Child car seat check system and child car seat check method

Abstract

The child seat check system for a vehicle, particularly a car, child seat (10) comprises at least one child seat, a first check device (21) for checking whether a child is present in the child seat, and a second check device (11) for checking whether someone is present to look after the child, the second check device being at least partially portable in the operating state of the child seat check system and / or designed to operate independently of the on / off state of the vehicle. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] From US 2017 / 0021800 A1, a vehicle child seat is known that includes a device for recording and outputting the state of a restraint system of the child seat. Furthermore, a control device that can be connected to an OBD-II port of a vehicle and detects the state of an ignition of the vehicle is disclosed. When an ignition switch is turned off and the restraint system indicates a state showing that a child is present in the child seat, an alarm signal is generated after a predetermined time elapses. It is considered that there is a need for improvement in the reliability and information amount of the alarm signal generated in response to such a state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to propose a child seat check system and a corresponding child seat check method that can reduce the risk of a child being inadvertently left unattended in a vehicle in a highly reliable manner, and in particular can avoid false alarms or at least reduce the probability thereof. Furthermore, in particular, the variation in checks should be improved. Preferably, at least under specific circumstances, it should be possible to intentionally leave a child in the vehicle without causing major inconvenience to the user of the check system.

[0004] This object is solved with respect to the child seat check system by the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is solved by the features of the further independent claims, which relate in particular to the child seat check system, a computer-readable storage medium, and a mobile device.

[0005] In particular, this objective is achieved by a child seat check system comprising at least one child seat, a first check device for checking whether a child is in the child seat, and a second check device for checking whether there is a person to care for the child.

[0006] In particular, a checking device is understood to be a device that enables determination of whether a specific condition or state (e.g., "a child is in the child seat" or "a caregiver is present") exists based on measurements (e.g., measurements of itself) or other inputs (e.g., measurements by other devices, particularly sensor devices). This applies to both the first and second checking devices described herein and subsequent (e.g., subsequent third and fourth) checking devices. However, preferably, each checking device includes a sensor device that determines whether a condition or state exists by measurement (e.g., of corresponding parameters). In particular, a checking device is also understood to mean a device on a (mobile) device (e.g., an app) that can check (e.g., in the example of the first checking device) whether a child is in the child seat based on corresponding inputs (e.g., measurements by a sensor device located outside the device). Each (each) checking device may be formed by only one assembly (e.g., defined by a housing) or may be distributed across multiple assemblies (e.g., defined by multiple housings). Individual components such as sensors can be assigned to multiple checking devices.

[0007] According to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the second checking device is (at least partially) portable in the operating state of the child seat checking system. In particular, the second checking device may be formed at least partially by or part of a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone). A mobile device is understood to be a device that can be carried by a person caring for a child (e.g., as a smartphone or as a component of a smartphone). Various types of such portable devices will be discussed in more detail below. With such a checking device, the presence of a person caring for a child can be easily and directly confirmed (e.g., if the caregiver is carrying a smartphone). This allows the check to be performed with relative certainty. The operating state of the child seat checking system is a state in which it is possible to check whether a child is in the child seat or whether a person caring for a child is present. In particular, this check can be performed when the second checking device is portable (especially when it is not securely attached to the vehicle). For at least partially movable second check devices, it is not necessary to connect the second check device to the vehicle's electronics via the OBD II port, as described in, for example, U.S. 2017 / 0021800 A1. This port can be relatively difficult to access.

[0008] According to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, alternatively or additionally, the second check device is designed to operate independently of the vehicle's on / off state. On / off state means, in particular, the state in which the ignition is either on (on state) or off (ignition off). Particularly according to the second embodiment, it is possible to generate a reliable alarm with a reduced probability of false alarms. In particular, it is recognized that coupling with the on / off state (ignition state) often leads to false alarms, such as in situations where it is desirable for the vehicle's passengers to remain in their seats (for example, for a child to remain restrained in a child seat) while the ignition is off.

[0009] Generally, the presence of a child caregiver should be understood to preferably mean that the child caregiver is inside the vehicle, (directly) adjacent to the vehicle, or, optionally, closer than a predetermined maximum distance from the child seat and / or vehicle. The maximum distance is preferably less than 50m, and particularly less than 25m.

[0010] In a third preferred embodiment (preferably in combination with the first and / or second embodiments), a third checking device is provided, which is designed to check the child's condition, particularly whether the child is awake. The child's condition refers to the child's condition (directly) at that time, such as whether the child is awake or asleep. Other possibilities include whether the child's body temperature is elevated or normal. Thus, the child's condition (directly) affects the child's constitution. In particular, such a checking device can improve the usability of the child seat. For example, based on the discovery that the child is asleep, one can consciously decide to leave the vehicle (at least temporarily), and by confirming that the child is asleep, it becomes possible to return to the vehicle immediately when the child wakes up.

[0011] According to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention (which may be combined in particular with the first and / or second and / or third embodiments), a fourth checking device for checking the environment of a child seat, particularly the ambient temperature around the child seat, has been proposed. Checking the environment of the child seat is preferably, in particular, a check of the air adjacent to the child seat, or a check of the volume of the space in which the child seat is housed. In particular, checking the ambient air temperature is preferred. Optionally, other parameters such as air humidity and / or oxygen content, and / or optionally harmful gases (such as carbon monoxide) may also be checked alternatively or additionally.

[0012] The first, second, third, and / or fourth checking devices are preferably configured not only to perform the corresponding checks but also to output or pass the results of the checks to the corresponding control devices. In particular, the first, second, third, and / or fourth checking devices may preferably be provided with (each) output devices for outputting the results of the checks to one or more control devices, preferably of the type described above.

[0013] When physical quantities (e.g., force, weight, temperature, and / or air humidity) are determined, the corresponding measuring device is preferably designed to measure at least four, preferably at least ten, distinct values. The measuring device provided as an option for measuring temperature is preferably capable of enabling temperature measurements that deviate from the actual temperature, covering a range of up to 2°C, preferably up to 0.5°C, and / or at least 5°C, and possibly at least 20°C.

[0014] The third and / or fourth checking devices are preferably provided in addition to (functionally and / or structurally) the first checking device. In particular, the checks by the third and / or fourth checking devices are therefore performed separately from (before, on top of, or after) the check for the presence of a child. For example, information on whether a child is in the child seat at all and information on the ambient temperature around the child seat are provided separately. In this way, safety can be improved and false alarms can be avoided as an option. In particular, the third and / or fourth checking devices are not (solely) intended to detect the presence of a child, but are preferably intended to obtain further information about the child.

[0015] Preferably, at least one control device, in particular the one described above, is provided, which is preferably configured to output at least one result from each check and / or at least one result from a comparison of the checks, in addition to the function of the checks by the first, second, third and / or fourth check devices, to a particularly preferably acoustic and / or optical indicator device. The control device may optionally house the first, second, third and / or fourth check devices, in particular the first, third and / or fourth check devices (e.g., in or on a child seat) or the second check device (e.g., in a mobile device and / or in a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone)) in a common assembly or a common housing, which is preferably formed by the mobile device (e.g., a smartphone). The indicator device may also optionally be provided in or on the same housing as the control device and / or the first, second, third and / or fourth, particularly the second check device. Each control device preferably comprises at least one (micro)processor and / or (micro)controller.

[0016] The child seat may have an electrical power source (e.g., a battery) and / or at least one connection for the electrical power source and / or at least one connection for (wireless and / or wired) signal transmission.

[0017] Preferably, at least one, in particular acoustic and / or optical, indicator device is provided, which is configured to indicate at least one result of each check, or at least one result from a comparison of the multiple checks, in response to checks by the first, second, third and / or fourth check devices. Preferably, the indicator device is configured to indicate all of the check results of the check devices and / or, respectively, to output an alarm signal if an undesirable condition with respect to the presence of a child and / or caregiver (e.g., child in child seat, no caregiver) is detected, or if detected, in particular by comparing the check results, preferably taking into account all of the check results of the (four) check devices.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the indicator devices, and in particular at least one, forms a structural unit (for example, in the form of a smartphone) with the second checking device or at least a part thereof.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, at least one, in particular at least one, indicator device may form a structural unit with the child seat.

[0020] Acoustic indication (output) specifically refers to alarm sounds / alarm signals and / or acoustic messages (voice messages). Optical indication is understood to specifically refer to the illumination of light sources (e.g., LEDs) and / or indications on displays and / or optical messages (text messages). As an alternative to acoustic and / or optical indication devices, indications (output) and / or alarms may also be given by vibration or some other method.

[0021] The first, third and / or fourth checking devices (or corresponding first, third and / or fourth sensor devices) may be located at least partially on and / or inside the child seat, and the fourth checking device (sensor device) is preferably located at least partially outside the child seat.

[0022] The second checking device is preferably (at least primarily) located outside the child seat. In the case of the second checking device, for example, if a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) determines the distance from the child seat, only one transmitting and / or receiving device may be located on and / or inside the child seat. Alternatively, however, such distance determination may be performed by corresponding devices inside and / or on the child seat. In particular, in the case of the second checking device, according to the embodiment, it is possible to provide transmitters / receivers distributed in multiple locations (e.g., the child seat and the mobile device) that ultimately enable the determination of the distance to each other by joint communication (e.g., by signal attenuation due to increasing distance).

[0023] The first checking device preferably comprises at least one restraint device sensor configured to detect the state of at least one restraint device, such as a safety belt and / or body harness.

[0024] Furthermore, the first (and / or third) checking device may include at least one weight sensor (preferably located inside / on the child seat, for example, on the seat element and / or base in the case of a child seat consisting of multiple parts) that responds to the child in the child seat or its weight. The corresponding weight sensor may be located on the seat and / or backrest of the child seat.

[0025] The first (and / or third) checking means may, in embodiments, include at least one optical device, such as a (video) camera, which in particular determines whether a child is sitting in the child seat or whether the child is moving. In particular, the (video) camera may be located inside or on the carrying handle (carrying hanger) of the child seat.

[0026] In one embodiment, the restraint device may include a belt system. In this case, the first check device may include a sensor device that detects whether one or more (optionally all) latching tongues are connected to the corresponding buckles. In the connected (locked) state, the electrical circuit may optionally be closed (when all tongues of the belt are connected to the corresponding buckles). Furthermore, if at least one belt tongue is not connected to the corresponding buckle, the corresponding electrical circuit may be open. In such a check device or sensor device, (ohmic) resistance may be a parameter suitable for checking. In general, it is also possible to detect other physical (electromagnetic) parameters such as capacitance. However, it is preferable to inspect the resistance.

[0027] Furthermore, in the case where the restraint device consists of a belt system, the first (and / or third) check device may comprise a sensor for detecting (mechanical) action, preferably (tensile) tension, inclination, bending and / or torsion, on one or more elements of the belt system (e.g., shoulder belt, lap belt, buckle attachment, chest strap, chest clip, etc.). In this regard, reference is made in particular to WO 2017 / 042286 A1 for further designs. Alternatively or additionally, at least one Hall sensor can be used. Alternatively or additionally, other electrical properties such as resistance, capacitance and / or inductance can be measured (in this context, explicit reference is made to the disclosure according to WO 2016 / 128478 A1). The first check device may also (alternatively or additionally) include a pressure sensor that detects pressure at a suitable position of the belt system (which in this case may be regarded as an indirect measurement of belt tension).

[0028] In the case where the restraint comprises a (rigid) device such as an impact shield, the first (and / or third) checking device may preferably include a pressure sensor arranged on one side (surface) of the (rigid) restraint intended to come into contact with the child (sitting in the child seat).

[0029] The second checking device may include at least one on-vehicle sensor such as a weight sensor and / or an ignition sensor. In particular, the weight sensor may be a sensor arranged on or in a seat (preferably the driver's seat) integrated into the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, for example a (video) camera can be used as the on-vehicle sensor of the vehicle. Other alternatives are also possible. In any case, preferably, when using the on-vehicle sensor of the vehicle, a device is provided that enables connection to the vehicle's electronics, for example via an OBD II port (in this regard, see also US 2017 / 0021800 A1).

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, the second checking device may comprise an electronic (terminal) device (e.g., a smartphone, a smartwatch, a separate checking device, or the like) that is (at least partially) used by a caregiver. In this case, the distance between the child seat and the electronic (terminal) device can preferably be used as a (direct or indirect) signal indicating the presence of the caregiver.

[0031] In embodiments, the second checking device may consist of a mobile (terminal) device such as a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, and / or a wristwatch, in particular a smartwatch, and / or an activity tracker, and / or a visual and / or auditory aid, and / or an ignition key, in particular an electrical or electronic object, and / or another mobile device, in particular a transmitter and / or receiver and / or transponder. Any mobile device may include a (optionally mechanical) key connection device that enables (optionally mechanical) connection with a (optionally electrical or electronic) vehicle key. The visual and / or auditory aid may not necessarily be a device that (optionally) improves “sight” or “hearing,” but rather may be understood as a device to compensate for, for example, a visual and / or auditory defect, but may include additional information (e.g., “augmented reality” or extended reality), in particular “Google Glass” TM This may be a device that supplies each sensory organ with computer-assisted enhancements to the perception of reality, such as "a computer-assisted enhancement of reality." Alternatively or additionally, a distance-determining device may be provided as a second checking device (or part of such a device), which may be located outside the mobile device(s), for example, on / inside the child seat, and which may be configured to determine the distance between the child seat and a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, and / or a wristwatch, in particular a smartwatch, and / or an activity tracker, and / or a visual and / or auditory aid, and / or an ignition key, in particular an electrical or electronic object, and / or another mobile device, in particular a mobile device(s) comprising a transmitter and / or receiver and / or transponder.

[0032] The mobile device may include a device for signaling the status of the child seat audibly and / or visually and / or tactilely (particularly by vibration), and in particular, appropriate means for signaling an undesirable constellation of the child seat status by alarm. Furthermore, such a mobile (electronic) device may allow the user to suppress the alarm, for example, for a predetermined period of time. If the mobile device is a smart device (e.g., a smartphone, smartwatch, or similar), such functionality can be implemented by a corresponding app.

[0033] The third checking device preferably comprises at least one sensor for determining the child's physical state, such as at least one motion sensor and / or a camera and / or a noise sensor and / or at least one weight sensor and / or a pulse sensor and / or a respiration sensor. If the third checking device comprises a motion sensor, the sensor device associated with the first checking device can also be used for this purpose, as described above. The third checking device may also include a weight sensor, as described in relation to the first checking device. Generally, the sensors associated with the third checking device are preferably configured to measure with an accuracy that can distinguish, on the one hand, a calm (especially sleeping) child who is at least substantially still or moving regularly, and on the other hand, a child who is awake, in particular a child who is moving periodically, or a child who is startled or angry, in particular a child who is moving jerkily and irregularly.

[0034] The same video camera can also be used to determine both the presence of a child in the context of the first check device and the child's activity (i.e., whether the child is asleep or awake) in the case of the third review facility.

[0035] The fourth check device may include at least one thermometer that allows for measuring the temperature inside the vehicle near a child sitting in a child seat. Alternatively, or in addition, the fourth check device may include a humidity sensor and / or a gas sensor (in particular for detecting harmful gases such as carbon monoxide).

[0036] The first, second, third, and / or fourth checking devices (individually) may comprise a plurality of sensors and / or sensor rays.

[0037] Preferably, the child seat and the second monitoring device may be designed to communicate wirelessly via a first wireless communication link, such as Bluetooth®. Measurements based on the first communication link, such as distance measurements, may preferably be communicated via the first communication link or a second wireless communication link, such as a mobile wireless network link. Alternatively or additionally, if the first wireless communication link is interrupted, corresponding information, in particular corresponding alarms, are generated or output, preferably automatically (similar to a baby monitor) or by communication via the second wireless communication link. Preferably, the second wireless communication link has a wider range than the first wireless communication link (in particular, at least twice, preferably at least ten times). The first wireless communication link may have a range of less than 100m or less than 50m. The second wireless communication link may have a range of 100m or more or 10km or more, or (substantially) global range.

[0038] Multiple of the first, second, third, and fourth checking devices may have a common sensor device (such as a common weight sensor, a common sensor for a restraint device, and / or a common camera). Examples of such a common sensor device are as described above.

[0039] The first, second, third and / or fourth checking devices and / or control devices and / or indicating devices may be designed for wireless communication (with each other), particularly via radio and / or Bluetooth and / or infrared and / or internet-based communication. This further simplifies the checking process.

[0040] Preferably, the presence of an assistant is determined or estimated by evaluating the communication between the child seat or the vehicle in which the child seat is installed and a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone).

[0041] Any measurement results from the sensor device used are output to one (or more) control devices, where they can be compared (in particular) with corresponding reference values. Depending on the results of such a comparison, the control device may determine the following:

[0042] - Is the child in the child car seat? - - Whether or not there is a caregiver - - Whether the child is asleep or awake, and / or - - Is the external environment inside the car (especially the temperature) suitable for children? Furthermore, the above objective is preferably achieved by a child seat checking method using the child seat checking system described above, and this method is a) Check whether the child is in the child seat, and b) Check if there is someone to look after the children. It is equipped with.

[0043] According to a first preferred embodiment of the child seat inspection method, step (a) is performed using a portable inspection device (i.e., not necessarily connected to the vehicle, particularly the OBD II port, during the inspection).

[0044] According to a second preferred embodiment of the child seat checking method (as an alternative or addition to the first preferred embodiment), the checking device in step (b) is designed to operate independently of the vehicle's operating state, or it is proposed to use a checking device that operates independently of the vehicle's operating state (during the check).

[0045] According to a third preferred embodiment of the child seat checking method (which may preferably be combined with the first and / or second embodiment), it is proposed to check the child's condition, particularly when awake.

[0046] According to a fourth preferred embodiment of the child seat checking means (particularly preferably which can be combined with the first, second and / or third preferred embodiments of the child seat review process), it is proposed to review the child seat environment, in particular the temperature around the child seat.

[0047] if KiKS = yes, (Ba = any), (Kw = any), TiaB = no; and / or KiKS = yes, Ba = no, probably Kw = yes, (TiaB = any) If so, Preferably, visual and / or audible instructions, especially visual and / or audible warnings, are given immediately, without the need to meet any further conditions (where KiKS = child in child seat, Ba = caregiver present, Kw = child awake, TiaB = temperature within acceptable limits).

[0048] And if KiKS = yes, Ba = no, probably Kw = no, (TiaB = any) If so, Alternatively or additionally, visual and / or auditory instructions, in particular visual and / or auditory warnings, are preferably not given or given only after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0049] if KiKS = no, (Ba = any), (Kw = any), (TiaB = any); and / or KiKS = yes, Ba = yes, (Kw = any), TiaB = yes as needed; and / or If so, (Visual and / or audible) indications, in particular (visual and / or audible) warnings, are preferably not generated (especially after a predetermined period of time has elapsed).

[0050] Instructions or alarms are suppressed by the caregiver, which is preferably possible for a period of at least time t1, particularly when Ba = no and / or Kw = yes, or when the child is awake, and / or preferably not possible, or only possible for a temporary period of time t2, preferably less than t1, when the temperature is outside the acceptable range.

[0051] In the preferred version of the child seat check method, the change in the child's state from awake to asleep only occurs when an attendant is present. Therefore, even if the child falls asleep, if no attendant is present, the child remains awake (the child is considered awake).

[0052] The above objective is further solved by a computer-readable storage medium, particularly a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone), which includes an instruction that causes at least one processor to perform the above-described type of child seat checking method when the instruction is executed by at least one processor.

[0053] The above objectives are further addressed by a mobile device configured to perform the above-described child seat checking method and / or to (at least partially) comprise the above-described child seat checking system.

[0054] The child seat may be a baby carrier or a (classic) child seat for older children. In either case, the child seat is preferably designed to be removable from the vehicle in which it is installed. The child seat may have a base (i.e., it may comprise a seat element and a base).

[0055] In particular, this child car seat is designed for use in automobiles (passenger cars and / or trucks).

[0056] The above objectives are further independently achieved by a vehicle, more preferably a vehicle (in particular a passenger car or truck) equipped with the above-described type of child seat check system. The above objectives are further achieved by such a vehicle together with at least one mobile device (e.g., a smartphone). The corresponding child seat is then preferably mounted in such a vehicle.

[0057] A further characteristic is the outcome of the subclaims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0058] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to embodiments. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view (partially a perspective view, partially a schematic view) of the child seat check system according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a child seat check system according to the present invention in more detail. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0059] In the following explanation, the same reference numeral is used for parts that are identical and produce similar effects.

[0060] Figure 1 shows a child seat 10 (perspective view) and a second check device 11 (for example, in the form of a smartphone or formed by a smartphone). The second check device 11 can communicate wirelessly with the child seat 10 (or its components) via a path 12.

[0061] The child seat 10 has a belt system 13. The shoulder belts 14 and 15 are provided with tension sensors (for example, elastic elements whose (electrical) resistance changes when stretched by an applied tension force). In this context, tension is understood to always mean mechanical tension unless otherwise specified.

[0062] Each voltage sensor preferably measures at intervals of 1 to 1000 milliseconds, for example, 100 milliseconds, and is connected to a control device 17 (see Figure 2). Part of (or assigned to) the control device 17 is a power supply 18 (e.g., a battery) and a signal transmitter 19.

[0063] The control device 17 preferably calculates the average value of the measured voltage values, and the standard deviation if necessary, at intervals of 10 seconds, for example, from 1 to 100.

[0064] The voltage sensor 20, together with the control device 17, power supply 18, and signal transmission device 19, is part of the first check device 21 and the third check device 22.

[0065] The child seat 10 further comprises two (resistance) thermometers 23, 24. One of each thermometer 23, 24 may be positioned on one side of the child seat 10, preferably on the outer surface of each side of the child seat 10 (particularly in the area corresponding to the child's head or shoulders in the child seat). Each thermometer 23, 24 measures the ambient air temperature every 1 to 1000, for example, 100 milliseconds. Furthermore, the thermometers 23, 24 are connected to a control device 17 and a signal transmitter 19. The control device 17 calculates the average of the measured temperatures every 1 to 100, for example, 10 seconds. The thermometers, control device 17, power supply 18 and signal transmitter 19 are part of the fourth check device 25.

[0066] The second checking device 11 is preferably formed (or at least partially formed) by a mobile device (particularly a smartphone), where the smartphone may preferably have corresponding software (apps). The assignment between a particular child seat and a particular second checking device 11 (smartphone) can be done in basically known terms, where each child seat can be assigned to one or more second checking devices 11, and / or each second checking device (smartphone) can be assigned to one or more child seats.

[0067] When the child seat changes its status regarding the presence of a child (from "empty" to "occupied"), it may optionally establish a (Bluetooth) connection between the child seat and an associated smartphone. If a connection cannot be established (e.g., within a predetermined time period of 1 to 50, e.g., 5 seconds), the child seat may emit an alarm (e.g., an audible alarm) that may not be suppressed. As long as at least one associated smartphone is connected to the child seat (Bluetooth), the child seat preferably does not transmit data from its respective sensors to the second check device 11 (smartphone). When the temperature falls below a predetermined lower limit (e.g., 10°C or less) and / or rises above a predetermined upper limit (e.g., at least 30°C or at least 35°C or more), the child seat may emit an alarm (especially audibly), especially while the (Bluetooth) connection is maintained, and this alarm may optionally be suppressed (directly) once every 2 to 20, especially every 10 minutes, via the child seat and / or the second check device 11 (smartphone).

[0068] If the Bluetooth connection is interrupted while the temperature is still too low or too high, the signal transmitter 19 may optionally transmit the calculated average temperature to the second check device 11 (smartphone) via a mobile connection (here and hereafter, preferably a mobile network connection) after a predetermined time (e.g., at least 20 seconds, or at least 30 seconds or more), and may generate an alarm (acoustic and / or visual and / or vibratory) on the second check device 11 (smartphone). This alarm may be suppressed for a certain period of time (e.g., 1 to 5 minutes, preferably 2 minutes).

[0069] Preferably, unless the presence of a child in the child seat is detected, a (Bluetooth) connection is not established between the child seat and the second check device 11 (smartphone), and the child seat 10 does not subsequently transmit any data to the second check device 11 (smartphone).

[0070] If the child seat is occupied by a sleeping child (i.e., a child is present) (which can be determined in particular by information provided by the voltage sensor, in particular, that the measured average voltage exceeds a first predetermined threshold while the standard deviation remains below a second predetermined threshold), and the (Bluetooth) connection is interrupted while the temperature is (still) within an acceptable range (e.g., within the range of 10°C to 35°C), the signal transmitter 19 may, after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 5 minutes, particularly 2 minutes), send a signal to the second check device 11 (smartphone) via the mobile connection to transmit the last calculated information from (all) relevant sensor devices, thereby causing the second check device 11 (smartphone) to generate an audible and / or visual and / or vibration alarm. This alarm can be suppressed once or several times (e.g., 3 times) for a certain period of time (e.g., 5 to 20 minutes, particularly 10 minutes, a total of 30 minutes, as arbitrary).

[0071] If the child seat is occupied by an awakened child and the (Bluetooth) connection is interrupted while the temperature is still within an acceptable range, the child seat 10's signal transmitter 19 may transmit the last calculated information from all of the child seat 10's corresponding sensors to a second check device 11 (smartphone) via mobile connection after a predetermined time (e.g., 10 to 100 seconds, especially 30 seconds), causing the second check device 11 (smartphone) to emit an audible and / or visual and / or vibration alarm. This alarm can optionally be suppressed once (or several times) at regular intervals (e.g., 5 to 20 minutes, especially 10 minutes).

[0072] If no signal has been transmitted, or has not yet been transmitted, and the temperature has dropped below an acceptable range, and / or the child has woken up, the child seat 10's signal transmitter 19 may, after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 100, particularly 30 seconds), transmit the last calculated information from all of the child seat 10's sensor devices to a second check device 11 (smartphone) via a mobile connection, causing the second check device 11 (smartphone) to emit an audible and / or visual and / or vibrational alarm. This alarm may be suppressed once (or alternatively several times) for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 5 minutes, particularly 2 minutes) (if caused by temperature), or further, for a particularly deviated predetermined time, e.g., 5 to 20 minutes, particularly 10 minutes (if caused by the child waking up). Preferably, the alarm does not stop when the child returns to a "sleeping" state and / or when the temperature returns to an acceptable range.

[0073] Generally, when the child seat 10 transmits data to a second check device 11 (smartphone) via a mobile connection, it is preferable to transmit this data to the last (Bluetooth) connected check device 11 (smartphone) (or, if several check devices 11 or smartphones lose their (Bluetooth) connection with the child seat 10, in particular, within a certain period of time, for example, 2 to 10 minutes, especially 5 minutes, to multiple second check devices 11 or smartphones).

[0074] All alarms issued by the second check device 11 (smartphone) may preferably be automatically terminated as soon as the (Bluetooth) connection between the child seat and the associated second check device 11 (smartphone) is re-established. Separately, it is possible to switch off the entire system directly at the child seat (preferably not via the second check device 11 or smartphone), thereby terminating all alarms (including those that cannot be suppressed in principle via the second check device 11 or smartphone). Before turning it off, preferably a message is sent to all assigned second check devices 11 (smartphones) via the mobile connection.

[0075] (Unless otherwise excluded) the alarm may be suppressed by a second check device 11 (smartphone) or directly on the child seat. If suppressed directly on the child seat, the corresponding message is preferably sent to all assigned second check devices 11 (smartphones) via a mobile connection.

[0076] The control device 17 may be formed (partially or completely) by the second checking device 11 (or a smartphone).

[0077] The child seat preferably has an indicator device 26 (particularly a display). Alternatively or additionally, the second control device may have an indicator device 27 (particularly a display).

[0078] When faced with the following situations, the control device can react as follows:

[0079] [Table 1]

[0080] The above rules may be modified and / or completed. In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the following rules may be followed (by the control device):

[0081] - The alarm will never activate if there is no child in the child seat. - - If a child is sitting in a car seat and the temperature is too high or too low, an alarm will always sound. - - The alarm will always activate if the child is in a car seat, awake, and not accompanied by an attendant. - - The alarm will activate after a set period of time if the child is in a child seat, asleep, and not being supervised. - - If an alarm is triggered by a temperature condition, it may not be possible to suppress the alarm (or only for a short period, especially a relatively short time). - - If an alarm is triggered due to the absence of a caregiver or the child waking up, the alarm cannot be suppressed for the specified period of time. - - The change in a child's state from "awake" to "sleeping" is only possible with the presence of a caregiver. - It should be noted at this point that all of the above-mentioned components, individually or in any combination, are claimed to be inventive, particularly in the detailed parts shown in the drawings. Variations thereof are well known to those skilled in the art. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [1] A child seat check system for a vehicle, particularly an automobile child seat (10), At least one child car seat, A first checking device (21) for checking whether there is a child in the child seat, A second checking device (11) for checking whether there is someone to look after the child, It is equipped with, The second checking device is designed to be at least partially portable and / or to operate independently of the vehicle's on / off state when the child seat checking system is in operation. Child car seat check system. [2] A child seat check system for a vehicle, particularly an automobile child seat (10), At least one child car seat (10), A first check device (21) for checking whether there is a child in the child seat, A second checking device (11) for checking whether there is someone to look after the child, It is equipped with, A third (22) and / or fourth (25) checking device is further provided, The third checking device is designed to check the child's condition, particularly whether the child is awake, and the fourth checking device is designed to check the environment of the child seat, particularly the ambient temperature around the child seat. [1] The child seat check system described in the child seat check system. [3] The child seat check system according to either [1] or [2], characterized in that, as a function of checking by the first (21), second (11), third (22), and / or fourth (25) check devices, at least one control device (17) is provided which is configured to output at least one result from each check and / or at least one result from a comparison of the checks to a particularly preferably acoustic and / or optical indicator device. [4] The child seat check system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the first (21), second (11), third (22) and / or fourth (25) check device comprises output means for outputting the check result, in particular output means for outputting to one or more control devices (17), preferably in accordance with [3]. [5] At least one indicator device is provided, in particular an acoustic and / or optical indicator device, which preferably forms a structural unit with the second check device or at least a part thereof, and is configured to indicate at least one result of each check, or at least one result from a comparison of the multiple checks, in response to checks by the first, second, third and / or fourth check devices. Preferably, the child seat check system according to any one of [1] to [4] is characterized by displaying all the results of checks performed by the check device and / or giving an alarm signal if an undesirable condition is detected with respect to the presence of a child and / or a person caring for a child. [6] The first (21), third (22), and / or fourth check device (25) are at least partially located on or inside the child seat (10), and the fourth check device (25) is preferably at least partially located outside the child seat. A child seat check system as described in any of [1] to [5], characterized by the following: [7] The first checking device (21) comprises at least one restraint device sensor configured to determine the state of at least one restraint device such as a retaining belt and / or an impact shield, and / or at least one optical device such as a weight sensor and / or a camera. The second checking device (11) comprises at least one in-vehicle sensor such as a weight sensor and / or an ignition sensor, and / or another mobile device comprising a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, and / or a wristwatch, in particular a smartwatch, and / or an activity tracker, and / or a visual and / or hearing aid, and / or an ignition key, in particular an electrical or electronic one, and / or a transmitter and / or a receiver and / or a transponder, and / or a distance determining device configured to determine the distance between the child seat (10) and the other mobile device comprising a mobile phone, in particular a smartphone, a wristwatch, in particular a smartwatch, an activity tracker, and / or a visual and / or hearing aid, and / or an ignition key, in particular an electrical or electronic one, and / or a transmitter and / or a receiver and / or a transponder, The third checking device (22) comprises at least one sensor for determining the child's physical condition, such as at least one motion sensor and / or a camera and / or a noise sensor and / or at least one weight sensor and / or a pulse sensor and / or a respiration sensor. A child seat check system according to any one of [1] to [6], characterized in that... [8] The first (21), second (11), third (22), and / or fourth (25) checking devices comprise a plurality of sensors and / or sensor arrays. A child seat check system according to any one of [1] to [7], characterized by the above. [9] The child seat check system according to any one of [1] to [8], characterized in that the first (21), second (11), third (22), and / or fourth (25) check devices and / or control devices and / or indicator devices are designed for wireless communication, in particular wireless and / or Bluetooth and / or infrared communication and / or internet-based communication.

[10] The child seat and the second check device are designed for wireless communication via a first wireless communication link, such as Bluetooth, and measurements based on the first communication link, such as distance measurements, are communicated via the first communication link or a second wireless communication link, such as a mobile wireless link, and / or, if the first wireless communication link is interrupted, information, in particular a corresponding alarm, is generated, preferably automatically or by means of the second wireless communication link. A child seat check system according to any one of [1] to [8], characterized in that

[11] A method for checking child seats in vehicles, particularly automobiles, a) Check whether the child is inside the child seat (10), b) To detect whether there is a person caring for the child, for this purpose a check device (11) is used, at least in part, that is portable and / or designed to operate independently of the vehicle's driving state, and is also used during the check process, It is equipped with, Preferably, a child seat checking method using a child seat checking system described in any of the preceding [1] to

[10] .

[12] A method for checking child seats in vehicles, particularly automobiles, a) Check whether the child is inside the child seat (10), b) Check whether there is someone to look after the children, c) Check the child's condition, especially when awake, and / or the child seat environment, especially the temperature around the child seat. It is equipped with, Preferably, use the child seat check system described in any of the preceding [1] to

[10] and / or preferably the child seat check method described in

[11] .

[13] if KiKS = yes, (Ba = any), (Kw = any), TiaB = no; and / or KiKS = yes, Ba = no, Kw = yes (optionally), (TiaB = any); and / or If so, Preferably, visual and / or auditory instructions, in particular preferably visual and / or auditory warnings, are given without any further conditions that must be met. if KiKS = yes, Ba = no, Kw = no (optional), (TiaB = any, especially yes); If so, Preferably, an optical and / or acoustic indicator, particularly preferably an alarm, preferably an optical and / or acoustic alarm, preferably does not occur or occurs only after a predetermined time has elapsed. if KiKS = no, (Ba = any), (Kw = any), (TiaB = any); and / or KiKS = yes, Ba = yes, (Kw = any), TiaB = yes (optional); If so, Preferably, optical and / or acoustic indicators, particularly preferably optical and / or acoustic alarms, do not occur. Instructions or alarms are suppressed by the caregiver, which is preferably possible for a period of at least time t1, particularly when Ba = no and / or Kw = yes, or when the child is awake, and / or when the temperature is outside the acceptable range, or is not possible, or is only possible for a temporary period t2, preferably shorter than t1. Here, KiKS = child in child seat, Ba = presence of caregiver, Kw = child awake, TiaB = temperature within acceptable limits. The child seat check method described in either

[11] or

[12] .

[14] The change from a child being awake to a child being asleep only occurs when there is a caregiver present. A child seat check method according to any one of

[11] to

[13] , characterized in that

[15] A computer-readable storage medium, particularly a mobile device, which includes instructions causing at least one processor to perform the child seat check method described in one of

[11] to

[14] , wherein the instructions are executed by at least one processor on the computer-readable storage medium.

[16] A mobile device configured to perform a child seat check method according to any one of

[11] to

[14] , and / or comprising a child seat check system according to any one of [1] to

[10] . [Explanation of Symbols]

[0082] 10 Child car seats 11. Second Check Device 12 Passes 13 Belt System 14 Shoulder strap 15 Shoulder strap 17 Control device 18 Energy supply 19. Signal Transmitter 20 Voltage Sensors 21. First Check Device 22 Third Check Device 23 Thermometer 24 Thermometer 25. Fourth Check Device 26 Indicating device 27 Indicating device

Claims

1. A child seat check system for a vehicle child seat (10), At least one child car seat (10) and A first checking device (21) provided on the child seat for checking whether there is a child in the child seat, A control device (17) provided in the child seat is configured to communicate with the first check device (21), A second checking device (11) communicates with the control device (17) and determines the distance from the child seat to check whether there is a person other than the child near the child, It is equipped with, The second check device (11) is designed to be at least partially portable, to be carried by a person other than the child, and to operate independently of the on / off state of the vehicle's ignition, when the child seat check system is in operation. The child seat and the second check device (11) are designed for wireless communication via a first wireless communication link, i.e., Bluetooth®, and distance measurement results based on the first wireless communication link are communicated via the first or second wireless communication link, and if the first wireless communication link is interrupted, a corresponding optical and / or audible alarm is generated, and if the check result by the first check device (21) indicates that the child is not in the child seat, the alarm is not activated, and the child seat check system further comprises a third check device (22) designated for checking the child's awake state and configured to output the awake state to the control device (17), and the change in the awake state from "child awake" to "child asleep" occurs only if there is a person other than the child near the child. Child car seat check system.

2. A fourth checking device (25) is further provided. The fourth checking device (25) is designed to check the environment of the child seat. The child seat check system according to claim 1.

3. A method for checking child seats in vehicles, The checking process is a) The first checking device (21) checks whether a child is inside the child seat (10), b) The second checking device (11) checks whether there is a person other than the child near the child, and the second checking device (11) is designed to be portable and to operate independently of the vehicle's operating state and to operate during the checking process, and is used at least partially. c) The third checking device (22) checks whether the child is awake. It is equipped with, A method for checking a child seat using the child seat checking system described in either claim 1 or 2.

4. A method for checking child seats in vehicles, a) The first checking device (21) checks whether a child is inside the child seat (10), b) The second checking device (11) checks whether there is a person other than the child near the child, c) The third checking device (22) checks whether the child is awake, and the fourth checking device (25) checks the environment of the child seat, i.e., the ambient temperature of the child seat. It is equipped with, A method for checking a child car seat using the child car seat checking system described in claim 2.

5. If the child is inside the child seat and the ambient temperature around the child seat is outside the acceptable range, visual and / or auditory instructions will be given. A method for checking a child car seat according to either claim 3 or 4.

6. If the child is in the child seat and there are no other persons near the child, visual and / or auditory instructions are given. The child seat inspection method described in claim 4.

7. If the child is inside the child seat, and there are no other persons near the child, and the ambient temperature around the child seat is within an acceptable range, visual and / or auditory instructions will be given. A method for checking a child car seat according to either claim 5 or 6.

8. If the child is not in the child seat, no optical and / or audible indicators will be generated. A method for checking a child car seat according to either claim 5 or 6.

9. If the child is inside the child seat and there is another person near the child, no optical and / or audible indication will be generated. A method for checking a child car seat according to either claim 5 or 6.

10. Under conditions where no optical and / or audible indication occurs, and there is no person other than the child near the child, the indication or alarm will be suppressed by the person other than the child for at least a period of time t1, which is only possible for a temporary period of time t2 if the ambient temperature around the child seat is not within an acceptable range, and time t2 is shorter than time t1. A method for checking a child car seat according to either claim 5 or 6.

11. A computer-readable storage medium comprising an instruction causing at least one processor to perform the child seat checking method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the instruction is executed by at least one processor.

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