Methods and Systems for Detection of Vehicle Occupancy
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Plain English Summary
This patent covers a smart car safety system that prevents deaths from children or pets being left alone in vehicles. The system uses multiple sensors to detect if someone is still in the car and monitors for dangerous conditions like extreme heat or toxic gases. When both conditions are detected, it automatically takes action like turning on air conditioning, opening windows, sounding alarms, and alerting emergency contacts.
Full Description
This patent describes a comprehensive vehicle safety system designed to prevent unattended vehicle deaths, particularly of children and pets left in hot cars. The system integrates multiple sensors including ultrasonic, microwave, passive infrared, seat weight, microphone, and carbon dioxide sensors to detect the presence of occupants in vehicles. When combined with environmental sensors monitoring temperature and hazardous gases, the system can automatically detect dangerous conditions and take corrective action. The technology offers significant commercial applications across the automotive industry, from OEM integration in new vehicles to aftermarket safety systems. The system can automatically activate air conditioning or heating, open windows, unlock doors, flash lights, sound alarms, and send emergency alerts to predetermined contacts or emergency services. With an estimated 37 children dying annually from hot car incidents, this technology addresses a critical safety need while potentially reducing liability for vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators.
Key Claims
- 1
System that receives signals from presence sensors to detect occupants in vehicles and analyzes environmental sensor data to identify dangerous conditions
- 2
Automated activation of vehicle systems including air conditioning
- 3
heating
- 4
ventilation
- 5
door locks
- 6
windows
- 7
lights
- 8
and horn to mitigate dangerous environmental conditions
- 9
Wireless communication system that sends alerts to predetermined recipients including emergency services when dangerous occupancy situations are detected
- 10
Integration of multiple sensor types including ultrasonic
- 11
microwave
- 12
infrared
- 13
weight
- 14
audio
- 15
and gas sensors for comprehensive occupancy detection
- 16
User interface system allowing configuration of emergency contacts
- 17
alert preferences
- 18
and system parameters through vehicle infotainment or mobile applications
- 19
Safety protocols that assess vehicle surroundings before taking mitigating actions to prevent additional hazards like carbon monoxide exposure
- 20
Real-time monitoring and adjustment of vehicle conditions to maintain safe environment for detected occupants
Slide Presentation
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Quick Facts
- Technology Area
- Automotive
- Category
- Utility
- Years Remaining
- 15 years
- Status
- Available
- Patent Number
- US11,747,313
Industries Served
Price Range
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