System and method for warning a user of an object approaching a vehicle - Patents.com

Abstract

Warn the user of objects approaching the vehicle. The system includes one or more sensors positioned to detect an area within a proximity range of the vehicle, and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors, the controller configured to determine when an ignition switch of the vehicle is off, determine that a user is within the proximity range of the vehicle based on data from the one or more sensors, determine that an object is approaching the vehicle based on the data, and alert the user of the object.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 114,867, filed December 8, 2020, entitled "Systems and Methods for Alerting Users of Objects Approaching Vehicles," the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0002] SUMMARY This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for alerting a user of objects approaching a vehicle when the vehicle ignition is turned off and the user is in close proximity to the vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] Users are often unaware of their surroundings when exiting a vehicle. For example, when exiting a vehicle, the user may turn away from the environment around the vehicle to retrieve groceries, personal belongings, or children, etc., from the vehicle. In such a situation, the user may be unaware of one or more objects, such as people, vehicles, animals, etc., approaching the vehicle and potentially threatening the user's health. Passive systems also exist that constantly monitor the environment around the vehicle. However, such systems may require undesirably large amounts of power to operate and are therefore generally only available in electric vehicles that have large batteries capable of supporting such large amounts of power. Furthermore, such systems are not configured to alert the user of approaching potentially threatening objects while the user is still in close proximity to the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes one or more sensors positioned to detect an area within a proximity range of a vehicle and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to determine that an ignition switch of the vehicle is off, determine that a user is within a proximity range of the vehicle based on data from the one or more sensors, determine that an object is approaching the vehicle based on the data, and alert the user of the object.

[0005] In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a system including one or more sensors positioned to detect an area of ​​a proximity range of the vehicle and a controller communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to determine that an ignition switch of the vehicle is off, determine that a user is located within the proximity range of the vehicle based on data from the one or more sensors, determine that an object is approaching the vehicle based on the data, and alert the user that the object is approaching the vehicle.

[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method is provided that includes receiving, by a controller in a vehicle, sensor data from one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the controller, where the sensor data is received when an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off. The method further includes determining from the sensor data that a user is within a proximity range of the vehicle, determining based on the sensor data that an object is approaching the vehicle, and alerting the user that the object is approaching the vehicle.

[0007] The above-mentioned objects and advantages, as well as additional objects and advantages provided by the embodiments described herein, will be more fully understood from a consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] The embodiments illustrated in the drawings are exemplary and explanatory in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of exemplary embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, in which like structure is designated with like reference numerals and in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a system for monitoring an environment surrounding the vehicle according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system for monitoring an environment surrounding the vehicle of FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a user device coupled to the system of FIG. 2 according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram that illustrates a schematic of a method for determining whether one or more objects are approaching the vehicle of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of operation of the system of FIG. 2 according to one or more embodiments shown or described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method for alerting a user of an object approaching a vehicle when the vehicle ignition is turned off and the user is in close proximity to the vehicle. The system may initiate a monitoring mode when the system determines that the vehicle ignition switch is turned off and the system receives (or has received) an instruction from the user to initiate the monitoring mode. Once the monitoring mode is initiated, the system may monitor an environment surrounding the vehicle to determine a location of the user relative to the vehicle and a location of one or more objects relative to the vehicle. The system is further configured to determine whether one or more objects are approaching the vehicle. If the system determines that the user is within a reference proximity range of the vehicle and that one or more objects are within a second proximity range of the vehicle and approaching the vehicle, the system may initiate one or more responsive actions. The one or more responsive actions may include, for example, an alert or alarm to notify the user or a third party of one or more objects that are within the second proximity range of the vehicle and approaching the vehicle. The system may automatically shut down if the system determines that the user is outside the reference proximity range of the vehicle.

[0010] 1, a vehicle 10 is depicted that includes a system 100 for detecting an object 16 approaching the vehicle 10 when the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is off. The system 100 includes one or more components for determining the proximity of a user 12 to the vehicle 10, for determining one or more objects 16 approaching the vehicle 10, and for taking responsive action, such as generating an alert to the user 12, regarding the one or more objects 16. The system 100 can initiate an operation, adjust one or more operating conditions, and take one or more responsive actions based on user input.

[0011] Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 including one or more sensors 110 configured to detect the presence of a user 12 within a proximity range of the vehicle 10 and / or detect one or more objects 16 approaching the vehicle 10, as described in more detail herein. For example, the one or more sensors 110 may be a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a laser imaging, detection and ranging (LiDAR) sensor, or the like. The one or more sensors 110 may be disposed on the exterior of the vehicle 10. For example, the one or more sensors 110 may be disposed on a front bumper of the vehicle 10, a rear bumper of the vehicle 10, a side mirror of the vehicle 10, a body panel of the vehicle 10, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 110 may be disposed within an interior or cabin of the vehicle 10. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more sensors 110 may be disposed on a rearview mirror of the vehicle 10.

[0012] In an embodiment, one or more sensors 110 may be configured to provide data to assist in manual, semi-automatic, or automatic operation of vehicle 10 when the ignition switch of vehicle 10 is turned on. For example, without limitation, one or more sensors 110 may assist in automatic lane keeping of vehicle 10, adaptive cruise control of vehicle 10, blind spot monitoring of vehicle 10, intelligent parking of vehicle 10, and / or the like. That is, one or more sensors 110 may be existing vehicle sensors that are further used as described herein.

[0013] When the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is turned off, the one or more sensors 110 may be configured to detect the presence of the user 12 within a reference proximity range 14 of the vehicle 10 (indicated in FIG. 1 by a dashed border surrounding the vehicle 10) and / or adjust the function to detect one or more objects 16 approaching the vehicle 10. The reference proximity range 14 generally represents a predetermined proximity to the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, as described in more detail below, the user 12 may specify the size of the reference proximity range 14 or the distance the reference proximity range 14 extends from the vehicle 10. In such an embodiment, the reference proximity range 14 may be a fixed value or a data point. The system 100 may analyze sensor data from the one or more sensors 110 with respect to the user-specified reference proximity range 14. In some embodiments, the reference proximity range 14 may be a geofenced area or a virtual border surrounding the vehicle 10. For example, the reference proximity range 14 may be the outer perimeter of a wireless sensing system (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensing system, etc.). The one or more sensors 110 may detect one or more objects 16 that are within a second proximity range 18 of the vehicle 10 and possibly approaching the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the user 12 may specify the size of the second proximity range 18 or the distance the second proximity range 18 extends from the vehicle 10. In such an embodiment, the second proximity range 18 may be a fixed value or a data point. The system 100 may analyze sensor data from the one or more sensors 110 with respect to the user-specified second proximity range 18. Although the object 16 is depicted as a person in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the object 16 may be a person, a vehicle, an animal, or other object other than the user 12, particularly an object that may be harmful to the user or that may be of interest to the user, etc.

[0014] The reference proximity range 14 is generally adjusted to an area around the vehicle 10 where the user 12 may not be focused on the environment around the vehicle 10. For example, the reference proximity range 14 may generally encompass an area around the vehicle 10 where the user 12 may be facing the vehicle 10 (e.g., facing away from other vehicles) to perform one or more tasks, including, but not limited to, removing items from the vehicle 10, filling the vehicle 10 with gas, filling the tires of the vehicle 10 with air, etc. The second proximity range 18 is generally adjusted to an area around the vehicle 10 where there are objects 16 that may be of interest to the user. The closer one or more objects 16 are to the user 12 and / or the vehicle 10, the more likely the one or more objects 16 are of interest to the user 12. Thus, in an embodiment, the second proximity range 18 may be defined as an area around the vehicle 10 that is sufficiently close to the vehicle 10 such that one or more objects 16 detected within the second proximity range 18 and moving towards the vehicle 10 reasonably indicate interest or curiosity to the user 12. In other words, it may be unnecessary or cumbersome for the system 100 to take a responsive action in response to determining that one or more objects 16 are within, for example, a 100 meter radius of the vehicle 10 and moving toward the vehicle 10 because one or more objects 16 near the 100 meter radius may be distant from the user 12 such that the user 12 is not interested or interested in such objects 16 (e.g., objects that are far enough away from the user). Furthermore, it may be unnecessary or cumbersome for the system 100 to take a responsive action in response to determining that one or more objects 16 are within, for example, a 100 meter radius of the vehicle 10 and moving toward the vehicle 10 because the number of objects 16 within the radius and moving toward the vehicle 10 may be so large that the system 100 may overwhelm and annoy the user 12 with a responsive action, such as a warning, for each object 16 within the radius and moving toward the vehicle 10.However, in an embodiment, the second proximity range 18 may be defined as an area around the vehicle 10 that is sufficiently large to allow the user 12 to react to the responsive action taken by the system 100 when it is determined that one or more objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18 and moving toward the vehicle 10. In other words, if the second proximity range 18 is too narrow, the user 12 may not be able to react before the system 100 provides a warning or other responsive action to the user 12 when one or more objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18 and moving toward the vehicle 10, for example, before the one or more objects 16 collide with the user 12 and / or the vehicle 10. For example, the boundaries of the reference proximity range 14 may be, but are not limited to, 10 meters or less, 7.5 meters or less, 5 meters or less, 2.5 meters or less, etc. In another example, the boundaries of the second proximity range 18 may be, but are not limited to, 20 meters or less, 15 meters or less, 10 meters or less, 7.5 meters or less, 5 meters or less, 2.5 meters or less, etc.

[0015] The reference proximity range 14 and / or the second proximity range 18 may have any desired shape. In some embodiments, the reference proximity range 14 and / or the second proximity range 18 may be defined as a region that is symmetrical in a horizontal plane (e.g., on the ground) with respect to a line passing through the center point of the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the reference proximity range 14 and / or the second proximity range 18 may be defined as a region that is asymmetrical in a horizontal plane (e.g., on the ground) with respect to a line passing through the center point of the vehicle 10. For example, from data provided by one or more sensors 110, the processor 202 (FIG. 2) of the system 100 may determine that the passenger side of the vehicle 10 is directly adjacent to a wall or other structure. In such an embodiment, the reference proximity range 14 and / or the second proximity range 18 may not extend around the passenger side of the vehicle 10, or may extend around the passenger side of the vehicle 10 to a wall or other structure adjacent to the passenger side of the vehicle 10. In embodiments, the reference proximity range 14 and the second proximity range 18 may be regions of the same size and / or shape. In some embodiments, the reference proximity range 14 may be a different size and shape than the second proximity range 18.

[0016] 1 and 2, the system 100 includes one or more internal hardware components. The system 100 includes a controller 200 including a processor 202 and a memory module 204. The controller 200 may be an electronic control unit in some embodiments. The system may further include an alarm module 120, an alert module 130, a navigation module 140, one or more sensors 110, a proximity range module 150, an item identification module 232, and a network interface hardware 160. In some embodiments, the network interface hardware 160 may communicatively couple the system 100 to an external network 162 (e.g., a cloud network) and / or one or more user devices 170, one or more key fobs 180, one or more external devices 190, etc. The various components of the system 100 may be communicatively coupled to each other via a bus 220. The system 100 may be coupled to a power source. The power source may be a battery coupled to a motor of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the power source may be a 12 volt lead acid battery. In an embodiment, the power source may be a hybrid battery, such as a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. In an embodiment, the system 100 may be coupled to multiple power sources, such as a 12 volt lead acid battery and a hybrid battery. In some embodiments, the power source may be a separate battery for operation of the system 100 that is not coupled to the motor of the vehicle 10. The system 100 may draw power from the power source while the system 100 is operating. The system 100 may further be coupled to one or more hardware components of the vehicle 10, such as an ignition switch of the vehicle 10.

[0017] The processor 202 may include any processing component(s) configured to receive and execute instructions. The instructions may be in the form of one or more processor-readable instructions or sets of instructions stored in the memory module 204. Thus, the processor 202 may be an electronic controller, an integrated circuit, a microchip, a computer, or any other computing device. The processor 202 is communicatively coupled to other components of the system 100 via a bus 220. Thus, the bus 220 may communicatively couple any number of the processors 202 to each other, allowing the components coupled to the bus 220 to operate in a distributed computing environment. In some embodiments, the bus 220 is a CAN bus. Each of the components may operate as a node capable of transmitting and / or receiving data. Additionally, although the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 includes a single processor 202, some embodiments may include multiple processors 202 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] As described above, the controller 200 includes a memory module 204. The memory module 204 is communicatively coupled to one or more processors 202. The memory module 204 may include RAM, ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any device capable of storing processor-readable instructions such that the processor-readable instructions may be accessed and executed by the one or more processors 202. The processor-readable instructions may include, for example, logic or algorithm(s) written in any programming language of any generation (e.g., 1GL, 2GL, 3GL, 4GL, or 5GL), such as machine language that may be executed directly by the processor 202, or assembly language, object-oriented programming (OOP), scripting language, microcode, etc. that may be compiled or assembled into processor-readable instructions and stored on the memory module 204. In some embodiments, the processor-readable instructions may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as logic implemented via either a field programmable gate array (FPGA) configuration or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like. Thus, the methods described herein may be implemented in any conventional computer programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, or as a combination of hardware and software components.

[0019] As mentioned above, the system 100 includes a bus 220. The bus 220 may be formed of any medium capable of transmitting a signal, such as, for example, a conductive wire, a conductive trace, or an optical waveguide. Furthermore, the bus 220 may be formed of a combination of media capable of transmitting a signal. In one embodiment, the bus 220 includes a combination of conductive traces, conductive wires, connectors, and buses that cooperate to enable transmission of electrical data signals to components such as processors, memories, sensors, input devices, output devices, and communication devices. Thus, the bus 220 may include a vehicle bus, such as, for example, a LIN bus, a CAN bus, and a VAN bus. Furthermore, it is noted that the term "signal" refers to a waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, electromagnetic) that can travel through a medium, such as DC, AC, sine wave, triangular wave, square wave, and vibration. The bus 220 communicatively couples the various components of the system 100. As used herein, the term "communicatively coupled" means that the coupled components can exchange data signals with each other, such as, for example, electrical signals through a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals through the air, optical signals through an optical waveguide, etc.

[0020] The proximity range module 150 may include an RFID sensing system and / or the like. In general, the proximity range module 150 may include any device capable of establishing a virtual perimeter around the vehicle 10. That is, the proximity range module 150 may be any device capable of defining and / or detecting a distance around the vehicle 10. For example, the RFID device of the proximity range module 150 may define a boundary around the vehicle 10 as an outer frame of its signal strength. The proximity range module 150 may also include a GPS device or other device capable of determining the location of the vehicle 10. The system 100 may determine the location of the user 12 or one or more objects 16 with reference to the determined location of the vehicle 10. The memory module 204 may include proximity range instructions executable by the processor 202. Executing the proximity range instructions may cause the processor 202 to instruct the proximity range module 150 to determine a reference proximity range 14 and / or a second proximity range 18 around the vehicle 10, as described in more detail below. Proximity range module 150 may be further configured to receive GPS data from user device 170 and / or wireless signals from key fob 180. Proximity range module 150 may further include one or more data processing components such that the proximity range module may determine, for example, the distance of user device 170 from vehicle 10 and / or the location of key fob 180 within reference proximity range 14.

[0021] The one or more sensors 110 may be configured to detect items (e.g., the user 12 and one or more objects 16) in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the detection range of the one or more sensors 110 may be limited to an area defined by the reference proximity range 14 and / or the second proximity range 18 as set by the user 12 and / or determined by the proximity range module 150. Thus, in such embodiments, the one or more sensors 110 may not be able to detect the one or more objects 16 if the one or more objects 16 are outside the second proximity range 18. In some embodiments, the detection range of the one or more sensors 110 may extend beyond the area defined by the reference proximity range 14 and / or the second proximity range 18. In such embodiments, for example, the one or more sensors 110 may be able to detect the one or more objects 16 regardless of whether the one or more objects 16 are inside or outside the second proximity range 18. The one or more sensors 110 generate sensor data. The sensor data may include still image data, video data, radar data, ultrasonic data, and / or LiDAR data, etc., depending on the one or more sensors 110 utilized in the system 100. As used herein, a "frame" of sensor data refers to a set of sensor data collected by one or more sensors 110 at a fixed point in time. The memory module 204 may include sensor instructions executable by the processor 202. Execution of the sensor instructions may cause the processor 202 to instruct the one or more sensors 110 to detect the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. Further, execution of the sensor instructions may cause the processor 202 to analyze the sensor data received from the one or more sensors 110, as described below.

[0022] The item identification module 230 may be configured to receive sensor data from the sensors 110 and, based on the sensor data, identify a plurality of items detected by the one or more sensors 110 in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. For example, the item identification module 230 may include one or more item recognition algorithms for identifying people, vehicles, animals, bicycles, and the like. Any known or yet to be developed item recognition algorithm may be used to extract items from the sensor data from the one or more sensors 110. Exemplary item recognition algorithms include, but are not limited to, Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF), and Edge-Detection Algorithms. In some embodiments, the item identification module 230 may be capable of identifying a first person in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10 from a second person in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. For example, via one or more recognition algorithms, such as a facial recognition algorithm, the item identification module 230 may identify the user 12 from one or more objects 16, which may include an unknown person. In some embodiments, the item identification module 230 may identify the user 12 from one or more objects 16 by determining that a person exiting or closest to the vehicle 10 is the user 12 in a first frame of sensor data received from the one or more sensors 110. As discussed herein, the item identification module 230 may generate identification data that may be analyzed by the processor 202 along with the sensor data from the one or more sensors 110. For example, the item identification module 230 may generate frames of identification data, where each frame of identification data corresponds to a single frame of sensor data that the item identification module 230 used to generate each frame of identification data. The item identification module 230 may mark and / or label items in the sensor data.

[0023] The alarm module 120 may include a siren or other device for generating a sound audible outside the vehicle 10. In embodiments, the alarm module 120 may include one or more lights configured to emit light outside the vehicle 10. In embodiments, the alarm module 120 may include headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and the like of the vehicle 10. In embodiments, the alarm module 120 may include any display of the vehicle 10 that can be perceived from outside the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the alarm module 120 may include a car horn of the vehicle 120. The memory module 204 may include alarm instructions executable by the processor 202. Upon executing the alarm instructions, the processor 202 may command one or more components of the alarm module 120, such as lights and / or a siren, to activate in any desired pattern.

[0024] The alert module 130 may include any hardware device capable of generating an audio or visual alert for attracting the attention of the user 12. The alert module 130 may include an audio system, such as the audio system 132 of the vehicle 10. The alert module 130 may include a display system, such as the display system 134 of the vehicle 10. The audio system 132 and the display system 134 may be built-in systems of the vehicle 10 operating outside the system 100. For example, the audio system 132 may be a speaker system of the vehicle 10. The display system 134 may be a screen on a head unit of the vehicle 10, a head-up display of the vehicle 10, a gauge on a gauge unit of the vehicle 10, etc., and may provide information related to the operation of the vehicle 10 to the user 12 while the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is on. The memory module 204 may include alert instructions executable by the processor 202. Upon executing the alert instructions, the processor 202 may instruct one or more components of the alert module 130 to provide one or more alerts to the user 12, as described in more detail below.

[0025] In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a navigation module 140. The navigation module 140 may store a normal travel pattern of the user 12 and / or the vehicle 10 and may further determine a current location of the vehicle 10. The navigation module 140 may be able to obtain and update location information based on geographic coordinates (e.g., latitude and longitude) or via electronic navigation, where the navigation module 140 electronically receives location information through a satellite. In some embodiments, the navigation module 140 may include a GPS system. The navigation module 140 may determine the normal travel pattern of the user 12, including travel locations and times, based on one or more machine learning algorithms. In some embodiments, the navigation module 140 may further determine the normal travel pattern of the user 12 based on user input information, such as a home address and a work address. The processor 202 may receive navigation data from the navigation module 140, including the normal travel pattern data and the current vehicle 10 location data. Executing navigation instructions stored in memory module 204 and based on the navigation data, processor 202 may determine whether vehicle 10 is within a normal travel pattern of user 12. System 100 may determine to initiate a monitoring mode based on a determination that vehicle 10 is within or outside the normal travel pattern, as described in more detail below.

[0026] Network interface hardware 160 may be communicatively coupled to controller 200 via bus 220. Network interface hardware 160 may be any device capable of transmitting and / or receiving data with an external device or server, directly or via a network, such as external network 162. Thus, network interface hardware 160 may include a communications transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving any wired or wireless communications. For example, network interface hardware 160 may include an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, a Wi-Fi card, a WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, near-field communications hardware, satellite communications hardware, and / or any wired or wireless hardware for communicating with other networks and / or devices. In an embodiment, network interface hardware 160 may include hardware configured to operate according to a Bluetooth wireless communications protocol and may include a Bluetooth transmit / receive module for transmitting and receiving Bluetooth communications.

[0027] In some embodiments, the system 100 may be communicatively coupled to a network, such as an external network 162. In embodiments, the external network 162 may include one or more computer networks (e.g., cloud networks, personal area networks, local area networks, grid computing networks, wide area networks, etc.), cellular networks, satellite networks, mesh networks, and / or global positioning systems, and combinations thereof. Thus, the system 100 may be communicatively coupled to the external network 162 via wires, via a wide area network, via a local area network, via a personal area network, via a cellular network, via a satellite network, or the like. A suitable local area network may include wired Ethernet and / or wireless technologies, such as, for example, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). A suitable personal area network may include wireless technologies, such as, for example, IrDA, Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and / or other short-range wireless communication protocols. A suitable personal area network may also include wired computer buses, such as, for example, USB and FireWire. Suitable cellular networks include, but are not limited to, technologies such as LTE, WiMAX, UMTS, CDMA, and GSM.

[0028] In some embodiments, the network interface hardware 160 may communicatively couple the system 100 to one or more user devices 170. Referring now to FIG. 3, in addition to FIGS. 1 and 2, the one or more user devices 170 may be personal electronic devices of the user 12. The one or more user devices 170 may generally be used as an interface between the user 12 and other components connected to the network interface hardware 160. Thus, the one or more user devices 170 may be used to perform one or more user-directed functions, such as receiving one or more inputs from the user 12 or providing information to the user 12. Thus, the one or more user devices 170 may include at least a display and / or input hardware. In an embodiment, the one or more user devices 170 may be communicatively paired with the system 100 such that the one or more user devices 170 transmit GPS or other location data to the controller 200 and / or the proximity range module 150. In an embodiment, the user 12 can direct the operation of the alert module 130, the alarm module 120, and / or other system 100 components through one or more user devices 170. FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the one or more user devices 170. The one or more user devices 170 may be a mobile phone, tablet, or personal computer of the user 12. The one or more user devices 170 may include a display 172, such as, for example, a cathode ray tube, a light emitting diode, a liquid crystal display, or a plasma display. Additionally, the display 172 may be a touch screen that provides an optical display and detects the presence and location of tactile input on or adjacent to the surface of the display 17. It should be understood that the display 172 of the user device 170 is just one example of a user interface from which the user 12 can provide operational instructions to the system 100.For example, in an embodiment, the system 100 may provide a display similar to the display 172 including the operational prompts 174 and the feedback actuators 176 to the display system 134 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the display system 134 may be a screen on the head unit of the vehicle 10, for example, dually operating as an optical display and a touch screen. In such an embodiment, the user 12 may provide operational commands to the system 100 via the display system 134 instead of or in addition to the user device 170. Similarly, in an embodiment, the audio system 132 may include one or more microphones provided in the vehicle 10. The user 12 may provide commands by speaking into the microphone of the audio system 132 of the vehicle 10. In such an embodiment, the user 12 may provide operational commands to the system 100 through the audio system 132 instead of or in addition to the user device 170 and / or the display system 134.

[0029] In some embodiments, network interface hardware 160 may communicatively couple system 100 to one or more key fobs 180 associated with vehicle 10. In embodiments, one or more key fobs 180 may transmit fob data to controller 200 and / or proximity range module 150. In embodiments, one or more key fobs 180 may transmit fob data to controller 200 via wireless signals. The fob data generated by one or more key fobs 180 and the location data generated by one or more user devices 170 may be collectively referred to herein as “external data.” External data may also refer to any data communicated from a device communicatively coupled to system 100 via network interface hardware 160 to other system components, such as controller 200 and / or proximity range module 150.

[0030] In some embodiments, the network interface hardware 160 may communicatively couple the system 100 to one or more external devices 190. The one or more external devices 190 may be any database server or electronic device belonging to the user 12 or a third party. For example, the one or more external devices may include one or more storage devices for storing data related to the operation of the system 100. For example, the one or more external devices 190 may store data related to the location of the vehicle 10, sensor data collected by the one or more sensors 110, and identification data generated by the item identification module 230 while the system 100 is in a monitoring mode, such as data related to one or more objects 16 that cause the processor 202 to initiate a responsive action via the alert module 130, etc. The one or more external devices 190 may be any device including hardware that may be used as an interface between the system 100 and an individual, such as the user 12 or an interested third party. For example, the one or more external devices 190 may receive and display information to an interested third party. In some embodiments, the one or more external devices 190 may be a database server or electronic device associated with an emergency response team. For example, the system 100 may share data with government-run agencies such as police and fire departments. In some embodiments, the system 100 may share data with an independent emergency response organization that may then coordinate with one or more government-run agencies. In some embodiments, one or more external devices 190 may belong to an emergency contact as selected by the user 12. For example, the user 12 may designate a family member, a friend, or any other person as an emergency contact. When the processor 202 determines that the user 12 is within the reference proximity range 14 and determines that one or more objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18 and moving toward the vehicle 10, the processor 202 may issue an alert notification to the one or more external devices 190. The alert notification issued to the one or more external devices 190 may be an audio or visual alert.The notification issued to the one or more external devices 190 may further include location data related to the current location of the vehicle 10.

[0031] FIG. 4 generally depicts a method 400 for determining whether one or more objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18 and approaching the vehicle 10. The method 400 may be performed based on instructions stored in the memory module 204 executed by the processor 202. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, in block 402 of the method 400, the system 100 collects sensor data from one or more sensors 110. The one or more sensors 110 may generate sensor data in the form of frames of sensor data, each frame of sensor data being a collection of sensor data collected at a point in time. Thus, the one or more sensors 110 may continuously collect sensor data while the system 100 is operating in a monitoring mode and assemble the sensor data into a set of consecutive frames. In block 404 of the method 400, the item identification module 230 generates identification data from the sensor data collected in step 402. The item identification module 230 may analyze each frame of sensor data to generate a corresponding frame of identification data. Each frame of identification data may include identified and labeled items in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. Thus, the identification data identifies the user 12 from one or more objects 16. Additionally, the identification data may identify one or more objects 16 of different types, such as people, vehicles, and animals.

[0032] At block 406, the sensor data and the identification data are analyzed to determine whether one or more objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18. For example, following blocks 402 and 404, the processor 202 may receive a frame of sensor data from the one or more sensors 110 and a frame of identification data from the item identification module 230. By analyzing a pair of frames of sensor data and identification data, i.e., a frame of sensor data and a frame of identification data generated at the same point in time, the processor 202 may determine the location and type of each object 16 in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10 at that particular point in time. As an example, the processor 202 may collect a first frame of identification data indicating the presence of the user 12 and one or more objects 16 (e.g., a first vehicle, a first unknown person, and a second unknown person) in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. The processor may locate the one or more objects 16 labeled in the sensor data and determine a distance between the vehicle 10 and the one or more objects 16. In some embodiments, the sensor data may already include data indicative of a distance between the vehicle 10 and the one or more objects 16, for example if the one or more sensors 110 of the vehicle 10 are LiDAR sensors. In other embodiments, for example if the one or more sensors 110 of the vehicle 10 are cameras, the processor 202 may perform one or more object recognition or image processing algorithms to further determine a distance to the vehicle 10 of one or more objects 16 identified in the sensor data. The processor 202 may compare the distance of the one or more objects 16 from the vehicle 10 to a boundary of a second proximity range 18 around the vehicle 10, for example set by a user, to determine whether the one or more objects 16 are inside or outside the second proximity range 18.

[0033] Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, at block 408, the sensor data and the identification data are further analyzed in conjunction to determine whether one or more objects 16 determined to be within the second proximity range 18 at block 406 are moving toward the vehicle 10. For example, after identifying a particular object 16 as being within the second proximity range 18 at block 406, the processor 202 may compare the distance between the object 16 and the vehicle 10 at time t to the distance between the object 16 and the vehicle 10 at time t-1. Based on this comparison, the processor 202 may determine whether the object 16 determined to be within the second proximity range 18 is moving toward the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, the processor 202 may process the sensor data acquired by the one or more sensors 110 and the identification data generated by the item identification module 230 using any known or yet to be developed image processing algorithm applied to the image data and / or the identification data. Exemplary image processing algorithms include, but are not limited to, kernel-based tracking (e.g., mean-shift tracking, etc.) and contour processing algorithms. In general, the processor 202 can determine items and the movement of items in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10 through one or more image processing algorithms.

[0034] 4 has been discussed with respect to determining the position and movement of one or more objects 16 in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10, it should be understood that the processor 202 may implement a similar computational method to determine or track the position of the user 12. In other words, the identification data generated by the item identification module 230 may label the user 12. By analyzing the identification data and corresponding frames of sensor data collected in blocks 402 and 404 of the method 400, the processor 202 may determine the distance between the user 12 and the vehicle 10 in the same manner as described above with respect to the one or more objects 16. In other words, the processor 202 may compare the distance between the user 12 and the vehicle 10 with the boundaries of a reference proximity range 14, for example, set by the user, and determine whether the user 12 is inside or outside the reference proximity range 14. In some embodiments, the processor 202 may further determine the position of the user 12 relative to the reference proximity range 14 using the proximity range data generated from the proximity range module 150. For example, the user device 170 may transmit GPS data to the proximity range module 150. The proximity range module 150 may analyze the GPS data received from the user device 170 with respect to the GPS location of the vehicle 10 determined by the proximity range module 150. By comparing the GPS location of the vehicle 10 with the GPS location of the user device 170, the proximity range module 150 may calculate the distance from the vehicle 10 to the user device 170 and transmit the distance as proximity range data to the processor 202. Based on the proximity range data, the processor 202 may determine whether the user device 170 is inside or outside the reference proximity range 14 set by the user 12. Thus, the processor 202 may use the proximity range data in conjunction with or instead of the sensor data and the identification data to determine the location of the user 12 that is inside or outside the reference proximity range 14.In some embodiments, one or more key fobs 108 may transmit fob data to the proximity range module 150, which may analyze the fob data received from the key fobs 108 with respect to a reference proximity range 14, which may be an outer limit of the RFID sensing system of the proximity range module 150, and generate a set of proximity range data. Based on the proximity range data, the processor 202 may determine whether the key fob 108 is inside or outside the reference proximity range 14. The processor 202 may use the proximity range data in conjunction with, or in place of, the sensor data and the identification data to determine a location of the user 12 that is inside or outside the reference proximity range 14.

[0035] Figure 5 generally depicts a method 500 of operating the system 100. Referring now to Figures 1-5, in block 502 of the method 500, the system 100 determines that the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 has been turned off.

[0036] Following this determination, in block 504, it is determined whether a user-provided input has been received to initiate a monitoring mode. For example, the system 100 can provide an operational prompt to the user 12 as to whether the user 12 wishes to initiate a monitoring mode of the system 100. For example, the display 172 of the one or more user devices 170 can include one or more operational prompts 174. One or more feedback actuators 176 can be coupled to each of the one or more operational prompts 174 such that the user 12 can provide individual instructions to the system 100 for each operational prompt 174. The one or more feedback actuators 176 can be virtual buttons, dials, switches, slides, text boxes, or any other interface that allows the user 12 to input operational preferences to the system 100. More specifically, the processor 202 can send the operational prompt 174 (via the "Security System ON" operational prompt 174) to the user 12 to determine whether the user 12 wishes to turn on the monitoring mode of the system 100. If the user 12 selects that he does not want to turn on the monitor mode of the system 100, the system 100 may determine that no user input to initiate the monitor mode was received in block 504 and the system may proceed to block 518 to turn the system off. That is, various components of the system 100 may no longer draw power from the power source. If the user 12 selects that he does want to turn on the monitor mode of the system 100, the system 100 may determine that no user input to initiate the monitor mode was received in block 504 and the system 100 may proceed to block 506.

[0037] Before proceeding to block 506, the user 12 may provide additional instructions to the system 100 regarding various operational settings of the system 100. For example, the user 12 may set a reference proximity range 14 (via the "Reference Proximity Range" operational prompt 174) surrounding the vehicle 10 and a second proximity range 18 (via the "Distance Sensitivity" operational prompt 174). In an embodiment, the user 12 may also instruct the system 100 regarding which one or more objects 16 the user 12 wants the system 100 to provide an alert to the user 12. For example, in some cases, the user 12 may only be interested in unknown persons approaching the vehicle 10. Thus, the user 12 may effectively instruct the system 100 not to take responsive action when the processor 202 determines that the user 12 is within the reference proximity range 14 and that one or more objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18 and moving toward the vehicle 10, and the item identification module 230 determines that the one or more objects 16 are not persons. In an embodiment, the user 12 may further instruct the system 100 to provide a personal alert through any of the one or more audio systems 132 (via the "Vehicle Voice" operational prompt 174), the one or more display systems 134 (via the "Vehicle Screen" operational prompt 174), and the user device 170 (via the "Personal Device Voice" and "Personal Device Screen" operational prompts 174). In an embodiment, the user 12 may further instruct the system 100 which external alarms, if any, to initiate. For example, the user 12 may decide whether to initiate an alarm via the alarm module 120 (via the "Vehicle Alarm" operational prompt 174) and whether to provide an alert to one or more external devices 190 (via the "Emergency Contact" operational prompt).

[0038] In an embodiment, the user 12 may provide detailed operational instructions regarding the operation of the system 100. For example, by clicking or otherwise selecting any one of one or more operational prompts 174, the display 172 may change to provide additional prompts regarding the detailed operation of the system 100. For example, by selecting the "Reference Proximity Range" operational prompt 174, the user 12 may further specify a desired shape of the reference proximity range 14 around the vehicle 10, such as a circle or a square. By selecting any of the "Personal Alert" operational prompts 174, the user 12 may specify the volume of an audio alert, the type of visual alert (e.g., a text message or an image), and the like. Similarly, by selecting the "Emergency Contact" operational prompt 174, the user 12 may enter contact information, such as a mobile phone number, of one or more external devices 190 for which the user 12 desires to provide alerts to the system 100. However, it should be understood that these are merely examples and that the user 12 may provide detailed operational instructions to the system 100 for any desired number of system 100 functions.

[0039] In an embodiment, the controller 200 may store operation instructions provided by the user 12. For example, the user 12 may input and store a default operation setting for the system 100. In such an embodiment, when the controller 200 determines that the vehicle ignition switch is turned off, the system 100 may only provide the user 12 with an operation prompt 174 asking whether the user 12 wishes to operate the monitoring mode. If the user 12 turns on the monitoring mode, the system 100 may implement the default operation setting unless further instructed by the user 12. The system 100 may also store past operation settings, such as the last three monitoring mode operations. In such an embodiment, the user 12 may select a monitoring mode to be implemented from the operation history, for example, by referring to the last three monitoring mode operations, without having to individually answer each operation prompt 174 on the display 172 of FIG. 3.

[0040] In some embodiments, upon determining that the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is turned off, the processor 202 may determine that the vehicle 10 is within a normal travel pattern. Thus, the processor 202 may not instruct the system 100 to enter the monitoring mode and may turn off the system 100. This determination may be based on an assumption that the user 12 is generally familiar and comfortable with the surroundings of the vehicle 10 when within a normal travel pattern, such as near the user 12's home or office. Upon determining that the ignition switch of the vehicle 10 is turned off, the processor 202 may determine that the vehicle 10 is outside of the normal travel pattern and instruct the system 100 to initiate the monitoring mode. This determination may be based on an assumption that the user 12 is generally unfamiliar and uncomfortable with the surroundings of the vehicle 10 when outside of the normal travel pattern. The system 100 may inform the user 12 of the default decision to initiate or terminate the monitoring mode. The user 12 may override the decision by providing an instruction through the user device 170, the audio system 132, or the display system 134, etc. In such an embodiment, user 12's consent to the default operation for initiating monitor mode or choosing not to override the default operation may be considered user input for initiating monitor mode. In other words, system 100 may provide notification to user 12 that system 100 will automatically initiate monitor mode. If the user does not provide input to override the default operation of system 100, system 100 may determine at block 504 that user input for initiating monitor mode has been received and method 500 may proceed to block 506.

[0041] It should be understood that in embodiments, method 500 may proceed without block 504. That is, in embodiments, the system may automatically initiate the monitoring mode after determining in block 502 that the ignition switch of vehicle 10 is turned off. In other words, after determining in block 502 that the ignition switch of vehicle 10 is turned off, method 500 may proceed to block 506.

[0042] At block 506 of method 500, system 100 determines whether user 12 is within the reference proximity range 14 based on sensor data generated by one or more sensors 110 and identification data generated by item identification module 230, as described above. In an embodiment, system 100 may further determine whether user 12 is within the reference proximity range 14 based on data received from proximity range module 150, one or more user devices 170, and / or one or more key fobs 180, as described above. Although determining whether user 12 is within the reference proximity range 14 is depicted as a separate block 506 of method 500, it should be understood that system 100 continuously monitors the location of user 12. If at block 506 it is determined that user 12 is not within the reference proximity range 14, method 500 proceeds to block 518, where the monitoring mode of operation is stopped and system 100 is turned off, thereby conserving power sources coupled to system 100. If, at block 506 , it is determined that the user 12 is within the reference proximity range 14 , the method 500 may proceed to block 508 .

[0043] At block 508 of the method 500, the system 100 determines whether the one or more objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18 and moving toward the vehicle 10 based on the sensor data collected by the one or more sensors 110 and the identification data generated by the item identification module 230, as discussed with reference to the method 400 depicted in FIG. 4. The method 500 may loop between blocks 506 and 508. That is, the system 100 may continuously monitor the position of the user 12 and the one or more objects 16 until it is determined at blocks 506 and 508 that the user 12 is outside the reference proximity range 14. If it is determined at block 508 that the one or more objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18 and approaching the vehicle 10, the method 500 proceeds to block 510.

[0044] In block 510, the system 100 initiates one or more responsive actions. The responsive actions may be initiated, for example, by the alarm module 120 and / or the alert module 130. The system 100 may initiate one or more responsive actions based on the input received from the user 12 in block 504.

[0045] In an embodiment, the alert module 130 may provide an audio alert to the user 12 through one or more audio systems 132 of the vehicle 10. For example, the alert module 130 may provide a general alarm, beep, or ringtone to the user 12 through the speaker system of the vehicle 10 to alert the user 12 of one or more objects 16 approaching the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the alert module 130 may provide an audio message to the user 12 through the speaker system of the vehicle 10 to alert the user 12 of one or more objects 16 approaching the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the audio message may be a general message such as "Object Approaching." In an embodiment, the audio message may provide situation-specific information such as a specific type of one or more objects 16 approaching the vehicle 10, a distance of the one or more objects 16 from the vehicle 10, and a relative position of the one or more objects 16 with respect to the user 12 or the vehicle 10. For example, the audio message may be "Unknown person approaching over left shoulder" or "Unknown person approaching from rear of vehicle." In embodiments, the alert module 130 may provide a visual alert to the user 12 via one or more display systems 134 of the vehicle 10. For example, the alert module 130 may provide a visual alert to the user 12 on a dashboard, head unit, or other display of the vehicle 10. In embodiments, the visual alert may include activating, changing color, or initiating a blinking function of one or more lights in the vehicle 10, etc. In some embodiments, the visual alert may be a general textual indication, such as "Object Approaching." In embodiments, the visual alert may be a situation-specific textual indication, such as "Unknown Person Approaching Over Left Shoulder." In some embodiments, the processor 202 may instruct the alert module 130 to display image data from one or more sensors 110 of one or more objects 16 that are within the second proximity range 18 and approaching the vehicle 10 on one or more display systems 134.In some embodiments, the alert module 130 may simultaneously provide an audio alert on one or more audio systems 132 and a visual alert on one or more display systems 134 to the user 12 .

[0046] In embodiments, the alarm module 120 may activate a vehicle alarm. The vehicle alarm may include one or more audio or visual effects. For example, the alarm module 120 may repeatedly honk the horn of the vehicle 10. The alarm module 120 may also flash the headlights and taillights of the vehicle 10. In embodiments, the alarm module 120 may outwardly activate any component of the vehicle 10 to attract the attention of the user 12 and others in the vicinity of the vehicle 10.

[0047] In an embodiment, the processor 202 may command an audio or visual alert to be provided to the user 12 via one or more user devices 170. The audio alert may be issued to a screen of the one or more user devices 170. The audio alert may be issued to an audio system of the one or more user devices 170. For example, in an embodiment in which the one or more user devices 170 is a mobile phone of the user 12, the audio alert may be provided via a speaker or headphone jack of the mobile phone. It should be understood that the audio and / or visual alert provided on the one or more user devices 170 may be similar to the audio and visual alerts described above with respect to the display system 134 and the audio system 132. In an embodiment, the system 100 may provide an alert to the user 12 on the one or more user devices 170 in lieu of or in combination with an alert via the one or more audio systems 132 and / or the one or more display systems 134. In some embodiments, the system 100 may issue a notification to one or more external devices 190, as discussed above, based on the instruction received from the user 12 in block 504.

[0048] Following initiation of the responsive behavior at block 510, the method 500 may proceed to block 512, where it is determined whether the user 12 provides an input to stop the one or more responsive behaviors. For example, in some embodiments, the user 12 may provide an input via one or more user devices 170, audio system 132, and / or display system 134 to cause the system 100 to stop an alert or alarm if the user 12 determines that one or more objects 16 within the second proximity range 18 and approaching the vehicle 10 are not of concern. If it is determined at block 512 that the user 12 has provided an input to stop the one or more responsive behaviors, the method 500 proceeds to block 514, where the one or more responsive behaviors are stopped. Additionally, the system 100 may mark the one or more objects 16 that caused the initiation of the responsive behavior as "safe" such that the system 100 does not repeatedly initiate an alert or alarm while the same one or more objects 16 remain within the second proximity range 18. After the responsive behaviors are turned off at block 514, the method 500 may return to block 506. If it is determined at block 512 that the user 12 does not provide an input to stop the one or more responsive behaviors, the one or more responsive behaviors may continue and the method 500 may proceed to block 516.

[0049] In an embodiment, in block 516, the system 100 determines whether the one or more objects 16 that caused the initiation of the responsive behavior are no longer present in the second proximity range 18. If it is determined in block 516 that the one or more objects 16 that caused the initiation of the responsive behavior are no longer present in the second proximity range 18, the method 500 may proceed to block 514, where the one or more responsive behaviors are stopped or turned off. After the one or more responsive behaviors are stopped or turned off, the method 500 may return to block 506. In such an embodiment, the one or more objects 16 that caused the initiation of the responsive behavior may not be marked as "safe". Thus, if the same one or more objects 16 return within the second proximity range 18 and begin to approach the vehicle 10, the system 100 may again initiate the responsive behavior. If it is determined in block 516 that the one or more objects 16 that caused the initiation of the responsive behavior remain within the second proximity range 18, the one or more responsive behaviors may continue and the method 500 may return to block 506.

[0050] When the method 500 returns to block 506, the system 100 may continue to monitor the environment around the vehicle 10 to determine whether the user 12 is within the reference proximity range 14, and if so, at block 508, continue to monitor the environment around the vehicle 10 for objects 16 that are within the second proximity range 18 and may be approaching the vehicle 10. If the system 100 determines that separate objects 16 are within the second proximity range 18 and approaching the vehicle 10, multiple responsive actions may be initiated. For example, the system 100 may simultaneously provide multiple audio alerts to the user 12, each audio alert for one of the objects 16 that are within the second proximity range 18 and approaching the vehicle 10.

[0051] It should be appreciated that while in any of blocks 508, 510, 512, 514, and 516 of method 500, system 100 continues to monitor the location of user 12 at block 506. Method 500 continues to operate until it is determined at block 506 that user 12 is no longer within reference proximity range 14. If it is determined at block 506 that user 12 is no longer within reference proximity range 14, method 500 proceeds to block 518 where monitoring mode is stopped and system 100 is turned off.

[0052] In some embodiments, system 100 may include a kill switch. That is, at any point during method 500, user 12 may provide an input instruction to system 100 that instructs method 500 to proceed to block 518 where monitoring mode is stopped and system 100 is turned off. For example, user 12 may provide an input to turn off system 100 via user device 170, audio system 132, and / or display system 134.

[0053] Based on the foregoing, it should now be appreciated that the embodiments shown and described herein relate to systems and methods for alerting a user of one or more objects approaching a vehicle while the vehicle is stationary and the user is in close proximity to the vehicle. The systems and methods may continue to operate until it is determined that the user is no longer within a reference proximity range of the vehicle.

[0054] Unless expressly stated otherwise, it is in no way intended that the methods described herein be construed as requiring that their steps be performed in a particular order, or as requiring a particular orientation of any apparatus. Thus, where a method claim does not actually recite the order in which its steps are to be followed, where an apparatus claim does not actually recite an order or direction for individual components, where the steps are not otherwise expressly stated in the claim or description to be limited to a particular order, or where no particular order or direction for the components of the apparatus is recited, no order or direction is intended to be inferred in any way. This applies to all possible implicit bases of interpretation, including logical considerations regarding the arrangement of steps, the flow of operations, the order of components or the orientation of components, the plain meaning derived from grammatical construction or punctuation, and the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0055] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus, this specification is intended to cover modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein, provided that such modifications and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The invention disclosed in this specification includes the following aspects. <Aspect 1> one or more sensors positioned to detect an area within proximity of the vehicle; communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors; determining that an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off; determining that a user is within the proximity range of the vehicle based on data from the one or more sensors; determining, based on the data, that an object is approaching the vehicle; alerting the user to the object; A controller configured as follows: A system comprising: <Aspect 2> The controller: and further configured, in response to determining that the object is approaching the vehicle, to provide an audio alert to the user via a speaker system of the vehicle. The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 3> The controller: and further configured, in response to determining that the object is approaching the vehicle, to provide a visual alert to the user via a display system of the vehicle. The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 4> The controller: and further configured, in response to determining that the object is approaching the vehicle, to issue an emergency notification to one or more emergency contacts. The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 5> The controller: and further configured, in response to determining that the object is approaching the vehicle, to activate a vehicle alarm. The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 6> The one or more sensors include a vehicle sensor configured to provide data when the vehicle is turned on that assists in manual, semi-automatic, or automatic operation of the vehicle; The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 7> The one or more sensors include an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a camera, or a LiDAR sensor; The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 8> The one or more sensors include Located on the exterior of the vehicle; The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 9> The controller: and further configured to determine a proximity of the user to the vehicle from data received from a key fob. The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 10> The controller: and determining a proximity of the user to the vehicle from data received from a user device. The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 11> The controller: and further configured to receive an instruction from the user interface to initiate a monitoring mode. The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 12> The controller is further configured to deactivate the one or more sensors to cease operation in response to determining that the user is not within a reference proximity range of the vehicle. The system of embodiment 1. <Aspect 13> one or more sensors positioned to detect an area within proximity of the vehicle; communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors; determining that an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off; determining that a user is within the proximity range of the vehicle based on data from the one or more sensors; determining, based on the data, that an object is approaching the vehicle; alerting the user that the object is approaching the vehicle; A controller configured as follows: A vehicle comprising a system comprising: <Aspect 14> The controller: and further configured to receive an instruction from the user interface to initiate a monitoring mode. 14. The vehicle of claim 13. <Aspect 15> The one or more sensors include a vehicle sensor configured to provide data when the vehicle is turned on that assists in manual, semi-automatic, or automatic operation of the vehicle; 14. The vehicle of claim 13. <Aspect 16> The controller: and further configured to turn off the system in response to determining that the user is not within a reference proximity range of the vehicle. 14. The vehicle of claim 13. <Aspect 17> receiving, by a controller of a vehicle, sensor data received from one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the controller when an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off; determining from the sensor data that a user is within a proximity range of the vehicle; determining that an object is approaching the vehicle based on the data; alerting the user that the object is approaching the vehicle; and A method for providing the above. <Aspect 18> and receiving, from a user interface, a command to initiate a monitoring mode prior to receiving the sensor data. The method according to embodiment 17. <Aspect 19> and stopping the start mode in response to determining that the user is not within a reference proximity range of the vehicle. The method according to embodiment 18. <Aspect 20> Determining that the user is within proximity of the vehicle includes: receiving external data from at least one of a key fob and a user device; determining from the external data that the user is within a proximity range of the vehicle; 18. The method of embodiment 17, comprising:

Claims

1. one or more sensors positioned to detect an area within proximity of the vehicle; communicatively coupled to the sensor; determining that an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off; determining that a user is within the proximity range based on data from the sensor; determining, based on the data, that an object is approaching the vehicle; alerting the user to the object; deactivating the sensor to cease operation in response to determining that the user is not within a reference proximity range spanning a certain distance from the vehicle; A controller configured as follows: A system comprising:

2. The controller: and further configured, in response to determining that the object is approaching the vehicle, to provide an audio alert to the user via a speaker system of the vehicle. The system of claim 1 .

3. The controller: and further configured, in response to determining that the object is approaching the vehicle, to provide a visual alert to the user via a display system of the vehicle. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The controller: and further configured, in response to determining that the object is approaching the vehicle, to issue an emergency notification to one or more emergency contacts. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The controller: and further configured, in response to determining that the object is approaching the vehicle, to activate a vehicle alarm. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The one or more sensors include: a vehicle sensor configured to provide data when the vehicle is turned on that assists in manual, semi-automatic, or automatic operation of the vehicle; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The one or more sensors include: an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor, a camera, or a LiDAR sensor; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The one or more sensors include: Located on the exterior of the vehicle; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The controller: and further configured to determine a proximity of the user to the vehicle from data received from a key fob. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The controller: and determining a proximity of the user to the vehicle from data received from a user device. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The controller: and further configured to receive an instruction from the user interface to initiate a monitoring mode. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A vehicle equipped with a system, The system comprises: one or more sensors positioned to detect an area in proximity to the vehicle; communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors; determining that an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off; determining that a user is within the proximity range of the vehicle based on data from the one or more sensors; determining, based on the data, that an object is approaching the vehicle; alerting the user that the object is approaching the vehicle; turning off the system in response to determining that the user is not within a reference proximity range spanning a certain distance from the vehicle; A controller configured as follows: A vehicle equipped with:

13. The controller: and further configured to receive an instruction from the user interface to initiate a monitoring mode.

13. A vehicle as claimed in claim 12.

14. The one or more sensors include: a vehicle sensor configured to provide data when the vehicle is turned on that assists in manual, semi-automatic, or automatic operation of the vehicle; A vehicle according to claim 12 or claim 13.

15. receiving, by a controller of a vehicle, sensor data received from one or more sensors communicatively coupled to the controller when an ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off; determining from the sensor data that a user is within a proximity range of the vehicle; determining that an object is approaching the vehicle based on the sensor data; alerting the user that the object is approaching the vehicle; and deactivating the one or more sensors in response to determining that the user is not within a reference proximity range spanning a certain distance from the vehicle; A method for providing the above.

16. and receiving, from a user interface, a command to initiate a monitoring mode prior to receiving the sensor data. The method of claim 15.

17. and terminating the monitoring mode in response to determining that the user is not within a reference proximity range of the vehicle.

17. The method of claim 16.

18. Determining that the user is within proximity of the vehicle includes: receiving external data from at least one of a key fob and a user device; determining from the external data that the user is within a proximity range of the vehicle; Equipped with 18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

19. the proximity range extends to a first distance from the vehicle; The first distance is greater than a distance of the reference proximity range extending from the vehicle. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

20. the data received from the user device is GPS data; The system of claim 10.

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