WO2009144687A2 - Infant safety alert system and method - Google Patents

Infant safety alert system and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009144687A2
WO2009144687A2 PCT/IB2009/053352 IB2009053352W WO2009144687A2 WO 2009144687 A2 WO2009144687 A2 WO 2009144687A2 IB 2009053352 W IB2009053352 W IB 2009053352W WO 2009144687 A2 WO2009144687 A2 WO 2009144687A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
infrared light
infant
vehicle
sensor
alarm
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2009/053352
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2009144687A3 (en
Inventor
Idan Nachmani
Yamit Nachmany
Moshe Attias
Original Assignee
Idan Nachmani
Yamit Nachmany
Moshe Attias
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 Idan Nachmani, Yamit Nachmany, Moshe Attias filed Critical Idan Nachmani
Priority to PCT/IB2009/053352 priority Critical patent/WO2009144687A2/en
Priority to IL201461A priority patent/IL201461A/en
Publication of WO2009144687A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009144687A2/en
Publication of WO2009144687A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009144687A3/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B60N2/28—Seats readily mountable on, and dismountable from, existing seats or other parts of the vehicle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to child safety systems and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a system and method for alerting on a child left in a vehicle, when a driver exits the vehicle and the child is left behind.
  • the interior temperature of a parked vehicle can rise to 85 degree Fahrenheit in less than twenty minutes. After another twenty minutes, the temperature may rise to 160 degree Fahrenheit. Even if the vehicle's windows are left open, the interior temperature may be only 10 degrees
  • Fahrenheit cooler which is still a life threatening temperature for a child.
  • the child safety system includes a weight sensor pad for sensing a child's weight applied to an infant car seat, a transmitter to transmit to an alarm device, an alert signal when a child is in the seat, and a door switch.
  • the alarm device is configured to generate an alarm signal if a baby is in the seat and the door switch indicates the driver has left the car.
  • the wireless self-activating system utilizes an on-board computer of an automobile and a GPS locating system, for sending a warning signal to a vehicle operator that a child has been left buckled and unattended in an infant seat.
  • the wireless system described by Lee includes a controller responsive to signals generated by sensors monitoring predefined functions of the vehicle, an RFID tag device attached to the safety seat and an RFID tag reader mounted in the cabin.
  • the system described by Johnson includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed.
  • an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle comprising: an occupant sensor installed on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; an infrared light sensor installed on the infant seat, configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and an alarm activator installed on the infant seat and connected to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by the infrared light sensor.
  • kits for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle comprising: an occupant sensor installable on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; an infrared light sensor installable on the infant seat, configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and an alarm activator installable on the infant seat and connectable to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by the infrared light sensor.
  • a method for manufacturing an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle comprising: installing an occupant sensor on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, the occupant sensor being configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; installing an infrared light sensor on the infant seat, the infrared light sensor being configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and installing an alarm activator on the infant seat, and connecting the alarm activator to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, the alarm activator being configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by the infrared light sensor.
  • an article of manufacture for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle comprising: at least one infrared light emitting element, configured to emit infrared light sensible by an infrared light sensor installed on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, wherein the article of manufacture is installable as an interior light of the vehicle.
  • Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.
  • selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof.
  • selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit.
  • selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system.
  • selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a first apparatus for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a second apparatus for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a kit for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an article of manufacture for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the present embodiments comprise an apparatus, a kit and a method, for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle.
  • an apparatus embedded in an infant seat deployable in a vehicle.
  • the apparatus embedded in the infant seat operates an alarm upon an indication that an infant is seated on the infant seat and one (or more) of the doors of the vehicle is opened (say by the vehicle's driver who leaves the vehicle).
  • the indication that the infant is seated on the infant seat is provided by a sensor which senses the presence of the infant within the infant seat, say a pressure sensor installed inside the infant seat, which senses the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the indication that the door is opened is provided by an infrared light sensor installed on the infant seat.
  • the infrared light is emitted from one or more infrared light emitting elements installed inside the vehicle's dome light, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the dome light When the vehicle's driver opens the doors, the dome light is turned on and the infrared light emitting elements emit the infrared light.
  • the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor installed on the infant seat, thus providing an indication that the vehicle's door is open.
  • a light source which emits infrared light is likely to be distinct from the environment lights and thus indicative of the door's being opened.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a first apparatus for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the apparatus illustrated by Fig. 1 includes an occupant sensor 12 installed on an infant seat 4.
  • the infant seat 4 is deployed in a vehicle (say on the back seat 6 of the vehicle, as known in the art).
  • the occupant sensor 12 senses presence of an infant within the infant seat 4, say by measuring the infant's weight applied on the infant seat 4, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes an infrared light sensor 48 installed on the infant seat 4.
  • the infrared light sensor 48 senses infrared light, say infrared light a light source installed in the vehicle emits inside the vehicle when one of the vehicle's doors is opened by a driver who exits the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the infrared light sensor 48 is a Passive Infrared Detector (PIR), also known in the art as a pyroelectric sensor.
  • PIR Passive Infrared Detector
  • the infrared light sensor 48 has a wavelength sensitivity range which accurately matches the wavelength range of infrared light likely to be emitted in the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes an alarm activator 5 installed on the infant seat 4.
  • the alarm activator 5 is connected to the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light sensor 48, using electronic wires 11, 14.
  • the alarm activator 5 is connected to the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light sensor 48, using wireless communication, say using Bluetooth technology, SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), etc., as known in the art.
  • the alarm activator 5 activates an alarm such as buzzer (which may be installed on the infant seat 4), as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the alarm activator 5 activates the alarm only when the presence of the infant within the infant seat 4 is sensed by the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor 48 for a minimal period of time, say for three minutes.
  • the alarm activator 5 is further connected to a conventional mechanism for opening one or more of the vehicle's windows, as known in the art. Upon activating the alarm, the alarm activator 5 triggers the opening of windows, using the conventional vehicle window opening mechanism.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes a light source 7 installable in the vehicle, which emits the infrared light
  • the light source 7 is installed as the vehicle's dome light.
  • the dome light When the vehicle's door is opened, say by a driver who exits the vehicle, the dome light is turned on, and the light source 7 emits the infrared light inside the vehicle.
  • the light source 7 emits the infrared light together with non- infrared light.
  • the light source 7 may include one or more infrared light emitting element(s), as well as one or more non-infrared light emitting element(s), as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the occupant sensor 12 senses the infant's weight applied on the infant seat 4, say by measuring weight applied on the infant seat 4.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more pressure sensor(s) installed on different positions on the infant seat 4.
  • pressure is applied on the seat and sensed by the pressure sensor(s), thus sensing the infant's presence within the infant seat 4.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more sensor(s) installed on a safety belt of the infant seat.
  • the sensors installed on the safety belt may sense closing of the safety belt, say using a small circuit embedded in an interlocking mechanism used to close the safety belt, as known in the art.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more motion detectors, allowing the occupant sensor 12 to sense the infant presence, as the infant moves in the infant seat, as known in the art.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes an alarm in communication with the alarm activator 5.
  • the alarm may include, but is not limited to: an alarm buzzer installed on the infant seat 4, an alarm system of the vehicle itself, an alarm implemented on a cellular phone, say using dedicated software or using standard SMS (Short Messages Service), etc., as known in the art.
  • the alarm activator 5 is connected to the alarm using a wireless connection, as known in the art.
  • the wireless connection may be a short range wireless connection such as a Bluetooth wireless connection, or a slightly longer range wireless connection such as SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), IEEE 802.11, etc., as known in the art.
  • SWAP Shared Wireless Access Protocol
  • IEEE 802.11, etc. as known in the art.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes a control box 8.
  • the control box 8 there may be installed the infrared light sensor 48, the alarm (say a buzzer) 22, a switch 10 (which is operable for turning the apparatus of Fig. 1 on or off), or any combination thereof.
  • control box 8 further contains the alarm activator 5, as illustrated using Fig. 2 hereinbelow.
  • control box 8 further contains a battery, say a rechargeable battery.
  • the battery provides the electric power necessary for the operation of the apparatus of Fig.1.
  • control box 8 further has a solar panel 46.
  • the solar panel 46 is provided together with an electric circuit which converts solar energy (i.e. sunlight) absorbed by the solar panel 46 from the environment of the vehicle into electric energy, and charges the battery with the electric energy, using known in the art solar energy technologies.
  • control box 8 further includes an electric circuit which indicates to a user when the battery is nearly empty (say using a specific sound generated by the buzzer 22), as known in the art.
  • control box 8 further includes an adaptor for connecting the apparatus of Fig. 1 to an electric power socket of the vehicle, as known in the art.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a second apparatus for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the apparatus illustrated by Fig. 2 includes an occupant sensor 12 installed on an infant seat, say under a sitting cushion of the infant seat 4.
  • the infant seat 4 is deployed in a vehicle (say on the back seat of the vehicle, as known in the art).
  • the occupant sensor 12 senses presence of an infant within the infant seat 4, say by measuring the infant's weight applied on the infant seat 4, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 2 further includes a control box 8.
  • a control box 8 In the control box 8, there are installed one or more of the following components: an infrared light sensor, an alarm (say a buzzer), a switch 10 (which is operable for turning the apparatus of Fig. 2 on or off), an alarm activator, etc., as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the control box containing the infrared light sensor and other components is installed on one of the hand rests of the infant seat 4.
  • control box 8 further contains a battery, say a rechargeable battery.
  • the battery provides the electric power necessary for the operation of the apparatus of Fig.2
  • control box further has a solar panel 46.
  • the solar panel 46 is provided together with an electric circuit which converts solar energy (i.e. sunlight) absorbed by the solar panel 46 from the environment of the vehicle into electric energy, and charges the battery with the electric energy, using known in the art solar energy technologies.
  • the components installed in the control box 8 are connected by one or more electric circuits, electric wires, or a combination thereof, as known in the art.
  • the alarm activator installed inside the control box 8 is connected to the occupant sensor 12, say using an electric wire 14.
  • the alarm activator is further connected to the infrared light sensor also installed inside the control box, say using a PCB (Printed Electric Circuit), as known in the art.
  • PCB Print Electric Circuit
  • the alarm activator activates an alarm (say a buzzer installed on the control box 8), as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 2 may further include a light source 7 installable in the vehicle, which emits the infrared light
  • the light source 7 is installed as the vehicle's dome light.
  • the dome light When the vehicle's door is opened, say by a driver who exits the vehicle, the dome light is turned on, and the light source 7 emits the infrared light inside the vehicle. Consequently, the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor inside the control box 8.
  • the alarm activator activates an alarm, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the light source 7 emits the infrared light together with non- infrared light.
  • the light source 7 may include one or more infrared light emitting element(s), as well as one or more non-infrared light emitting element(s), as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the occupant sensor 12 senses the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, say by measuring weight applied on the infant seat.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more pressure sensor(s) installed on different positions on the infant seat 4.
  • the pressure sensors sense the pressure applied on the seat, thus sensing the infant's presence within the infant seat 4.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more sensor(s) installed on a safety belt of the infant seat, which senses closing of the safety belt (say a small circuit embedded in an interlocking mechanism used to close the safety belt, as known in the art). Consequently, upon sensing the closing of the safety belt, the occupant sensor 12 senses that the infant is present within the infant seat 4.
  • a safety belt of the infant seat which senses closing of the safety belt (say a small circuit embedded in an interlocking mechanism used to close the safety belt, as known in the art). Consequently, upon sensing the closing of the safety belt, the occupant sensor 12 senses that the infant is present within the infant seat 4.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more motion detectors, allowing the occupant sensor 12 to sense the infant presence, as the infant moves in the infant seat, as known in the art.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a kit for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • the kit illustrated by Fig. 3 includes an occupant sensor 12 installable on an infant seat.
  • the infant seat may be deployed in a vehicle, say on the back seat of the vehicle, as known in the art.
  • the occupant sensor 12 senses presence of an infant within the infant seat, say by measuring the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the apparatus of Fig. 3 further includes an infrared light sensor 48, which is also installable on the infant seat.
  • the infrared light sensor 48 senses infrared light, say infrared light a light source installed in the vehicle emits inside the vehicle when one of the vehicle's doors is opened, say when a driver exits the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the infrared light sensor 48 is a Passive Infrared Detectors (PIR), also known as pyroelectric sensor.
  • PIR Passive Infrared Detectors
  • infrared light sensor 48 has a wavelength sensitivity range which accurately matches the wavelength range of infrared light likely to be emitted in the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the kit of Fig. 3 further includes an alarm activator 5 installable on the infant seat and connectable to the occupant sensor 12 and to the infrared light sensor 48.
  • the alarm activator may be connected to the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light sensor 48, using electronic wires 11, 14.
  • the alarm activator maybe connected to the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light sensor 48, using wireless communication, say using Bluetooth technology, SWAP *** , etc., as known in the art.
  • the alarm activator 5 activates an alarm such as buzzer (which may be installed on the infant seat), as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • kit of Fig. 3 further includes a light source 7 installable in the vehicle, which emits the infrared light
  • the light source 7 is installable as the vehicle's dome light.
  • the dome light When the vehicle's door is opened, say by a driver who exits the vehicle, the dome light is turned on, and the light source 7 emits the infrared light inside the vehicle.
  • the light source 7 emits the infrared light together with non- infrared light.
  • the light source 7 may include one or more infrared light emitting element(s) 71, as well as one or more non-infrared light emitting element(s) 72, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
  • the occupant sensor 12 senses the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, say by measuring weight applied on the infant seat.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more pressure sensor(s) 121 installable on different positions on the infant seat.
  • the pressure sensor(s) 121 sense the pressure applied on the seat, thus sensing the infant's presence within the infant seat.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more sensor(s) installable on a safety belt of the infant seat.
  • the sensors installable on the safety belt may sense closing of the safety belt, say using a small circuit embedded in an interlocking mechanism used to close the safety belt, as known in the art.
  • the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more motion detectors, allowing the occupant sensor 12 to sense the infant presence, as the infant moves in the infant seat, as known in the art.
  • the kit of Fig. 3 further includes an alarm.
  • the alarm may communicate with the alarm activator 5.
  • the alarm may include, but is not limited to: an alarm buzzer installable on the infant seat, an alarm system of the vehicle itself, an alarm implemented on a cellular phone, say using dedicated software or using standard SMS (Short Messages Service), etc., as known in the art.
  • the alarm activator 5 is connectable to the alarm using a wireless connection, as known in the art.
  • the wireless connection may be a short range wireless connection such as a Bluetooth wireless connection, or a slightly longer range wireless connection such as SWAP, IEEE 802.11, etc., as known in the art.
  • the alarm activator 5 activates the alarm, thus alerting to a driver who leaves the vehicle on the infant's presence in the vehicle.
  • the kit of Fig. 3 may further include a control box 8.
  • a control box 8 there may be installed the infrared light sensor 48, the alarm (say a buzzer) 22, a switch 10 (which is operable for turning an apparatus assembled by connecting components of the kit on or off), or any combination thereof.
  • control box 8 further contains the alarm activator 5, as illustrated using Fig. 2 hereinabove.
  • control box 8 further contains a battery, say a rechargeable battery.
  • the battery provides the electric power necessary for the operation of an apparatus which may be assembled using components of the exemplary kit.
  • control box further has a solar panel 46.
  • the solar panel 46 is provided together with an electric circuit which converts solar energy absorbed by the solar panel 46 into electric energy, and charges the battery with the electric energy, using known in the art solar energy techniques.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an article of manufacture for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • An article of manufacture 7 for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle includes one or more infrared light emitting elements 73, 74.
  • the infrared light emitting elements 73, 74 may include, but are not limited to: Light Emitting Diods (LEDs), a light bulb projecting light through an optical filter, etc., as known in the art.
  • LEDs Light Emitting Diods
  • optical filter etc.
  • the article of manufacture 7 emits infrared light sensible by the infrared light sensor 48 installed on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle.
  • the article of manufacture 7 is installable as an interior light of the vehicle.
  • the article of manufacture 7 is installable as a dome light of the vehicle.
  • the article of manufacture 7 further includes one or more non- infrared light emitting elements 75, 76, 77, say standard human eye visible light bulbs, as known in the art.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
  • an occupant sensor on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle.
  • the occupant sensor senses presence of an infant within the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the occupant sensor senses the presence of the infant within the infant seat, by sensing the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the occupant sensor includes one or more sensor(s), say pressure sensors, as known in the art. The pressure sensors sense leaning of the infant on a part the infant chair, thus sensing the presence of the infant within the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the occupant sensor includes one or more sensor(s) installable on a safety belt of the infant chair.
  • the sensors sense closing of safety belt. The closing of the safety belt is used as an indication that the infant is present within the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the occupant sensor includes one or more motion detectors, allowing the occupant sensor to sense the infant presence, as the infant moves in the infant seat, as known in the art.
  • an infrared light sensor on the infant seat.
  • the infrared light sensor senses infrared light emitted within the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • an alarm activator 530 on the infant seat.
  • the alarm activator is connected to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the alarm activator activates the alarm, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the method further includes providing a light source installable in the vehicle.
  • the light source emits the infrared light, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the light source is installable as a dome light of the vehicle.
  • the light source emits the infrared light together with non-infrared light.
  • the light source may include one or more infrared light emitting elements (say a LED) and one or more non-infrared light emitting elements, as described in further detail hereinabove.
  • the method further includes providing an alarm, which communicates with the alarm activator.
  • the alarm activator activates the alarm, thus alerting to a driver who leaves the vehicle on the infant's presence in the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinabove. It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant devices and systems will be developed and the scope of the terms herein, particularly of the terms “LED”, “Passive Infrared Detector”, “Pyroelectric Sensor”, “Bluetooth”, “SWAP”, and “IEEE 802.11” is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

Abstract

Apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: an occupant sensor (12) installed on an infant seat (4) deployable in a vehicle, configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat, an infrared light sensor (48) installed on the infant seat, configured to sense infrared light (7) being emitted within the vehicle, and an alarm activator (5) installed on the infant seat and connected to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by the infrared light sensor.

Description

INFANT SAFETY ALERT SYSTEM AND METHOD
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to child safety systems and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a system and method for alerting on a child left in a vehicle, when a driver exits the vehicle and the child is left behind.
Every year, thousands of children get injured or die due to being left unattended inside parked vehicles. In some instances, the children are left only for a few minutes. Furthermore, the number of deaths of children left inside parked vehicles, by parents or other drivers, has increased significantly in recent years. It certainly is not the intention of the vehicle drivers to subject the children to such dangers. In many cases, the driver just needs simple reminding of the presence of the children inside the vehicle.
If the outdoor temperature is 90 degree Fahrenheit, the interior temperature of a parked vehicle can rise to 85 degree Fahrenheit in less than twenty minutes. After another twenty minutes, the temperature may rise to 160 degree Fahrenheit. Even if the vehicle's windows are left open, the interior temperature may be only 10 degrees
Fahrenheit cooler, which is still a life threatening temperature for a child.
The exposure of a child to temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit may be fatal for a small child. Such heat rapidly overwhelms the ability of the small child's body to regulate his own temperature. When exposed to such temperatures in the closed environment of a vehicle, children's bodies may go into shock and blood circulation to vital organs may begin to fail, resulting in a heat stoke in a few minutes.
Even if the outdoor temperature is as low as 60 degree Fahrenheit, the interior temperature of a vehicle can reach fatal levels for a child within minutes. The danger is far more fatal than commonly realized, as made evident by the increase in annual occurrences of fatality due to circumstance as described hereinabove. A child's core body temperature can increase three-to-five times faster than an adult's. Consequently, even a quick stop at the store can generally be fatal to a young child. Unfortunately, not enough adults are aware of the risk.
Several systems have been offered to overcome the problem of injury or death among small children left unattended inside parked vehicles For example, US Patent Application No. 11/437,194, entitled "Child abandonment avoidance system for automobiles", to Daryl et al., filed on May 18, 2006, describes a child safety system.
The child safety system includes a weight sensor pad for sensing a child's weight applied to an infant car seat, a transmitter to transmit to an alarm device, an alert signal when a child is in the seat, and a door switch. The alarm device is configured to generate an alarm signal if a baby is in the seat and the door switch indicates the driver has left the car.
US Patent Application No. 11/918,924, entitled "Warning system for signaling to vehicle operator that a child has been left unattended in an infant seat", to Miner, filed on April 19, 2006, describes a wireless, self-activating, proximity warning system.
The wireless self-activating system utilizes an on-board computer of an automobile and a GPS locating system, for sending a warning signal to a vehicle operator that a child has been left buckled and unattended in an infant seat.
US Patent Application No. 10/300,091, entitled "Infant safety device", to Kraljic et al., filed on November 20, 2002, describes an apparatus which includes an occupant detection mechanism for detecting the presence of an occupant within a seat-belted seat located within a vehicle, a mechanism for detecting the state of the vehicle's motion, a control unit for generating an alarm signal when the occupant detection mechanism detects the presence of an occupant within the infant seat and an alarm unit for generating an alarm in response to the alarm signal.
US Patent Application No.10/ 033,608, entitled "Baby car seat alert and range alarm", to Quinonez, filed on January 2, 2002, describes an apparatus for warning when a child has been left in a baby car seat and one or both of: (i) a vehicle door has been opened, and (ii) a key ring remote unit is not within a predetermined zone about the vehicle.
US Patent Application No. 09/83,739, entitled "Warning system for detecting presence of a child in an infant seat", to Rossi, filed on July 28, 1998, describes an apparatus for warning when a child has been left in an infant seat and a vehicle has been turned off.
US Patent Application No. 11/194,179, entitled "Wireless system to detect presence of child in a baby car seat", to Lee et al., filed on August 1, 2005, describes a wireless system that detects the presence of a child in a safety seat located in the passenger cabin of a vehicle.
The wireless system described by Lee, includes a controller responsive to signals generated by sensors monitoring predefined functions of the vehicle, an RFID tag device attached to the safety seat and an RFID tag reader mounted in the cabin.
US Patent Application No. 8/108,654, entitled "System for determining abandonment of child in unattended vehicle", to Johnson et al., filed on April 24, 2008, describes a system for signaling that a person is in a vehicle. The system described by Johnson includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: an occupant sensor installed on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; an infrared light sensor installed on the infant seat, configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and an alarm activator installed on the infant seat and connected to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by the infrared light sensor.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the kit comprising: an occupant sensor installable on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; an infrared light sensor installable on the infant seat, configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and an alarm activator installable on the infant seat and connectable to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by the infrared light sensor.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for manufacturing an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the method comprising: installing an occupant sensor on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, the occupant sensor being configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; installing an infrared light sensor on the infant seat, the infrared light sensor being configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and installing an alarm activator on the infant seat, and connecting the alarm activator to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, the alarm activator being configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by the infrared light sensor.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of manufacture for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the article comprising: at least one infrared light emitting element, configured to emit infrared light sensible by an infrared light sensor installed on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, wherein the article of manufacture is installable as an interior light of the vehicle.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.
Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. The description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a first apparatus for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a second apparatus for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a kit for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an article of manufacture for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present embodiments comprise an apparatus, a kit and a method, for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus embedded in an infant seat deployable in a vehicle.
The apparatus embedded in the infant seat operates an alarm upon an indication that an infant is seated on the infant seat and one (or more) of the doors of the vehicle is opened (say by the vehicle's driver who leaves the vehicle). The indication that the infant is seated on the infant seat is provided by a sensor which senses the presence of the infant within the infant seat, say a pressure sensor installed inside the infant seat, which senses the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinbelow. The indication that the door is opened is provided by an infrared light sensor installed on the infant seat. Optionally, the infrared light is emitted from one or more infrared light emitting elements installed inside the vehicle's dome light, as described in further detail hereinbelow. When the vehicle's driver opens the doors, the dome light is turned on and the infrared light emitting elements emit the infrared light. The infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor installed on the infant seat, thus providing an indication that the vehicle's door is open.
Unlike conventional dome lights that emit light in wavelengths similar to wavelengths of day light and wavelengths of street lights in the environment of the vehicle, a light source which emits infrared light is likely to be distinct from the environment lights and thus indicative of the door's being opened.
The principles and operation of an apparatus, a kit, and a method, according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying description.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a block diagram illustrating a first apparatus for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The apparatus illustrated by Fig. 1 includes an occupant sensor 12 installed on an infant seat 4. The infant seat 4 is deployed in a vehicle (say on the back seat 6 of the vehicle, as known in the art).
The occupant sensor 12 senses presence of an infant within the infant seat 4, say by measuring the infant's weight applied on the infant seat 4, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
The apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes an infrared light sensor 48 installed on the infant seat 4. The infrared light sensor 48 senses infrared light, say infrared light a light source installed in the vehicle emits inside the vehicle when one of the vehicle's doors is opened by a driver who exits the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
Optionally, the infrared light sensor 48 is a Passive Infrared Detector (PIR), also known in the art as a pyroelectric sensor. Preferably, the infrared light sensor 48 has a wavelength sensitivity range which accurately matches the wavelength range of infrared light likely to be emitted in the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
The apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes an alarm activator 5 installed on the infant seat 4.
Optionally, the alarm activator 5 is connected to the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light sensor 48, using electronic wires 11, 14. Alternatively the alarm activator 5 is connected to the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light sensor 48, using wireless communication, say using Bluetooth technology, SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), etc., as known in the art.
When both the presence of the infant within infant seat 4 is sensed by the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor 48, the alarm activator 5 activates an alarm such as buzzer (which may be installed on the infant seat 4), as described in further detail hereinbelow.
Optionally, the alarm activator 5 activates the alarm only when the presence of the infant within the infant seat 4 is sensed by the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor 48 for a minimal period of time, say for three minutes.
Optionally, the alarm activator 5 is further connected to a conventional mechanism for opening one or more of the vehicle's windows, as known in the art. Upon activating the alarm, the alarm activator 5 triggers the opening of windows, using the conventional vehicle window opening mechanism.
Optionally, the apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes a light source 7 installable in the vehicle, which emits the infrared light
Optionally, the light source 7 is installed as the vehicle's dome light. When the vehicle's door is opened, say by a driver who exits the vehicle, the dome light is turned on, and the light source 7 emits the infrared light inside the vehicle. Optionally, the light source 7 emits the infrared light together with non- infrared light. For example, the light source 7 may include one or more infrared light emitting element(s), as well as one or more non-infrared light emitting element(s), as described in further detail hereinbelow.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 senses the infant's weight applied on the infant seat 4, say by measuring weight applied on the infant seat 4.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more pressure sensor(s) installed on different positions on the infant seat 4. When the infant leans against a part of the infant seat 4, or simply seats on the infant seat 4, pressure is applied on the seat and sensed by the pressure sensor(s), thus sensing the infant's presence within the infant seat 4.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more sensor(s) installed on a safety belt of the infant seat. The sensors installed on the safety belt may sense closing of the safety belt, say using a small circuit embedded in an interlocking mechanism used to close the safety belt, as known in the art.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more motion detectors, allowing the occupant sensor 12 to sense the infant presence, as the infant moves in the infant seat, as known in the art.
Optionally, the apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes an alarm in communication with the alarm activator 5. The alarm may include, but is not limited to: an alarm buzzer installed on the infant seat 4, an alarm system of the vehicle itself, an alarm implemented on a cellular phone, say using dedicated software or using standard SMS (Short Messages Service), etc., as known in the art.
Optionally, the alarm activator 5 is connected to the alarm using a wireless connection, as known in the art. For example, the wireless connection may be a short range wireless connection such as a Bluetooth wireless connection, or a slightly longer range wireless connection such as SWAP (Shared Wireless Access Protocol), IEEE 802.11, etc., as known in the art.
When the infant's presence is sensed by the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor 48, the alarm activator 5 activates the alarm, thus alerting to a driver who leaves the vehicle on the infant's presence in the vehicle. Optionally, the apparatus of Fig. 1 further includes a control box 8. In the control box 8, there may be installed the infrared light sensor 48, the alarm (say a buzzer) 22, a switch 10 (which is operable for turning the apparatus of Fig. 1 on or off), or any combination thereof.
Optionally, the control box 8 further contains the alarm activator 5, as illustrated using Fig. 2 hereinbelow.
Optionally, the control box 8 further contains a battery, say a rechargeable battery. The battery provides the electric power necessary for the operation of the apparatus of Fig.1.
Optionally, the control box 8 further has a solar panel 46. The solar panel 46 is provided together with an electric circuit which converts solar energy (i.e. sunlight) absorbed by the solar panel 46 from the environment of the vehicle into electric energy, and charges the battery with the electric energy, using known in the art solar energy technologies.
Optionally, the control box 8 further includes an electric circuit which indicates to a user when the battery is nearly empty (say using a specific sound generated by the buzzer 22), as known in the art.
Optionally, the control box 8 further includes an adaptor for connecting the apparatus of Fig. 1 to an electric power socket of the vehicle, as known in the art.
Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a block diagram illustrating a second apparatus for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The apparatus illustrated by Fig. 2 includes an occupant sensor 12 installed on an infant seat, say under a sitting cushion of the infant seat 4. The infant seat 4 is deployed in a vehicle (say on the back seat of the vehicle, as known in the art).
The occupant sensor 12 senses presence of an infant within the infant seat 4, say by measuring the infant's weight applied on the infant seat 4, as described in further detail hereinabove.
The apparatus of Fig. 2 further includes a control box 8. In the control box 8, there are installed one or more of the following components: an infrared light sensor, an alarm (say a buzzer), a switch 10 (which is operable for turning the apparatus of Fig. 2 on or off), an alarm activator, etc., as described in further detail hereinabove. Optionally, the control box containing the infrared light sensor and other components is installed on one of the hand rests of the infant seat 4.
Optionally, the control box 8 further contains a battery, say a rechargeable battery. The battery provides the electric power necessary for the operation of the apparatus of Fig.2
Optionally, the control box further has a solar panel 46. The solar panel 46 is provided together with an electric circuit which converts solar energy (i.e. sunlight) absorbed by the solar panel 46 from the environment of the vehicle into electric energy, and charges the battery with the electric energy, using known in the art solar energy technologies.
Optionally, the components installed in the control box 8 are connected by one or more electric circuits, electric wires, or a combination thereof, as known in the art.
The alarm activator installed inside the control box 8 is connected to the occupant sensor 12, say using an electric wire 14. The alarm activator is further connected to the infrared light sensor also installed inside the control box, say using a PCB (Printed Electric Circuit), as known in the art.
When both the presence of the infant within infant seat 4 is sensed by the occupant sensor 12 and infrared light indicative of a driver leaving the vehicle (who opens the door) is sensed by the infrared light sensor inside the control box 8, the alarm activator activates an alarm (say a buzzer installed on the control box 8), as described in further detail hereinabove.
The apparatus of Fig. 2 may further include a light source 7 installable in the vehicle, which emits the infrared light
Optionally, the light source 7 is installed as the vehicle's dome light. When the vehicle's door is opened, say by a driver who exits the vehicle, the dome light is turned on, and the light source 7 emits the infrared light inside the vehicle. Consequently, the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor inside the control box 8.
When both the presence of the infant within infant seat 4 is sensed by the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light indicative of a driver leaving the vehicle, is sensed by the infrared light sensor inside the control box 8, the alarm activator activates an alarm, as described in further detail hereinabove. Optionally, the light source 7 emits the infrared light together with non- infrared light. For example, the light source 7 may include one or more infrared light emitting element(s), as well as one or more non-infrared light emitting element(s), as described in further detail hereinbelow.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 senses the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, say by measuring weight applied on the infant seat.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more pressure sensor(s) installed on different positions on the infant seat 4. When the infant leans against a part of the infant seat 4, or simply seats on the infant seat 4, the pressure sensors sense the pressure applied on the seat, thus sensing the infant's presence within the infant seat 4.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more sensor(s) installed on a safety belt of the infant seat, which senses closing of the safety belt (say a small circuit embedded in an interlocking mechanism used to close the safety belt, as known in the art). Consequently, upon sensing the closing of the safety belt, the occupant sensor 12 senses that the infant is present within the infant seat 4.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more motion detectors, allowing the occupant sensor 12 to sense the infant presence, as the infant moves in the infant seat, as known in the art.
Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a block diagram illustrating a kit for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The kit illustrated by Fig. 3 includes an occupant sensor 12 installable on an infant seat. The infant seat may be deployed in a vehicle, say on the back seat of the vehicle, as known in the art.
The occupant sensor 12 senses presence of an infant within the infant seat, say by measuring the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove. The apparatus of Fig. 3 further includes an infrared light sensor 48, which is also installable on the infant seat.
The infrared light sensor 48 senses infrared light, say infrared light a light source installed in the vehicle emits inside the vehicle when one of the vehicle's doors is opened, say when a driver exits the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinabove.
Optionally, the infrared light sensor 48 is a Passive Infrared Detectors (PIR), also known as pyroelectric sensor. Preferably, infrared light sensor 48 has a wavelength sensitivity range which accurately matches the wavelength range of infrared light likely to be emitted in the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
The kit of Fig. 3 further includes an alarm activator 5 installable on the infant seat and connectable to the occupant sensor 12 and to the infrared light sensor 48.
Optionally, the alarm activator may be connected to the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light sensor 48, using electronic wires 11, 14. Alternatively the alarm activator maybe connected to the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light sensor 48, using wireless communication, say using Bluetooth technology, SWAP *** , etc., as known in the art.
When both the presence of the infant within infant seat is sensed by the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor 48, the alarm activator 5 activates an alarm such as buzzer (which may be installed on the infant seat), as described in further detail hereinbelow.
Optionally, the kit of Fig. 3 further includes a light source 7 installable in the vehicle, which emits the infrared light
Optionally, the light source 7 is installable as the vehicle's dome light. When the vehicle's door is opened, say by a driver who exits the vehicle, the dome light is turned on, and the light source 7 emits the infrared light inside the vehicle.
Optionally, the light source 7 emits the infrared light together with non- infrared light. For example, the light source 7 may include one or more infrared light emitting element(s) 71, as well as one or more non-infrared light emitting element(s) 72, as described in further detail hereinbelow.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 senses the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, say by measuring weight applied on the infant seat.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more pressure sensor(s) 121 installable on different positions on the infant seat. When the infant leans against a part of the infant seat, or simply seats on the infant seat, the pressure sensor(s) 121 sense the pressure applied on the seat, thus sensing the infant's presence within the infant seat.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more sensor(s) installable on a safety belt of the infant seat. The sensors installable on the safety belt may sense closing of the safety belt, say using a small circuit embedded in an interlocking mechanism used to close the safety belt, as known in the art.
Optionally, the occupant sensor 12 further includes one or more motion detectors, allowing the occupant sensor 12 to sense the infant presence, as the infant moves in the infant seat, as known in the art.
Optionally, the kit of Fig. 3 further includes an alarm. The alarm may communicate with the alarm activator 5. The alarm may include, but is not limited to: an alarm buzzer installable on the infant seat, an alarm system of the vehicle itself, an alarm implemented on a cellular phone, say using dedicated software or using standard SMS (Short Messages Service), etc., as known in the art.
Optionally, the alarm activator 5 is connectable to the alarm using a wireless connection, as known in the art. For example, the wireless connection may be a short range wireless connection such as a Bluetooth wireless connection, or a slightly longer range wireless connection such as SWAP, IEEE 802.11, etc., as known in the art.
When the infant's presence is sensed by the occupant sensor 12 and the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor 48, the alarm activator 5 activates the alarm, thus alerting to a driver who leaves the vehicle on the infant's presence in the vehicle.
The kit of Fig. 3 may further include a control box 8. In the control box 8, there may be installed the infrared light sensor 48, the alarm (say a buzzer) 22, a switch 10 (which is operable for turning an apparatus assembled by connecting components of the kit on or off), or any combination thereof.
Optionally, the control box 8 further contains the alarm activator 5, as illustrated using Fig. 2 hereinabove.
Optionally, the control box 8 further contains a battery, say a rechargeable battery. The battery provides the electric power necessary for the operation of an apparatus which may be assembled using components of the exemplary kit. Optionally, the control box further has a solar panel 46. The solar panel 46 is provided together with an electric circuit which converts solar energy absorbed by the solar panel 46 into electric energy, and charges the battery with the electric energy, using known in the art solar energy techniques.
Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a block diagram illustrating an article of manufacture for alerting on an infant present in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
An article of manufacture 7 for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes one or more infrared light emitting elements 73, 74.
The infrared light emitting elements 73, 74 may include, but are not limited to: Light Emitting Diods (LEDs), a light bulb projecting light through an optical filter, etc., as known in the art.
Using the infrared light emitting elements 73, 74, the article of manufacture 7 emits infrared light sensible by the infrared light sensor 48 installed on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle.
Optionally, the article of manufacture 7 is installable as an interior light of the vehicle.
Preferably, the article of manufacture 7 is installable as a dome light of the vehicle.
Optionally, the article of manufacture 7 further includes one or more non- infrared light emitting elements 75, 76, 77, say standard human eye visible light bulbs, as known in the art.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5, which is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
In a method for manufacturing an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, there is installed 510 an occupant sensor on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle. The occupant sensor senses presence of an infant within the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove.
Optionally, the occupant sensor senses the presence of the infant within the infant seat, by sensing the infant's weight applied on the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove. Optionally, the occupant sensor includes one or more sensor(s), say pressure sensors, as known in the art. The pressure sensors sense leaning of the infant on a part the infant chair, thus sensing the presence of the infant within the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove.
Optionally, the occupant sensor includes one or more sensor(s) installable on a safety belt of the infant chair. The sensors sense closing of safety belt. The closing of the safety belt is used as an indication that the infant is present within the infant seat, as described in further detail hereinabove.
Optionally, the occupant sensor includes one or more motion detectors, allowing the occupant sensor to sense the infant presence, as the infant moves in the infant seat, as known in the art.
In addition, there is installed 520 an infrared light sensor on the infant seat. The infrared light sensor senses infrared light emitted within the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinabove.
Finally, there is installed an alarm activator 530 on the infant seat. The alarm activator is connected to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, as described in further detail hereinabove. Upon the presence of the infant being sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by the infrared light sensor, the alarm activator activates the alarm, as described in further detail hereinabove.
Optionally, the method further includes providing a light source installable in the vehicle. The light source emits the infrared light, as described in further detail hereinabove. Preferably, the light source is installable as a dome light of the vehicle.
Optionally, the light source emits the infrared light together with non-infrared light. For example, the light source may include one or more infrared light emitting elements (say a LED) and one or more non-infrared light emitting elements, as described in further detail hereinabove.
Optionally, the method further includes providing an alarm, which communicates with the alarm activator.
When the infant's presence is sensed by the occupant sensor and the infrared light is sensed by the infrared light sensor, the alarm activator activates the alarm, thus alerting to a driver who leaves the vehicle on the infant's presence in the vehicle, as described in further detail hereinabove. It is expected that during the life of this patent many relevant devices and systems will be developed and the scope of the terms herein, particularly of the terms "LED", "Passive Infrared Detector", "Pyroelectric Sensor", "Bluetooth", "SWAP", and "IEEE 802.11" is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.
It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. Apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising: an occupant sensor installed on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; an infrared light sensor installed on the infant seat, configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and an alarm activator installed on the infant seat and connected to said occupant sensor and said infrared light sensor, configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by said occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by said infrared light sensor.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light source installable in the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light source installable as a dome light of the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light source installable in the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light together with non-infrared light.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a light source installable in the vehicle and comprising at least one infrared light emitting element and at least one non-infrared light emitting element.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said occupant sensor is further configured to sense weight applied on the infant seat.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said occupant sensor further comprises at least one sensor installed on a safety belt of the infant chair, configured to sense closing of the safety belt.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said occupant sensor further comprises at least one sensor configured to sense leaning of the infant on a part the infant chair.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an alarm in association with said alarm activator.
10. Kit for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the kit comprising: an occupant sensor installable on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; an infrared light sensor installable on the infant seat, configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and an alarm activator installable on the infant seat and connectable to said occupant sensor and said infrared light sensor, configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by said occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by said infrared light sensor.
11. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a light source installable in the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light.
12. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a light source installable as a dome light of the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light.
13. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a light source installable in the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light together with non-infrared light.
14. The kit of claim 10, further comprising a light source installable in the vehicle and comprising at least one infrared light emitting element and at least one non-infrared light emitting element.
15. The kit of claim 10, wherein said occupant sensor is further configured to sense weight applied on the infant seat.
16. The kit of claim 10, wherein said occupant sensor further comprises at least one sensor installable on a safety belt of the infant chair, configured to sense closing of the safety belt.
17. The kit of claim 10, wherein said occupant sensor further comprises at least one sensor configured to sense leaning of the infant on a part the infant chair.
18. The kit of claim 10, further comprising an alarm associable with said alarm activator.
19. Method for manufacturing an apparatus for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the method comprising: installing an occupant sensor on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, the occupant sensor being configured to sense presence of an infant within the infant seat; installing an infrared light sensor on the infant seat, the infrared light sensor being configured to sense infrared light being emitted within the vehicle; and installing an alarm activator on the infant seat, and connecting the alarm activator to the occupant sensor and the infrared light sensor, the alarm activator being configured to activate an alarm upon the presence of the infant being sensed by said occupant sensor and the infrared light being sensed by said infrared light sensor.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a light source installable in the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a light source installable as a dome light of the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light.
22. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a light source installable in the vehicle and configured to emit the infrared light together with non- infrared light.
23. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a light source installable in the vehicle and comprising at least one infrared light emitting element and at least one non-infrared light emitting element.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein said occupant sensor is further configured to sense weight applied on the infant seat.
25. The method of claim 19, wherein said occupant sensor further comprises at least one sensor installable on a safety belt of the infant chair, configured to sense closing of safety belt.
26. The method of claim 19, wherein said occupant sensor further comprises at least one sensor configured to sense leaning of the infant on a part the infant chair.
27. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing an alarm associable with said alarm activator.
28. An article of manufacture for alerting on an infant left in a vehicle, the article comprising: at least one infrared light emitting element, configured to emit infrared light sensible by an infrared light sensor installed on an infant seat deployable in a vehicle, wherein the article of manufacture is installable as an interior light of the vehicle.
29. The article of manufacture of claim 28, wherein the article of manufacture is further installable as a dome light of the vehicle.
30. The article of manufacture of claim 28, further comprising at least one non-infrared light emitting element.
PCT/IB2009/053352 2009-08-01 2009-08-01 Infant safety alert system and method WO2009144687A2 (en)

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