Method for monitoring a child present in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for monitoring a child (2B) implemented by a child monitoring system (50), comprising an electronic control unit (510) and a motion detection module (520), comprising the steps of: - activation of a motion detection module (520) and a first timer expiring after a first predetermined duration, - if movement of the child (2B) is detected by the motion detection module (520), sending of an alert message, by the electronic control unit (510), via the antenna module (10), to the user's communication device (2A-1) (2A), - if no movement of the child (2B) is detected by the motion detection module (50) during the first predetermined duration, reactivation of the presence detection system (40) upon expiry of said first timer. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for monitoring a child present in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles and more particularly concerns a device for monitoring a sleeping child in a motor vehicle. Previous technique

[0002] Safety standards in the automotive field are progressing year by year to ensure the safety of vehicle users, both drivers and passengers.

[0003] In particular, safety standards concerning children have become more precise, in order to increase protection and reduce accidents. Child seat devices have thus evolved considerably to become more reliable and safer in the event of an accident, due to their design, the materials used and their fastening.

[0004] However, these technical solutions do not cover more passive safety problems such as cases where children, especially young children, are unintentionally left in the passenger compartment of the vehicle by an adult.

[0005] These situations can have dramatic consequences, particularly in hot weather, when the vehicle is exposed to the sun and the temperature inside the passenger compartment rises rapidly. If an adult forgets, the consequences for the health of young children can be very serious.

[0006] Consequently, standards are evolving to take these risks into account, particularly at the Euro-NCAP ("European New Car Assessment Programme") level. Thus, vehicles must have a set of functions and actions in terms of child presence detection systems to prevent these incidents.

[0007] These systems help reduce the risk of a child being left in the vehicle. However, there are situations where an adult may consciously choose to leave a child in the vehicle, for example, for a quick errand or to refuel. Therefore, the systems must be able to avoid triggering alerts or strategies specifically designed for a child being left in the vehicle in such situations.

[0008] These systems therefore provide for exceptions based on the distance of the adult from the vehicle and / or the time spent outside the vehicle.

[0009] However, these systems do not currently take into account the case where an adult wishes to intentionally leave a child in a vehicle for a longer period. For example, in the case of a child who has fallen asleep in the vehicle at the end of a During the journey, an adult might want to let the child sleep in the vehicle without risk of waking them up or triggering an alarm.

[0010] A simple, reliable and effective solution that would at least partially remedy these drawbacks would therefore be advantageous. Description of the invention

[0011] To this end, the invention first relates to a method for monitoring a child present in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, said vehicle comprising an antenna module, a communication network, a presence detection system and a child monitoring system, said antenna module being configured to communicate with a communication device of a vehicle user over a wireless communication link, said child monitoring system comprising an electronic control unit and a motion detection module configured to detect movement of the child, said electronic control unit being configured to communicate with the motion detection module, the antenna module and the presence detection system via said communication network, said method comprising the steps of:

[0012] - vehicle standby mode,

[0013] - detection, by the presence detection system, following said standby mode, of a child in the passenger compartment,

[0014] - deactivation, by the user, via the electronic control unit, of the system presence detection,

[0015] - activation, by the electronic control unit, following the deactivation of the presence detection system, motion detection module and a first time counter expiring after a first predetermined duration,

[0016] - if a movement of the child is detected by the motion detection module, sending an alert message, by the electronic control unit, via the antenna module, to the user's communication device, activation of a second timer expiring after a second predetermined duration and reactivation of the presence detection system upon expiry of said second timer or deactivation of the motion detection module upon the user's return to the vehicle,

[0017] - if no movement of the child is detected by the detection module movement during the first predetermined duration, reactivation of the presence detection system upon expiry of said first time counter.

[0018] The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to put the vehicle's presence detection system into voluntary standby mode, while monitoring the sleeping child and alerting the user if the child wakes up. Monitoring is carried out by detecting Movement is tracked relative to a reference point, and the movements considered can indicate that the child is awake, such as large gestures, or conversely, that they are still sleeping, such as consistent breathing relative to the reference point. Timers allow the presence detection system to be reactivated if the user does not return to the vehicle quickly enough after receiving an alert message or if the child remains motionless for too long. The timers can be adjusted by the user according to their needs. The child can therefore continue sleeping, and the various probabilities are covered by the child monitoring system, which also ensures continuity with the presence detection system when the child sleeps for an extended period.

[0019] Preferably, the method includes, before the step of deactivating the presence detection system, a step of activating the monitoring system at the user's command, preferably upon a prior request sent to the electronic control unit by the user via a vehicle user interface. Once the presence detection system detects that a child is present in the vehicle when it is stationary, a warning message is sent to the user via the user interface, allowing the user to choose whether or not to activate the child monitoring system, as under certain conditions they may not want to leave the child, even if asleep, in the vehicle.

[0020] Activation of the child monitoring system corresponds to the receipt by the electronic control unit of an activation signal from the user interface.

[0021] Advantageously, the method includes an intermediate step of confirmation by the electronic control unit of the child's awakening following the detection of movement. The step of sending an alert message is triggered only if the child whose movement has been detected is confirmed to be awake. Indeed, the child may move in their sleep and trigger a premature alert message. This confirmation step is based, in particular, on training the electronic control unit to integrate the child's sleep patterns, especially their breathing rate, which allows it to effectively distinguish movements corresponding to an awake state.

[0022] Preferably, the user's return corresponds to an opening of the vehicle's doors, or the unlocking of the vehicle if it has been locked by the user, or the user approaching a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0023] In addition or as an alternative, the method includes a step of sending a repulsion message, by the electronic control unit, to the device user communication when the user moves beyond a surveillance zone defined by a predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0024] The invention also relates to an electronic control unit for a motor vehicle, said vehicle comprising a presence detection system, a communication network, and a motion detection module, said electronic control unit comprising a memory area and being configured to communicate via the communication network, said electronic control unit being further configured to deactivate the presence detection system, activate the motion detection module, send an alert message, activate at least one timer, and reactivate the presence detection system. This electronic control unit enables the implementation of the monitoring method as described above.

[0025] In one embodiment, the electronic control unit is further configured to receive an activation signal from the monitoring system from a vehicle user interface via the communication network.

[0026] In addition or as an alternative, the electronic control unit is further configured to confirm that the child whose movements are detected by the motion detection module is awake. The electronic control unit can thus be trained to distinguish movements corresponding to an awake state, in particular a difference in respiratory rate between wakefulness and sleep, and, for example, implement machine-learning techniques for this training. Thus, the electronic control unit can determine, for example, that a sudden movement of the child is a movement they make in their sleep if their respiratory rate corresponds to a sleep state, and not send a message to the user's device.

[0027] Advantageously, the electronic control unit is further configured to detect the opening of a vehicle door and to interpret said opening of a door as the return of a user, or the unlocking of the vehicle or the approach of the user to a sufficient distance from the vehicle.

[0028] In addition or as an alternative, the electronic control unit is configured to detect the distance between the vehicle and the user, compare it with a predetermined maximum distance and send a moving-away message, via the antenna module and the wireless communication link, to the user's communication device when the user moves away beyond the predetermined distance from the vehicle.

[0029] The invention also relates to a child monitoring system for vehicles, comprising an electronic control unit as shown, a communication network and a motion detection module.

[0030] Preferably, the motion detection module of the child monitoring system includes at least one radio frequency signal transmitter-receiver device, of the RADAR type, which emits radio frequency signals and which records the signals from the reflection of the radio frequency signals emitted on the surfaces of the interior of the vehicle.

[0031] Preferably, the radio frequency signal transmission and reception device of the detection module emits a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) type signal, which has a penetration depth in certain materials, in particular fabrics, which makes it possible, for example, to detect movements through a sheet or blanket that could cover the sleeping child, and thus better detect respiratory movements.

[0032] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a child monitoring system as shown, a presence detection system, an antenna module configured to communicate with a communication device of a vehicle user over a communication link and a communication network.

[0033] Advantageously, the vehicle also includes an intrusion detection system, configured to detect the intrusion of a third party into the vehicle, and the child monitoring system is configured to communicate with said intrusion detection system so that the child left in the vehicle is not considered an intruder during monitoring. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. This description is purely illustrative and should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a vehicle in which a user left a child and including a child monitoring system configured to implement the method according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] Fig.2 schematically illustrates the process of monitoring a child present in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Description of the implementation methods

[0037] As shown in [Fig.1], the method according to the invention is implemented when a user 2A, equipped with a communication device 2A-1, wishes to let a child 2B sleep in a vehicle 1 while moving away from the vehicle 1.

[0038] Vehicle 1

[0039] The vehicle 1 includes an antenna module 10, a communication network 20, a user interface 30, a presence detection system 40 and a child monitoring system 50.

[0040] Antenna module 10

[0041] The antenna module 10 enables communication over a wireless communication link between different systems of the vehicle 1 and the user's communication device 2A-1. In particular, it enables communication between the communication device 2A-1 and the child monitoring system 50.

[0042] The wireless communication link is achieved by an exchange of radio frequency signals between the antenna module 10 and the communication device 2A-1, such as Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals in a manner known per se.

[0043] Communication network 20

[0044] The communication network 20 of vehicle 1 allows the exchange of electrical signals via a wired network inside vehicle 1.

[0045] The communication network 20 can be a wired CAN (Control Area Network) type network.

[0046] User interface 30

[0047] The user interface 30 is configured to receive commands from user 2A and to display information to user 2A.

[0048] The user interface 30 is connected to the communication network 20.

[0049] Presence detection system 40

[0050] The presence detection system 40 is a system imposed by a set of standards in vehicles 1. The presence detection system 40 makes it possible to detect the presence of a child 2B forgotten on board the vehicle 1 in order to warn the user 2A and to put in place a set of solutions to prevent the prolonged presence of the child 2B in the vehicle 1 from having adverse effects on his health.

[0051] The presence detection system 40 can thus trigger an alarm on vehicle 1, send a message to the communication device 2A-1 of user 2A, or activate certain functions of vehicle 1 such as air conditioning or opening the windows for example.

[0052] Child monitoring system 50

[0053] As shown in [Fig.1], the child monitoring system 50 comprises an electronic control unit 510 and a motion detection module 520.

[0054] The child monitoring system 50 is activated by user 2A to voluntarily deactivate the presence detection system 40 and to be able to leave a sleeping child 2B in the stationary vehicle 1 while being able to exit the vehicle 1.

[0055] In one operating mode, the activation of the child monitoring system 50 is offered to user 2A when the vehicle 1 is put into standby mode and when the presence detection system 40 detects the presence of a child 2B in the vehicle 1. User 2A then has the choice between activating the child monitoring system 50, in particular if the child is asleep and user 2A wants to leave him in vehicle 1 for a while, or not activating it, for example if user 2A intends to take child 2B directly out of vehicle 1.

[0056] In another mode of operation, the activation of the child monitoring system 50 can be carried out directly by user 2A via the user interface 30 of the vehicle 1 when user 2A wishes.

[0057] Electronic control unit 510

[0058] The electronic control unit 510 is configured to receive an activation signal when user 2A activates the child monitoring system 50 and to send a deactivation signal to the presence detection system 40 upon receipt of said activation signal.

[0059] The electronic control unit 510 is configured to exchange signals with the motion detection module 520 via the communication network 20.

[0060] The electronic control unit 510 is configured to analyze a motion detection signal sent by the motion detection module 520 to determine if the detected motion indicates that child 2B is awake.

[0061] In one embodiment, the electronic control unit 510 includes artificial intelligence and machine-learning functions to determine whether the detected movement indicates that child 2B is awake.

[0062] The electronic control unit 510 is configured to activate at least one time counter expiring after a predetermined duration.

[0063] The electronic control unit 510 is configured to send an alert message to the user 2A's communication device 2A-1 via the communication network 20, the antenna module 10 and the wireless communication link.

[0064] The electronic control unit 510 is configured to send a reactivation signal to the presence detection system 40 via the communication network 20.

[0065] The electronic control unit 510 is configured to detect the return of user 2A to vehicle 1, in particular by detecting the opening of one of the openings of vehicle 1 or, in addition or alternatively, by detecting the unlocking of vehicle 1.

[0066] The electronic control unit 510 can also be configured to exchange with an intrusion detection system of vehicle 1 in order to prevent the intrusion detection system from considering the child 2B left in vehicle 1 to be an intruder.

[0067] Motion detection module 520

[0068] The motion detection module 520 is configured to detect movement in the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1 when the child monitoring system 50 is activated.

[0069] In a preferred operating mode, the motion detection module 520 is configured to receive reference signals corresponding to the state of the part of the vehicle 1 where the child 2B is located upon receiving the activation signal sent by the electronic control unit 510, receive signals periodically and compare these signals with the reference signals to determine if a movement is taking place.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the motion detection module 520 comprises at least one radio frequency transmitter / receiver. The signals received by the motion detection module 520 are then reflections of radio frequency signals emitted by the motion detection module 520.

[0071] In this embodiment, the radio frequency waves can be, for example, of the RADAR type or of the UWB type.

[0072] In addition or as an alternative, the motion detection module 520 may include at least one camera and determine the movement of child 2B on received images.

[0073] In addition or as an alternative, the motion detection module 520 may include microphone devices which determine the noises emitted by the child 2B.

[0074] When movement has been detected, the motion detection module 520 is configured to send a motion detection signal to the electronic control unit 510.

[0075] User 2A

[0076] User 2A drives vehicle 1, has placed a child 2B in vehicle 1 and has a communication device 2A-1.

[0077] Child 2B

[0078] Child 2B may have fallen asleep during the journey in vehicle 1. In this case, when the vehicle stops, user 2A may decide to let child 2B sleep in vehicle 1.

[0079] Communication device 2A-1

[0080] The communication device 2A-1 is a portable device that the user 2A keeps on him / her, and which communicates with the systems of the vehicle 1 via the wireless communication link and the antenna module 10.

[0081] Preferably, the communication device 2A-1 is a smartphone-type mobile phone on which is installed a specific application for monitoring a child 2B left in the vehicle 1.

[0082] In another embodiment, the communication device 2A-1 may be a separate device, specifically configured for monitoring a child 2B left in the vehicle 1.

[0083] Example of an operation

[0084] The method according to the invention is implemented when, at the end of a journey, a child 2B has fallen asleep in the vehicle 1.

[0085] In a first step 1E1, user 2A puts the vehicle 1 into standby mode, for example by turning a key. In a manner known per se, the presence detection system 40 is activated and detects the sleeping child 2B.

[0086] In a second step E2, the presence detection system 40 triggers the proposal to activate the child monitoring system 50 to the user 2A, on a user interface 30 of the vehicle 1.

[0087] In a third step E3, user 2A chooses whether or not to activate the child monitoring system 50.

[0088] In the event that user 2A wishes to take the sleeping child 2B out of vehicle 1, user 2A refuses the activation and takes child 2B out of vehicle 1. The child monitoring system 50 is then not activated, and the presence detection system 40 is deactivated since it no longer detects child 2B on board vehicle 1.

[0089] In the event that user 2A wishes to leave child 2B asleep in vehicle 1, user 2A activates the child monitoring system 50 and exits vehicle 1.

[0090] In another mode of operation, user 2A can access the activation of the child monitoring system 50 on the user interface 30 whenever he wants.

[0091] In the event that user 2A chooses to activate the child monitoring system 50 on the user interface, the electronic control unit 510 receives the activation signal in a step E4 via the communication network 20. The child monitoring system 50 is then activated.

[0092] Upon activation, the child monitoring system 50 triggers a first time counter which expires after a first predetermined duration.

[0093] In a step E5, the electronic control unit 510 sends a deactivation signal to the presence detection system 40 via the communication network 20. The presence detection system 40 is then deactivated.

[0094] In a step E6, the electronic control unit 510 sends an initialization signal to the motion detection module 520 via the communication network 20.

[0095] Steps E5 and E6 can be carried out simultaneously.

[0096] In a step E7, the motion detection module 520 triggers motion detection.

[0097] Initially, the motion detection module 520 sends a first radio frequency signal and receives the reflection of this signal on the portion of the interior of the vehicle 1 in which the child 2B is located. This first reception makes it possible to determine a basic state in which the child 2B is still asleep.

[0098] In a second step, the motion detection module 520 periodically sends radio frequency signals and receives the reflections of these signals.

[0099] Upon each reception, the motion detection module 520 compares the received signals with those of the baseline state. A difference between these two signals may indicate movement of child 2B, and therefore that it is possible that he or she is awake.

[0100] If child 2B moves, the motion detection module 520 detects movement in a step E8 and sends a motion detection signal to the electronic control unit 510.

[0101] In a step E9, the electronic control unit 510 analyzes this signal to confirm that child 2B is indeed awake.

[0102] This confirmation step requires prior training, or the use of machine-learning techniques, in order to correspond as closely as possible to the sleep habits of child 2B.

[0103] If the awakening of child 2B is disproved, the motion detection module 520 continues periodic emissions.

[0104] If the awakening of child 2B is confirmed, the electronic control unit 510 triggers in a step E10 a second time counter expiring after a second predetermined duration and sends an alert message to the communication device 2A-1 of user 2A.

[0105] In this step, the electronic control unit 510 generates the message, sends it to the antenna module 10 via the communication network 20, the antenna module 10 sends the message to the communication device 2A-1 over the wireless communication link and the user 2A sees the alert message on his communication device 2A-1, warning him that the child 2B is awake.

[0106] As long as the second time counter has not reached the second predetermined duration, the electronic control unit 510 can implement certain functions of the vehicle 1, such as the interior lighting, the car radio or screens, to accompany the child 2B while waiting for the return of the user 2A. The child 2B can thus listen to music to have an audiovisual link with the user 2A.

[0107] If user 2A returns to vehicle 1 and takes child 2B out before the second timer expires, the child monitoring system 50 detects the opening of a door and / or the unlocking of vehicle 1 in a step El 1 and deactivates.

[0108] If user 2A does not return to vehicle 1 before the expiry of the second time counter, the electronic control unit 510 sends in an Eli* step a reactivation signal to the presence detection system 40.

[0109] In a step E12*, the presence detection system 40 is reactivated and detects the presence of child 2B, and activates its functions after a certain time, for example by activating an alarm, triggering the air conditioning or opening the windows according to the programming.

[0110] If, when the first time counter, triggered by the activation of the child monitoring system 50, expires before the electronic control unit 510 confirms the awakening of child 2B, the electronic control unit 510 sends in a step E8** a reactivation signal to the presence detection system 40.

[0111] In a step E9**, the presence detection system 40 is reactivated and detects the presence of child 2B, and activates its functions after a certain time, for example by activating an alarm, triggering the air conditioning or opening the windows according to the programming.

[0112] Alternatively or in addition, the method may also include a step of measuring the distance between the vehicle 1 and the device 2A-1, a step of comparing the measured distance with a predefined distance corresponding to a zone specific to the surveillance and a step of sending a message to the device 2A-1 if it leaves the zone specific to the surveillance, i.e. when the measured distance is greater than the predetermined distance.

[0113] This surveillance-specific zone ensures that user 2A does not stray too far from vehicle 1 while a child 2B is inside.

Claims

1. Demands A method for monitoring a child (2B) present in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle (1), said vehicle (1) comprising an antenna module (10), a communication network (20), a presence detection system (40), and a child monitoring system (50), said antenna module (10) being configured to communicate with a communication device (2A-1) of a user (2A) of the vehicle (1) over a wireless communication link, said child monitoring system (50) comprising an electronic control unit (510) and a motion detection module (520) configured to detect movement of the child (2B), said electronic control unit (510) being configured to communicate with the motion detection module (520), the antenna module (10), and the presence detection system (40) via said communication network (20), said method comprising the steps of: - vehicle standby mode (1), - detection, by the presence detection system (40), following said standby mode, of a child (2B) in the vehicle (1), - deactivation, by the user (2A), via the electronic control unit (510), of the presence detection system (40), - activation, by the electronic control unit (510), following the deactivation of the presence detection system (40), of the motion detection module (520) and of a first time counter expiring after a first predetermined duration, - if a movement of the child (2B) is detected by the movement detection module (520), an alert message is sent by the electronic control unit (510), via the antenna module (10), to the communication device (2A-1) of the user (2A), activation of a second time counter expiring after a second predetermined duration and reactivation of the presence detection system (40) upon expiry of said second time counter or deactivation of the movement detection module (50) upon return of the user (2A) to the vehicle (1), - if no movement of the child (2B) is detected by the movement detection module (520) during the first period predetermined, reactivation of the presence detection system (40) upon expiry of said first time counter.

2. Method according to claim 1, said method comprising, before the deactivation step of the presence detection system (40), an activation step of the monitoring system (50) carried out on user command (2A).

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, said method comprising an intermediate step of confirmation, by the electronic control unit (510), of the awakening of the child (2B) following the detection of a movement of the child (2B), and the step of sending an alert message is triggered only if the child (2B) whose movement has been detected is confirmed to be awake.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user's return (2A) corresponds to an opening of the vehicle's doors (1).

5. Electronic control unit (510) for a motor vehicle (1), said vehicle (1) comprising a presence detection system (40), a communication network (20) and a motion detection module (520), said electronic control unit (510) comprising a memory area and being configured to communicate via the communication network (20), said electronic control unit (510) being further configured to deactivate the presence detection system (40), activate the motion detection module (520), send an alert message, activate at least one timer and reactivate the presence detection system (40).

6. Electronic control unit (510) according to the preceding claim, said electronic control unit (510) further configured to receive an activation signal from the child monitoring system (50) from a user interface (30) of the vehicle (1) via the communication network (20).

7. Electronic control unit (510) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, said electronic control unit (510) further configured to confirm that the child (2B) whose movements are detected by the motion detection module (520) is awake.

8. Electronic control unit (510) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, said electronic control unit (510) being further configured to detect the opening of a vehicle opening (1) and to interpret said opening of an opening as the return of a user (2A).

9. Child monitoring system (50) for vehicle (1), comprising an electronic control unit (510) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, a communication network (20) and a motion detection module (520).

10. Vehicle (1) comprising a child monitoring system (50) according to the preceding claim, a presence detection system (40), an antenna module (10) configured to communicate with a communication device (2A-1) of a user (2A) of the vehicle (1) over a communication link and a communication network (20).

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