Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention includes a method for continuously alerting a user of a presence of a child in a car safety seat, the method including: providing an alert system including a continuous audible prompt, the alert system removeably attached to the car safety seat; placing the child in the car safety seat; removing the alert system from the car safety seat; transferring the alert system to a location visible to the user, such that the user remains continuously alert to the presence of the child in the car safety seat, until the child is removed from the car safety seat.

Abstract: A wireless device that provides a visual indication to an operator of a pick-up truck sitting in the driver's seat that a tailgate is deployed or unsecured if in a lowered position is herein disclosed. A sensor is installed on the tailgate which will send a wireless signal to an indicator light mounted on a user selected area of the dashboard. Such a system will provide safety and protect the truck from potential damage to its tailgate and bed.

Abstract: A vehicle door opening indicator system comprises a base unit, a remote unit wirelessly communicating with the base unit, an on-board computer, and door opening sensors. The base unit is placed in a vehicle, is powered from a vehicle battery, and comprises a programmable CPU, a memory, a speaker, an input circuit, and an output circuit. The CPU communicates with the remote unit through the input circuit and with the computer through the output circuit. The remote unit, comprising a microphone and a recorder/player, preprograms the CPU with an individualized message. The door opening sensors are connected to the computer, and the preprogrammed individualized message is reproduced through the speaker upon opening the door.

Abstract: This unique method to remind drivers that there is a child/pet inside of vehicle consists of two cues, one visual and one physical. The visual serves as a constant reminder while the driver is in the vehicle. The physical cue reminds the driver at end of the trip. The two cues work together to create a simple yet effective reminder that there is a child/pet still inside the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of providing a reminder of a task to be performed at a task location is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving a location of a user via a mobile communication device associated with the user at predetermined time intervals for tracking historical travel information of the user. The method includes receiving user specified task information that includes a task and a task location. The method includes storing the user specified task information. The method includes generating a reminder for the task based on a comparison of an estimated probability of the user traveling in a trajectory leading toward the task location and an estimated probability of the user traveling in a trajectory leading away from the task location.

Abstract: A reminder device for alerting or triggering the memory of a vehicular occupant includes one or more visual, auditory and tactile indicators which the occupant associates with the presence of a person, pet, plant or inanimate object located in the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention (also known as the HOT SEAT™) discloses and claims a vehicle occupant detection and alerting system comprising a vicinity motion detector capable sending a wireless transmission and a transmission receiving means capable of receiving the motion detector's wireless transmission and triggering a vehicle alarm system, vehicle horn, a mobile device or other form of notification if a child is left unattended in a vehicle.

Abstract: A method of analyzing participant activity includes providing an identification unit to a participant, receiving signals from the identification unit, determining location of the participant based on the received signals, storing the location information and the associated timestamp and analyzing the stored information.

Abstract: A method displays the remaining range of a motor vehicle. The method determines repeatedly estimated values relating to the remaining range of the motor vehicle based on a fill level of an energy storage unit and at least one additional motor-vehicle state influencing the remaining range. A first remaining-range value is determined based on the estimated values and displayed as a first display value by a first graphical element on the display device. An updated second remaining-range value is determined during the display of the first display value. If the difference, in terms of amount, between the first and the second remaining-range values exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the second remaining-range value is displayed as a second display value by a second graphical element in addition to the first display value on the display device.

Abstract: Device for vehicle seat occupancy detection, wherein a base frame which can be adjusted in the height direction of a vehicle seat and which is composed of at least two scissors arms which are connected to one another is arranged between a seat part of the vehicle seat and a vehicle body part, the device comprising a first detector which is attached to at least one of the scissors arms and which, when the vehicle seat is occupied by a minimum weight, detects a predefinable height setting of the scissors arm which is lower than a maximum possible height setting, and at least one spring which is fixed to at least one of the scissors arms and the predefinable pretensioned spring force of which corresponds at most to the downward-acting weight force due to the minimum weight and counteracts the latter.

Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad which has a switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected and a closed position when activated by weight pressure. A transmitter transmits a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A remotely located module has a receiver for the signal from the transmitter. A control circuit is operational between a ready state before the switch is activated to the closed position and a monitoring state after the switch is activated. A warning device is activated by the control circuit when in the monitoring state when the switch has been in the open position for a preselected period of time after having been in the closed position. A reset switch resets the control circuit from the monitoring state to the ready state.

Abstract: A child safety and alert system and method that detect and monitor access and egress for assignable locations within a motor vehicle by identifying designated positions within the vehicle, by monitoring the driver door and other doors or closures in the vehicle, by activating a timer if the driver door is opened and closed, and by triggering an alarm if the designated doors or closures are not opened within a predefined time interval after the driver door is opened. The alarm can be deactivated from the driver seat or by a remote device. The system and method are similarly useful for alerting a driver to retrieve objects from storage locations within a vehicle.

Abstract: An event entry is stored in a computing device, the event entry having a start time associated therewith. A plurality of alerts are provided at respective times prior to the start time, and one of a plurality of levels of notification to be associated with each of the plurality of alerts, wherein the plurality of levels are distinguishable from each other to enable the alerts to be escalated by changing the level associated with each subsequent alert. An initial alert is provided prior to the start time, the initial alert comprising a first level of notification and, upon detecting an increased urgency associated with the event entry subsequent to the initial alert, a next alert is provided prior to the start time, the next alert providing a second level of notification to thereby escalate the next alert with respect to the initial alert.

Abstract: A car door warning system includes a sensing unit, a control unit and a warning unit. The sensing unit is disposed at a door handle of at least one car door. When the door handle is approached or touched by an object, the sensing unit generates a sensing signal before the door handle is moved. The control unit receives the sensing signal and generates a control signal. The warning unit receives the control signal and generates a warning signal. The car door warning system can send out a warning signal in advance before the door handle is moved or before the car door is opened, and can prevent accidents while the car door is opened.

Abstract: A system and method for securing premises by distinguishing between authorized and unauthorized removal of articles from the premises via an approach within the premises to an exit door (38). Each article is secured by a passive security device (50) which in an article-securing state will be detected upon the article entering the approach and in a non-securing state will not be wirelessly detected upon the article entering the approach. A detector (40), having a detection transmitter and a receiver, wirelessly detects attempted unauthorized removal of a secured article. A register (36) registers authorized removal of a secured article. An unsecuring transmitter (52) is controlled by the register to wirelessly transmit to a passive security device of a secured article whose authorized removal has been registered in the register, an unsecuring signal which unsecures the secured article by changing the passive security device from the article-securing state to the non-securing state.

Abstract: One embodiment of such a method of assisting a driver of a vehicle comprises receiving a command from the driver attesting that the driver has performed one of a plurality of driving requisites; in response to receipt of the command, presenting an audible cue commending the driver for performing one of the plurality of driving requisites; tracking an amount of time that elapses before the command attesting to performance of a respective driving requisite is received; and in response to the amount of time exceeding a threshold for the respective driving requisite, presenting an audible cue intending to remind the driver about the respective driving requisite being tracked that has exceeded the respective threshold.

Abstract: An electronic device that would remind the user to place his keys on a fixed place to avoid the inconvenience of forgetting where placing and searching after those keys. The device consists of a receiver that would be placed in a fixed place and of a fitted transmitter that would be attached to a key chain. When the keys with the attached transmitter would be in a proximity to the receiver there would be an alert or a reminder to place the keys, the transmitter, on the wall mounted key holder that the receiver is attached too.

Abstract: A device for displaying a plurality of detectable variable quantities of a motor vehicle that are in a ratio to one another, each quantity represented by a band, and the bands being arranged relative to one another such that they form a variable geometric figure. The bands have a variable length depending on the deviation from an optimum ratio of the quantities to one another, and intersect in an intersection area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for alarming upon occurrence of secession of a smart key for a vehicle, in which wireless communication technology called near field communication (NFC) is applied to both a vehicle and a smart key such that a situation can be prevented in which a driver loses a smart key or does not carry it during the driving. The inventive system includes a signal generation unit, a signal response unit, a signal analysis unit, and an alarm generation unit. Thus, when the smart key secedes from the vehicle by a predetermined distance or the signal generation unit does not receive the response signal from the signal response unit in a state in which the engine of the vehicle is started, an alarm signal is produced from the alarm generation unit.

Abstract: A control system for implementing a vehicle-integrated child presence and reminder system includes a computer processor. The control system is integral with a vehicle. Logic is executable by the control system and is configured to monitor an occupancy sensor activated in a vehicle. The occupancy sensor, when activated, is indicative of a presence of a child in a car seat disposed in the vehicle. The logic is also configured to collect data from at least one vehicle sensor and, using the data collected from the vehicle sensor along with results of the monitoring of the occupancy sensor, the logic determines if a triggering event has occurred. In response to determining the triggering event has occurred, the logic is configured to generate an alert and transmit the alert to an alert component.

Abstract: A vehicle user is notified of a rear gate ajar condition so that the user can take corrective action by opening and then re-closing the rear gate. The method includes the steps of determining that the rear gate latch has engaged a latch striker but has not reached a fully latched position; operating a vehicle mounted signaling device that is cognizable by a user while still standing at the rear gate so that the user will receive immediate notification that the rear gate latch has not reached the fully latched position, thereby enabling the user to take immediate corrective action by opening and then re-closing the gate to attempt a fully latched position of the rear gate latch; and then, if the vehicle is started without the lift gate operator having taken corrective action to obtain full latching of the rear gate latch, energizing a lift gate ajar light on the instrument panel so that the vehicle driver is notified to take corrective action before driving away.

Abstract: A wireless seatbelt monitoring system and method is provided for informing a driver that a seatbelt that should be latched is unlatched. The system includes a wireless seatbelt assembly having a buckle equipped with a piezoelectric element and a transmitter. The transmitter sends a wireless seatbelt status signal when the seatbelt assembly is buckled by harvesting energy during the insertion process. The wireless seatbelt status signal is transmitted to a dedicated repeater module, which retransmits the wireless seatbelt status signal to a receiver. Based upon the wireless seatbelt status signal, the system informs the driver of the status of the seatbelt assemblies audibly, visually, or both.

Abstract: A system for alerting a responsible party to the presence of an occupant in a passenger compartment of a vehicle includes a vibration sensor detecting movement of an occupant, a microphone detecting sound made by the occupant, a processor configured to receive signals output from the vibration sensor and the microphone and to use a combination of the signals to determine whether the occupant is present, and an alerting device to provide an alert to the responsible party if the processor determines that the occupant is present. The microphone may also be used in a communication or voice-recognition command system. Two or more microphones may be used to locate the sound's source of origin.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine if a child is in the seat and that the seat, and therefore the vehicle, is not in motion. Upon detecting both situations, the notification or alarm is activated.

Abstract: A method and system, according to one embodiment of the present invention, provide a means to securely store odometer information in an automobile. A distance traveled by the automobile is calculated. The distance traveled is then stored in both a first and second memory unit within the automobile.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine if a child is in the seat and that the seat, and therefore the vehicle, is not in motion. Upon detecting both situations, the notification or alarm is activated. The system will generally provide for an alarm to a smartphone or other remote notification device to improve the likelihood that the alarm will be received.

Abstract: A method of controlling the behavior of an occupant of a vehicle (20) includes sensing an auxiliary mode of the vehicle (20) and comparing a first vehicle operation mode to a predetermined threshold to determine a first incident. The method proceeds by actuating a resistive device in response to the first incident to apply a resistance to an operational input by an occupant of the vehicle. The method is characterized by monitoring a second vehicle operation mode of the vehicle subsequent to the first incident and adjusting the applied resistance in proportion to the second vehicle operation mode. The second vehicle operation mode can include monitoring the distance traveled by the vehicle, monitoring the speed or acceleration of the vehicle, monitoring the time of vehicle mobilization, or monitoring a first period of time since the first incident.

Abstract: A braking circuit is adapted to supply generatively produced energy of the motor as load resistance to a bipolar transistor. The braking circuit has a voltage regulator, which controls a voltage, applied to the base terminal of the bipolar transistor to achieve an associated controlled voltage based on a reference voltage. A first power supply connector of the electrical motor, in the generator mode of operation of the electrical motor, is coupled to a collector terminal of the bipolar transistor and to the voltage input of a voltage regulator. A second power supply connector of the electrical motor is coupled to an emitter terminal of the bipolar transistor and is coupled to a reference input of the voltage regulator via a resistive branch including at least one electrical resistor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting the loss, theft or unauthorized use of a device and/or altering the functionality of the device in response. In one embodiment, a device monitors its use, its local environment, and/or its operating context to determine that the device is no longer within the control of an authorized user. The device may receive communications or generate an internal signal altering its functionality, such as instructing the device to enter a restricted use mode, a surveillance mode, to provide instructions to return the device and/or to prevent unauthorized use or unauthorized access to data. Additional embodiments also address methods and systems for gathering forensic data regarding an unauthorized user to assist in locating the unauthorized user and/or the device.

Abstract: A traffic broadcast system includes a traffic broadcast module, a traffic receiver module, and a display module. The traffic broadcast module includes a traffic database module for gathering traffic data and an electronic device capable of transmitting broadcast signals of the traffic data across a broadcast area. The vehicle having a traffic receiver module that receives and analyzes broadcast signals having traffic data relevant to the vehicle with respect to the vehicle's position and direction. The display module having a key for a speedometer that informs a user of the vehicle a speed range to maintain a right of way through a next upcoming light.

Abstract: A system releases seat belts on school buses electronically via driver command or automatically by an inertia switch and electronic timer that then activate solenoids at each seat. This system operates on 12V direct current furnished by the load side of the bus's ignition switch. The system also has a level sensor that prohibits the system from energizing the solenoids when a bus equipped with the system does not have an upright position. The system provides a switch under each seat that notifies the driver when a child occupies it or a light at the dashboard. A second light flashes to notify the driver when the clip engages a buckle of each seat on a bus. The system allows for normal daily usage of seat belts and simultaneously releases the seat belts in an emergency.

Abstract: A method for making a memorandum in a mobile communications device includes displaying a label on a screen of the mobile communications device, displaying a note in the label according to a first user instruction, and attaching a multimedia data corresponding to the note according to a second user instruction.

Abstract: Systems and methods which provide for an alarm or notification that a child is in a car seat. The systems generally determine if a child is in the seat and that the seat, and therefore the vehicle, is not in motion. Upon detecting both situations, the notification or alarm is activated.

Abstract: A system for detecting presence of a living being in an unattended vehicle is disclosed. The system includes: a driver seat occupancy sensor; a living being detector; a vehicle door sensor and an alerting device. The alerting device is activated if the driver seat occupancy sensor detects that a driver is not in the seat for a predetermined period of time, and the vehicle door sensor detects that said vehicle doors are closed and the living being detector detects a living being in the vehicle after the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method is provided for warning the driver of a motor vehicle equipped with a distance-related cruise control system of a potentially hazardous situation. The motor vehicle is kept at a standstill during the distance-related cruise control using a braking torque applied by the distance-related cruise control system. Leaving of the motor vehicle, or an intention of the driver to leave the motor vehicle, is recognized. When the leaving or the intention to leave of the driver is recognized, the applied braking torque is changed and/or modulated in such a manner that the motor vehicle experiences a movement perceptible by the driver.

Abstract: An apparatus for reminding a user that there is a subject in a vehicle includes a sensor, an warning device, an electrical connector configured to couple to a cigarette adaptor outlet in a vehicle for receiving power therefrom, and a circuit coupled to the electrical connector, wherein the circuit is configured to activate the warning device when the sensor senses a subject in a vehicle, and when there is a lack of power from the cigarette adaptor outlet. A method of operating a warning device of a system that is configured to sense a subject in a vehicle, includes sensing a lack of power from a cigarette adaptor outlet in the vehicle, sensing the subject in the vehicle, and activating the warning device in response to the lack of power from the cigarette adaptor outlet in the vehicle and the sensed subject in the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for tracking destinations on a mobile computing device are described. A mobile computing device may comprise or implement hardware or software configured to determine arrival at a destination and what is situated at the destination. A vehicle based communication device may communicate with the mobile computing device by way of a short range wireless communication system. The mobile computing device or the vehicle based communication device may establish a location-based service (LBS) communications session and store a description of a location associated with the destination when the mobile computing device and the vehicle based communication device reach the destination.

Abstract: A device for state-dependent output of tone sequences in a motor vehicle, which is capable of outputting tone sequences assigned to specific vehicle states and determinable from tone data stored in a memory unit assigned to the motor vehicle, is also capable of directly or indirectly coupling to a computing unit not permanently assigned to the motor vehicle. The set of tone sequences which may be output is changeable as a function of data which may be received from such a computing unit.

Abstract: A portable child safety seat system has three lightweight, easily transferable modular components. The system utilizes one or more pressure sensor switches configured to be placed under the cushion of a vehicle's infant seat or cushions of multiple infant seats to detect the presence of a child in that seat. Electrical lines connect the pressure sensor switch to an interface unit which contains a back-up electrical power source, i.e. a rechargeable battery. The interface unit is in turn connected by electrical lines to a controller component which has a plug section for receiving electricity and a display section to indicate the presence of the child in the infant seat. When a child is in the infant seat and the vehicle's engine is running, the pressure sensing switch is closed and electricity is directed to light the display section of the controller. When the engine is not running, electricity is directed from the back-up battery to light the display section.

Abstract: A travel assistant device to help individuals use transit systems. The device is particularly suited to help individuals with special needs (i.e. physical or mental disabilities) successfully navigate the transit system through cues that are delivered through the device. In certain embodiments the device utilizes a global positioning system (GPS)-enabled cell phone. The GPS features of the cell phone enable the location of a transit rider to be identified. The wireless communication features of the device allow positional data to be transmitted from the device to a geographic information system and to one or more interested parties to track the location of the transit rider. The device can be integrated with vehicle location systems of a transit system to coordinate the transit of the transit rider.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a task reminder to be performed at a task location includes a monitoring module that monitors a location of a user via a mobile communication device associated with the user at predetermined time intervals for tracking historical travel information of the user, and a data store for storing the historical travel information and for storing user specified task information that includes a task and a task location. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a reminder module that is configured to determine a reminder position as a position where an estimated probability of the user traveling from the reminder position at a particular time in a trajectory leading away from the task location exceeds an estimated probability of the user traveling from the reminder position at that same time in a trajectory leading toward the task location by a threshold value. The reminder module generates a reminder of the task when the reminder position is identified.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for use in a first vehicle at a first location. The safety system includes a position unit configured to determine the first location; a sensor group configured to detect an opening of the enclosure; a controller coupled to the position unit and the sensor group, the controller configured to generate a warning message including the first location when the opening of the enclosure is detected; and a transmitter coupled to the controller and configured to transmit the warning message.

Abstract: A system for child safety relating to a child safety seat that is in communication with the internal wiring or computer system of a vehicle such that when the vehicle ignition is turned off and the child safety seat is engaged, an audible alert is emitted through the vehicle speakers.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system make a determination that a wireless device is in proximity to at least one secondary wireless device, and determine an aggregate user interface on the wireless device based on the determination.

Abstract: A status indicator and reminder system for use with a vehicle having a tire sealant-containing temporary mobility kit is provided. The system includes a signal provided for viewing by the operator which indicates that the temporary mobility kit requires servicing. The need for servicing can be based on certain variables, including the passage of a pre-determined period of time or on changes in temperature which may impact the effective life of the sealing compound. In addition, the need for servicing can be based on a sensed of the temporary mobility kit from the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for alerting a vehicle driver that an automatic garage door has been left open. The system includes an onboard transmitter for activating the automatic garage door; a GPS receiver; an alert device; and an onboard processor. The onboard processor is coupled to the onboard transmitter, the GPS receiver, and to the alert device. The onboard processor is configured to monitor a distance between the vehicle and the predetermined location. The onboard processor activates the alert device if the distance exceeds a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A method for preventing children from being left in a car and a device thereof. The method comprises testing a <starting signal>, a <trip ending signal> and driver judges if have children, send these information to a controlling device, if have children in car then the controlling device sends a action order to preventing device to take action to prevent the children being left in the car. A driver alarm for preventing children from being left in a car includes a power device, car startup measuring device, inquiring device, trip ending measuring device, preventing device and controlling device.

Abstract: An alert device comprising a plug adapted for insertion into a 12-volt electrical receptacle of a vehicle; a cover disposed on a second end of the plug; a microprocessor operatively connected to a vehicle power supply and to a backup power supply, when the vehicle is turned on the microprocessor is powered via the vehicle power supply; an audio controller connected to the microprocessor and to a speaker; a light component connected to the microprocessor; wherein when the vehicle is turned off an interrupt is triggered on the microprocessor and the microprocessor generates a first output command to the light component to activate the light component and generates a second output command to the audio controller to reproduce a pre-recorded message over the speaker.

Abstract: The baby seat occupant detection system of the present invention functions to reliably remind forgetful or negligent caregivers when they have an infant in a car seat inside a vehicle and have left a predetermined proximity around the vehicle. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a temperature detector for detecting unsafe temperatures and sounding an alarm to alert a caregiver when the temperature inside a vehicle has risen to a level which is unsafe for the occupant left unattended in the vehicle.

Abstract: A warning system and a method for alerting a driver of a vehicle that the parking brake of the vehicle is not engaged by generating a warning when the following conditions are simultaneously fulfilled: the ignition of the vehicle is on, the driver access door of the vehicle cabin is open, no throttle lever, or clutch lever or brake lever of the vehicle is activated, the gear shift lever of the vehicle is in the neutral position, and the parking brake is not engaged, and not when—the pressure of a pneumatic circuit associated with the parking brake is below a threshold,—the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold.