Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication delivery device comprising a reminder unit for reminding an individual having a medical diseases to take a medicament. The reminder unit comprises means for providing a reminder signal to the individual having the medical disease, the reminder signal being triggered by data associated with a previously occurred event, the associated data being stored in a storage means. Alternatively, the reminder signal may be triggered by a position signal generated by position determining means adapted to determine the position of the medication delivery device.

Abstract: A child restraint warning system configured to be secured to a child seat/carrier having a base, a seat detachably connected to the base, where the child seat/carrier includes a harness configured to be releasably secured with a latch. When the seat is secured on the base a seat position sensor sends a signal to a control unit positioned on the back of the seat. The control unit is switched into an active status for detecting an unlocked condition of the harness latch. A first series of audible warning signals is produced by the control unit if the latch remains unlocked for a pre-determined period of time. If the latch continues to be in an unlocked condition after the first series of warning signals the control unit generates a second series of signals, which can be spoken messages pre-programmed by the user.

Abstract: A vehicle location reminder system having a vehicle positioning system operable to provide an approximate location of a vehicle and record the approximate location of the vehicle. A status check system monitors use of the vehicle and sends a signal to the vehicle positioning system to record the approximate location of the vehicle when the vehicle is no longer in use. A memory system is connected to the status check system and the vehicle positioning system, the memory system being adapted to determine if the approximate location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is in a familiar location. An alert system is connected to the memory system. The alert system prompts a vehicle user to record data on a mobile device pertaining to the approximate location of the vehicle when the location of the vehicle, when no longer in use, is not in a familiar location. A replay system is adapted to replay the recorded data.

Abstract: An alarm device of the infant car seat alarm system may comprise a transmitter and receiver system whereby a vehicle user will be alerted audibly upon the inadvertent abandonment of an infant or pet inside a vehicle when the vehicle is parked and has been or is about to be exited.

Abstract: A device for detecting the occupancy status of a vehicle seat with an electrical capacity sensor device that is arranged in a seat belt buckle assigned to the vehicle seat and whose electrical capacity is altered relative to a reference potential (mass, ground) by the presence of a person occupying the vehicle seat and which, as a result, emits an electrical seat occupant presence output signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure-responsive vehicle alarm pad for a vehicle seat to remind a presence of an object inside a vehicle to an occupant of the vehicle seat. The pressure-responsive vehicle alarm pad comprises a pressure sensor pad, a control circuitry, and alarm speakers. The pressure sensor pad disposed on the vehicle seat to detect a pressure of the occupant. The control circuitry electrically coupled to the pressure sensor pad to receive the detected pressure from the pressure sensor pad. The control circuitry generate a first electrical signal when the detected pressure is greater than a threshold pressure, and generates a second electrical signal when the detected pressure is less than the threshold pressure. The alarm speakers electrically coupled to the control circuitry to generate a first audible sound in response to the first electrical signal, and generate a second audible sound in response to the second electrical signal.

Abstract: A vehicle ignition key includes a shank portion securely attached to a grip portion including a housing with an exterior housing surface. An actuation switch includes a switch contact surface complementary with the exterior housing surface, and is electrically coupled with a digital message controller and a power source. The housing defines a chamber which can hold the digital message controller, the power source, and/or a message generator. The message generator can transmit a message from the digital message controller. Actuation of the actuation switch upon rotation of the ignition key in the ignition switch is facilitated by the complementary surfaces, and initiates processing of stored data and transmission of the digitized data from the digital message controller to the message generator.

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 provides a method for providing vehicle maintenance client notification within a telematics equipped mobile vehicle that includes monitoring the mobile vehicle for vehicle system maintenance information, determining an oil-life value based on the vehicle system maintenance information, determining when the oil-life value exceeds at least one oil-life threshold level, sending the vehicle system maintenance information to a call center responsive to the oil-life threshold level determination, and generating a service reminder, at the call center, based on the received vehicle system maintenance information. The step of determining when the oil-life value exceeds the oil-life threshold level may include comparing the determined oil-life value with the at least one oil-life threshold level, determining at least one oil-life threshold level that is exceeded by the oil-life value, and initiating a vehicle data upload based on the at least one exceeded oil-life threshold level.

Abstract: A child detection system for a vehicle having an on-board diagnostics and a car seat, including a seat sensor, a detection system, and a monitor system. The seat sensor indicates whether the car seat is occupied. The detection system retrieves ignition information from the on-board diagnostic system and detects whether the car seat is occupied. The monitor system activates when an ignition is on and the car seat is occupied, and indicates an alert when activated and when the car seat remains occupied when the ignition is turned off. The monitor system may be provided within a dedicated diagnostic device, or within a personal communication device of the driver. The dedicated diagnostic device may have a separate internal or external alarm. The personal communication device provides any one of several alert mechanisms, such as a visual mechanism, a vibration mechanism, an audible mechanism, or a send message mechanism.

Abstract: A safety arrangement for alerting an operator of a parked vehicle having an ignition and rear doors that a rear occupant, e.g., a child, is still present in a rear of the vehicle, includes door sensors for detecting when either rear door is open or closed, an ignition sensor for detecting when the ignition is activated or deactivated, a programmed controller responsive to each door sensor and the ignition sensor, for automatically activating the arrangement when either rear door has been opened for a predetermined time period, and for generating an alert signal in response to detection that the ignition has been activated, followed by subsequent detection that the ignition has been deactivated, and an alarm responsive to generation of the alert signal for alerting the operator to remove the rear occupant from the parked vehicle.

Abstract: The computer 26 sends actuating signals to the resistive device 38 to resist the occupant input to the accelerator 22, but only when the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold while the seat belt 24 is not fastened about the occupant 28. This invention is characterized by applying the resistance and adjusting the threshold in proportion to the number of times the seat belt 24 is not fastened while the vehicle speed exceeds the threshold compared with the number of times the vehicle 20 exceeds the threshold speed. Also, the threshold may be adjusted so resistance may be applied at speeds that would normally be acceptable to have the seat belt 24 unfastened when the vehicle 20 is operated at these speeds too often.

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: Rooftop cargo racks, otherwise simply known as roof-racks, provide an option for transporting cargo that does not use space inside a vehicle. However, despite the usefulness of roof-racks, once cargo is secured to a roof-rack on a vehicle there is the added potential for a collision between the cargo and some overhead obstruction—such as, for example only, a garage door, over-hanging sign, public parking structures, and tree branch. Previous collision avoidance systems that employ either ultrasonic acoustic or Doppler-based radar systems are poorly suited for detecting the potential of a collision between rooftop mounted cargo and an overhead obstruction. By contrast, aspects of the present invention provide systems and methods for reducing the risk of a collision between rooftop mounted cargo and overhead obstructions by providing a more suitable radar-based means for detecting overhead obstructions and warning drivers and, if present, passengers in vehicles when there is a risk of a collision.

Abstract: A system for encouraging the use of a load stabilizer in a cargo carrying vehicle comprising a storage device which has a detector, the detector being adapted to sense the presence or absence of a stabilizing member such as a shoring bar, the detector being designed to emit a first signal upon sensing the presence of the stabilizing member and to emit a second signal upon sensing the absence of the stabilizing member. The signal could activate or trigger a visual or audio indicator or alternatively the signal will allow or prevent an action being taken.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system to improve lane change turn signal use by creating a conditioned response in the driver of a motor vehicle such that turn signals are used more appropriately over time for changing lanes. This is achieved using existing lane departure warning components and comparing each lane change at lower speeds to the coinciding turn signal on/off status, and determining if turn signal usage was appropriate. If lane changes indicate repeated, neglectful turn signal usage, a reminder message is presented to the driver. The lane departure warning remains functional at higher speeds, but at lower speeds, the present invention provides a less abrupt, friendly reminder message to use turn signals for lane changes. Drivers who repeatedly neglect to use turn signals will over time increase usage and reminder messages will cease, thereby improving vehicle safety by increasing appropriate turn signal use while changing lanes.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system to improve turn signal use by creating a conditioned response in the driver of a motor vehicle such that turn signals are used more appropriately over time. This is achieved using existing vehicle components to monitor a running recent history of executed turns, comparing each turn to the coinciding turn signal on/off status, and determining if turn signal usage was appropriate. If the recent history is indicative of neglectful turn signal usage, a reminder message is presented to the driver. If a driver is appropriately using turn signals nearly all of the time, then no reminder is ever presented, thus the system will never be considered a nuisance and is transparent to most drivers. Drivers who repeatedly neglect to use turn signals will over time increase usage and reminder messages will cease, thereby improving vehicle safety by increasing appropriate turn signal use.

Abstract: A system controls an auxiliary light for a vehicle. The system includes a cockpit button to activate the auxiliary light, a Hall sensor operable to detect the installation and removal of a magnetized cover for the auxiliary light; a warning indicator; and a controller. The controller activates the warning indicator in response to the output of the sensor and the on/off state of the cockpit button.

Abstract: An occupant sensor with a complex arrangement of antenna or a simple single antenna determines a charge or discharge characteristic of the antenna. By determining the change in voltage or current of the antenna as a function of time, any occupant may be detected or characterized. The sensor restricts air bag activation or is used for another purpose. The same or different occupant sensor is used for seat belt warnings. A seat belt latch sensor determines whether a seat belt is being used. The occupant sensor determines whether the seat belt should be used. A driver is warned when a seat belt should be used by an occupant, but is not.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting whether a seat belt is worn is disclosed. The system includes a contact type sensor and a non-contact type sensor installed in a seat belt buckle. A Body Control Module (BCM) receives a signal from the contact type sensor and transmitting the signal to a cluster. An airbag control unit receives a signal from the non-contact type sensor. The seat belt control unit determines whether a seat belt is worn using a signal received from the cluster when an ignition key is off, and determines whether the seat belt is worn using a signal received from the airbag control unit when the ignition key is on.

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 location-based reminder system includes a controller 112 that determines when a person is in and/or leaving a defined area 104; when a person is determined to be in and/or leaving the defined area 104, identify a reminder to be provided to the person, the reminder including information about at least one object associated with the person; and provide the reminder to the person before the person leaves the defined area 104.

Abstract: A vehicle safety device has a cabin unit which includes a cabin unit housing holding a keypad, a speaker, a cpu, and a transmitter. The speaker provides an audio signal when a vehicle speed input reaches a preset low-speed, a preset medium speed, and at a preset high speed. A rear unit receives signals from the cabin unit, and the rear unit has a housing holding a seat belt light. The seat belt light is interconnected to a vehicle seat belt sensor. A registration light and a proof of insurance light is also mounted on the rear unit. The rear unit is mounted on the vehicle exterior, preferably on the rear license plate frame.

Abstract: An occupant detecting apparatus includes a detecting portion detecting whether an occupant is seated on a seat, and a judging portion judging whether the occupant occupies the seat on the basis of information detected by the detecting portion. The judging portion judges that the seat is unoccupied by the occupant when a state where a detection that the occupant is not seated on the seat by the detecting portion continues for a judgment time after the detecting portion detects that the seat is occupied by the occupant.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes determining whether a fastener of a child seat is fastened, determining whether a person is seated in a vehicle seat, and if it is determined that the fastener is fastened and the person is not seated in the vehicle seat: enabling a first notification signal of the alarm system, enabling a delay of the alarm system for a period of time, enabling a second notification signal of the alarm system if a door of the vehicle is locked within the period of time, and enabling the second notification signal after expiration of the period of time. If it is determined that the fastener is not fastened or the person is seated in the vehicle seat, the method includes resetting the alarm system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a check fixture for measuring the accessibility of a lower car seat anchor to a user installing a car seat, and methods thereof. One embodiment of a check fixture comprises a body having a rear end and a front end, the body defining a longitudinal axis. The front end comprises an anchor engaging structure and the rear end comprises a force gauge interface. The fixture also comprises a flange at least partially circumferentially positioned around the body at a longitudinal position a distance from the front end. The flange includes a bearing surface substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the bearing surface sized and configured so that when the front end is moved into engagement with the anchor, the bearing surface engages the seating material adjacent the access aperture. The engagement of the flange with the seating material generates a reactive force.

Abstract: A locating system for an archive having multiple objects stored therein includes an RFID reader device having an RFID reader to detect and read RFID tags on the objects. A central processing unit includes a database to store information on each object in the archive, a location engine operating system in communication with the RFID reader device, and a data structure to store a relative position of each object in the archive relative to each other object in the archive. A method of locating an object within an archive containing multiple objects includes carrying an RFID reader device through the archive. The RFID reader device queries each RFID tag for the identifier associated with the RFID tag and determines whether each identifier is an old identifier stored in a memory or a new identifier not stored in the memory.

Abstract: A wireless system that detects the presence of a child in a safety seat located in the passenger cabin of a vehicle includes a controller responsive to signals generated by sensors monitoring predefined functions of the vehicle, RFID tag device attached to the safety seat and RFID tag reader mounted in the cabin. The system generates control signals which activate an alarm, open the doors of the vehicle and roll down windows if the child is left in the safety seat of an unattended vehicle.

Abstract: An alarm system is disclosed for detecting and signaling that a human or an animal is in an enclosed space such as a motor vehicle which includes a monitoring device for monitoring temperature in an enclosed space. The monitoring device may specify a minimum and/or maximum temperature, or a range of temperatures in the enclosed space. A detection device detects the presence of a human or animal in the enclosed space when an unacceptable temperature is reached. In the system disclosed, the human or animal is unable to exit the enclosed space, and a signaling device is used to communicate a signal to a receiver outside the enclosed space indicating the presence of the human or the animal in the enclosed space.

Abstract: A vehicle warning system uses a switch placed on a vehicle childseat to determine occupancy of the seat, and a temperature detector to determine if an unsafe temperature exists in the vehicle interior. The system alarms if both these conditions exist to warn of a hazard to a child. The system installation in the vehicle is simply to place the switch on the childseat connect it into the system and provide power to the system. The system also provides a reminder if the alarm is turned off.

Abstract: A mobile terminal including an output unit configured to output an alarm, a memory configured to store an expandable alarm-integrated database, and a controller configured to expand the alarm-integrated database to include alarm information corresponding to an alarm feature of content added after the mobile terminal was manufactured.

Abstract: An engine of a hybrid electric vehicle is started following a determination that the vehicle is not moving, the ignition system is in a run state, a door is open, and the engine is not running to alert a driver that the vehicle is in a drive state.

Abstract: The present invention is a warning system for alerting a driver and others to ensure an examination is made of a school or day care bus or van is thoroughly examined for remaining occupants following a transportation run.

Abstract: A method for error processing in electronic controllers, particularly, in motor vehicles, is provided whereby errors determined on each vehicle start are permanently written in an error memory. On repeated recognition of similar errors, an error counter, provided for the error, is increased. In the case where it is determined that the error counter has reached a pre-determined state on a renewed vehicle start, a special “poor maintenance” is launched, which only permits the start of the monitored function when further tests are carried out and completed.

Abstract: A fuel economy (FE) indicator lamp regulation system for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes an FE indicator lamp, a first module that calculates an instantaneous FE of the hybrid electric vehicle and a second module that determines a velocity of the hybrid electric vehicle. A third module switches the FE indicator lamp between an on state and an off state based on the instantaneous FE and the vehicle speed.

Abstract: A device and system is provided for alerting or signaling a vehicle driver after the driver leaves a vehicle compartment. A signaling device, in a deployed condition, is physically located in a forward line-of-sight of a driver operator of the vehicle. The signaling device is deployed automatically in the event of the opening of a vehicle door from the inside of a vehicle compartment. Resetting of the signaling device, out of the line-of-sight, requires manual operation by the vehicle operator outside the vehicle compartment. The system ensures that the operator will be alerted to safety procedures required after activities outside vehicle.

Abstract: A seat belt warning system comprises a sensing system associated to a vehicle seat for sensing a seat belt related status with respect to said vehicle seat and a control unit communicating with said sensing system for generating a warning signal depending on the seat belt related status determined by said sensing system. The sensing system comprises a seat occupancy detector (16) for determining a seat occupancy status of a vehicle seat and a seat belt fastening detector (18) for determining a seat belt usage condition. According to the invention said sensing system further comprises a first surface acoustic wave device (26) including at least one surface acoustic wave resonator (26?) and an antenna (26?) and in that said control unit (20) comprises an RF antenna (22) for remotely communicating with said surface acoustic wave device (26).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for sending recall bulletins and mileage based service reminders. The mileage of the vehicle can be estimated based on the age of the vehicle, or it can be based on the last known mileage of the vehicle and estimating the additional mileage using average vehicle mileage statistics. The mileage of the vehicle may be estimated based on actual vehicle history, and may be adjusted based on the characteristics of the vehicle, the driver, or the geographic location of the vehicle. Service reminders sent to a recipient include a link to a scheduling server. A service bulletin update server queries a service bulleting server for government mandated recalls and manufacturer recommended serve bulletins. The reminder server screens the updated recall and serve bulletins against the vehicles in the system and sends service reminders to the owners or drivers of matching vehicles.

Abstract: A single high-frequency transmitter emits radiation in a vehicle (1) comprising several seats (2), said high-frequency radiation being reflected depending on whether a seat is occupied, transmitted to a receiver and evaluated with regard to the radiation intensity. In addition, the reliability of the identification is increased, even when the occupant is out of position, by the provision of at least one reflector (9) per seat in or on an allocated seat-belt (6).

Abstract: A detector made of lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate detects intensity of ultraviolet light radiated inside of a vehicle. The detector sends ultrasonic wave to an incidence direction of ultraviolet light, and detects ultrasonic wave reflected by an object. An electrical unit determines the object to be an occupant of the vehicle or not based on the reflected ultrasonic wave. The electrical unit outputs a signal representing that a predetermined or more amount of ultraviolet light is radiated to the occupant, when the detector detects the predetermined or more amount of ultraviolet light and when the electrical unit determines the object to be the occupant.

Abstract: A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling wireless gaming applications. A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling two-way, person-to-person communications. A child's car seat assembly includes built-in components enabling both wireless gaming applications and two-way, person-to-person communications. The child's car seat assembly of the invention is intended for use with an infant or toddler.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for screening and sending appropriate promotions with a system for generating and sending service reminders based on the estimated mileage the vehicle. The mileage of the vehicle can be estimated based on the age of the vehicle, or it can be based on the last known mileage of the vehicle and estimating the additional mileage using average vehicle mileage statistics. The mileage of the vehicle may be estimated based on actual vehicle history, and may be adjusted based on the characteristics of the vehicle, the driver, or the geographic location of the vehicle. Promotions may be screened according to mileage, vehicle characteristics, vehicle operational characteristics, driver preferences or characteristics, or seasonal characteristics.

Abstract: A method and system for warning an operator of a vehicle of a vehicular task that is being performed beyond a pre-determined time for execution of the task involving incrementally increasing audio and visual warnings as the task continues to be performed past the pre-determined time.

Abstract: In a method for the determination of disconnection time information (DTI) significant for an inadequate power supply of an integrated circuit (2) of a data carrier (1) such as an RFID-tag. The disconnection time information (DTI) is determined on the basis of the discharge behavior of a first storage capacitor (C1), which is affected by the IC material and by radiation, and the determined disconnection time information (DTI) is corrected in dependence on the effects of the IC material and/or on at least one radiation effect.

Abstract: A method is provided that includes determining whether a fastener of a child seat is fastened, determining whether a person is seated in a vehicle seat, and if it is determined that the fastener is fastened and the person is not seated in the vehicle seat: enabling a first notification signal of the alarm system, enabling a delay of the alarm system for a period of time, enabling a second notification signal of the alarm system if a door of the vehicle is locked within the period of time, and enabling the second notification signal after expiration of the period of time. If it is determined that the fastener is not fastened or the person is seated in the vehicle seat, the method includes resetting the alarm system.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system to improve lane change turn signal use by creating a conditioned response in the driver of a motor vehicle such that turn signals are used more appropriately over time for changing lanes. This is achieved using existing lane departure warning components and comparing each lane change at lower speeds to the coinciding turn signal on/off status, and determining if turn signal usage was appropriate. If lane changes indicate repeated, neglectful turn signal usage, a reminder message is presented to the driver. The lane departure warning remains functional at higher speeds, but at lower speeds, the present invention provides a less abrupt, friendly reminder message to use turn signals for lane changes. Drivers who repeatedly neglect to use turn signals will over time increase usage and reminder messages will cease, thereby improving vehicle safety by increasing appropriate turn signal use while changing lanes.

Abstract: Applicants' invention comprises an apparatus and method to detect the presence of a child in a vehicle. Applicants' apparatus comprises a monitoring assembly comprising a pressure transducer, a first processor, and a monitoring transmitter. Applicants' apparatus further comprises a vehicle controller assembly comprising a second processor, a receiver, and a transceiver, wherein the receiver is capable of communicating with the monitoring transmitter. Applicants' apparatus further comprises a key fob comprising an RFID circuit, wherein Applicants' transceiver is capable of communicating with that RFID circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure-responsive vehicle alarm pad for a vehicle seat to remind a presence of an object inside a vehicle to an occupant of the vehicle seat. The pressure-responsive vehicle alarm pad comprises a pressure sensor pad, a control circuitry, and alarm speakers. The pressure sensor pad disposed on the vehicle seat to detect a pressure of the occupant. The control circuitry electrically coupled to the pressure sensor pad to receive the detected pressure from the pressure sensor pad. The control circuitry generate a first electrical signal when the detected pressure is greater than a threshold pressure, and generates a second electrical signal when the detected pressure is less than the threshold pressure. The alarm speakers electrically coupled to the control circuitry to generate a first audible sound in response to the first electrical signal, and generate a second audible sound in response to the second electrical signal.

Abstract: An information provision system of the present disclosure stores a current vehicle condition and a normal unattended condition of the vehicle as relevant information in a driver's unit, when a driver of a vehicle gets off the vehicle. The relevant information in the driver's unit is transmitted to a facility unit when the driver having the driver's unit reaches a facility that has the facility unit. The facility unit that has received the relevant information provides a notice that how the current vehicle condition is different from the normal unattended condition of the vehicle based on a comparison result of the current vehicle condition and the normal unattended condition in the reference condition. The driver of the vehicle or the like is encouraged to change the current vehicle condition to an appropriate one when he/she receives the notice that the current vehicle condition is different from the normal unattended condition.

Abstract: A vehicle safety system to improve turn signal use by creating a conditioned response in the driver of a motor vehicle such that turn signals are used more appropriately over time. This is achieved using existing vehicle components to monitor a running recent history of executed turns, comparing each turn to the coinciding turn signal on/off status, and determining if turn signal usage was appropriate. If the recent history is indicative of neglectful turn signal usage, a reminder message is presented to the driver. If a driver is appropriately using turn signals nearly all of the time, then no reminder is ever presented, thus the system will never be considered a nuisance and is transparent to most drivers. Drivers who repeatedly neglect to use turn signals will over time increase usage and reminder messages will cease, thereby improving vehicle safety by increasing appropriate turn signal use.