CHILD SEAT VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND CHILD SEAT VERIFICATION PROCEDURES

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a child seat inspection system and a child seat inspection method.

[0002] US 2017 / 0021800 A1 discloses a vehicle child seat comprising a device that detects and outputs the status of a restraint system of the child seat. Furthermore, a control device is disclosed that can be connected to the OBD-II port of the motor vehicle and detects the status of a vehicle's ignition. If the ignition is off and the restraint system indicates a status that suggests that a child is in the child seat, an alarm signal is generated after a predetermined period of time. The reliability and informative value of alarm signals generated according to this prior art are considered to be in need of improvement.

[0003] US 2014 / 184404 A1 discloses systems and methods that provide an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine whether a child is in the seat and that the seat, and thus the vehicle, is stationary. Upon detection of either situation, the notification or alarm is activated. The system generally sends an alarm to a smartphone or other remote notification device to increase the likelihood of receiving the alarm. The reliability and meaningfulness of alarm signals generated according to this state of the art are also considered to be in need of improvement.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a child seat verification system and a corresponding child seat verification method, whereby the risk of a child being inadvertently left behind in the vehicle is to be reliably reduced, with the aim of avoiding false alarms or at least reducing their likelihood. Furthermore, the variability of the verification process is to be improved. Preferably, it should be possible for the child to be deliberately left behind in the vehicle—at least under certain circumstances—without this being associated with major inconveniences for the user of the verification system.

[0005] This object is achieved with regard to a child seat verification system by the features of claim 1. Furthermore, the object is achieved by the features of claim 14 relating to a child seat verification method.

[0006] In particular, the object is achieved by a child seat checking system comprising at least one child seat and a first checking device for checking whether a child is in the child seat, and a second checking device for checking whether a person caring for the child is present.

[0007] A verification device is understood in particular to be a device that, based on a measurement (e.g., its own) or other input (e.g., based on a measurement from another device, in particular a sensor device), allows a determination as to whether a certain condition or status (e.g., "child in child seat" or "carer present" or "child's alertness status") exists or not. This applies both to the first and second verification devices mentioned here and to subsequent (in particular, the subsequent third and fourth) verification devices. Preferably, however, the respective verification devices comprise sensor devices that determine, through a measurement (in particular, of a corresponding parameter), whether a condition or status exists or not. A verification device is also understood in particular to mean that a device (e.g.,App) is present on a (mobile) device that can check, based on a corresponding input (e.g., measurement from a sensor device external to the device), whether a child is in the child seat or not (in the example, the first checking device). The (respective) checking device can be formed by only one component (e.g., defined by a housing) or can be distributed across multiple components (e.g., defined by multiple housings). Individual components, such as sensors, can be assigned to multiple checking devices.

[0008] According to a first preferred aspect of the invention, the second verification device is (at least partially) portable in an operating state of the child seat verification system. In particular, the second verification device can be at least partially embodied by a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) or be a component of such a mobile device. A portable device is understood to be a device that can be carried by the person caring for the child (e.g., as a smartphone or component of a smartphone). Various types of such mobile devices are mentioned in more detail below. Using such a verification device, the presence of the person caring for the child can be easily linked directly to the person (e.g., if the person carries their smartphone with them). This makes the verification comparatively reliable.An operating state of the child seat verification system is a state in which a check can be performed to determine whether a child is in the child seat or whether a person caring for the child is present. In particular, this check can be performed when the second verification device is worn (in particular, not permanently connected to the vehicle). An at least partially mobile second verification device eliminates the need to connect the second verification device to the vehicle's electronics via the OBD-II port, as described, for example, in US 2017 / 0021800 A1. This port can sometimes be relatively difficult to access.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, according to a second preferred aspect of the invention, the second checking device is designed to operate independently of the on / off state of the vehicle. An on / off state is to be understood in particular as a state in which the ignition is either on (on state) or off (ignition off). In particular, according to the second aspect, a reliable alarm can be generated, whereby the probability of a false alarm is reduced. In particular, it has been recognized that coupling with an on / off state (ignition state) often leads to a false alarm, since in some situations the vehicle passengers want to remain in the vehicle seats (while the child remains strapped into the child seat) while the ignition is off.

[0010] In general, the presence of a person caring for a child is preferably understood to mean that the person caring for the child is in or (directly) adjacent to the vehicle, or possibly closer than a predetermined maximum distance from the child seat and / or vehicle. The maximum distance is preferably less than 50 m, in particular less than 25 m.

[0011] According to the invention, a third checking device is provided, wherein the third checking device is designed to check the child's alertness status. A child's alertness status is understood to be a status that (directly) concerns the (present) child, namely the question of whether the child is awake or asleep. For example, whether the child has an elevated body temperature or a normal one is not encompassed by the invention. The child's status therefore (directly) concerns the child's physical constitution. Such a checking device can, in particular, improve the ease of use of the child seat.For example, it is possible that, based on a determination that the child is sleeping, a conscious decision is made to leave the vehicle (at least temporarily), with the possibility of immediately returning to the vehicle when the child wakes up by monitoring the child's sleep.

[0012] According to a fourth preferred aspect of the invention (which can in particular be combined with the first and / or second and / or third aspects), a fourth checking device is proposed for checking a child seat environment, in particular a child seat environment temperature. A check of a child seat environment should in particular be a check of the air present at the child seat or a check of the volume of space in which the child seat is accommodated. Particularly preferably, a temperature of the ambient air is checked. If appropriate, it would also be conceivable that alternatively or additionally further parameters, such as air humidity and / or an oxygen content and / or possibly harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide), are checked.

[0013] The first, second, and third checking devices are configured not only to perform the corresponding check, but also to output or forward a result of the check, namely to a corresponding control device. In particular, the first, second, and third checking devices comprise a (respective) output device for outputting a result of the check, in particular to one or more control devices.

[0014] If a physical quantity is to be determined (e.g., force, weight, temperature, and / or humidity), the corresponding measuring devices are preferably designed such that at least four, preferably at least ten, distinguishable measured values ​​can be measured. Any (respective) measuring device provided for measuring temperature should preferably allow a temperature measurement that deviates by a maximum of 2 °C, preferably a maximum of 0.5 °C, from the actual temperature and / or that covers a range of at least 5 °C, possibly at least 20 °C.

[0015] The third and, if applicable, fourth verification devices are provided (functionally and / or structurally) in addition to the first verification device. A check by the third and, if applicable, fourth verification device is carried out separately (before, at an overlap, or after) a check for the presence of the child. For example, information as to whether a child is actually present in the child seat and information regarding, for example, the ambient temperature of the child seat are provided separately. This can improve safety and, if applicable, prevent false alarms. In particular, the third and / or fourth verification device is not intended (only) to detect the presence of the child, but preferably to obtain further information about the child.

[0016] According to the invention, at least one control device, in particular the one just mentioned, is provided, which is configured, depending on a check by the first, second, third and optionally fourth checking device, to output at least one result from a comparison of the checks, namely to a preferably acoustic and / or optical display device. The control device can optionally be arranged with the first, second, third and / or fourth, in particular with the first, third and fourth (e.g. in / on the child seat) or with the second (e.g. in / on a mobile device, in particular a smartphone) checking device, in a common assembly or a common housing, wherein the housing is preferably formed by a mobile device (e.g. smartphone). The display device can also optionally be arranged within the same orprovided on the same housing as the control device and / or the first, second, third and / or fourth, in particular the second, checking device. The (respective) control device preferably comprises at least one (micro)processor and / or (micro)controller.

[0017] The child seat may have an electrical power supply (e.g., battery) and / or at least one connection for an electrical power supply and / or at least one connection for (wireless and / or wired) signal transmission. Preferably, the display device is configured to display all

[0018] To display the results of the checks carried out by the checking facilities and / or to issue an alarm signal if or when an undesirable situation is detected with regard to the child and / or the presence of the carer (e.g.: child in a child seat, carer not present), in particular by comparing the check results, preferably taking into account all the check results of the (four) checking facilities.

[0019] Preferably, at least one, in particular at least one above, display device forms a structural unit (e.g. in the form of a smartphone) with the second checking device or at least with parts thereof.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, at least one, in particular at least one above, display device can form a structural unit with the child seat.

[0021] An acoustic indication (output) is understood to mean, in particular, a warning tone / warning signal and / or an acoustic message (voice message). A visual indication is understood to mean, in particular, the illumination of a light source (e.g., LED) and / or a display and / or a visual message (text message). As an alternative to an acoustic and / or visual indication device, an indication (output) or an alarm can also be triggered by vibration or in another way.

[0022] First, third and / or fourth checking devices (or a corresponding first, third and / or fourth sensor device) can be arranged at least partially on and / or in the child seat, wherein the fourth checking device (sensor device) is preferably arranged at least partially on an outer side of the child seat.

[0023] The second verification device is preferably (at least predominantly) arranged outside the child seat. For example, even in the case of the second verification device, only one transmitting and / or receiving device can be arranged on and / or in the child seat, for example when a mobile device (e.g., smartphone) determines its distance from the child seat. Alternatively, however, such a distance determination can also be carried out by a corresponding device in and / or on the child seat. In particular, with the second verification device, it can be provided that it is distributed across several locations (e.g., child seat and mobile device) and ultimately comprises transmitters / receivers that allow their distance from one another to be determined through joint communication (e.g., through signal attenuation due to an increased distance).

[0024] The first testing device preferably comprises at least one restraint device sensor configured to determine a status of at least one restraint device, such as a tether and / or an impact shield.

[0025] Furthermore, the first (and / or third) checking device can comprise at least one weight sensor (preferably in / on the child seat, for example, on a seat element and / or the base in the case of multi-part child seats) that reacts accordingly to a child in the child seat or its weight. A corresponding weight sensor can be arranged on or on a seat section and / or a backrest section of the child seat.

[0026] In embodiments, the first (and / or third) verification device may comprise at least one optical device, such as a (video) camera, which determines, in particular, whether a child is sitting in the child seat or whether the child is moving. The (video) camera may, in particular, be arranged in or on a carrying handle (carrying bar) of the child seat.

[0027] In one embodiment, the restraint device can comprise a belt system. In this case, the first checking device can comprise a sensor device that determines whether one or more (possibly all) locking tongues are connected to a corresponding belt buckle. In a connected (locked) state, an electrical circuit can be closed (if all belt tongues are connected to the corresponding buckle). Furthermore, a corresponding electrical circuit can be open if at least one belt tongue is not connected to a corresponding buckle. In such a checking device or sensor device, the (ohmic) resistance can be a suitable parameter for checking. In general, it is also possible to detect other physical (electromagnetic) parameters, such as capacitance or the like. However, checking the resistance is preferred.

[0028] Furthermore, in the event that the restraint device comprises a belt system, the first (and / or third) checking device can comprise a sensor to detect a (mechanical) effect, preferably (tensile) tension, inclination, bending, and / or twisting, on one or more elements of the belt system (e.g., on a shoulder belt, a lap belt, a buckle receptacle, a chest strap, a chest clip, etc.). In this regard, reference is made, in particular, to WO 2017 / 042286 A1 with regard to the further embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, at least one Hall sensor can be used. Alternatively or additionally, other electrical properties, such as resistance, capacitance, and / or inductance, can be measured (in this context, explicit reference is made to the disclosure according to WO 2016 / 128478 A1).The first checking device may also comprise (alternatively or additionally) a pressure sensor that detects the pressure at a suitable point on the belt system (which in turn may be regarded as an indirect measurement of belt tension).

[0029] In the event that the restraint device comprises a (rigid) device such as an impact shield, the first (and / or third) checking device may comprise a pressure sensor, which preferably rests on a side (surface) of the (rigid) restraint device which is intended to come into contact with the child (seated in the child seat).

[0030] The second checking device can comprise at least one vehicle-specific sensor, such as a weight sensor and / or an ignition sensor. The weight sensor can, in particular, be a sensor arranged on or in a seat integrated in the vehicle (preferably the driver's seat). Alternatively or additionally, a (video) camera, for example, can be used as the vehicle-specific sensor. Other alternatives are possible. In any case, when using a vehicle-specific sensor, a device is preferably provided that allows a connection to the vehicle electronics, for example via an OBD-II port (see also US 2017 / 0021800 A1).

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the second verification device may (at least partially) comprise an electronic (end) device for use by the caregiver (e.g., smartphone, smartwatch, separate verification device, or the like). In this case, a distance between the child seat and the electronic (end) device may preferably be used (as a direct or indirect) signal for the presence of the caregiver.

[0032] In embodiments, the second verification device can comprise a mobile (end) device, such as a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, and / or a watch, in particular a smartwatch, and / or an activity tracker and / or a vision and / or hearing aid and / or an ignition key, in particular an electrical or electronic one, and / or another mobile device, in particular comprising a transmitter and / or receiver and / or transponder. Any mobile device can be equipped with a (possibly also mechanical) key connection device to enable a (possibly mechanical) connection to the (possibly electrical or electronic) vehicle key. A vision and / or hearing aid can also be understood as devices that do not necessarily (but possibly) improve "vision" or "hearing," for example, by compensating for a vision and / or hearing defect, but also as devices that provide additional information (e.g.an "augmented reality" or extended reality, which is understood in particular as a computer-assisted extension of the perception of reality, e.g., "Google Glass™<") to the respective sensory organ. Alternatively or additionally, a distance determination device can be provided as a second verification device (or component thereof), which may be arranged outside of / the mobile device, e.g., on / in the child seat, and which is configured to determine a distance between the child seat and / or the mobile device, such as a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, and / or a watch, in particular a smartwatch, and / or an activity tracker and / or a visual and / or hearing aid and / or an ignition key, in particular an electrical or electronic one, and / or another mobile device, in particular comprising a transmitter and / or receiver and / or transponder.

[0033] A mobile device can have devices for acoustically and / or optically (visually) and / or haptically (particularly via vibration) signaling the status of the child seat, in particular corresponding means for communicating an undesired situation regarding the child's status via an alarm. Furthermore, such a mobile (electronic) device can allow the user to suppress the alarm, for example, for a predetermined period of time. If the mobile device is a smart device (e.g., smartphone, smartwatch, or the like), such functionalities can be implemented via a corresponding app.

[0034] The third checking device preferably comprises at least one motion sensor and / or a camera and / or a noise sensor and / or at least one weight sensor and / or at least one sensor for determining a physical condition of the child, such as a pulse sensor and / or a breathing sensor. If the third checking device comprises a motion sensor, a sensor device (also) assigned to the first checking device can be used for this purpose, as explained above. The third checking device can also comprise a weight sensor, as explained in connection with the first checking device. In general, a sensor assigned to the third checking device is preferably configured to measure so precisely that a distinction can be made between a calm (in particular sleeping) child who is at least substantially motionless and / ormoves regularly, on the one hand, and a wakeful child, particularly one who moves aperiodically, or even a frightened or angry child, particularly one who moves jerkily and irregularly, on the other. The same video camera can also be used to record both the child's presence in the first monitoring device and the child's activity (i.e., whether the child is asleep or awake) in the third monitoring device. The fourth monitoring device can have at least one thermometer to determine the temperature in the vehicle near the child in the child seat. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth monitoring device can have a humidity sensor and / or a gas sensor (particularly for detecting harmful gases such as carbon monoxide).

[0035] The first, second, third and / or fourth checking devices may (each individually) comprise a plurality of sensors and / or a sensor array.

[0036] Preferably, the child seat and the second checking device are configured for wireless communication via a first wireless communication connection, e.g., via Bluetooth. A measurement, e.g., a distance measurement, based on the first communication connection is preferably communicated via the first communication connection or a second wireless communication connection, e.g., a mobile network connection. Alternatively or additionally, if the first wireless communication connection is interrupted, corresponding information, in particular a corresponding alarm, can be generated or output, preferably automatically (similar to a baby monitor) or by communicating via the second wireless communication connection. Preferably, the second wireless communication connection has a greater range (in particular, by at least a factor of two, preferably at least a factor of 10) than the first wireless communication connection.The first wireless communication link may have a range of less than 100 m or less than 50 m. The second wireless communication link may have a range of more than 100 m or more than 10 km or a (substantially) global range.

[0037] Several of the first, second, third, and fourth verification devices may have a common sensor device (such as a common weight sensor, a common restraint device sensor, and / or a common camera). Examples of this have already been explained above.

[0038] The first, second, third, and / or fourth verification device and / or control device and / or display device can be configured for wireless communication (with each other), in particular via radio and / or Bluetooth and / or infrared, and / or for internet-based communication. This further simplifies the verification process.

[0039] Preferably, the presence of the carer is determined or estimated by evaluating communication between the child seat or vehicle in which the child seat is located and a mobile device (e.g. smartphone).

[0040] Any measurement result from the sensor devices used can be output to one or more control devices (the one mentioned above) and compared (in particular there) with corresponding reference values. Depending on the result of such a comparison, the control device(s) can determine whether: whether a child is in the child seat or not, a carer is present (or away), the child is asleep or awake and / or the external environment (in particular temperature) in the vehicle is or is not appropriate for the child.

[0041] The above object is further achieved by a child seat verification method, preferably using a child seat verification system as described above, comprising: a) Check whether a child is in a child seat; b) Check whether a person caring for the child is present; and c) Check the child's alertness status.

[0042] According to a first preferred aspect of the child seat verification method, step a) is carried out by means of a verification device which is designed to be portable (even during the verification) (i.e., in particular during the verification, it does not necessarily have to be connected to the vehicle, in particular to an OBD-II port).

[0043] According to a second preferred aspect of the child seat checking method (alternatively or in addition to the first preferred aspect), it is proposed that a checking device is used in step b) which is designed to operate independently of the operating state of the vehicle or operates independently of the operating state of the vehicle (during the check).

[0044] According to the child seat checking procedure, checking one status, namely alertness status, of the child is suggested.

[0045] According to a fourth preferred aspect of the child seat checking method (which can in particular be combined with the first, second and / or third preferred aspect of the child seat checking method), it is proposed to check a child seat environment, in particular a child seat environment temperature.

[0046] Preferably, a visual and / or acoustic indication, in particular a visual and / or acoustic alarm, is given, in particular without any further conditions having to be present, preferably immediately, when (where KiKS = child in child seat, Ba = carer present, Kw = child awake, temperature in acceptable range = TiaB): KiKS = yes, (Ba = any,) (Kw = any,) TiaB = no; and / or KiKS = yes, Ba = no, if applicable Kw = yes, (TiaB = any).

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, a visual and / or acoustic indication, in particular a visual and / or acoustic alarm, may not occur or may occur (only) when, preferably, a predetermined time has elapsed, and if: KiKS = yes, Ba = no, if applicable Kw = no, (TiaB = any).

[0048] A (visual and / or acoustic) indication, in particular a (visual and / or acoustic) alarm, should preferably not be given (especially not after a certain period of time has elapsed) if: KiKS = no, (Ba = any,) (Kw = any,) (TiaB = any); and / or KiKS = yes, Ba = yes, (Kw = any,) if applicable TiaB = yes; and / or the display or alarm is suppressed by the caring person, which is preferably possible at least for a period of time t1, in particular if Ba = no and / or Kw = yes or if the child wakes up and / or which is preferably not possible or only for a temporary period of time t2, preferably less than t1, if the temperature is not within an acceptable range.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the child seat verification method, a status change from child=awake to child=asleep only occurs when the caregiver is present. Thus, even if the child falls asleep, the status child=awake is maintained (the child is considered awake) when the caregiver is not present.

[0050] Furthermore, a computer-readable storage medium, in particular a mobile device (e.g., smartphones), is disclosed, which contains instructions that cause at least one processor to perform a child seat verification method of the above type when the instructions are executed by at least one processor.

[0051] Furthermore, a mobile device is disclosed, configured to carry out the above child seat verification method and / or comprising (at least in part) a child seat verification system of the above type.

[0052] The child seat can be an infant car seat or a (traditional) child seat for older children. In any case, the child seat is preferably designed to be removable from the vehicle in / on which it is to be installed. The child seat can have a base (i.e., comprise a seat element and a base).

[0053] The child seat is particularly preferably a child seat for a motor vehicle (passenger car and / or lorry).

[0054] Further features arise from the subclaims.

[0055] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. In the following: Fig. 1 is an oblique view of a child seat monitoring system according to the invention (partially in an oblique view, partly schematic); Fig. 2 is a schematic of a child seat monitoring system according to the invention with further details.

[0056] In the following description, the same reference numbers are used for identical and equivalent parts.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows a child seat 10 (in an oblique view) and a second checking device (e.g. in the form of or formed by a smartphone) 11. The second checking device 11 can communicate wirelessly with the child seat 10 (or components thereof) via a path 12.

[0058] The child seat 10 has a belt system 13. Shoulder belts 14, 15 each contain a tension sensor (e.g., comprising an elastic element that changes its (electrical) resistance when stretched due to an applied tension force). In this context, tension is always understood to mean mechanical tension, unless otherwise stated.

[0059] The (respective) voltage sensor preferably measures at time intervals of 1 to 1000 milliseconds, e.g., 100 milliseconds, and is connected to a control device 17 (see Fig. 2). A power supply 18 (e.g., a battery) and a signal transmission device 19 are part of the control device 17 (or are associated with it).

[0060] The control device 17 preferably calculates an average value and, if appropriate, a standard deviation of the measured voltage values ​​every 1 to 100 seconds, e.g., every 10 seconds.

[0061] The voltage sensor 20, together with the control device 17, the power supply 18 and the signal transmission device 19, is part of a first checking device 21 and a third checking device 22.

[0062] The child seat 10 further comprises, in particular, two (resistance) thermometers 23, 24. One thermometer 23, 24 can be arranged on each side of the child seat 10, preferably on a respective lateral outer surface of the child seat 10 (in particular in an area corresponding to the head or shoulder area of ​​the child in the child seat). The respective thermometer 23, 24 measures the temperature of the ambient air every 1 to 1000, e.g., every 100, milliseconds. Furthermore, the thermometers 23, 24 are connected to the control device 17 and the signal transmission device 19. The control device 17 calculates an average of the measured temperatures every 1 to 100, e.g., every 10 seconds. The thermometer(s), the control device 17, the power supply 18, and the signal transmission device 19 are components of a fourth checking device 25.

[0063] The second verification device 11 is preferably formed (or at least co-formed) by a mobile device (in particular a smartphone), wherein the smartphone can preferably have corresponding software (an app). An association between a specific child seat and a specific second verification device 11 (smartphone) can be performed using a generally known method, wherein each child seat can be assigned to one or more second verification devices 11, and / or each second verification device (smartphone) can be assigned to one or more child seats.

[0064] If the child seat changes its status regarding the child's presence (from "free" to "occupied"), a (Bluetooth) connection can be established between the child seat and the associated smartphone. If a connection cannot be established (for example, within a predetermined time, in particular from 1 to 50 seconds, e.g., 5 seconds), the child seat can emit an alarm (for example, an acoustic alarm), which may not be suppressed. As long as at least one associated smartphone is in a (Bluetooth) connection with the child seat, the child seat preferably does not transmit any data from the respective sensors to the second verification device 11 (smartphone).If the temperature falls below a predetermined lower limit (of, for example, 10° or less) and / or rises above a predetermined upper limit (of, for example, at least 30° or at least 35° or more), in particular while the (Bluetooth) connection is maintained, the child seat can emit an alarm (in particular an acoustic one), which can optionally be suppressed (immediately) on the child seat and / or via the second checking device 11 (smartphone) once for 2 to 20, in particular 10, minutes.

[0065] If the (Bluetooth) connection is interrupted while the temperature is (still) too low or too high, the signal transmitting device 19 can, optionally after a predetermined time (e.g., at least 20 seconds or at least 30 seconds or more), send the calculated average temperature to the second checking device 11 (smartphone) via a mobile connection (here and hereinafter: preferably a mobile network connection), which can cause the second checking device 11 (smartphone) to emit an (acoustic and / or visual and / or vibratory) alarm. This alarm can optionally be suppressed for a certain period of time (e.g., 1 to 5 minutes, preferably 2 minutes).

[0066] As long as the presence of a child in the child seat is not detected, preferably no (Bluetooth) connection is established between the child seat and the second checking device 11 (smartphone) and the child seat 10 then in particular does not send any data to the second checking device 11 (smartphone).

[0067] If the child seat is occupied (i.e. a child is present) by a sleeping child (which can be determined in particular by the information provided by the voltage sensors, in particular by the average measured voltage exceeding a first predetermined threshold while the standard deviation remains below a second predetermined threshold), and the (Bluetooth) connection is interrupted, while the temperature is (still) within an acceptable range (e.g.within 10 to 35°C), the signal transmission device 19 can signal, after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 5, in particular 2 minutes), to send the last calculated information from (all) participating sensor devices to the second checking device 11 (smartphone) via a mobile connection, so that the second checking device 11 (smartphone) emits an acoustic and / or visual and / or vibratory alarm. This alarm can be suppressed one or more times (e.g., three times) for a specific time (e.g., 5 to 20, in particular 10 minutes, possibly for a total of 30 minutes).

[0068] If the child seat is occupied by an awake child and the (Bluetooth) connection is interrupted while the temperature is still within a permissible range, the signal transmission device 19 of the child seat 10 can, after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 100, in particular 30, seconds), send the last calculated information from (all) corresponding sensors of the child seat 10 to the second checking device 11 (smartphone) via a mobile connection, causing the second checking device 11 (smartphone) to emit an acoustic and / or visual and / or vibratory alarm. This alarm can optionally be suppressed once (or several times) for a specific time (e.g., 5 to 20, in particular 10, minutes).

[0069] If no signal has been sent or has not yet been sent and the temperature falls outside the permissible range and / or the child wakes up, the signal transmission device 19 of the child seat 10 can, after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 100, in particular 30, seconds), send the last calculated information from (all) sensor devices of the child seat 10 to the second checking device 11 (smartphone) via a mobile connection, causing the second checking device 11 (smartphone) to emit an acoustic and / or visual and / or vibratory alarm. This alarm can be suppressed once (or alternatively several times) for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 5, in particular 2, minutes) (if triggered by the temperature) or suppressed for a further, in particular different, predetermined time of, for example, 5 to 20, in particular 10, minutes (if triggered by the child waking up).Preferably, the alarm does not end when the child's status returns to "sleeping" and / or when the temperature returns to an acceptable range.

[0070] In general, when the child seat 10 sends data to the second verification device 11 (smartphone) via a mobile connection, it can preferably send this data to the last (Bluetooth) connected verification device 11 (smartphone) (or a plurality of second verification devices 11 or smartphones if several verification devices 11 or smartphones have lost their (Bluetooth) connection to the child seat 10, in particular within a certain period of time of, for example, 2 to 10, in particular 5, minutes).

[0071] Any alarm issued by the second verification device 11 (smartphone) preferably ends automatically as soon as a (Bluetooth) connection between the child seat and an associated second verification device 11 (smartphone) is re-established. Furthermore, it is possible to deactivate the entire system directly at the seat (although preferably not via the second verification device 11 or the smartphone), which terminates all alarms (including those that cannot be suppressed, at least not via the second verification device 11 or the smartphone). Before deactivation, a message is then preferably sent to all associated second verification devices 11 (smartphones) via a mobile connection.

[0072] The suppression of an alarm (if not excluded) can be performed via the second verification device 11 (smartphone) or directly at the child seat. If it is performed directly at the child seat, a corresponding message is preferably sent to all assigned second verification devices 11 (smartphones) via a mobile connection.

[0073] The control device 17 can also be formed (partially or entirely) by the second checking device 11 (or smartphone).

[0074] The child seat preferably has an indicator device 26 (in particular a display). Alternatively or additionally, the second checking device can also have an indicator device 27 (in particular a display).

[0075] When confronted with the following situations, the control device may, for example, react as follows: Child seat occupied (KiKS)? Caring person present (Ba)? Child awake (Kw)? Temperature OK (TiaB)? alarm No Any Any Any No alarm Yes Any Any No alarm Yes Yes Any Yes No alarm Yes No Yes Yes alarm Yes No No Yes No alarm

[0076] The above rules may be modified and / or supplemented. In preferred embodiments, one or more of the following rules may be observed (by the control device): An alarm will never be triggered if no child is in the child seat. An alarm will always be triggered if a child is in the child seat and the temperature is too high or too low. An alarm will always be triggered if a child is in the child seat, the child is awake, and no caregiver is present. An alarm will be triggered after a predetermined period of time if a child is in the child seat and the child is asleep and no caregiver is present. An alarm cannot be suppressed (or only for a, particularly comparatively short, time) if it is triggered by a temperature status. An alarm cannot be suppressed for a predetermined time if it is triggered by the absence of a caregiver and / or due to the child waking up. The child's status can only change from "awake" to "asleep" if a caregiver is present. Reference symbol

[0077] 10Child seat 11Second testing device 12Path 13Belt system 14Shoulder belt 15Shoulder belt 17Control device 18Power supply 19Signal transmission device 20Voltage sensor 21First testing device 22Third testing device 23Thermometer 24Thermometer 25Fourth testing device 26Indicating device 27Indicating device

Claims

1. Child safety seat checking system for a child safety seat (10) of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, comprising at least one child safety seat (10) and a first checking device (21) for checking whether a child is in the child safety seat, and a second checking device (11) for checking whether a person caring for the child is present, wherein a third (22) checking device is also provided, wherein the third checking device is designed to check a wakefulness status of the child, wherein at least one control device (17) is provided which is configured to output, depending on a check by the first (21), second (11) and third (22) checking device, at least one result from a comparison of the checks of the first, second and third checking devices, wherein the first (21), second (11) and third (22) checking devices comprise a respective output device for outputting a result of the checks to the at least one control device (17), wherein the control device (17) is further configured to output the respective result to a, preferably acoustic and / or optical, display device.

2. Child safety seat checking system according to claim 1, comprising a fourth checking device (25) for checking a child safety seat environment, in particular a child safety seat ambient temperature.

3. Child safety seat checking system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second checking device is designed to be at least partially portable and / or to operate independently of an on / off state of the vehicle in an operating state of the child safety seat checking system.

4. Child safety seat checking system according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one control device (17) is configured, depending on a check by the fourth (25) checking device, to output at least one result from the respective check and / or at least one result from a comparison of a plurality of checks, in particular to the, preferably acoustic and / or optical, display device.

5. Child safety seat checking system according to claim 2 and optionally additionally according to claim 3, or 4, characterized in that the fourth (25) checking device comprises an output device for outputting a result of the checks, in particular to the at least one control device.

6. Child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, in particular acoustic and / or optical display device, preferably forming a structural unit with the second checking device or at least parts thereof, is provided, which is configured, depending on a check by the first, second, third and / or fourth checking device, to display at least one result of the respective check or at least one result from a comparison of a plurality of checks, preferably to display all results from the checks of the checking devices and / or to output an alarm signal if or as soon as an undesirable condition is detected with regard to the child and / or the presence of the caregiver.

7. Child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (21), third (22) and / or fourth (25) checking devices are arranged at least partially on or in the child safety seat (10), wherein the fourth checking device (25) is preferably arranged at least partially on an outside of the child safety seat.

8. Child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first checking device (21) comprises at least one restraint device sensor which is configured to detect a status of at least one restraint device, such as a tether and / or a catch body, and / or comprises at least one weight sensor and / or at least one optical device, such as a camera.

9. Child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second checking device (11) comprises at least one in-vehicle sensor, such as a weight sensor and / or an ignition sensor, and / or a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, in particular a smartphone, and / or a watch, in particular a smartwatch, and / or an activity tracker and / or a visual and / or hearing aid and / or an ignition key, in particular an electric or electronic ignition key, and / or any other mobile device, comprising a transmitter and / or receiver and / or transponder, and / or comprises a distance determination device which is configured to determine a distance between the child safety seat (10) and a / the mobile device, such as a mobile telephone, in particular a smartphone, and / or a watch, in particular a smartwatch, and / or an activity tracker and / or a visual and / or hearing aid and / or an ignition key, in particular an electric or electronic ignition key, and / or other mobile device, comprising a transmitter and / or receiver and / or transponder.

10. Child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third checking device (22) comprises at least one motion sensor and / or a camera and / or a sound sensor and / or at least one weight sensor and / or at least one sensor for determining a physical state of the child, such as a pulse sensor and / or a respiration sensor.

11. Child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (21), second (11), third (22) and / or fourth (25) checking device comprises a plurality of sensors and / or a sensor array.

12. Child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first (21), second (11), third (22) and / or fourth (25) checking device and / or control device and / or display device are designed for wireless communication, in particular via radio and / or Bluetooth and / or infrared, and / or for internet-based communication.

13. Child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the child safety seat and the second checking device are designed for wireless communication via a first wireless communication link, e.g. via Bluetooth, wherein a measurement, e.g. distance measurement, is performed on the basis of the first communication link via the first communication link or a second wireless communication link, e.g. via a mobile network connection, and / or, wherein, in the event of an interruption of the first wireless communication link, information, in particular a corresponding alarm, is generated, preferably automatically or by communicating by means of the second wireless communication link.

14. Child safety seat checking method for a child safety seat of a vehicle, in particular motor vehicle, using a child safety seat checking system according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13, comprising: a) checking whether a child is in a child safety seat (10); b) checking whether a person caring for the child is present; and c) checking a wakefulness status of the child, wherein a control device (17) outputs, depending on a check by the first (21), second (11) and third (22) checking device, at least one result from a comparison of the checks of the first, second and third checking devices.

15. Child safety seat checking method according to claim 14, wherein in step b) at least partly a checking device (11) is used which - also during the checking - is designed to be portable and / or to operate independently of the operating state of the vehicle.

16. Child safety seat checking method according to claim 14 or 15, comprising: checking a child safety seat environment, in particular a child safety seat ambient temperature.

17. Child safety seat checking method according to one of the preceding claims 14 to 16, characterized in that a, preferably optical and / or acoustic, display, in particular a, preferably optical and / or acoustic, alarm, takes place, in particular without further conditions having to be present, if: CiCSS = yes, (Cp = any,) (Ca = any,) TwaR = no; and / or CiCSS = yes, Cp = no, optionally Ca = yes, (TwaR = any); and / or in that a, preferably visual and / or acoustic, display, in particular a, preferably visual and / or acoustic, alarm, preferably does not occur or only occurs when a predetermined time has elapsed, and if: CiCSS = yes, Cp = no, optionally Ca = no, (TwaR = any, in particular yes); and / or in that a, preferably visual and / or acoustic, display, in particular a, preferably visual and / or acoustic, alarm, does not occur if: CiCSS = no, (Cp = any,) (Ca = any,) (TwaR = any); and / or CiCSS = yes, Cp = yes, (Ca = any,) optionally TwaR = yes; and / or the display or alarm is suppressed by the caregiver, which is preferably possible for at least a period of time t1, in particular if Cp = no and / or Ca = yes or if the child wakes up and / or which is not possible or only possible for a temporary period of time t2, preferably less than t1, if the temperature is not within an acceptable range, wherein CiCSS = child in child safety seat, Cp = caregiver present, Ca = child awake, TwaR = temperature within acceptable range.

18. Child safety seat checking method according to one of the preceding claims 14 to 17, characterized in that a status change from child = awake to child = asleep only takes place when the caregiver is present.