Sound, temperature and motion alarm for vehicle occupants and pets
10093228 ยท 2018-10-09
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
G01K1/14
PHYSICS
B60R16/033
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
E05F15/71
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
G08B21/00
PHYSICS
G01K1/14
PHYSICS
G01K1/02
PHYSICS
E05F15/71
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
B60Q5/00
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
Systems, devices and methods of using sound detectors, motion detectors and temperature sensors inside vehicles for activating alarms to protect vehicle occupants that can include babies, children, infirm, elderly and pets. Mounted sound detector(s), motion detector(s) and temperature sensor are used wherein detected sound from the sound detector can activate the motion temperature sensor and motion detected to activate adjacent or remote alarms when unsafe cold and warm interior vehicle temperatures are reached. Low battery indicators such as audible alarms, chirp sounds and lights can be used to indicate low battery power supplies.
Claims
1. A vehicle alarm system, comprising: a sound detector for detecting sound inside the vehicle; a motion detector for detecting motion inside the vehicle; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature setting inside the vehicle; an alarm attached to at least one of the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor; and a power source for supplying power to the sound detector, the motion detector, the temperature sensor and the alarm, wherein the alarm is activated when a selected condition occurs from at least one of the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor; a test circuit for testing the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor, to check and verify operation of each of the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor; a first separate switch for the sound detector to check and verify the sound detector is operational; a second separate switch for the motion detector to check and verify the motion detector is operational and a third separate switch for the temperature sensor to check and verify the temperature sensor is operational.
2. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, further comprising: a deactivate mode to deactivate the power from the power source to the sound detector when the motion detector and the temperature sensor are both working and are drawing power from the power source.
3. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, further comprising: a camera for taking at least one of images and video inside of the vehicle.
4. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, wherein the temperature setting is at least approximately 100 F.
5. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, wherein the power source includes: one battery.
6. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, wherein the power source includes: at least two batteries.
7. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, further comprising: a computer for running the system.
8. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, wherein the test circuit further includes: another switch to check if the alarm is fully operational.
9. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, further comprising: an over-ride feature to allow for any one of the the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor to still operate if any one of the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor fail to work.
10. The vehicle alarm system of claim 1, further comprising: a periodic test feature to automatically and periodically test each of the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor, and to send out a different alarm if any one of the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor are not operational.
11. The vehicle alarm system of claim 10, wherein the periodic test feature further includes: another test to automatically and periodically test the alarm and to send out the different alarm if the alarm if not fully operational.
12. A vehicle alarm system comprising: a sound detector for detecting sound inside the vehicle; a motion detector for detecting motion inside the vehicle; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature setting inside the vehicle; an alarm attached to at least one of the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor; a power source for supplying power to the sound detector, the motion detector, the temperature sensor and the alarm; and a listen mode where the sound detector is powered on by the power source, and both the motion detector and the temperature sensor are turned off from the power source; a temperature sensor power mode where the temperature sensor is turned on from the power source when a sound is detected by sound detector; and a motion detector power mode where the motion detector is turned on from the power source when a selected temperature is detected by the temperature sensor, and wherein the alarm is activated when a selected motion level is detected in the vehicle by the motion detector.
13. The vehicle alarm system of claim 12, wherein the temperature setting is at least approximately 100 F.
14. The vehicle alarms system of claim 12, further comprising: a camera for taking at least one of images and video inside of the vehicle.
15. The vehicle alarm system of claim 12, wherein the power source includes: one battery.
16. The vehicle alarm system of claim 12, wherein the power source includes: at least two batteries.
17. A vehicle alarm system comprising: a sound detector for detecting sound inside the vehicle; a motion detector for detecting motion inside the vehicle; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature setting inside the vehicle; an alarm attached to at least one of the sound detector, the motion detector and the temperature sensor; and a power source for supplying power to the sound detector, the motion detector, the temperature sensor and the alarm, wherein the sound detector is powered on by the power source when both the motion detector and the temperature sensor are turned off from the power source, and wherein the temperature sensor is turned on from the power source when a selected sound is detected by sound detector, and wherein the motion detector is turned on from the power source when a selected temperature is detected by the temperature sensor, and wherein the alarm is activated when a selected motion is detected by the motion detector.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(17) Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its applications to the details of the particular arrangements shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
(18) A listing of the components in the invention will now be described. 10 Motion Detector and Temperature (Heat and/or Cold) Sensor Unit. 15. Transmitter unit 20 Front seat. 30 Monitored subject. Baby, Child, Adult, Senior, Infirm or pet. 40 Rear motion sensor viewing range. 50 Back seat. 60 12 volt car battery. 70 Receiver Unit. 80 Car horn. 90 Side motion sensor viewing range. 100 Front seat backrest. 110 Front seat headrest. 120 Rear motion sensor. 130 Side motion sensor. 140 VELCRO strap to mount Sentry Unit to headrest or backrest. 150 Indicator LED. 160 Temperature (Heat &/or Cold) sensor and vents. 170 Reset button. 180 Car. 190 Temperature select switch. 200 Internal battery 210 bottom of unit case 220 Printed circuit board 230 Cell phone module. 240 Cable to connect sentry to cell phone module. 250 Alarm temperature sliding adjustment switch allows 0 to 160 degree alarm setting. 260 Alarm temperature digital adjustment readout allows 0 to 160 degree alarm setting. 270 Down adjust button for setting digital readout. 280 Up adjust button for setting digital readout. 290 Set button to lock in digital readout temperature setting. 300 Microphone 310 Transmitter antenna 320 Top transmitter case 330 Motion sensor window 340 Buzzer 400 sound detector, motion detector, temperature sensor flowchart
Motion Detector with Heat Sensor Embodiment
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(22) Referring to
(23) The unit 10 can include a rear motion sensor 120 and/or side motion sensor 130, that each can have rear viewing range 40 and side viewing range 90, each viewing range being up to approximately 90 to approximately 180 degrees. The motion sensors 120, 130 can detect both front seat and rear seat occupants 30.
(24) The unit 10 can also include a combination of a rear seat facing motion sensor 120 and a front seat facing motion sensor 130. The unit 10 can also include three sensors for detecting rear seats, sides, and front seats inside the vehicle.
(25) Each of the monitored subjects (occupants) 30 can include babies, children, infirm, elderly and pets, located inside of the vehicle. The unit can include preprogrammed computer with the pre-selected temperature threshold selections, and timer that will be described in more detail below.
(26) Also, inside of the unit 10 can be a temperature sensor (such as a heat or cold temperature sensor) 160 protected by vents on a side of the unit 10. The unit can be battery powered by batteries inside of the unit 10, such as but not limited to 9 volt batteries, A, AA and/or AAA batteries. For example, the unit 10 can have a single 9 volt battery (similar to those used in smoke detectors).
(27) The power supply for the audible sounding alarm can also have a built-in battery supply. The vehicle horn can also be powered by the vehicle battery voltage.
(28) A reset switch 170 can be pressed or switched on to activate the unit 10, a light 150, such as an LED (light emitting diode) can turn on when the reset button 170 is first pressed, and the light 150 turned off to indicate the unit is powered off when the reset button 170 is pressed again.
(29) Light 150 can be a single color light or multiple color lights, such as having both green and red colors.
(30) Additionally, the reset button 170 can have a function to reset the unit 10 after the unit 10 has activated alarms.
(31) Additionally, the indicator light 150 can have a low setting or off setting when button 170 is pressed which indicates low or dead battery inside the unit 10. The indicator light 150 can also flash different colors (such as red) for example, every 6 seconds when it is time to change the unit batteries. The unit can still function for a short time when the flashing has been reached. The batteries are intended to allow the unit to be operational for at least one year.
(32) The indicator light 150 can also be used as a motion detector(s) (120, 130) test light. A double press of the reset 170 can turn on the motion detector(s) 120, 130. The indicator light 150 can turn red for a time period (for example 20 seconds) while the detector(s) 120, 130 are warming up. After the warming up the indicator 150 can turn green which indicates a test period (for example 1 minute test period). Any motion detected after this 1 minute test period can cause the indicator light 150 to flash red and green verifying the function of the motion detector(s) 120, 130. This test function can time out after 1 minute in order to preserve battery power.
(33) Additionally, the reset button 170 can be used to reset the motion detector(s) 120, 130 and reset the unit 10 after an alarm has been sounded or during an alarm sounding condition.
(34) Additionally, the light 150 can blink or be multiple lights, such as multiple LEDS to function as a visual alarm when the motion detector and sensor unit becomes activated.
(35) Still furthermore, the motion detector and sensor unit can include an extra audio alarm, such as but not limited to buzzer, another horn, and the like. For example, the 9 volt battery can activate a smoke alarm type buzzer as an internal alarm inside the vehicle.
(36) As such, the invention can have a dual powered alarm that activates both a vehicle horn under the vehicle hood, as well as a buzzer type alarm on the unit 10 inside the vehicle passenger compartment.
(37) Additional switches on the unit 10 can include a temperature select switch 190 having different positions. For example, temperature select switch can have a first position for activating the alarm (to be discussed) for babies and children for temperatures of between approximately 100 F to 105 F, a second select position for temperatures between approximately 106 F to 109 F, and a third select position for temperatures at approximately 110 F and higher.
(38) Motion detector and heat sensor unit 10 can have the ability send a wireless signal from a transmitter unit 15 to a remotely located receiver unit 70 that can be located under the hood of the vehicle 180. The receiver unit 70 can be wired to both the existing vehicle 12 volt car battery 60 that is wired to the existing vehicle horn 80.
(39) Although the unit 10 is described as being battery powered, the unit 10 can be hardwired and connected to the existing vehicle power, such as to a cigarette lighter adapter, and the like.
(40) The motion detector and heat sensor unit 10 can be set in a power save mode by default and the motion detectors (120, 130) are not scanning for motion, until ambient temperature inside the vehicle 180 reaches a selected temperature set threshold. For example, a first position of the switch 190 would keep the motion detectors 120, 130 off until a first temperature of approximately 100 F to approximately 105 F is reached. When the selected temperature threshold is reached the unit 10 the motion detectors 120, 130 turn on and start scanning.
(41) In operation, the unit 10 can be programmed to send a signal to sound the vehicle horn 80 after a selected time period has been reached. For example, the unit 10 can be programmed to sound the vehicle horn 80 after approximately 5 minutes when the inside vehicle temperature has reached at least approximately 100 degrees and motion of an occupant has been detected inside the vehicle 180.
(42) With the novel invention, the horn can be activated for a continuous horn signal or intermittent horn signal. The invention can also be programmed to have the horn emit an emergency signal such as the international distress SOS signal when activated in Morse Code. The international SOS being three dits (short pulse signals) followed by three dahs (three longer signals), followed by three dits (short pulse signals).
(43) Different scenarios can include the vehicle is already hot, or the vehicle was initially cool, but has been closed up and abandoned with an occupant (baby, child, infirm, elderly person) inside.
(44) Scenario One: Vehicle Already Hot Mode
(45) In this example, the vehicle has been sitting in the sun with windows rolled up. The temperature inside is already above approximately 105 degrees, and the motion detectors 120, 130 is now scanning for motion. When an occupant, such as a baby or child is placed in a child seat, or on an existing seat, the motion detectors 120, 130 on unit 10 detects motion and samples temperature inside the vehicle. Once the temperature is above the selected set point (here for example, approximately 105 F), a timer inside the unit 10, can start counting and the internal vehicle temperatures is monitored for approximately 5 minutes. If after 5 minutes, the temperature inside the vehicle has not dropped below a set point (such as for example, below 100 F), an alarm signal be transmitted by transmitter 115 to the receiver 70 under the hood to activate the vehicle horn 80 to run an SOS sequence, and the like.
(46) The invention can work under the condition that temperature inside the vehicle will quickly and rapidly drop below a set point when the vehicle is ventilated, such as when the vehicle is put in motion with windows opened and/or the air conditioning system in the vehicle is turned on.
(47) This scenario can include a set condition that the alarm will instantly sound off without delay if a higher preselected temperature of for example, 110 F and motion inside the vehicle are simultaneously detected.
(48) Scenario Two: Vehicle Initially Cool, but has been Closed Up and Abandoned with Occupant Inside
(49) In this scenario, the unit 10 is in a sleep type mode. If the temperature inside the vehicle raises above a set point (for example above approximately 105 F), the unit 10 wakes up and sensors 120, 130 begin scanning for motion. If an occupant is then detected, the unit 10 starts the timer, which can be programmed to run for approximately 5 minutes. If after 5 minutes the interior temperature is still above the set point and motion is still detected, the unit 10 would transmit a signal to the receiver unit 70, which would activate vehicle horn 80 to play a distress code, such as SOS, and the like.
(50) This scenario can also include a set condition, that the alarm will instantly sound off without delay if a higher preselected temperature of for example, 110 F and motion inside the vehicle are simultaneously detected.
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(53) 190 Temperature select switch 190, internal battery, 200 (such as but not limited to replaceable 9 volt or A or AA or AAA batteries), and printed circuit board 220.
(54) Although the described embodiments has the novel unit 10 attached to a head rest inside of a vehicle. The unit can also be attached to other supports inside of a vehicle.
(55) Additionally, the novel unit with temperature sensing and monitoring can be attached directly to an individual inside of the vehicle, such as but not limited to be attached to a waist of an infant and/or child, and/or about an animal inside of the vehicle such as formed as a smaller component attached similar to a collar on a dog or cat, etc.
(56) With these other applications, the unit can be used with only the temperature monitor and built-in alarm, so that the temperature of the infant and/or child, and/or pet is monitored to make sure that dangerous heat conditions are detected and the built-in unit alarm is sounded. Additionally, these applications can also be used with both the built-in alarm and the vehicle alarm.
(57) Still furthermore, the novel system can be used to activate other alarms, such as in a phone app where a smart phone, such as but not limited to an IPHONE, and the like, is sent the alarm signal so that a parent and/or other third party is notified of the dangerous heat conditions.
(58) Additionally, the unit can have other indicators thereon that give out visual readings of the actual temperature itself so that others can monitor the temperature. Additionally, the actual temperature reading being monitored by the unit can be sent to remote locations, for example through the web and/or by phone apps to smart phones and/or to third party monitoring locations as desired.
(59) Although the above embodiments describe the temperature alarms being set to temperatures for unsafe warm and hot conditions, the invention can be used to activate alarms when temperatures reach unsafe cold temperatures, and the like. Additionally, the alarms can be set with both hot and cold temperature settings that activate the alarms.
(60) Motion Detector with Temperature Select Switches for Heat and/or Cool Temperature Settings
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(67) In the previous embodiment hot temperature settings were described, that can include approximately 100 F, approximately 110 F and approximately 140 F. The invention can also activate the alarms at low temperature settings, such as but not limited to approximately 50 F. Hypothermia can develop if environmental temperatures inside of a vehicle drop to approximately 50 F and lower. As such, the alarm can sound after a certain delay time has occurred. For example, the invention can allow for occupants to go into a cold vehicle, and the alarm can become activated after a period of approximately 10 minutes if the interior vehicle temperature has not risen above approximately 50 F.
(68) The term approximately can allow for +/10 degrees.
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(71) Additionally, the embodiment in
(72) In
(73) Sound Detector, Motion Detector and Temperature Sensor
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(77) Transmitter inside the unit communicates to receiver underneath the hood of the vehicle by RF (radio frequency) and each uses respective antenna(s) 310 to send and receive RF signals.
(78) The flowchart 400 will be described in reference to
(79) Temperature sensor 160 then checks for a selected hot temperature (such as but not limited to over approximately 100 F) or for a selected cold temperature (such as but not limited to below approximately 100 F). The selected temperature settings can be pre-programmed and/or selected by the user.
(80) If a selected hot temperature is sensed, the unit then goes through a timer (such as approximate 10 minute timer), and then the temperature sensor 160 samples air again, if a selected cold temperature setting is sensed, the unit 10 goes back to the listen mode (default step) to start again. If the selected hot temperature setting is sensed, the unit 10 activates the motion detector 130. If no motion inside the vehicle (such as from a child or pet) is detected, the unit 10 goes back to the listen mode (default step) to start again. If motion is detected inside the vehicle (such as from a child or pet), an alarm, such as but not limited to an internal and/or external alarm, such as a buzzer 340 to go off alerting others to that an occupant (such as a child or pet) is inside the vehicle. The alarm can also be an external alarm, such as the car horn, and the like previously described.
(81) The flowchart 400 also allows for another scenario starting from the listen mode (default) step, with the motion detector and temperature sensor being off. A loud noise (such as car door closing) will turn on the temperature sensor 160. If a selected cold temperature setting (below approximately 100 F) is detected, the temperature sensor 160 can then sample temperatures every 10 minutes for 90 minutes. If the selected hot temperature setting is sensed, the motion detector 130 is turned on to determine if either no motion or motion is detected to follow paths previously described. If the sample temperature sensing every 10 minutes is the selected cold temperature setting, the unit goes back to the listen mode (default) step to start over.
(82) Also, after 90 minutes, the unit 10 can go back to start over at the listen mode (default) stage and start the process over again. The flowchart can be integrated into a chip and/or computer and the like.
(83) The embodiment in
(84) Using only the listen mode, can expand battery life of a batteries, up to ten (10) times or more, compared to having the motion detector, and temperature sensor, and microphone continuously in an on mode. The amount of battery life can depend on the environment. For example, a vehicle parked in a noisy environments, such as a construction site or high traffic site, can activate the microphone detector and system more frequently effecting, such as shortening battery life span.
(85) Additionally other features of the embodiments can be used with each embodiment. For example, the low battery alarm indicator (audio alarm and/or light alarm) can be activated when the battery life reaches a selected level.
(86) The microphone can further listen not just for motion noise, such as car doors, it can also sense audible distress from occupants, such as babies, children and pets to activate the system.
(87) The embodiment in
(88) While the system is described as having the sound detector continuously running in the default mode and the motion detector and temperature sensor being turned off, the invention can also have the sound detector de-activated while the motion detector and the temperature sensor are both working to further maximize and save battery life.
(89) The invention can also be part of an onboard computer system, where temperature settings, alarms and alarm notification features are programmed into the onboard computer or factory pre-programmed or dealer installed. For example, an onboard thermometer inside the vehicle can be set to temperatures (by the user or pre-programmed) that can also activate alarms, and/or provide remote notification to portable remote phones or remote computers, and the like, as described with the above embodiments.
(90) This embodiment can function as automatic babysitter inside the vehicle to be able to see (with motion detector(s)), feel (with the temperature sensor(s), and listen (with the microphone(s)).
(91) The invention can additionally have second or more backup monitor and alarm systems. For example, a second alarm can sound off and/or send messages, and the like, when temperatures reach selected amounts of approximately 120 degrees or more.
(92) Additionally, loud digital voices can be generated by speakers directly around the vehicle to get immediate attention of those in the vicinity of the vehicle. For example, a recorded voice such as but not limited to HOT BABY IN CAR can be generated from the vehicle.
(93) Additionally, the system can have no on and off switches that will allow it to be accidentally deactivated.
(94) The invention can also be part of a downloadable smart phone App. that can be used with the vehicle computer system and the like. The alarms and monitors can be connected to one's smart phone. Additionally, other detector(s), such as a camera(s) can be mounted inside the vehicle to add another level of detection which can send images of the child, baby, and pet to remote locations, such as to one's smart phone, and the like. Images can give recipients immediate indications of distress of the occupants.
(95) Optionally, a test circuit can be included which allows the user to test the sound detector (microphone), the motion detector and the temperature sensor and battery to make sure each is fully operational so that the user check the unit periodically to verify the unit works. Each of the sensing devices, can optionally have a switch, such as a button to test each one of the sensing devices individually.
(96) Additionally, the unit can be built with over-ride features so that if one of the detectors (sound, motion, temperature) fail or do not work, the other detectors, will still operate in order activate alarms to indicate occupants in the vehicle are under distress conditions.
(97) Still furthermore, the unit can have a periodic self test feature, where the unit will test itself periodically, and if any one of the detectors or battery fail individually or in sequence the unit would send out an alarm, such as the low battery chirp alarm to indicate to the user the unit is not fully operational.
(98) The invention can also have a feature of the alarm signal going off can activate a switch such as a solenoid attached to the vehicle child seat, which would automatically detach the seat buckle, to allow toddlers and above the capability of self preservation.
(99) Additionally, the activation can include automatically opening the vehicle door, such as but not limited to one or more side doors and/or the rear hatchback door opening up. A door automatically opening would give bystanders further attention to the vehicle having an occupant in distress.
(100) For babies and toddlers in rear facing child seats, the opening of the rear hatchback door can both automatically signal those in vicinity of the occupant and immediately help lower vehicle interior temperature.
(101) The unit can further activate the electric windows of the vehicle to immediately open extending and potentially saving the distressed occupants life to immediately lower the interior temperature inside of the vehicle.
(102) The opening of doors and/or windows also allows for the vehicle occupant such as babies, toddlers and children that are strapped in seats the ability to signal by crying, yelling to those in vicinity of their distress.
(103) The unit can energize the vehicle computer and/or controls by hardwire or RF (radio frequency) using the antennas, and/or the remote control technology used on vehicle keys, to automatically lower windows, open doors, and the like, when the alarm is being activated.
(104) Still furthermore, the unit can automatically turn on air conditioning under dangerous heat conditions, or turn on heat under extreme cold conditions.
(105) The units can be factory installed by automobile manufacturers, and/or dealerships. Additionally, the units can be purchased over the counter and installed by end users, and/or their mechanics.
(106) Although the embodiments reference the user being able to select temperature settings, the temperature settings can also be pre-sec by the factory or installer. The temperature settings can be set to heat temperature setting(s) or cold temperature setting(s) or to both heat and cold temperature settings.
(107) While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.