1807results about "Belt control systems" patented technology

Optical classification method for classifying an occupant in a vehicle by acquiring images of the occupant from a single camera and analyzing the images acquired from the single camera to determine a classification of the occupant. The single camera may be a digital CMOS camera, a high-power near-infrared LED, and the LED control circuit. It is possible to detect brightness of the images and control illumination of an LED in conjunction with the acquisition of images by the single camera. The illumination of the LED may be periodic to enable a comparison of resulting images with the LED on and the LED off so as to determine whether a daytime condition or a nighttime condition is present. The position of the occupant can be monitored when the occupant is classified as a child, an adult or a forward-facing child restraint.

Vehicle telematics system including an occupant sensing system arranged to determine one or more properties or characteristics of occupancy of the vehicle, a crash sensor system for determining when the vehicle experiences a crash and a communications device arranged to enable a communications channel to be established between the vehicle and a remote facility after the vehicle is determined to have experienced a crash. Information determined by the occupant sensing system is transmitted via the communications channel to the remote facility, even in the absence of initiation of the communications channel by the occupant. The occupant sensing system may include an image-obtaining sensor for obtaining images of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, a motion sensor, receivers arranged to receive waves, energy or radiation from seating locations in the passenger compartment, heartbeat sensors, weight sensors associated with seats in the vehicle and / or chemical sensors.

A device (20) for an automotive vehicle (10) is provided to indicate the buckled and unbuckled status of a seatbelt (24). The device (20) has a self-powered wireless switch assembly (22) that is coupled to the seatbelt (24). It provides power to power a wireless transmitter (44) to transmit a wireless signal (45) corresponding to the buckled and unbuckled state of the seatbelt (24). The self-powered wireless switch assembly (22) harvests energy from the mechanical action of the seatbelt (24). The device (20) transmits a wireless signal (45) indicating the seatbelt (24) status. The receiver (18) located in the automotive vehicle (10) receives the wireless signal (45). The wireless signal (45) is processed by a safety information system (12) and then visually and audibly displayed by an indicator (16) to alert the driver of the seatbelt (24) status.

A seat belt alarm system activates an alarm when a child is buckled in a car seat and when the car key is removed from the ignition. The seat belt alarm system includes a belt buckle having a belt-buckled sensor and a transmitter that transmits a belt-buckled signal when the belt is buckled. A remote key module includes a key-removed sensor that senses when the key is not in a keyhole. The key module further includes a receiver and an alarm device that is activated when the key is not in the keyhole and the belt-buckled signal is received from the transmitter. In another variation, a controller is provided. The controller may be coupled to various components including the belt-buckled sensor, a key-removed sensor, a transmitter and additional devices such as a horn, air conditioning, etc. The controller instructs the transmitter to send an activate-alarm signal to a receiver in the key module when a belt-buckled signal and a key-removed signal are input to the controller. The alarm device may provide a sound, vibration, light, or another indicator. Another variation includes a removable baby seat with a seat belt alarm system. Still another variation includes an automobile having a seat belt alarm system.

Method and arrangement for obtaining and conveying information about occupancy of a passenger compartment of a vehicle including at least one sensor for obtaining data from the passenger compartment. Information about the occupancy is generated based on the data and transmitted, e.g., through a cellular phone system, to emergency response personnel to enable them to respond accordingly. The information about the occupancy may be generated by a processor applying pattern recognition techniques so that any occupants of the seat may be classified and such classification transmitted to the emergency response personnel. The data may also be used to determine the number of occupants in the vehicle and / or whether the occupants are moving after a crash. The sensors may be a variety of sensors such as an ultrasonic sensor, an electromagnetic wave sensor, an electric field sensor, a chemical sensor, a weight sensor, a motion sensor, a microphone, a heartbeat sensor, a vibration sensor, an acceleration sensor and a capacitance sensor.

A secondary seat belt warning system for alerting a vehicle occupant when a seat belt is unbuckled. The secondary seat belt warning system includes an ignition switch for generating a signal indicating an ignition in an on position, a seat belt sensor for generating a signal indicating that the seat belt is unbuckled, and a seat belt indicator for producing an audible and visible indicator to the vehicle occupant. The secondary seat belt warning system also includes a control module to activate the seat belt indicator in response to the input from the ignition switch and seat belt sensor. The secondary seat belt warning system further includes a vehicle speed sensor to activate the secondary seat belt warning system when the control module receives a signal above a predetermined threshold from the speed sensor indicative of the vehicle speed.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention a passive, wireless, RFID-based wireless buckle-closure sensor determines whether the buckle of a child safety seat is secured. Sensors also are provided to determine if the child is in the seat, the temperature and if the vehicle is in operation, and alarms are sounded if an unsafe condition is detected by the system. Child safety seats utilize a 3-point or 5-point locking-mechanism for seat belt and harness restraints. The locking-mechanism requires that metal belt / harness components latch together and are released by depression of a lock-mounted release button. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention a passive RF transponder is affixed to the buckle. Essentially the RF transponder comprises an RFID device without a data component. The RF transponder is interrogated by a frequency-scanning reader, which determines the resonant frequency of the transponder. The resonant frequency of the transponder is affected by the presence of the metal fittings local to the RF transponder. Thus, since the major components of the buckle and latch are metal, the detection of the change in the resonant frequency of the transponder, also referred to as “detuning,” permits the determination of the state of the belt / harness buckle—latched or unlatched. This sensing is wireless, unobtrusive, and requires only a passive component be attached to the buckle. Further disclosed is a method of determining the status of a child in a child safety seat, including: whether or not a child is in the seat, whether or not the belt / harness buckle is latched, whether the vehicle's engine is in operation, and whether or not the surrounding temperature exceeds the temperature range. If an unsafe condition is detected, an alarm is activated.

A secondary seat belt warning system for a motor vehicle includes at least one control module for activating at least one secondary warning signal. The secondary seat belt warning system also includes a driver seat belt sensor for producing an input signal indicative of a state of a driver seat belt between a buckled and unbuckled condition. The secondary seat belt warning system includes at least one passenger seat belt sensor for producing an input signal indicative of a state of at least one passenger seat belt between a buckled and unbuckled condition. The at least one control module communicates with the driver seat belt sensor and the at least one passenger seat belt sensor for activating the at least one secondary warning signal to alert a corresponding occupant of the motor vehicle if the state of at least one of the driver seat belt and the at least one passenger seat belt is the unbuckled condition.

In a collision damage reduction system, a microcomputer obtains a first performance limit data of the own vehicle according to the detected speed thereof by a first detecting unit and a second performance limit data of the object according to the relative position data detected by a first detecting unit, the detected speed of the own vehicle and the detected turning angle thereof by a third detecting unit. The microcomputer calculates a total collision probability representing a probability that the own vehicle and the object will collide with each other on a runnable space according to the first performance limit data, the second performance limit data, the detected speed of the own vehicle and the relative position data. In addition, the microcomputer instructs the operation unit to operate at least one of the first operation and the second operation according to the total collision probability.

The invention relates to an intelligent training system for a vehicle driver based on an actual vehicle. The intelligent training system comprises a vehicle-mounted intelligent training subsystem, a data processing subsystem, an operation management and control subsystem and a system-level data communication subsystem, wherein the vehicle-mounted intelligent training subsystem is mounted on the actual vehicle and is used for training interactive driving of the driver and acquiring and reporting data of a driver training process; the data processing subsystem manages basic information and is used for receiving, storing and processing the data of the training process acquired and reported by the vehicle-mounted intelligent training subsystem; the operation management and control subsystem monitors an operated state and a running state of the vehicle in real time and remotely controls the monitored vehicle according to actual conditions; the vehicle-mounted intelligent training subsystem is connected with the data processing subsystem and the operation management and control subsystem through the system-level data communication subsystem and realizes bidirectional information interaction.

An occupant monitoring and restraint status system is provided. The system includes an occupant boarding and de-boarding system. The occupant boarding and de-boarding system detects boarding and de-boarding of occupants. The system also includes a bench type seat that has a plurality of seat locations. Each of these seat locations includes a seat belt system which has a status sensor to detect a state of the seat belt system. Each seat location also includes an occupant sensing system. The occupant sensing system detects the presence and identity of an occupant at the seat location. The system further includes a display which includes a seat status indicator for each of the plurality of seat locations. The seat status indicators include information regarding a presence of an occupant, an occupant identity, and a state of a seat belt system.

Advanced supplemental restraint system associated with occupant detection and weight responsive classification system operable for controlling resistance of the supplemental restraint system such that in an accident, an occupant of the vehicle impacts the supplemental restraint system without injury. The supplemental restraint system is associated with a weight-sensing unit mounted to one or more seats positioned between the seat mounting frame and the floor of the vehicle for sensing the weight of a sitting occupant and for classifying the occupant accordingly, a computerized system is configured for calculating an operating weight value corresponding to the classified weight value, and an airbag system is disposed, comprising one or more airbags in association with a deployment unit configured to inflate the airbags with a deployment force and acceleration that is proportionate to the operating weight value when a collision force is sensed above a predetermined collision force value by a collision sensor.

A method of controlling the behavior of an occupant of a vehicle (20) includes sensing an auxiliary mode of the vehicle (20) and comparing a first vehicle operation mode to a predetermined threshold to determine a first incident. The method proceeds by actuating a resistive device (24) in response to the first incident to apply a resistance to an operational input by an occupant of the vehicle (20). The method is characterized by monitoring a precursory auxiliary mode event of the vehicle (20) subsequent to the first incident and prior to a presence of the auxiliary mode, and de-actuating the resistive device (24) in response to the precursory auxiliary mode event to remove the applied resistance.

Child seat installation monitoring system and methods that monitor child seat orientation, belt tension, air temperature, and other factors, and provide notifications and alerts to a user of conditions via indications, a mobile device such as a smart phone, an in-car notification system, and other systems.

A prone positioning therapeutic bed comprises a base frame, a patient support platform rotatably mounted on the base frame for rotational movement about a longitudinal rotational axis, a drive system for rotating the patient support platform on the base frame, and an upright end ring at the head of the bed with a central opening for routing patient care lines and a removable upper section for improved access to a patient's head. The patient support platform preferably has pivotally mounted side rails that fold underneath the patient support platform and straps with strap connectors that indicate whether the straps are sufficiently tensioned. A direct, wired electrical connection between the patient support platform and the base frame allows full rotation of the patient support platform in either direction. A manually operable lever disengages the patient support platform from the drive system to allow manual rotation of the patient support platform.

A method of controlling the behavior of an occupant of a vehicle (20) includes sensing an auxiliary mode of the vehicle (20) and comparing a first vehicle operation mode to a predetermined threshold to determine a first incident. The method proceeds by actuating a resistive device (24) in response to the first incident to apply a resistance to an operational input by an occupant of the vehicle (20). The method is characterized by monitoring a precursory auxiliary mode event of the vehicle (20) subsequent to the first incident and prior to a presence of the auxiliary mode, and de-actuating the resistive device (24) in response to the precursory auxiliary mode event to remove the applied resistance.

A travel safety apparatus for a vehicle includes: a first object detector having a first detection area defined by a first detection angle; a second object detector having a second detection area defined by a second detection angle; a motion state determination unit; a collision determination unit determining whether there is possibility of collision of an object detected in at least one of the first detection area and the second detection area to the vehicle based on the motion state; a controller controlling the vehicle so that a collision is avoided; and an object identity determination unit determining whether the first object and the second object are identical, wherein when a first object detected in the first detection area and a second object detected in the second detection area are determined identical, the collision determination unit determines whether there is possibility of collision of the first object to the vehicle.

In a collision damage reduction system, a microcomputer obtains relative position data corresponding to a relative between a vehicle and an object from a first detecting unit, the detected speed of the vehicle as detected by a second detecting unit, the detected turning angle of the vehicle as detected by a third detecting unit. The microcomputer calculates a total collision probability representing a probability that the vehicle and the object will collide on a runnable space according to the relative position data, the detected speed of the own vehicle and the detected turning angle. In addition, the microcomputer instructs the operation unit to operate at least one of a first collision avoidance operation and a second collision avoidance operation according to the total collision probability.

An improved method of using multiple point crash sensing and multiple sensor occupant position sensing for classifying a crash event and determining which restraints should be deployed. A central controller collects crash data from multiple crash sensors and combines severity characterization data from each of the multiple sensors to construct a characterization table or matrix for the entire system. Each possible crash event classification is represented by a characterization value mask, and the various masks are sequentially applied to the system characterization table until a match is found, with a match identifying the appropriate crash event classification. The classification decision, in turn, is used to determine which, if any, of the restraint devices should be deployed based upon the crash severity. Similarly, the controller collects data from various occupant position sensors to construct a characterization table or matrix for the occupant position detection system. Each possible occupant position sensor classification is represented by a characterization value mask, and various masks are sequentially applied to the table until a match is found, with a match identifying the appropriate occupant position status. The occupant position status, in turn, is used to determine which, if any, of the restraints may be deployed. The system also includes a centrally located crash sensor, and the controller constructs an intrusion table based on differences between the remote and central sensors. The intrusion classification is determined and combined with the crash classification and occupant position status to determine which restraints should ultimately be deployed.

The present invention enables observers to rapidly determine whether a seat belt is properly fastened. When the seat belt buckle is latched a circuit is completed which activates an array of lights incorporated with the seat belt fabric. When illuminated, the lights provide to an observer positive visual confirmation the belt is latched. The disclosed invention promotes safety by permitting law enforcement officers, aircraft cabin attendants, amusement park ride operators and the like to verify at a glance, regardless of ambient lighting conditions, whether seat belts are being used as required.

A child seat-vehicle safety system for a passenger vehicle, including at least one child seat buckle signaling device, which includes a buckling detector, and a buckling detector for signaling the buckle status, and a portable controller device that attaches to the On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD-II) port of the vehicle, for detecting the status of the vehicle ignition system, receiving the buckle status signal, and generating an alarm signal in response to a predetermined condition of the ignition status and the buckle status signal. The portable controller device also can include an alarm that is responsive to the alarm signal. The invention includes a method of warning a vehicle operator that a child has been left buckled in a vehicle after the vehicle's ignition system has been turned off, including detecting the vehicle ignition status selected from “on” and “off” through the OBD-II port, receiving a buckle status signal transmitted from the child seat buckle signaling device, and generating an alarm signal when the ignition status is “off” and the buckle status signal is ‘buckled’ beyond a predetermined grace or timeout period.

Disclosed is a feature for a vehicle that enables taking precautionary actions in response to conditions on the road network around or ahead of the vehicle, in particular, an intersection located at the bottom of a hill. A database that represents the road network is used to determine locations where an intersection of roads is located at the bottom of a hill. Then, precautionary action data is added to the database to indicate a location at which a precautionary action is to be taken about the intersection of roads located at the bottom of a hill. A precautionary action system installed in a vehicle uses this database, or a database derived therefrom, in combination with a positioning system to determine when the vehicle is at a location that corresponds to the location of a precautionary action. When the vehicle is at such a location, a precautionary action is taken by a vehicle system as the vehicle is approaching an intersection located at the bottom of a hill.

A vehicle illumination system includes a light source emitting light for illuminating the vehicle surroundings or the vehicle interior or both, and a modulation unit modulating the emitting of light of the light source, where the emitted light is modulated with a frequency that is high enough so that the modulation of the light is substantially not perceivable by a person.

A method and apparatus is provided that classifies a seat occupant into one of several different weight classes based on an estimated value of the seat occupant weight. An occupant's measured weight varies when the occupant's seating position changes or when the vehicle travels over adverse road conditions. A plurality of weight sensors are used to measure the weight exerted by a seat occupant against a seat bottom and are used to determine center of gravity for the seat occupant. A seat belt force sensor is also used to assist in classifying the seat occupant. Compensation factors using the seat belt force and center of gravity information are used to generate an estimated weight value. The estimated value of the occupant weight is compared to a series of upper and lower weight thresholds assigned to each of the weight classes to generate an occupant weight sample class. Over a period of time, several estimated weight values are compared to the weight class thresholds. Once a predetermined number of consistent and consecutive occupant weight sample classes is achieved, the occupant is locked into a specific occupant weight class. When the weight class is locked, the separation value between the upper and lower thresholds is increased to account for minor weight variations due to adverse road conditions and changes in occupant position.

The invention is directed to a system for detecting the presence of a child in a car, when the driver exits the vehicle. A sensor is connected to the seat belt of the baby's car seat or to the rear seat belts. Once the seat belt is inserted into the belt buckle, an alarm circuit is activated. When the driver enters the vehicle and sits down, the system detects the presence of the driver and de-activates the alarm circuit. When the driver exits, the alarm circuit is then re-activated. The system includes a delay timer that gives the driver time to enter and exit the vehicle without setting off the alarm circuit. When the alarm circuit is activated, a timer for the time delay begins. At the end of the time delay (e.g., relay is transferred), if the driver has not disabled the alarm circuit by re-entering the vehicle or taking the child out of the vehicle, the alarm circuit will be set off warning signals and will remain energized until disabled.

This patent discloses a warning system for a child restraint system. The child restraint system may include a base and a seat connected to the base. The seat may include supports for the back, torso, right leg, and left leg and may include sensors to detect the presence of a back, torso, right leg, and left leg, respectively. The seat also may include a right harness strap and a left harness strap that may connect to a child seat buckle and to a chest clip. The seat also may have a locking clip a tether strap having a hook. The seat may contain detectors to determine whether the straps, buckles, clips, and straps are properly connected while a is present in the seat. If not properly connected, an alarm may sound.

A seat belt tension sensor assembly includes a housing, a slider slidably received within the housing, wherein the slider is configured for movement between a first position and a second position within the housing, and a first and second magnet associated with the slider for slidable movement therewith. The first and the second magnets are positioned side by side with opposite polarization. A hall effect device is fixed relative to the housing and protrudes between the first and the second magnets when the slider is in the second position. The hall effect device is configured to produce an output signal, the output signal being indicative of a seat belt tension of a seat belt as applied to the sensor assembly. A biasing member provides an urging force to the slider, the urging force urging the slider into the first position.