An occupant sensing method includes steps of: sensing installation of a child seat on a seat of a vehicle; storing a detection value of a load sensor which is provided to be attached to the seat and detects an input load as a first load value, when the installation of the child seat is sensed; storing a detection value of the load sensor as a second load value when a predetermined time period has elapsed from a time point at which the installation of the child seat is sensed; and estimating a load change amount at the time of getting on/off which is a change amount of a load that is generated as the occupant gets on/off the child seat, based on a difference value between the first load value and the second load value.

A vehicle temperature control system for children and pets provides a plurality of pressure switches beneath the seats, as well as motion sensors, to detect the presence of a child or pet in a vehicle that has been shut off and parked with the doors locked. If the presence of a child or pet is detected, the system engages the climate control system, and maintains a comfortable temperature within the vehicle interior. The system provides a key fob wherein an alert light is provided, and transmits a signal to the key fob which activates the flashing alert light The system also transmits an SMS text message to the user's cellular telephone, indicating that a child or pet may have been left in the vehicle. The system also locks the transmission in park, to prevent a child from shifting the vehicle into gear after the engine has been started.

To provide a seat system that allows the information of the user seated in the seat to be acquired by another user, a seat system includes: a seat main body; at least one sensor provided in the seat main body; a control device for processing a signal from the sensor; and a first user interface communicating with the control device and notifying information based on a signal from the control device. Preferably, the sensor acquires information obtained from a seated person who is seated on the seat main body. Preferably, the seat system includes a camera for capturing an image of the seated person who is seated on the seat main body, and the control device causes the first user interface to display the image captured by the camera.

A child car seat is provided, comprising a base; a seat coupled to the base; and a sensor device mounted to the base or the seat, the sensor device including a sensor that outputs a measurement signal indicating whether a child is present in the seat, a processor that receives the measurement signal and determines whether a child is present, and a communication circuit that transmits a proximity signal configured for reception by a first mobile device. The proximity signal causes a first alert to be communicated to the first mobile device in response to the first mobile device exceeding a range from the sensor device, and a second alert to be communicated to a second mobile device if, after a threshold amount of time, the measurement signal continues to indicate that a child is present and no response is received in response to the first alert.

In embodiments, apparatuses, methods and storage media (transitory and non-transitory) are described that are associated with providing alerts to a caregiver in a vehicle. In various embodiments, an apparatus may include a first sensor coupled with a restraint to provide a restraint indicator, a second sensor coupled with a securing component to provide an attachment indicator, and an alert module operated by one or more processors to cause a wireless transmitter to transmit an alert signal based at least in part on the restraint indicator and the attachment indicator. In various embodiments, a warning apparatus may include an output device and a warning module operated by one or more processors to activate the output device based at least in part on a wireless alert signal from a car seat in a vehicle that indicates the car seat is in use.

A child seat installation checking device includes an attachment portion and an anchor portion. The attachment portion engages with a portion of a child seat. The anchor portion is movable relative to and separate from the attachment portion. The anchor portion engages with a portion of a vehicle seat. A shaft extends from the attachment portion to and through a portion of the anchor portion. A tension applicator mechanism is formed in the anchor portion. The shaft extends through and is movably retained within the tension applicator mechanism. A handle is disposed on an end of the shaft opposite the attachment portion. A displacement indicator displays a quantity of movement of the shaft relative to the anchor portion. Axial tension applied to the shaft as the handle is pulled away from the anchor portion causes the displacement indicator to display a displacement of the shaft.

Aspects of the disclosure relate to determining and responding to an internal state of a self-driving vehicle. For instance, an image of an interior of the vehicle captured by a camera mounted in the vehicle is received. The image is processed in order to identify one or more visible markers at predetermined locations within the vehicle. The internal state of the vehicle is determined based on the identified one or more visible markers. A responsive action is identified action using the determined internal state, and the vehicle is controlled in order to perform the responsive action.

Method of controlling and smart indication of a child seat latch assembly for a vehicle is provided. The method comprises identifying a vehicle seat in the vehicle when a request for child seat latch assembly activation is received. The vehicle seat is arranged to receive a child seat for securement in the vehicle. The method comprises automatic or manual activating the child seat latch assembly and aligning the child seat with the vehicle seat. The method comprises sensing the base bar relative to the base connector and sensing the back bar relative to the back connector. The method comprises locking the base bar in the base connector and locking the back bar in the back connector. The method further comprises monitoring the portable child seat relative to the stationary vehicle seat to maintain an aligned position, a locked base position, communication of the secureness status and a locked back position.

A child seat latching assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a child seat comprising a base portion having a base bar, a back portion having a back bar, and a first magnet generating a first magnetic field. The assembly further comprises a vehicle seat comprising a receiving portion having a base latch unit including a base connector comprising a base lock to secure the base bar in the base connector. The vehicle seat comprising a support portion having a back latch unit including a back connector comprising a back lock to secure the back bar in the back connector. The vehicle seat comprising a second magnet generating a second magnetic field in operation with the first magnetic unit. The first and second magnetic fields arranged to align the portable child seat with the vehicle seat when the first and second magnets are within a predetermined distance.

A child restraint includes a seat base adapted to rest on a vehicle seat and a juvenile seat adapted to couple to the seat base. The seat base includes a seat-base foundation configured to support the juvenile seat and a tether strap coupled to an upper end of the seat-base foundation and adapted to be fixed to a tether-strap anchor coupled to the vehicle seat.