vehicle in order to monitor a vital sign of the seated passenger by means of a sensor 12 arranged to measure a signal representative to said sign.
• the sensor 12 preferably comprise a resonant circuit (not shown) arranged in a vicinity of the body of the passenger to pickup a signal characteristic of the targeted vital sign, for example a signal related to a blood flow.
• the sensor 12 can also be arranged to comprise a further magnetic means arranged as a further resonant circuit.
• the further magnetic means are conceived to induce an oscillating magnetic field in a further body volume of the seated passenger, for example to obtain a reference signal.
• the sensor 12 can comprise a temperature meter, a blood pressure meter or any other suitable sensor. An operation of the sensor 12 will be discussed in more detail with reference to Fig. 2.
• the monitoring means 11 can comprise a data pre-processing unit 14 arranged to carry-out a suitable pre-processing of the measured signal.
• the monitoring means 11 are preferably arranged to perform a continuous monitoring of the vital sign of the passenger and are further arranged to provide a corresponding signal, for example by means of a wire-less communication, to the front-end electronics 20 of the system 10.
• the front-end electronics 20 is arranged to analyze the signal from the monitoring means 11.
• the front-end electronics 20 comprises a data processing means 21 arranged to process the measured signal in order to yield data representative to a condition of the passenger.
• the data processing means 21 comprises a preamplifier 22, an analogue processing circuit 22 and an ADC unit 23.
• the data processing means 21 forwards the corresponding data to the data analysis means 25, arranged to analyze said data in order to yield a condition-related parameter.
• the data analysis means 25 is arranged to determine a corresponding heart-rate of the passenger.
• the resulting data comprises an inhalation-exhalation curve.
• the analysis means 25 is arranged to determine the respiration rate of the passenger. The determination of the corresponding rates can be done using a per se l ⁇ iown computation algorithms (not shown).
• the thus determined condition-related parameter is written into a first look-up table 25a.
• the data analysis means 25 is further arranged to compare said condition-related parameter to a preset valid parameter stored in a second look-up table 25b.
• the second look-up table 25b comprises a plurality of valid parameters.
• a first valid parameter can be set to a condition of an anxiety of the passenger
• a second valid parameter can be set to a condition of a minor medical abnormality
• a further valid parameter can be set to a condition of a medical emergency.
• the look-up table 25b comprises a gradual conditioning of the valid parameter, given, for example by an analytical expression.
• the data analysis means detects that the condition-related parameter exceeds a preset valid parameter, it generates a trigger signal to actuate the indicating means 26.
• the indicating means 26 receive the trigger signal and generate a suitable feedback to the passenger.
• An example of a suitable feedback is a textual message of a user-interface 27.
• the user-interface can comprise a loud speaker (not shown) arranged to replay a prerecorded message or a musical tone.
• the indicating means 26 can be arranged to control a vehicle control system 29, in order to alter a cabin environment, or to actuate an alarming means of the vehicle, like a acoustic alarm and/or the emergency lights.
• an engine of the vehicle can be controlled, for example to set the vehicle into a full stop, for example in case the driver of the vehicle is suffering from a medical emergency.
• Fig. 2 presents a schematic view of an embodiment of a sensor
• the resonant circuit comprises a resistor 7 consecutively connected to a capacitance 2 and a coil 4.
• Power supply means 8 energise the resonant circuit 7, 2, 4 so that an oscillating magnetic field (not shown) is produced.
• the sensor can be arranged with its dedicated power supply means, or alternatively be energised by a battery unit of the vehicle (not shown).
• the signal S from the resonant circuit 7,2,4 is detected by an amperemeter 6.
• the power loss experienced by the resonant circuit due to an electromagnetic interaction with a conductive body (not shown) is reflected in a change in the magnitude of the signal S.
• the resonant circuit By detecting the signal S the power loss by the resonant circuit is determined. In case the relation between the absolute value of the power loss and the signal S is l ⁇ iown, the conductive characteristics of the volume being investigated can be determined.
• the resonant circuit preferably is enabled with a feedback loop (not shown).
• the feedback loop is preferably arranged so that the voltage controlling the amplitude of the resonant circuit is proportional to the RF power delivered by the resonant circuit.
• the resonant circuit is integrated into an insulating fabric carrier 9.
• the conductors forming the coil 4 are interwoven with threads of fabric 9.
• the resonant circuit comprises a single coil 4 with a single loop.
• the resonator circuit with a plurality of coils comprising a plurality of loops.
• the insulating fabric 9 is a part of a shoulder portion of a seat belt of the vehicle or a part of a back-support portion of the seat.
• Fig. 3 presents a schematic front view of an embodiment of a sensor being integrated into a shoulder portion of a seat belt of the vehicle.
• the passenger P assumes a seated position and fastens the seat belt, comprising a shoulder portion 32 and a lower portion 34.
• the seat belt is fastened to the vehicle N by means of a fastening means 31, 33, respectively.
• the vehicle V is provided with a sensor 36 arranged to monitor a vital sign of the seated passenger.
• the sensor 36 comprises magnetic means as is discussed with reference to Fig. 2 and is integrated into a shoulder portion 32 so that when the belt is fastened, the sensor will lie in a region near thorax of the passenger P. In this case a monitoring of a cardiac activity and a respiration rate of the passenger can be enabled.
• the sensor 36 can be powered by a battery unit (not shown) of the vehicle, corresponding wiring being integrated into the shoulder portion of the seat belt, an electrical connection thereto 35 being integrated into the belt fastening means 33.
• the powering of the sensor 36 is actuated upon a fastening of the belt fastening means 33.
• the sensor 36 provides a signal representative to the vital sign of the passenger to the data processing means (not shown), which is preferably integrated into a dashboard 40 of the vehicle N.
• a communication between the sensor 36 and the data processing means is enabled by means of a wire-less signaling, indicated by an arrow 36a.
• the indicating means 41 Upon an event a trigger signal (not shown) to the indicating means is actuated, the indicating means 41 generate a suitable feedback to the passenger P.
• the indicating means send a control signal to a central processing unit 48 of the vehicle, said control signal being arranged to control an alarming means 42 of the vehicle, an engine of the vehicle 44 and a climate control means 46 of the vehicle.
• Fig. 4 presents a schematic view of a sensor comprising an RF- transmitter unit and an RF-receiver unit.
• the RF-transmitter unit 38b is preferably integrated into a back support portion of a seat of the vehicle N.
• the RF-receiver unit 38a is preferably integrated into a shoulder portion 32 of the seat belt of the seat of the vehicle N.
• the RF-transmitter unit is arranged to transmit a suitable RF-power to transverse a thorax region of the seated passenger.
• the measurement principle is as follows.
• the RF-transmitter unit comprises a first magnetic coil and the RF-receiver unit comprises a second magnetic coil, which are inductively coupled.
• An oscillating magnetic field which is generated by the first magnetic coil induces a voltage in the second magnetic coil.
• the induced voltage in the second magnetic coil varies in time if the conductivity of a medium between the first magnetic coil and the second magnetic coil (thorax, heart) Therefore, time variations of the conductivity in a body volume which can be caused e.g. by a heart activity and / or respiration influence the induced voltage in the second coil.
• the RF-transmitter unit 38b is preferably provided with a stationary wiring to a battery unit (not shown) of the vehicle N.
• the RF-receiver unit 38a is preferably energized by the battery unit of the vehicle V upon a fastening of the belt fastening means 33, a corresponding electrical wiring 35 being integrated into the belt fastening means 33.
• the functioning of other units, shown in the Fig. 4 is substantially the same to the functioning of the corresponding units, as is discussed with reference to Fig. 3.
• Fig. 5 presents a schematic view of an embodiment of a body area network according to the invention.
• the body area network 50 comprises a control unit 52 conceived to be worn by a person, said unit being arranged to communicate with an ambient sensor 54. Preferably, said communication is enabled by means of a wireless communication, schematically illustrated by an arrow 51.
• the sensor 54 is arranged in a vehicle (not shown) and is conceived to measure a signal representative to a vital sign of the person.
• the control unit 52 comprises a first communication means 52a, for example a suitable first RF-transmitter/receiver unit, the sensor 54 comprises a second communication means 54a, for example a suitable second RF-transmitter/receiver unit.
• the control unit further comprises a range detection means 52b, arranged to detect the sensor 54 in a communication range of the first RF-transmitter/receiver unit.
• the range detection means 54b detect the sensor 54 in said range
• the range detection means 54 actuate the first communication means 52a in order to establish a communication to the second communication means 54a.
• the second transmitting unit transmits the measured signal to the control unit 52.
• the control unit 52 further comprises data processing means (not shown) arranged to process the measured signal in order to yield data representative to a condition of the passenger; analysis means (not shown) an-anged to analyze said data in order to yield a condition-related parameter, said analysis means being further arranged to compare said condition-related parameter to a preset valid parameter and to generate a trigger signal upon an event said health-related parameter exceeds said preset valid parameter.
• Data processing means and data analysis means are per se known in the art and the functioning thereof will not be explained in detail here.
• the control unit 52 further comprises indicating means (not shown) actuatable by the trigger signal, said indicating means being arranged to generate a feedback to the passenger.
• the indicating means comprise a display arranged to feedback a textual message.
• the control unit 52 can comprise an audio feedback means, for example a loud speaker arranged to feedback an acoustic signal to the person.
• the control unit 52 is preferably arranged to send a control signal 53 to a vehicle control means 60.
• said control signal is arranged to actuate a vehicle alarming means 62, and/or a cruise control means 64 and/or a vehicle climate control means 66 in order to minimize a potential harm to the passenger as a result of his condition.

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• General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Alarm Systems (AREA)
• Measuring And Recording Apparatus For Diagnosis (AREA)
• Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
• Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
• Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

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Cited By (11)

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• 2004
  • 2004-04-29 JP JP2006506609A patent/JP4504973B2/ja not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2004-04-29 US US10/555,844 patent/US20060290516A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 2004-04-29 CN CNA200480012247XA patent/CN1784700A/zh active Pending
  • 2004-04-29 DE DE602004012994T patent/DE602004012994T2/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2004-04-29 EP EP04730337A patent/EP1625559B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2004-04-29 WO PCT/IB2004/001488 patent/WO2004100100A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2004-04-29 AT AT04730337T patent/ATE391978T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation

Patent Citations (6)

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