A number of illustrative variations may include a method of using vehicle sensors to produce an alert.

Techniques are provided for implementing a camera display system with selective activation of one or more associated auxiliary camera units by a navigation device in wireless communication with the auxiliary camera units. The navigation device selectively activates auxiliary camera units when video data from the auxiliary camera unit is to be displayed on the navigation device. The navigation device transmit an activation signal that may be received by an auxiliary camera unit, which may transition to an active state and begin transmitting video data captured by the video camera to the navigation device. Selective activation of an auxiliary camera unit reduces the amount of energy consumed by the auxiliary video camera unit because it is not continuously capturing and transmitting video data to the navigation device. auxiliary camera units may be activated in response to a user input or automatically in response to triggering events.

An alert assembly includes a base unit that may be coupled to a seatbelt in a vehicle such that the base unit is positioned against a child seated in the vehicle. Thus, the base unit detects sounds made by the child. A remote unit is provided that may be carried and the remote unit is in communication with the base unit. The remote unit emits the sounds made by the child such that a user is reminded that the child is in the vehicle.

Various embodiments for monitoring safety by a processor. A presence of a living thing is detected inside an enclosed environment to be monitored. The enclosed environment is capable of motion. The presence of the living thing is monitored in combination with at least one environmental factor in the enclosed environment. If the at least one environmental factor exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alert notification to indicate a current status of the environmental factor is provided to a user.

Various embodiments for monitoring safety by a processor. A presence of a living thing is detected inside an enclosed environment to be monitored. The enclosed environment is capable of motion. The presence of the living thing is monitored in combination with at least one environmental factor in the enclosed environment. If the at least one environmental factor exceeds a predetermined threshold, an alert notification to indicate a current status of the environmental factor is provided to a user.

The present invention is directed to a system and methods of monitoring a child seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in a child's car seat employing a video camera which transmits a video signal to a video display receiver placed in the driver's frame of vision. The video camera as envisioned herein is placed within a child's stuffed toy, the camera signal being transmitted remotely to a separate video display monitor screen device, viewable to the parent driving the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in the number of positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment as well as the direction in which the camera is directed. To adjust the direction in which the camera is pointed, the invention includes a bendable, flexible and sturdy neck that interconnects the camera to a transmission unit, which provides the driver with a view of the child.

In one aspect, the present invention embraces a system for passenger monitoring. The system typically includes a monitoring device and a monitor positioned in a motor vehicle. The monitoring device typically includes a camera having a field of view directed towards a first passenger location in the motor vehicle. The monitor typically includes a user interface and a processor in communication with the user interface and the monitoring device. The user interface typically includes a visual display. The processor is typically configured to receive images from the camera and display the images on the visual display in near real time.

A vehicle display device includes a first display unit disposed in front of and above a driver's seat and including a display screen configured to be deployed from an interior member into the vehicle cabin and be withdrawn from the vehicle cabin into an inside of the interior member, a drive unit configured to drive the display screen, and a control unit configured to control the first display unit and the drive unit. The control unit includes a driving status acquisition unit configured to acquire a driving status of a vehicle, a drive control unit configured to change a deployment amount of the display screen based on the acquired driving status, and a display control unit configured to cause the display screen to display a rear seat image captured by an in-vehicle camera for a rear seat to fit with the deployment amount of the display screen.

A camera system for a vehicle may include a control interface configured to receive an input from a driver and generate a signal, and at least one camera configured to capture video of an interior of the vehicle. The camera system may also include a display configured to output video to the driver, and a controller in communication with the control interface, the camera, and the display. The controller may be configured to receive the signal from the control interface, actuate the at least one camera to capture video based on the signal, and output the video to the display based on the signal.

The present invention is directed to a system and methods of monitoring a child seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in a child's car seat employing a video camera which transmits a video signal to a video display receiver placed in the driver's frame of vision. The video camera as envisioned herein is placed within a child's stuffed toy, the camera signal being transmitted remotely to a separate video display monitor screen device, viewable to the parent driving the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in the number of positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment as well as the direction in which the camera is directed. To adjust the direction in which the camera is pointed, the invention includes a bendable, flexible and sturdy neck that interconnects the camera to a transmission unit, which provides the driver with a view of the child.