Abstract: A system and method for a vehicle includes detecting within a first predetermined time period of a vehicle ignition transitioning from an OFF status to an ON status: (a) a rear door OPEN status; and (b) at least one of: (i) a stored record of rear seat occupancy; and (ii) a rear seat belt BUCKLED status; and outputting a rear seat occupancy indicator within the vehicle upon detecting the vehicle ignition transitioning from the ON status to the OFF status.

Abstract: A display apparatus for a vehicle includes: a controller configured to create a 3D map based on a neon view by selecting essential information among map information; and a display device configured to display the 3D map based on the neon view created by the controller, wherein the controller displays a structure on a background screen of the map information by using a shadow or displays the structure on a dark background screen by using an outline of the structure when the 3D map based on the neon view is created.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (1) and a belt tongue (2) which can be inserted into the seat belt buckle (1). An RFID responder (3) is arranged in or on the belt tongue (2) and an RFID reading unit (4) is arranged in the seat belt buckle (1) and is designed in such a way that a coupling between the RFID reading unit (4) and the RFID transponder (3) is only possible if the belt tongue (2) is inserted into the seat belt buckle (1).

Abstract: An active air dam notification method includes, among other things, transitioning an air dam of a vehicle between a first position and a second position, and providing an alert to a user. The alert indicates that the air dam is transitioning. The air dam is vertically higher when the air dam is in the first position than when the air dam is in the second position.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for supporting a camera-based environment recognition by a means of transport using road wetness information from a first ultrasonic sensor. The method includes: recording a first signal representing an environment of the means of transport by the first ultrasonic sensor of the means of transport; recording a second signal representing the environment of the means of transport by a camera of the means of transport; obtaining road wetness information on the basis of the first signal; selecting a predefined set of parameters from a plurality of predefined sets of parameters as a function of the road wetness information; and performing an environment recognition on the basis of the second signal in conjunction with the predefined set of parameters.

Abstract: Locating systems and methods for wireless seat belt monitoring in vehicles with removable or reconfigurable seats are provided herein. An example remote transceiver can be centrally located on a seat that is configured to be rearranged within a vehicle. The remote transceiver can include a processor and memory for storing instructions that include a unique code identifying the remote transceiver. The processor executes the instructions to receive low power signals from transmitters within an interior of the vehicle, determine received signal strength values of the low power signals. The received signal strength values are used by the vehicle receiver to determine a location of the remote transceiver within the vehicle.

Abstract: A head-up display device and a transportation device are provided. The head-up display device includes a light source, a scanner configured to scan light emitted from the light source to form scanned light, an angle adjuster configured to change an exit angle of the scanned light, a display unit configured to form an image according to the scanned light from the angle adjuster, and a projection assembly configured to project the image formed on the display component to a selected area.

Abstract: A vehicle seatbelt usage indicating device for indicating, to a person proximate to the vehicle, proper usage of a seatbelt includes a light emitter, which can be affixed to an exterior surface of a door of a vehicle. The light emitter is engageable to an electronic control unit of the vehicle so that the light emitter is operationally engaged thereto. The electronic control unit is positioned to receive a signal from a sensor engaged to a buckle of a seatbelt, which is integral to a seat positioned adjacent to the door of the vehicle. The sensor is positioned to detect insertion of a latch into the buckle. The electronic control unit is positioned to selectively actuate the light emitter to indicate, upon insertion of the latch into the buckle, proper usage of the seatbelt to a person proximate to the vehicle.

Abstract: CAN bus drive slew rate control is used to suppress ringing using bus impedance matching that is only activated during and shortly after the bus driver unit transitions from driving the bus “dominant” to “recessive”. In one embodiment a bus impedance matching unit is a differential input and differential output operational trans-conductance amplifier (OTA). The differential OTA absorbs or provides the ringing current based on bus differential voltage. In another embodiment a bus impedance matching unit is a back-to-back connected RON regulated transistor pair together with a gate control related circuit. Where the total RON is equal to the CAN bus characteristic impedance.

Abstract: Seat belts, seat belt assemblies, seat belt systems, and methods for incorporating the seat belts, seat belt assemblies, and seat belt assembly systems are disclosed, with the seat belt including a seat belt locking mechanism sensor that, in tandem with a seat belt thermal sensor provides confirmatory information as to a definitive locking condition or locking state of a seat belt.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus, a vehicle, a monitoring method and an information processing apparatus. The monitoring apparatus is used for a vehicle and includes an image acquisition device, a processor and an alarm device. The image acquisition device is configured to acquire image information inside the vehicle. The processor, connected to the image acquisition device and the alarm device, is configured to control the alarm device to perform an alarm in a case where the image information meets preset violation conditions. The monitoring apparatus acquires the image information inside the vehicle through the image acquisition device, and after analysis and comparison by the processor, in a case where the image information meets the preset violation conditions is determined, the monitoring apparatus controls the alarm device to perform an alarm, which is conductive to discovering potential dangers of driving and improving the driving safety.

Abstract: A safety belt automatic adjustment apparatus includes a safety belt buckle fastening assembly, a safety belt retractor and a linking component. The safety belt buckle fastening assembly is rotatably connected to a seat body of a child safety seat and for connecting with a safety belt buckle. The safety belt retractor is used for retracting a safety belt, and the safety belt retractor includes a restraining assembly for restraining a movement of the safety belt in a predetermined direction. The linking component is installed between the safety belt buckle fastening assembly and the safety belt retractor, and the safety belt buckle fastening assembly rotates to drive the linking component and the restraining assembly, so as to restrain or release the safety belt winding around the safety belt retractor. The safety belt automatic adjustment apparatus has advantages of automatic adjustment for the safety belt, simple structure, convenient operation and enhanced safety.

Abstract: A child safety seat alarm system includes a child safety seat, an alarming mechanism, a detection mechanism, a trigger mechanism and a driving portion. The detection mechanism is configured to detect whether both states of the alarming mechanism and the detection mechanism meet a predetermined criterion. The trigger mechanism is switchable between an open state and a closed state. The detection mechanism is in a non-working state when the trigger mechanism is in the open state. The detection mechanism is in a working state when the trigger mechanism is in the closed state. When the child is seated in the child safety seat, the driving portion is operated to switch the trigger mechanism from the open state to the closed state so as to switch the detection mechanism to the working state. When the detection mechanism detects the states of the alarming mechanism and the detection mechanism meet the predetermined criterion, the alarming mechanism outputs an alarm signal for alarming.

Abstract: Information that can be seen from the front side is projected onto the rear side of a projection area by a projector in a motor vehicle. The size of the projection area is variable by moving portions of a screen.

Abstract: An example embodiment of a system and methods for detecting and reporting whether passengers are seated and secured in their seats within a vehicle may include a passenger sensor configured to provide an output indicative of a presence of a passenger in a seat in a vehicle, a restraint sensor configured to provide an output indicative of a status of a passenger safety restraint associated with the seat, a transmitter configured to be in electronic communication with the passenger sensor and the restraint sensor and to wirelessly transmit data indicative of the presence of a passenger in the seat and the status of the restrain, and a reporting module configured to be disposed proximate a driver of the vehicle. The reporting module may be configured to receive the data from the transmitter, and output a respective status for each of a plurality of seats.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a vehicle controller that, if a predetermined state transition condition is satisfied, makes a state transition of a vehicle from a drive possible state to a drive impossible state. The vehicle control device includes a vehicle occupant detection unit that detects a vehicle occupant in the vehicle. The vehicle controller makes the state transition to the drive impossible state that is different depending on a detection result from the vehicle occupant detection unit.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for an accessory for a vehicle. The accessory comprises a housing forming a front surface configured to display a rearward directed field of view from the vehicle and a rear surface directed in a forward operating direction of the vehicle. An at least partially light transmissive panel is directed toward a front windscreen of the vehicle and is in connection with the rear surface. A light source is disposed in the housing proximate the light transmissive panel and is configured to emit light through the at least partially light transmissive panel. A controller is in communication with the light source. The controller is configured to receive an indication of an operating condition of the vehicle and selectively activate the light source in response to the operating condition of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods of incentivizing the use of a safety device while operating a vehicle are provided. Data captured by sensors associated with a safety device may be analyzed to identify instances in which the safety device is used by an operator of a vehicle. Additionally, data captured by sensors associated with the vehicle may be analyzed to identify instances in which the vehicle is in motion. By comparing the instances in which the safety device is used by the operator of the vehicle to the instances in which the vehicle is in motion, instances in which the operator of the vehicle uses the safety device while operating the vehicle may be determined. Furthermore, a trend of the operator of the vehicle using the safety device while operating the vehicle may be identified. A notification related to the identified trend may be provided to the operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A communication system includes a seat unit mounted on a seat of a vehicle and operating by an electrical power supplied from a battery, and a vehicle unit that wirelessly communicates with the seat unit, and transmits a start command. The seat unit receives the start command in a standby state in which a power consumption is lower than a normal state, and then the seat unit switches from the standby state to the normal state. After that, the seat unit transmits an information on an electronic device mounted on the seat, in the normal state. According to the communication system, the seat unit switches from the standby state to the normal state, only when the vehicle unit transmits the start command. Therefore, battery life can be extended.

Abstract: Present systems and methods are directed to a passenger restraining system, which includes a restraint and a locking mechanism, and a lighting system, which includes a variety of light sources. At least a portion of the variety of light sources is integrated with the restraint. Furthermore, the lighting system receives an indication of a configuration of the locking mechanism, executes a first light scheme via the plurality of light sources when the indication is of an unlocked configuration, and executes a second light scheme via the plurality of light sources when the indication is of a locked configuration.

Abstract: A child car seat system includes a car seat having a strap with a restraining device to secure over a body of a child; a sensing system to be incorporated into the restraining device, the sensing system having a first sensor associated with a first half of the restraining device; a second sensor associated with a second half of the restraining device; a third sensor secured positioned within a body of the restraining device; a control system in electrical communication with the first, second, and third sensors; and an alarm in communication with the control system; the alarm is activated via the control system when the first sensor and the second sensor are separated from one another, such as when the restraining device is unsecure; and the third sensor is to alert the control system when the car seat is occupied.

Abstract: An alert system for a vehicle has a computerized monitoring apparatus, a plurality of sensors sensing environmental conditions, status of apparatus of the vehicle, and presence or absence of a cellular telephone, and reports the conditions, status and presence or absence to the monitoring apparatus as variable values, and wireless transmission circuitry enabled to send an alert to the cellular telephone. The monitoring apparatus transmits an alert if the following sequence of events is determined: (1) at a first point in time the cellular telephone is in the vehicle and the ignition is on (2) at a 10 second point in time after the first point in time the ignition is switched off (3) at a third point in time after the second point in time the cellular telephone is no longer in the vehicle and it is determined there is a human or other animal in the vehicle.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate switching between autonomous and manual driving modes. In order to do so, the vehicle's computer may conduct a series of environmental, system, and driver checks to identify certain conditions. The computer may correct some of these conditions and also provide a driver with a checklist of tasks for completion. Once the tasks have been completed and the conditions are changed, the computer may allow the driver to switch from the manual to the autonomous driving mode. The computer may also make a determination, under certain conditions, that it would be detrimental to the driver's safety or comfort to make a switch from the autonomous driving mode to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: A notification system is provided that provides notification of patient events such as movement and/or incontinence. The notification system provides for a plurality of different pressure sensor pads as well as an incontinence pad to be used in association with a single monitor.

Abstract: A buckle, such as a vehicle seat belt buckle, operable between a buckled and unbuckled condition. A sensor integrated circuit in the buckle senses the buckled or unbuckled condition of the buckle and generates an electrical signal indicative of the buckled or unbuckled condition of the buckle. A RF integrated circuit in the buckle and in the form of a microcontroller integrated circuit with an RF signal transmitter receives the electrical signal generated by the sensor integrated circuit and transmits an RF signal indicative of the buckled or unbuckled condition of the buckle to a vehicle's control unit via an RF signal antenna in the buckle. A battery in the buckle provides power to the sensor and RF integrated circuits.

Abstract: The baby carseat reminder system is an alarm and sensor system that attaches to the seat belt buckle. The baby carseat reminder system senses when the belt connector of a seat belt properly attaches to the anchor connector of the seatbelt. The baby carseat reminder system senses when the span of the distance between the seat belt buckle and an alarm fob is greater than a previously determined distance. The baby carseat reminder system generates a visual signal when the belt connector is properly inserted into the anchor connector. The baby carseat reminder system generates an audible and tactile alarm when the span of the distance between the seat belt buckle and the alarm fob is greater than a previously determined distance.

Abstract: A vehicle control system includes an output unit configured to output information to the outside of a vehicle, an in-vehicle status acquisition unit configured to acquire a status inside the vehicle, and a control unit configured to cause the output unit to output information as to whether or not it is possible to ride in the vehicle on the basis of in-vehicle information acquired by the in-vehicle status acquisition unit.

Abstract: A retainer apparatus including a first retainer portion, a second retainer portion, and a sensor comprising a motion detector and an alarm. The retainer apparatus includes the first retainer portion configured to be slidably attached to a first harness strap and a second retainer portion configured to be slidably attached to a second harness strap. The first retainer portion is removably attached to the second retainer portion. The motion detector is configured to detect movement of the retainer apparatus and activate the alarm to alert a user in a vehicle if movement of the retainer apparatus is detected.

Abstract: An alert system for sending an alert through a network when a child is abandoned in a vehicle includes a control circuit having a controller, a battery, a battery recharging circuit, a location sensing circuit, a network communication circuit, a weight sensor, and a memory. The weight sensor is disposed below the child when the child is seated in the car seat. The controller is adapted to determine if the child is occupying the car seat based on data from the weight sensor. If the child remains in the car seat beyond a first predetermined time after the controller senses that an ignition system of the vehicle has been turned off, the controller then records into the memory a current location and sends at least one message through the network with the network communication circuit, so as to alert a parent or emergency services.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle seating arrangement can include: detecting a current seat occupancy in a vehicle using a plurality of sensors installed in the vehicle; identifying a seat of the vehicle for a future passenger to occupy based on the detected current seat occupancy; unlocking, by an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle, a door of the vehicle adjacent to the identified seat; and activating, by the ECU, a light of the vehicle proximate to the identified seat.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an autonomous navigation system which autonomously parks a vehicle in a selected available parking space. The vehicle can be parked in a particular parking position in the parking space based on one or more factors. The particular parking position can be selected from a set of potential parking positions based on an aggregate intersection risk value associated with the particular parking position being less than at least one other potential parking position. The aggregate intersection risk value can be determined based on one or more of a proximity of one or more adjacent vehicles to the parking space, a door sweep volume of the one or more adjacent vehicles, body morphology of one or more present occupants of the vehicle, and predicted occupancy of the vehicle.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving deployment of an airbag by controlling a steering wheel in a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying at least a hand position for one or more hands of the operator on the steering wheel using orientation data acquired from at least one sensor of the vehicle. The method includes determining, as a function of at least the hand position, a mitigation action associated with deploying the airbag. The method includes, in response to detecting that deployment of the airbag is imminent, controlling the steering wheel according to the mitigation action.

Abstract: A seat belt wearing encouragement apparatus includes a wearing state detecting unit to detect a wearing state of a seat belt; a wearing determination unit to determine whether the seat belt is worn, based on the wearing state; a vehicle speed detecting unit to detect a vehicle speed of the vehicle; a warning unit to warn the passenger; a warning command unit to issue a command to the warning unit to execute warning if the vehicle speed detecting unit has detected the vehicle speed exceeding a setting speed, and the wearing determination unit has determined that the seat belt is not being worn properly; and a vehicle speed limiting unit to limit the vehicle speed in a case where even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the warning was executed, the wearing determination unit still determines that the seat belt is not being worn properly.

Abstract: An electrical power cord includes intelligent switching capability. An electrical power input receives electrical power from a power source, and selectively conveys that power to an electrical power output only when certain occupancy or power usage criteria are met. The electrical power output conveys electrical power to an electrical consumer when a switch disposed along the power cord is closed. The switch is actuated in response to a signal received from a sensor, such as an occupancy sensor or a power consumption sensor, and breaks continuity along the power cord when signals received from the sensor indicate that the occupancy or power usage criteria are not being met, which criteria may be customized for a particular application. The electrical power cord is operable to automatically reduce or substantially eliminate power consumption at its power output end.

Abstract: A vehicle fire is an emergency in which seconds count. Each second saved until the rider exits the vehicle can significantly reduce the severity of injuries due to the fire. Accordingly, a safety system can include a self-driving vehicle configured to transport a rider, a vehicle management system configured to autonomously drive the self-driving vehicle, a seat coupled to the self-driving vehicle, and a seat belt configured to alternatively have a buckled state and an unbuckled state. In many embodiments, the safety system includes a smoke detection system coupled to the self-driving vehicle and configured to detect smoke inside a cabin of the self-driving vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of facilitating ingress or egress of a seat having bolsters includes detecting a potential ingress or egress of an occupant to the seat. Upon detection a configuration of the seat is altered from a first position to a second position, wherein a substantially flat surface is formed by a top of a seat portion of the seat and an associated bolster attached to the seat portion.

Abstract: A system enhances safety of a dependent person, if a caregiver inadvertently leaves the person unattended in a parked vehicle, by sending an escalating alarm sequence to the caregiver and/or other responsive parties. The system learns, via monitoring, a series of patterns associated with movements of a set of related mobile devices. The system continues to monitor, on an ongoing basis, the devices, and continually compares the current status of each one with its expected status based on the learned patterns. If the system detects a deviation between the current and expected status with respect to one or more of the devices, it computes an alarm level and a false positive score. If the combination of the alarm level and the false positive score is above a threshold value, the system initiates the alarm sequence. Note: a child should never be left unattended in a parked vehicle.

Abstract: A device for detecting a being left within a vehicle includes a sensor that detects when a being (e.g. a pet, a child, etc.) is within a vehicle and the operator of the vehicle has moved away from the vehicle by more than, for example five feet. Upon detection of such, the device emits a sound to notify others nearby of the being that was left within the vehicle. The sound is preferably different than a sound of a typical vehicle theft alarm system. In a preferred embodiment, determination that the operator has left the vehicle is by a loss of a signal from a personal transmitter that is attached to the operator's key ring or worn by the operator. After moving away from the vehicle by more than five feet, the signal from the personal transmitter decreases and initiates determination if a being remains within the vehicle.

Abstract: A seat belt buckle (10, 50) has a first end (56) configured for fixing the seat belt buckle (10, 50) to a component of a vehicle and a second end (58) opposite the first end provided with a seat belt buckle tongue ejection button (28, 60) and a slot (26) for receiving a seat belt buckle tongue (10a), the seat belt buckle includes at least one clear polycarbonate light diffuser (34, 64, 66) and a light source (39, 40, 41) for providing light to be transmitted through the light pipe.

Abstract: A method of operating a self-driving (autonomous) motor vehicle to transport a passenger who requires supervision. An authorization of a sender to operate the vehicle is checked and, if authorized, the sender provides instructions to a vehicle control unit to designate a destination and one or more authorization criterion that must be met by a recipient in order to unlock the vehicle and take custody of the passenger at the destination. The vehicle travels to the destination autonomously, during which travel the status of the passenger is monitored and transmitted wirelessly to a device in the possession of the sender. At the destination, unlocking of the vehicle is permitted upon confirmation of the authorization criterion by the recipient.

Abstract: An illuminated badge system is provided for a motor vehicle. The illuminated badge system includes an illuminated badge and a controller. The controller is configured to adjust a parameter of the light emitted from the illuminated badge in response to a designated operating parameter such as the headlight status of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A key ring transceiver module activates when a child has been left inside of a car seat when the corresponding buckle transceiver is out of range. The buckle transceiver system includes a weight sensor indicating that a child is inside of the baby seat, a pair of limit or indication switches indicating that a child is retrained within the baby seat, and a pair of PING/PONG sending and receiving radio pairs that communicate range of the baby buckle transceiver from the key ring transceiver. When the baby seat contains a child restrained within, and the transceiver moves out of range, a distress alarm/signal will be enabled on the transceiver to indicate that the baby is still confined to the restraints of the baby seat. The key ring transceiver will continue to signal a distress mechanism until the baby buckle transceiver trigger has been reset by removing the child from the car seat.

Abstract: In a method for identifying misuse of a seat belt in a vehicle, vehicle data are detected and, based on said data, a plausibility check is performed for determining whether the seat belt is fastened as intended. Signals of at least one belt buckle sensor and of at least one webbing extension sensor are detected and a plausibility check for misuse is performed by taking the time course of the signals and/or the point in time of input of the signals into account so as to make a comparison with stored reference data. A seat belt system in a vehicle for carrying out said method comprises at least one belt buckle sensor and at least one webbing extension sensor as well as at least one seat occupation sensor, one door sensor, one vehicle acceleration sensor and/or one vehicle speedometer as well as a control unit in which the signals of the sensors are stored and evaluated.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method for determining the state of a restraint system provided within a vehicle includes incorporating one or more marker components into a restraint system component located within the vehicle, then receiving sensor data associated with the position of one or more of the marker components. The method further includes determining, with a processor, a state of the restraint system based on the sensor data.

Abstract: An alert system to assist in child safety in a vehicle includes a seat belt buckle insert adapted to be inserted between the male and female parts of a standard safety belt found in most automobiles or for a child car safety seat. It may also include a portable receiver device designed to be carried by a vehicle operator. The seat belt buckle insert detects whether the seat belt has been buckled and the temperature is within an acceptable range, as well as the approximate distance between the seat belt buckle insert and portable receiver device. The seat belt buckle transmits information gathered to the portable receiver device and triggers alerts notifying the vehicle operator of a child's safety status.

Abstract: The baby car seat and dock alarm system comprises a car seat, docking base, and a docking alarm system. The docking alarm system comprises sensors and a control module. The control module monitors the sensors and detects when an alarm condition exists. The control module communicates with vehicle subsystems and with the driver's smart phone using two transceivers in the control unit. When the control unit detects an alarm condition it may attempt to notify the driver and/or bystanders and it may attempt to remedy the situation. As a non-limiting example, if the control module detects that a child has been left in a hot, unattended vehicle, it may notify the driver via a text message, notify bystanders by sounding the vehicle horn, and remedy the situation by lowering the vehicle's windows.

Abstract: A universal reminder device in the form of a series circuit including a power source, a warning indicator, a pressure-sensitive normally closed momentary switch, and a pressure-sensitive normally open momentary switch.

Abstract: A sound management system for use by a user located within an environment includes a memory device for storing a selection of sounds. The sounds can be music and/or various “colors” of noise (e.g., white, pink, and brown). A controller is used to select one particular stored sound based on a measured biological condition of the user, such as stress or fatigue, or an environmental condition of the environment, such as ambient noise. According to one embodiment, the system is used in conjunction with a sit/stand desk and the sound selection is made in response to changes in the desk height. The selected sound is selected to help abate or mitigate distracting sounds in the environment, such as people talking. The selected sounds are played to the user through headphones worn by the user, or through nearby speakers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining seatbelt status are disclosed. An example seatbelt system for a mass transit vehicle includes a first seatbelt of a first seat that includes a first buckle and a first magnetically-responsive switch to detect a first tongue when the first seatbelt is in a fastened position. The example apparatus includes a second seatbelt of a second seat that includes a second buckle and a second magnetically-responsive switch to detect a second tongue when the second seatbelt is in the fastened position. The example apparatus includes a remote monitoring unit to indicate, when the first seat is occupied, if the first seatbelt is in the fastened positioned or an unfastened position. The remote monitoring unit is to indicate, when the second seat is occupied, if the second seatbelt is in the fastened positioned or the unfastened position.