VEHICLE EMERGENCY SYSTEM

Abstract

Described herein is an emergency system with rear camera and sensor to report emergencies and accidents that occur to the vehicle to which the system is installed. The device includes various sensors, detectors, and communication elements to signal a triggering condition to an emergency services provider.

Claims

1. A safety alert device and related system adapted for placement into a vehicle, the system and device comprising: a console member, the console member coupled electronically to the vehicle, the console having: at least one temperature sensor, the temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature within a vehicle the console is placed within; at least one sensor adapted to detect the presence of an occupant within the vehicle; and a transmission/receiving device, the transmission/receiving device capable of sending communications to and receiving communications from an emergency services provider; and a rear camera, the rear camera coupled to the console member, the rear camera placed on an exterior of the vehicle and positioned to capture an image of the rear license plate, wherein this image can be transmitted to an emergency services provider upon a triggering condition.

2. A safety alert system and device as in claim 1, wherein the console includes at least one oxygen sensor.

3. A safety alert system and device as in claim 1, wherein the console includes at least one carbon monoxide detector.

4. A safety alert system and device as in claim 1, wherein the console includes at least one global positioning satellite sensor (GPS).

5. A safety alert system and device as in claim 1, wherein the device is installed directly within a vehicle.

6. A safety alert system and device as in claim 1, wherein the device is provided as an after-market accessory adapted for placement within a vehicle.

7. A safety alert device and related system adapted for placement into a vehicle, the system and device comprising: a console member, the console member coupled electronically to the vehicle, the console having: at least one temperature sensor, the temperature sensor capable of measuring the temperature within a vehicle the console is placed within; at least one sensor adapted to detect the presence of an occupant within the vehicle; at least one global positioning satellite (GPS) locator adapted to provide a global positioning location for the vehicle; and a transmission/receiving device, the transmission/receiving device capable of sending communications to and receiving communications from an emergency services provider; and a rear camera, the rear camera coupled to the console member, the rear camera placed on an exterior of the vehicle and positioned to capture an image of the rear license plate, wherein this image can be transmitted to an emergency services provider upon a triggering condition.

8. A safety alert system and device as in claim 7, wherein the console includes at least one oxygen sensor.

9. A safety alert system and device as in claim 7, wherein the console includes at least one carbon monoxide detector.

10. A safety alert system and device as in claim 1, wherein the device is installed directly within a vehicle.

11. A safety alert system and device as in claim 1, wherein the device is provided as an after-market accessory adapted for placement within a vehicle.

12. A safety alert system for a vehicle, the system comprising: at least one sensor adapted to detect the presence of an occupant of the vehicle; at least one sensor adapted to detect temperature; at least one sensor adapted to detect the amount of oxygen within the vehicle interior; at least one global positioning satellite (GPS) locator; a camera, the camera positioned at the rear of vehicle at aligned with the rear license plate for capturing an image of the rear license plate; and a transmitter/receiver adapted to transmit to and receive a signal from an emergency services provider, wherein a detected condition triggers a communication to an emergency services provider.

13. A safety alert system for a vehicle as in claim 12, wherein the triggering condition is an occupant within a hot car.

14. A safety alert system for a vehicle as in claim 12, wherein the triggering condition is an occupant within a cold car.

15. A safety alert system for a vehicle as in claim 12, wherein the triggering condition is a vehicle accident.

16. A safety alert system for a vehicle as in claim 12, wherein the triggering condition is an oxygen deficient environment within the vehicle interior.

17. A safety alert system for a vehicle as in claim 12, wherein the triggering condition is a submerged vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 shows the back view of the rear camera.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows the bottom of the device.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows the front of the device.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows the front view of the rear camera.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of the device.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the rear camera.

[0022] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the device.

[0023] FIG. 8 shows the side view of the rear camera.

[0024] FIG. 9 shows the top view of the rear camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0026] Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

[0027] Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

[0028] References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0029] The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

[0030] As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

[0031] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0032] As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

[0034] Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS., with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

[0036] As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature and/or such joining may allow for the flow of fluids, electricity, electrical signals, or other types of signals or communication between two members. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature.

[0037] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

[0038] The invention is directed to be a safety system with a rear camera, sensors, and communicative elements to report emergencies and accidents that occur to the vehicle to which the device of the system is installed.

[0039] The invention is a new technology that can be installed in existing vehicles to alert various agencies and authorities through the existing emergency 911 system in the event of a life-threatening condition potentially within a vehicle or resulting from the operation of the vehicle. The device of the present invention is adapted to send a GPS signal location and license plate photograph of the license plate installed at the rear of the vehicle to provide the location and license plate number to 911 service operators or other emergency services personnel.

[0040] The sensors of the device are installed and adapted to provide an alert signal in the event a life form (child or pet) is left in a car that is too hot or too cold, a car crash occurs in which airbags are deployed, the car is rolled over, and/or submerged in water, and/or if carbon monoxide is detected in the vehicle.

[0041] Referring to the figures, FIGS. 1-9 show various drawings of the features and visible elements of the safety system of the present invention, generally referred to as device 10. The device 10 is generally comprised of two separate components in a communicative coupling in the form of a sensor indicator console 100 and a rear camera 200. The sensor indicator console 100 is designed for placement near the interior rear view mirror of the vehicle when provided as an integrated accessory in new vehicles and as a stand-alone sensor indicator console 100 adapted for placement on the dashboard of existing vehicles. The sensor indicator console 100 is generally coupled to the vehicle electronics the device 10 is placed within, wherein the console 100 can be coupled to the existing vehicle wire harness through a wireless or wired connection. This coupling allows the device 10 to utilize both collected data through the device 10 sensors and internal and external vehicle data to effectuate a given response as directed by the internal components of the device 10.

[0042] Accordingly, the sensor console 100 internal electronic components include indicators and sensors to detect conditions including, but not limited to, temperature, occupancy, airbag deployment, moisture, oxygen deficiency, global positioning location, collision and avoidance sensors, impact sensors, roll over sensors, and various other sensors and detectors that may be related to other emergency conditions. These sensors within the device 10 and utilized by the device 10 may include, but not be limited to, thermometers, infrared sensors, carbon monoxide sensors/detectors, pressure sensors, heat sensors, accelerometers, and other now known or unknown sensors and detectors that may indicate an emergency condition.

[0043] The sensor console 100 includes communicative capability in the form of a signal generator and transmitter adapted to alert emergency services in the event of a detected emergency. This signal generator and transmitter may include, but not be limited to, cellular, radio, or wireless transmission and receipt to a given emergency services provider, such as, but not limited to, 911 emergency dispatch operators.

[0044] Upon detection of a triggering event, the device 10 various electronic components will utilize the rear camera 200 to capture an image of the rear license plate to provide this image to emergency services for use in aiding and resolving the emergency situation. The image of the license plate as captured by the camera 200 can be transmitted through the electronic components of the device 10 and provided to various authorities and emergency responders to aid in the resolution of the triggering condition.

[0045] Additionally, the console 100 and device 10 coupled communication with vehicle systems allows for the active prevention and cessation of emergency situations based upon constant and passive monitoring by the systems of the device 10, such as a cabin oxygen deficiency, infiltration of carbon monoxide, or the presence of a lifeform within a dangerously hot vehicle, wherein the vehicle windows may be rolled down, horn activated, and, in some instances, the vehicle engine stopped to correct the deficiency. The coupled communication with the vehicle systems allows the device 10 to take almost immediate action in the cessation of a potentially dangerous condition through the corresponding operation of the vehicle and its systems.

[0046] The device 10 sensors, may include a delay function, wherein the sensor is not triggered when an occupant first enters a vehicle that is currently within a condition that could regularly and potentially trigger an emergency situation, such as an extremely hot or extremely cold vehicle. Accordingly, the device 10 emergency condition will not be triggered during this delay period or until this delay period is expired. This prevents a triggering condition when an occupant first enters an extremely hot or cold vehicle.

[0047] The rear camera 200 of the device 10 is generally coupled to the sensor console and positioned on an exterior of the vehicle and aligned with the rear license plate. Accordingly, the rear camera 200 can be actively or passively triggered to capture an image of the rear license plate, wherein this image can be transmitted externally to an emergency services provider.

[0048] While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings.