Temperature Remediation in Unattended Vehicles

Abstract

A temperature remediation and alarm system for assisting helpless occupants of a vehicle, comprising a portable wearable device to be worn by the helpless occupant, and a vehicle installed device for, inter alia, starting the vehicle's engine, climate control system and alarm system prior to an unsafe temperature being reached when the helpless occupant is left unattended.

Claims

1. A temperature remediation and alarm system for assisting helpless occupants of a vehicle, comprising: a. a portable wearable device having attachment means for removable attachment to at least one helpless occupant of a vehicle; said portable wearable device comprising a power source, and a temperature sensor in electronic communication with a controller which in turn is in electronic communication with a transmitter; said temperature sensor, said controller and said transmitter being powered by said power source; said controller being adapted for receiving ambient temperature from said temperature sensor and for causing said transmitter to transmit a message signal when the ambient temperature falls outside of a preset range; and b. a vehicle installed device for mounting within the vehicle; said vehicle installed device comprising a processor, at least one receiver in wireless communication with said transmitter and in electronic communication with said processor, said processor being adapted for electronic communication with and control of at least the vehicle's alarm system, ignition system and climate control system; whereby said processor will activate that vehicle ignition system to start the vehicle, will activate the vehicle climate control system to restore ambient temperature to within said present range, and will activate the vehicle alarm.

2. The temperature remediation and alarm system of claim 1, wherein said message signal is acoustic.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle system incorporating an embodiment of the subject vehicle occupant safety system; and

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a vehicle occupant safety system of the subject invention employed within a motor vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawings figures, as such elements, portions or surfaces may be further described or explained by the entire written specification, of which this detailed description is an integral part. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read (e.g., cross-hatching, arrangement of parts, proportion, degree, etc.) together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. The figures provided herewith are for explanation purposes to persons ordinarily skilled in the art and that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0021] In addition, reference throughout this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, one example or an example means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases in one embodiment, in an embodiment, one example or an example in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable combinations and/or sub-combinations in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0022] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or apparatus. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a system.

[0023] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of a vehicle system 200 incorporating an embodiment of the subject vehicle occupant safety system, designated generally by reference number 10. Vehicle occupant safety system 10 is comprised of two primary components; a portable and wearable device (PWD) 12 to be worn by or attached to an infant, child, handicapped or incapacitated individual, pet, animal or other vehicle occupant who is unable to exit the vehicle on their own volition (each a helpless occupant 300, together helpless occupants 300), and a vehicle installed device (VID) 14 which may be installed or mounted in any location in vehicle 200, such as in a trunk, under a seat, in a glovebox, or on a dashboard.

[0024] With additional reference to FIG. 2, PWD 12 includes a housing 16 that houses a thermally sensitive sensor 18 (aka temperature sensor) in electronic communication with a controller 20 which in turn is in electronic communication with a transmitter 22, and a PWD power source 24 such as a replaceable or rechargeable battery or a storage capacitor. Example temperature sensors include thermistors, RTD's, IC-temperature sensors and thermocouples. Controller 20 may be any type of controller desired, such as a microprocessor configured by software stored in a memory, a microcontroller, a PLA, hardwired circuitry, etc. PWD power source 24 provides power to temperature sensor 18, controller 20 and transmitter 22. Temperature sensor 18, controller 20, transmitter 22 and power source 24 are all sealed within housing 16 for protection from moisture and other environmental conditions for protection.

[0025] In one embodiment, PWD 12 is embedded in or otherwise coupled with a fastener 26 used for removable attachment to the helpless occupant 300. For example, PWD 12 may be integrated with a band or strap similar to a watchband or watchstrap, a bracelet, a necklace, a decorative pin or clip, a dog or cat collar, or any other structure suitable for removable attachment to the helpless occupant provided they are made child safe.

[0026] Temperature sensor 18 detects ambient temperature in the vehicle passenger area or cabin 202 (when worn by the helpless occupant who is located within vehicle cabin 202) and provides a signal indicative thereof to controller 20. Controller 20 compares the received temperature signal to one or both of a predefined high temperature threshold value and/or a low temperature threshold value defining an acceptable temperature range between these temperature extreme thresholds. Controller 20 performs executable steps, or includes hardwired logic, to operate so that if the ambient temperature within vehicle 200 is outside the acceptable range, controller 20 activates transmitter 22 and causes it to transmit a message signal 28 to VID 14 using a wireless communication protocol. As used herein, the terms wireless communication and wirelessly communicate broadly refers to a transmission of message signals (or more simply, signals) between devices. In addition, as used herein, the term wireless communication protocol refers generally to a communications protocol that facilitates transmitting and receiving message signals over a wireless connection. Examples of wireless communication protocols include IR wireless communication, Bluetooth, Wi-fi, and ZigBee. However, various embodiments of the invention utilize alternative protocols as herein described for transmitting a message signal 28 from PWD 12 to VID 14.

[0027] VID 14 and its components are powered by VID power source 50 which may be a battery or a battery coupled to another power source such as the vehicle battery 206. VID 14 includes a processor 50 which may be a general use processing device having software programmed to perform executable steps to control various systems of vehicle 200 as described herein, or may be a specially designed circuit or device, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), that is particularly designed for use in vehicle occupant safety system 10. Processor 50 may use firmware or software, such as an operating system, for control and operation. Firmware, software and other data may be stored in various devices or media (not shown) including random access memory, read only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM) devices, or other storage devices, such as magnetic media.

[0028] VID 14 further includes one or more peripheral receivers 52 in electronic communication with processor 50. Each receiver is installed in the passenger compartment (cabin) 202 of vehicle 200, and in other areas of the vehicle capable of being occupied by the helpless occupant such as a trunk or rear storage area of a van or SUV, preferably in proximity to such areas where a helpless occupant may be present. Each receiver 52 and adapted to receive message signal 28 from transmitter 22. A plurality of receivers 52 is preferred such that message signal 28 will be received by at least one such receiver no matter where in the vehicle the helpless occupant wearing PWD 12 is located. As may be appreciated, vehicle cabins with relatively greater volumes, such as vans, minivans or SUVs for instance, will require a greater number of receivers than vehicles with smaller cabin volumes.

[0029] Message signal 28 acts as a trigger prompting VID 14 to cause vehicle 200 to carry out certain actions including, but not limited to activating a local alarm, sending alerts to remote third parties and performing remedial actions such as unlocking doors, raising or lowering windows, starting the engine and operating vehicle temperature control devices to prevent the interior of the vehicle cabin from reaching an unsafe condition. More specifically, each receiver 52 that receives the message signal 28 provides an output to processor 50 which in turn performs executable steps, or includes hardwired logic, to carry out the desired alarm, alert and remedial actions.

[0030] Processor 50 causes the above described alarm, alert and remedial actions to be carried out, either sequentially, simultaneously or as programmed, by: 1) interfacing with select vehicle components directly via one or more vehicle interfaces 54, 2) interfacing with select vehicle components indirectly through the vehicle electrical system 204 to which they are connected via the one or more vehicle interfaces 54, 3) interfacing with select vehicle components indirectly through an available port or data bus of their respective electronic control units (ECUs) together comprising the vehicle's Controller Area Network (CAN) system 206 (if so equipped) via the one or more vehicle interfaces 54, or 4) any combination of the foregoing. Each vehicle interface 54 allows VID 14 generally, and processor 50 in particular, to interact with the desired vehicle components and command their operation.

[0031] In an embodiment, processor 50 is in direct or indirect electronic communication with vehicle alarm components 208 via an interface 54. Processor 50 initiates a local alarm by commanding activation of alarm components 208 including, for example, activation of interior and exterior vehicle lights, horn and a vehicle alarm system in order to get the attention of people in the area of the vehicle who can render aid or call for help. In one embodiment, VID 14 includes an on-board alarm system 56 in electronic communication with processor 50. On-board alarm system can include one or more peripheral lights 58 which can be mounted to the exterior of the vehicle such as on the roof. In an embodiment, lights 58 can be a specific color which, through consumer education, can be associated with a child or pet being left unattended in a vehicle subject to unsafe temperatures. Alarm system 56 may also include an audio component adapted to broadcast an audible alarm via a peripheral speaker 60 which is also mounted to the vehicle. The audible alarm can be in the form of a pre-recorded or programmed repeating verbal message such as Child or Pet Requires Assistance.

[0032] To facilitate evacuation of the helpless occupants 300 from the vehicle cabin 202 by alarm responders, in one embodiment processor 50 commands the unlocking of door locks and/or the lowering of vehicle windows.

[0033] In an embodiment, processor 50 is in direct or indirect electronic communication with vehicle navigation system 210 via an interface 54. Processor 50 commands the cellular/mobile telephone device or satellite communication device components of the navigation system to initiate alerts to one or more remote parties including the vehicle operator/owner and emergency call center personnel such as 911 operators or private emergency monitoring companies such as OnStar. Some vehicle navigation systems also include a geographic position locating system such as a GPS, an inertial navigation system or a terrestrial-based radio navigation system such as LORAN, to identify the vehicle location by its coordinates. In such cases, the vehicle location can also be furnished to the emergency monitoring companies and call centers. In an embodiment, VID 14 may include on-board cellular and/or satellite communications as shown in FIG. 1, as well as locating systems (not shown), all with the same functionality. In a preferred embodiment the on-board satellite communications system if of the Ku, Ka or E-band type.

[0034] In embodiments of the subject invention, processor 50 is in direct or indirect electronic communication with the vehicle ignition system 212 and climate control system 214, comprising an air conditioner (A/C) unit and a heater, via interfaces 54. Processor 50 initiates activation of the vehicle ignition system 212 to start the vehicle engine. In some embodiments, a remote start ignition system 112 is installed within vehicle 200 and in electrical communication with vehicle electrical system 204. In such embodiments, processor 50 initiates activation of the remote start ignition system 112 which in turn activates the vehicle ignition system 212. Processor 50 further initiates activation of the climate control system 214 and, based on feedback sent from vehicle temperature sensors, commands climate control system to lower or raise the cabin temperature to restore it to within acceptable limits. In most vehicles, there is no way to run the A/C unit without running the engine because to make the A/C work, it requires a compressor to act on the refrigerant, and the compressor is powered by the engine, not the battery. Accordingly, a priority task of the subject vehicle occupant safety system 10 is to turn on the vehicle engine as well as the temperature control system as soon as temperature sensor 18 detects that ambient cabin temperature is outside of the acceptable range for the purpose of bringing the temperature back into acceptable limits before the cabin temperature becomes unsafe for the unattended occupants until help arrives.

[0035] An important aspect of the subject invention is the manner in which PWD 12 communicates message signal 28 to VID 14. In one embodiment, transmitter 22 of PWD 12 is of the type capable of producing infrared, microwave or radio frequency signals to provide communication between the transmitter 22 and a receiver 52 of VID 14. Message signal is modulated using analog or composite (digital) modulation to create a unique signature recognizable by VID 14. Analog-modulation includes amplitude-modulation, frequency-modulation, phase-modulation and pulse-modulation. Modulation is important because it is the information-carrying part of the signal. In one preferred embodiment, however, transmitter 22 may be in the form of a buzzer (transducer), sound generator or speaker triggered by controller 20 to produce an acoustic message signal 28 (meaning a signal in the form of a sound wave. For clarity, sound waves are mechanically produced waves not part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Sound waves are not RF, although an RF signal can have the same frequency as a sound wave. The sound wave is also modulated to possess a unique identifiable frequency profile recognizable which processor 50 is designed or programmed to recognize. Using sound as opposed to an electromagnetic signal is more secure because hackers cannot discretely attempt to steal the vehicle with electromagnetic car key sniffing and mimicking devices which are employed by more sophisticated car thieves. Moreover, unlike EM signals which could trigger temperature remediation and alarm systems of the subject invention that are installed in other vehicles within the range of such signals, acoustic signals are substantially confined to the vehicle's cabin or other interior spaces that a helpless occupant wearing PWD 12 could occupy, thereby mitigating against accidental activation of the same technology in nearby vehicles.

[0036] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the particular embodiments herein set forth, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the foregoing specifications, but rather only by the scope of the claims appended hereto. All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein, or from which a claim for benefit of priority has been made, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.