WO2014072972A1 - System and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles - Google Patents

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

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Publication number
WO2014072972A1
WO2014072972A1 PCT/IL2013/050911 IL2013050911W WO2014072972A1 WO 2014072972 A1 WO2014072972 A1 WO 2014072972A1 IL 2013050911 W IL2013050911 W IL 2013050911W WO 2014072972 A1 WO2014072972 A1 WO 2014072972A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
activating
additional step
item
sensor
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2013/050911
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Iris MAIMONI
Original Assignee
Maimoni Iris
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maimoni Iris filed Critical Maimoni Iris
Publication of WO2014072972A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014072972A1/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
    • B60N2/24—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
    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/18—Status alarms
    • G08B21/22—Status alarms responsive to presence or absence of persons

Definitions

  • the present invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles.
  • J It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said system is adapted to be activated at such time as the vehicle is to be left unattended.
  • said locking device is selected from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depres sable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
  • Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle equipped with an embodiment of the present invention comprising sensors.
  • Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle equipped with an embodiment of the present invention comprising a locking device
  • driver' hereinafter refers to the person responsible for ensuring that no items are left in an unattended vehicle. Normally, the driver is the person who has driven the vehicle and who now wants to leave the vehicle unattended.
  • 'item' hereinafter refers to an object left in a vehicle, of such size that it is detectable, either by a sensor or by visual inspection by a driver. Items include both animate objects such as, but not limited to, children, pets or persons who have fallen asleep or are ill, and inanimate objects. Non-limiting examples of inanimate objects commonly left in vehicles are packages, parcels, handbags, purses, sacks, bags, mobile telephones, cameras, umbrellas, and musical instruments.
  • 'emergency brake' hereinafter refers to a secondary braking system in vehicles, normally activated by pulling a lever, and normally activated at times when the vehicle is not moving and it is undesirable that the vehicle moves. It is also called a "handbrake”.
  • the term 'seating location' hereinafter refers to an area on a vehicle on which, normally, a single person sits.
  • the term 'seat' hereinafter refers to an area on a vehicle intended to seat one or more people.
  • the bench seat in the back of a car is intended to seat up to three people.
  • the area at the left is one seating location
  • the area at the right is a second seating location
  • the center provides the third seating location.
  • the system for determining whether items have been left in a vehicle is adapted to signal to a user of a vehicle, normally the driver, that items have been left in the vehicle.
  • the system comprises at least one sensor system, a controlling system and a signaling system. It can be activated at around the time that the driver is likely to be leaving the vehicle unattended.
  • the system described herein can be used on any type of passenger-carrying vehicle. It can be a commercial or public vehicle such as a taxi or bus, or it can be a private vehicle. Examples of vehicles which can usefully be equipped with the system described herein are public buses, taxis and private cars. In buses, the system can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of passengers remaining on the bus when the bus leaves service. In taxis, it can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the problem of passengers leaving items such as suitcases or large handbags in the vehicle. In private cars, it can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of forgetting a sleeping child in the car.
  • the multi-passenger vehicle (110) comprises a number of bench seats (120), each bench seat comprising two seating locations (130).
  • a sensor (140) adapted to communicate with the controller (160) via a communication line (150).
  • this is a wired link; in some embodiments a wireless link is used.
  • the controller is also adapted to communicate with a display screen (170).
  • the senor is under, on, or within the seating cushion or other seat base.
  • Other possible locations for the sensor include behind, on, or within the seat back or above the seat, as part of an overhead rack or as part of the ceiling of the bus. Sensors in seat backs can detect items on the seat in front of the seat back, or items in the seat to the rear of the seat back.
  • the signaling system comprises a display screen on which is displayed a schematic of the vehicle and its seating locations.
  • a pre-defined graphic symbol indicates that there is an item (190) at a seating location.
  • a non-limiting example is a rectangle for each seating location and a filled rectangle for a seating location where there is an item.
  • the system also comprises a warning system, such that if the system detects an item at a seating location, an alarm is activated.
  • This alarm is selected from a group comprising a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof.
  • the system comprises one sensor for each seating location in the vehicle.
  • at least one sensor determines the presence of items for multiple seating locations, for example, one sensor per two-person bench.
  • Sensor systems are selected from a group comprising ultrasound transmitters and detectors, mass sensors, photon detectors, at least one photon source and at least one photon detector, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, heat sensors and any combination thereof.
  • the photon source is preferably an IR source and the photon detector is preferably an IR detector.
  • the system is activated at such times as the driver is likely to be leaving the vehicle unattended.
  • the system can be activated by an attempt to turn the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
  • activation is either by an attempt to turn the engine off or by removing the key from the ignition.
  • the driver can activate the system at any time via the controller or via a touchscreen in the display system.
  • the means of discouraging the driver from leaving the vehicle unattended include, but are not limited to, preventing the door locks from working until the locking device has been activated, locking the doors of the vehicle until the locking device has been activated, preventing the engine from stopping until the locking device has been activated, and any combination thereof.
  • the system is coupled to the vehicle's battery
  • the system can have a remote display, connected wirelessly to the sensors and controller, enabling remote use of the system.
  • the system is connectable to the vehicle via the vehicle's battery.
  • the system comprises a locking device (280), preferably a keypad, at the rear of the interior of the vehicle (210).
  • the locking device is enabled to communicate with a controller (260) interconnectable with the operating system of the vehicle.
  • the locking device (180) is of a kind that requires either physical contact or close proximity in order to have its state altered. Since the locking device is at the rear of the vehicle, this forces the drives to go through the vehicle to the rear and encourages the driver, during the traverse through the vehicle, to check for items (290) left in the vehicle.
  • the system comprises the controller and the locking device, but does not comprise the sensors or display screen.
  • the locking device is selected from a group comprising a keypad and predefined code, a locking mechanism and key, a switch, any other conventional locking device, and any combination thereof.
  • the means of discouraging the driver from leaving the vehicle unattended include, but are not limited to, preventing the door locks from working until the locking device has been activated,
  • the doors can not be locked until the predefined code has been entered on the keypad.
  • the system can be activated by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
  • activation is either by turning the engine off or by removing the key from the ignition.
  • the system is connectable to the vehicle via the vehicle's battery.

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system for determining whether items occupy seating locations of a vehicle. The system comprises at least one sensor which is enabled to sense the presence of at least one item on at least one seating location and a controller for communicating with the sensor. The controller activates the sensor and receives data therefrom. The aforementioned system also includes a display which communicates with the controller and displays the location of each said item; the system is so arranged that a driver can monitor occupancy of the seat. Other embodiments are herein described.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING WHETHER ITEMS HAVE BEEN LEFT
IN VEHICLES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally pertains to a system and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is a not uncommon occurrence for items to be left unintentionally in vehicles. Most frequently, this is a minor nuisance, with the owner of the item losing no more than the time necessary to return to the vehicle and retrieve the item. However, occasionally a valuable items is forgotten in a vehicle and a subsequent break-in results in both the loss of the item and damage to the vehicle. Occasionally a child is thus left in the vehicle, which can lead to a very upset child and, on rare occasions, especially in the summer, this can lead to the death of the child.
It is therefore a long felt need to provide a means of checking whether an item has been left in a vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to disclose a system and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose a system for determining whether items occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising: a. at least one sensor, said sensor enabled to sense the presence of at least one item on at least one said seating location; b. a controller enabled to communicate with said sensor, said controller activating said sensor and receiving data therefrom; and c. a display enabled to communicate with said controller and enabled to display the location of each said item; wherein said system is activated such that a driver can monitor said occupancy.
J It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said system is adapted to be activated at such time as the vehicle is to be left unattended.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said system is adapted to be activated by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said system is adapted to be activated from a remote location.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said display is at a remote location.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, additionally comprising an alarm adapted to provide a warning if the presence of at least one said item is detected at the time of activation of said system.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said alarm is selected from a group consisting of a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said sensor is selected from a group consisting of ultrasound transmitters and detectors, mass sensors, photon detectors, at least one photon source and at least one photon detector, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, heat sensors and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said photon source is an IR source and said photon detector is an IR detector.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein, for each seating location, there is at least one sensor.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said sensor is located in a position selected from a group consisting of: beneath said item on said seating location, behind said item on said seating location, in front of said item on said seating location, and above said item on said seating location. It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, additionally comprising a locking device at the rear of the vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said locking device is selected from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depres sable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein, until the state of said locking device is altered, at least one of the following is prevented: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said vehicle is a private vehicle or is a commercial vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said system is coupled to said vehicle's battery.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein activation of said system is enabled by an attempt to turn off the engine.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein activation of said system is enabled by removal of the key from the ignition.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose a method of determining whether items have items occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising steps of: a. providing a system for determining whether items occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising: i. at least one sensor, said sensor enabled to sense the presence of at least one item on at least one said seating location; ii. a controller enabled to communicate with said sensor, said controller activating said sensor and receiving data therefrom; and iii. a graphic display enabled to communicate with said controller and enabled to display the location of each said item; and b. activating said system; thereby informing the driver of items in the vehicle. It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of activating the system at such time as the vehicle is to be left unattended.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of activating the system by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of activating the system from a remote location.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of providing a display at a remote location.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of providing an alarm adapted to provide a warning if the presence of at least one said item is detected at the time of activation of said system.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of selecting said alarm from a group consisting of a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of selecting said sensor from a group consisting of ultrasound transmitters and detectors, mass sensors, photon detectors, at least one photon source and at least one photon detector, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, heat sensors and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of selecting an IR source for said photon source and an IR detector for said photon detector.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of providing at least on sensor for each seating location.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of locating said sensor in a position selected from a group consisting of: beneath said item on said seating location, behind said item on said seating location, in front of said item on said seating location, and above said item on said seating location.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of locating said sensor in a position selected from a group consisting of: beneath said item on said seating location, behind said item on said seating location, in front of said item on said seating location, and above said item on said seating location.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of providing a locking device at the rear of the vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of selecting said locking device from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depressable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of preventing, until the state of said locking device is altered, at least one of the following: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of selecting said vehicle to be a private vehicle or is a commercial vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of coupling said system to said vehicle's battery.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of activating said system by an attempt to turn off the engine.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of activating said system by removal of the key from the ignition.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose a system for encouraging a driver to check whether items have been left on seating locations of a vehicle, comprising a. a locking device at the rear of the vehicle; and b. a controller interconnectable with the operating system of the vehicle and enabled to affect said operating system wherein said vehicle can not be put in a state such that it can be left unattended until the state of the locking device has been altered. It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said locking device is selected from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depres sable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said system is adapted to be activated by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein, until said system is activated, at least one of the following is prevented: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system. It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said vehicle is a private vehicle or is a commercial vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein said system is coupled to said vehicle's battery.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein activation of said system is enabled by an attempt to turn off the engine.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the system, wherein activation of said system is enabled by removal of the key from the ignition.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose a method for encouraging a driver to check whether items have been left on seating locations of a vehicle, comprising steps of: a. providing a system for encouraging a driver to check whether items have been left on seating locations of a vehicle, comprising i. a locking device at the rear of the vehicle; and ii. a controller interconnectable with the operating system of the vehicle and enabled to affect said operating system; b. activating said system; c. changing the state of the locking device thereby requiring said driver to traverse said vehicle before leaving it unattended. It is also an object of the present invention to disclose a the method, additionally comprising a step of selecting said locking device from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depres sable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose a the method, additionally comprising a step of activating said system by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of selecting said vehicle to be a private vehicle or is a commercial vehicle.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of coupling said system to said vehicle's battery.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of activating said system by an attempt to turn off the engine.
It is also an object of the present invention to disclose the method, comprising an additional step of activating said system by removal of the key from the ignition.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
In order to better understand the invention and its implementation in practice, a plurality of embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein
Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle equipped with an embodiment of the present invention comprising sensors.
Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a vehicle equipped with an embodiment of the present invention comprising a locking device
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMB ODIEMNTS
The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a means and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles.
The term 'plurality' hereinafter refers to any number greater than one.
The term 'driver' hereinafter refers to the person responsible for ensuring that no items are left in an unattended vehicle. Normally, the driver is the person who has driven the vehicle and who now wants to leave the vehicle unattended.
The term 'item' hereinafter refers to an object left in a vehicle, of such size that it is detectable, either by a sensor or by visual inspection by a driver. Items include both animate objects such as, but not limited to, children, pets or persons who have fallen asleep or are ill, and inanimate objects. Non-limiting examples of inanimate objects commonly left in vehicles are packages, parcels, handbags, purses, sacks, bags, mobile telephones, cameras, umbrellas, and musical instruments.
The term 'emergency brake' hereinafter refers to a secondary braking system in vehicles, normally activated by pulling a lever, and normally activated at times when the vehicle is not moving and it is undesirable that the vehicle moves. It is also called a "handbrake".
The term 'seating location' hereinafter refers to an area on a vehicle on which, normally, a single person sits.
The term 'seat' hereinafter refers to an area on a vehicle intended to seat one or more people. For non-limiting example, the bench seat in the back of a car is intended to seat up to three people. The area at the left is one seating location, the area at the right is a second seating location, and the center provides the third seating location.
The system for determining whether items have been left in a vehicle is adapted to signal to a user of a vehicle, normally the driver, that items have been left in the vehicle. The system comprises at least one sensor system, a controlling system and a signaling system. It can be activated at around the time that the driver is likely to be leaving the vehicle unattended.
The system described herein can be used on any type of passenger-carrying vehicle. It can be a commercial or public vehicle such as a taxi or bus, or it can be a private vehicle. Examples of vehicles which can usefully be equipped with the system described herein are public buses, taxis and private cars. In buses, the system can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of passengers remaining on the bus when the bus leaves service. In taxis, it can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the problem of passengers leaving items such as suitcases or large handbags in the vehicle. In private cars, it can vastly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of forgetting a sleeping child in the car.
In reference to Figure 1, a schematic of one embodiment of the system (100) is shown. In this embodiment, the multi-passenger vehicle (110) comprises a number of bench seats (120), each bench seat comprising two seating locations (130). At each seating location (130), there is a sensor (140) adapted to communicate with the controller (160) via a communication line (150). Preferably, this is a wired link; in some embodiments a wireless link is used. The controller is also adapted to communicate with a display screen (170).
In preferred embodiments, the sensor is under, on, or within the seating cushion or other seat base. Other possible locations for the sensor include behind, on, or within the seat back or above the seat, as part of an overhead rack or as part of the ceiling of the bus. Sensors in seat backs can detect items on the seat in front of the seat back, or items in the seat to the rear of the seat back.
In preferred embodiments, the signaling system comprises a display screen on which is displayed a schematic of the vehicle and its seating locations. A pre-defined graphic symbol indicates that there is an item (190) at a seating location. A non-limiting example is a rectangle for each seating location and a filled rectangle for a seating location where there is an item.
In some embodiments, the system also comprises a warning system, such that if the system detects an item at a seating location, an alarm is activated. This alarm is selected from a group comprising a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof.
In preferred embodiments, the system comprises one sensor for each seating location in the vehicle. In other embodiments, at least one sensor determines the presence of items for multiple seating locations, for example, one sensor per two-person bench. Sensor systems are selected from a group comprising ultrasound transmitters and detectors, mass sensors, photon detectors, at least one photon source and at least one photon detector, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, heat sensors and any combination thereof. The photon source is preferably an IR source and the photon detector is preferably an IR detector.
In preferred embodiments, the system is activated at such times as the driver is likely to be leaving the vehicle unattended. The system can be activated by an attempt to turn the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
In preferred embodiments, activation is either by an attempt to turn the engine off or by removing the key from the ignition. In other embodiments, the driver can activate the system at any time via the controller or via a touchscreen in the display system.
The means of discouraging the driver from leaving the vehicle unattended include, but are not limited to, preventing the door locks from working until the locking device has been activated, locking the doors of the vehicle until the locking device has been activated, preventing the engine from stopping until the locking device has been activated, and any combination thereof.
In preferred embodiments, the system is coupled to the vehicle's battery
In some embodiments, the system can have a remote display, connected wirelessly to the sensors and controller, enabling remote use of the system.
In preferred embodiments, the system is connectable to the vehicle via the vehicle's battery.
In reference to Fig. 2, in some embodiments (200), the system comprises a locking device (280), preferably a keypad, at the rear of the interior of the vehicle (210). The locking device is enabled to communicate with a controller (260) interconnectable with the operating system of the vehicle.
In these embodiments, it is made undesirable to leave the vehicle unattended until the driver changes the state of the locking device (280). The locking device (180) is of a kind that requires either physical contact or close proximity in order to have its state altered. Since the locking device is at the rear of the vehicle, this forces the drives to go through the vehicle to the rear and encourages the driver, during the traverse through the vehicle, to check for items (290) left in the vehicle.
In preferred embodiments of the system with a locking device at the rear of the interior of the vehicle, the system comprises the controller and the locking device, but does not comprise the sensors or display screen.
The locking device is selected from a group comprising a keypad and predefined code, a locking mechanism and key, a switch, any other conventional locking device, and any combination thereof.
The means of discouraging the driver from leaving the vehicle unattended include, but are not limited to, preventing the door locks from working until the locking device has been activated,
J O locking the doors of the vehicle until the locking device has been activated, preventing the engine from stopping until the locking device has been activated, and any combination thereof. In preferred embodiments, the doors can not be locked until the predefined code has been entered on the keypad.
The system can be activated by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof. In preferred embodiments, activation is either by turning the engine off or by removing the key from the ignition.
In preferred embodiments, the system is connectable to the vehicle via the vehicle's battery.
JJ

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A system for determining whether items occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising: a. at least one sensor, said sensor enabled to sense the presence of at least one item on at least one said seating location;
b. a controller enabled to communicate with said sensor, said controller activating said sensor and receiving data therefrom; and
c. a display enabled to communicate with said controller and enabled to display the location of each said item;
wherein said system is activated such that a driver can monitor said occupancy.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is adapted to be activated at such time as the vehicle is to be left unattended.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is adapted to be activated by an attempt to turn the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is adapted to be activated from a remote location.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein said display is at a remote location.
6. The system of claim 1, additionally comprising an alarm adapted to provide a warning if the presence of at least one said item is detected at the time of activation of said system.
7. The system of claim 3, wherein said alarm is selected from a group consisting of a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor is selected from a group consisting of ultrasound transmitters and detectors, mass sensors, photon detectors, at least one photon source and at least one photon detector, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, heat sensors and any combination thereof.
9. The system of claim 5, wherein said photon source is an IR source and said photon detector is an IR detector.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein, for each seating location, there is at least one sensor.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein said sensor is located in a position selected from a group consisting of: beneath said item on said seating location, behind said item on said seating location, in front of said item on said seating location, and above said item on said seating location.
12. The system of claim 1, additionally comprising a locking device at the rear of the vehicle.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein said locking device is selected from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depres sable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
14. The system of claim 12, wherein, until the state of said locking device is altered, at least one of the following is prevented: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
15. The system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle is a private vehicle or is a commercial vehicle.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein said system is coupled to said vehicle's battery.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein activation of said system is enabled by an attempt to turn off the engine.
18. The system of claim 1, wherein activation of said system is enabled by removal of the key from the ignition.
19. A method of determining whether items have items occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising steps of:
a. providing a system for determining whether items occupy seating locations of a vehicle, comprising:
i. at least one sensor, said sensor enabled to sense the presence of at least one item on at least one said seating location;
ii. a controller enabled to communicate with said sensor, said controller activating said sensor and receiving data therefrom; and
iii. a graphic display enabled to communicate with said controller and enabled to display the location of each said item; and
b. activating said system;
thereby informing the driver of items in the vehicle.
20. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of activating the system at such time as the vehicle is to be left unattended.
21. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of activating the system by an attempt to turn the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
22. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of activating the system from a remote location.
23. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of providing a display at a remote location.
24. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of providing an alarm adapted to provide a warning if the presence of at least one said item is detected at the time of activation of said system.
25. The method of claim 24, comprising an additional step of selecting said alarm from a group consisting of a constant intensity light, a varying intensity light, a constant color light, a varying color light, visible text, a constant intensity sound, a varying intensity sound, a constant pitch sound, a varying pitch sound, audible predetermined words, sending the driver an SMS, sending the driver an e-mail, sending the driver a voicemail message, and any combination thereof
26. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of selecting said sensor from a group consisting of ultrasound transmitters and detectors, mass sensors, photon detectors, at least one photon source and at least one photon detector, pressure sensors, piezoelectric sensors, heat sensors and any combination thereof.
27. The method of claim 26, comprising an additional step of selecting an IR source for said photon source and an IR detector for said photon detector.
28. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of providing at least on sensor for each seating location.
29. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of locating said sensor in a position selected from a group consisting of: beneath said item on said seating location, behind said item on said seating location, in front of said item on said seating location, and above said item on said seating location.
30. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of locating said sensor in a position selected from a group consisting of: beneath said item on said seating location, behind said item on said seating location, in front of said item on said seating location, and above said item on said seating location.
31. The method of claim 30, comprising an additional step of providing a locking device at the rear of the vehicle.
32. The method of claim 30, comprising an additional step of selecting said locking device from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depressable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
33. The method of claim 30, comprising an additional step of preventing, until the state of said locking device is altered, at least one of the following: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system.
34. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of selecting said vehicle to be a private vehicle or is a commercial vehicle.
35. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of coupling said system to said vehicle's battery.
36. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of activating said system by an attempt to turn off the engine.
37. The method of claim 19, comprising an additional step of activating said system by removal of the key from the ignition.
38. A system for encouraging a driver to check whether items have been left on seating locations of a vehicle, comprising
a. a locking device at the rear of the vehicle; and
b. a controller interconnectable with the operating system of the vehicle and enabled to affect said operating system
wherein said vehicle can not be put in a state such that it can be left unattended until the state of the locking device has been altered.
39. The system of claim 38, wherein said locking device is selected from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depressable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
40. The system of claim 38, wherein said system is adapted to be activated by an attempt to turn the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
41. The system of claim 38, wherein, until said system is activated, at least one of the following is prevented: turning the vehicle's engine off, locking the doors of the vehicle, unlocking the doors of the vehicle, extinguishing the vehicle's interior lights, extinguishing the vehicle's exterior lights, and stopping the vehicle's interior climate control system. .
42. The system of claim 38, wherein said vehicle is a private vehicle or is a commercial vehicle.
43. The system of claim 38, wherein said system is coupled to said vehicle's battery.
44. The system of claim 38, wherein activation of said system is enabled by an attempt to turn off the engine.
45. The system of claim 38, wherein activation of said system is enabled by removal of the key from the ignition.
46. A method for encouraging a driver to check whether items have been left on seating locations of a vehicle, comprising steps of:
a. providing a system for encouraging a driver to check whether items have been left on seating locations of a vehicle, comprising
i. a locking device at the rear of the vehicle; and
ii. a controller interconnectable with the operating system of the vehicle and enabled to affect said operating system;
b. activating said system;
c. changing the state of the locking device
thereby requiring said driver to traverse said vehicle before leaving it unattended.
47. The method of claim 46, additionally comprising a step of selecting said locking device from a group consisting of a keypad with predefined code, a lock and key, a switch, a depres sable button, a slider, and any combination thereof.
48. The method of claim 46, additionally comprising a step of activating said system by turning the engine off, by removing the keys from the ignition, by activating the emergency brake, by locking the vehicle, by touching a predetermined symbol on the graphic device, by activating a code sequence, by any other conventional means of activating software, and by any combination thereof.
49. The method of claim 46, comprising an additional step of selecting said vehicle to be a private vehicle or is a commercial vehicle.
50. The method of claim 46, comprising an additional step of coupling said system to said vehicle's battery.
51. The method of claim 46, comprising an additional step of activating said system by an attempt to turn off the engine.
52. The method of claim 46, comprising an additional step of activating said system by removal of the key from the ignition.
PCT/IL2013/050911 2012-11-08 2013-11-06 System and method for determining whether items have been left in vehicles WO2014072972A1 (en)

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