Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a tailgate down indicator is provided. The indicator displays the position of the tailgate of a truck to the driver based upon a signal received from a sensor device. The sensor device determines whether the tailgate is in the up or down position.

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: A method comprises determining an idle sample value for a dominant axis of a device in an idle state. The method further comprises registering a motion of the device, and evaluating the motion. The method further comprises waking up the device when the analysis of the motion indicates a change in the dominant axis of the device and/or a level of acceleration beyond a threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a vehicle system that include determining whether a vehicle action is necessary and providing a notification to predetermined users. Sensors provide signals to a sensing control system to generate the notification.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a charge plug. The vehicle includes a vehicular battery charged through the charge plug. A charge control device for the vehicle includes a vehicle information acquisition unit, an exit determination unit, and an alarming operation unit. The vehicle information acquisition unit acquires vehicle information, which represents a state of the vehicle. The exit determination unit determines, according to the vehicle information, whether an occupant of the vehicle has an exit intention to exit from the vehicle. The alarming operation unit implements an alarming operation to restrict the occupant from forgetting to mount the charge plug when the exit determination unit determines that the occupant has the exit intention.

Abstract: A method of use of a personal reminder system, includes motion detectors and/or touch sensors installable adjacent strategic locations, where activation of the sensors by detection of motion such as door opening, closing, ignition turning, etc. is possible, which activate a audio play/record device (audio, digital, cell phone, etc) to play messages. The reminder device can be portable with low/high range motion sensors, battery operated, plug in, rechargeable, or built into a vehicle utilizing low range motion sensors, touch sensors, push/button switches, switches, and when triggered, the audio device plays the messages, thus serving as a reminder. Messages can be pre-recorded or ones user records.

Abstract: A safety monitoring apparatus and method thereof for human-driven vehicle are provided. The safety monitoring apparatus includes a sensing unit, a processing unit, and a warning unit. The sensing unit and the warning unit are electrically connected to the processing unit, respectively. The sensing unit is arranged on a steering member of the human-driven vehicle and is used for sensing whether the steering member is in contact with a hand of a driver and generating a sensing signal accordingly. The processing unit determines whether the hand of the driver is placed on the steering member. The warning unit is used for generating a safety warning message. When the processing unit determines that the hand of the driver has not been placed on the steering member according to the sensing signal, the processing unit drives the warning unit to generate the safety warning message to warn the driver.

Abstract: A vehicular child alert device includes a main body housing a pressure switch configured to indicate the status of a vehicle door, a memory configured to store audible notifications, a speaker configured to play the audible notifications, and a processor configured to control the device.

Abstract: The invention provides an audible security system incorporated in an infant car seat. The Talking Car Seat is a fully functioning vehicle safety seat which comprises an integrated alarm system that provides an audible alert when a parent restrains a child improperly or when a parent fails to remove a child from the Talking Car Seat after parking their vehicle.

Abstract: A portable vehicle alarm system alerts a vehicle operator of the presence of a child/pet left in the vehicle. The system includes at least one first portable wireless alarm unit in communication with a second portable wireless unit. The first and second portable wireless alarm units include a microprocessor in communication with a transmitter and receiver, having a power supply. The first portable unit is located on a key chain. The second wireless unit has attachment means for attachment to a seat belt associated with a child's car seat or a pet's collar. An activation sensor detects a disengagement action related to the vehicle, including powering-off of the vehicle ignition or unbuckling of the driver's seat belt. A distance sensor has a selected range. If the range is exceeded, an audible alarm is actuated from the first unit.

Abstract: A portable child car seat alarm system for notifying a driver, parent or guardian when a child is left unattended in the child safety car seat. The portable security device includes an alarm module, a weight sensor and a 12-volt adapter. The system detects if a child is in the car seat via the weight sensor. The portable security device, connected to the vehicle's electrical system via the 12-volt adapter, detects when the ignition of the vehicle is turned off. The alarm module is activated when the ignition of the vehicle is turned off. Should a child remain in the seat when the driver's turns off the ignition, the alarm system notifies the driver that a child is sitting in the safety seat. The invention is small enough to be installed under any generally available child safety car seat and permits ease of portability from one car to another.

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: In one example, a network device stores a mapping of application operation modes to vehicle conditions such as a first condition of the vehicle powered but not moving and a second condition of the vehicle moving. The network device receives a wirelessly transmitted request for a particular application to utilize an interface powered by the vehicle. The network device compares an application identifier specified by the received request to the mapping. The network device then identifies a portion of the vehicle interface according to the comparison and signals control software on the vehicle to grant the particular application access to only the identified portion of the vehicle interface itself. The application can reside on the mobile device and utilize the vehicle interface as an extended interface, or the application can reside on the vehicle.

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle detects a tailgating vehicle and uses various response mechanisms. For example, a vehicle is identified as a tailgater based on whether its characteristics meet a variable threshold. For example, when the autonomous vehicle is traveling at slower speeds, the threshold is defined in distance. When the autonomous vehicle is traveling at faster speeds, the threshold is defined in time. The autonomous vehicle may respond to the tailgater by modifying its driving behavior. In one example, the autonomous vehicle adjusts a headway buffer (defined in time) from another vehicle in front of the autonomous vehicle. For example, if the tailgater is T seconds too close to the autonomous vehicle, the autonomous vehicle increases the headway buffer to the vehicle in front of it by some amount relative to T.

Abstract: A seat belt alarm system to alert users to the presence of an infant or child, or disabled, infirm or elderly person in a vehicle. The seat belt alarm utilizes a portable bracket configured to removably attach to a female receptacle of a seat belt system. The bracket includes a tension mechanism positioned to be acted upon by a male buckle of a seat belt system when the male buckle of the seat belt mates with the female receptacle of the seat belt system. In a depressed state, the tension mechanism activates a signal transmitter configured to transmit a local signal received by a signal receiver integrated in a keychain fob. When the keychain fob moves outside of a signal range (e.g., 10 feet) while the tension mechanism remains in a depressed state, an alarm and/or red indicator light on the keychain fob is/are activated.

Abstract: The system includes a computer-readable memory having a data structure configured to store information about a time-based event for a patient having reduced cognitive abilities, and optionally also electronic data reflecting the patient's cognitive ability. A networked computer system coupled to the computer-readable memory provides an information communicating interface to the patient. The computer system is programmed to monitor context information relevant to the patient and to dynamically adjust the presentation of the stored information based on the context, and optionally also based upon the patient's cognitive ability.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for alerting a user to presence within a vehicle of an item having an active near-field communication device (NFCD) associated therewith, such as a smartphone. A passive NFCD is located adjacent to a storage compartment within a vehicle. When the active NFCD-equipped item is placed in the compartment, communication is established between the active and passive NFCDs. A controller device is communicatively connected to the vehicle to detect a journey completion event and send a wireless message (via Bluetooth, for example) to the item. The message instructs the item to output an alert if the active and passive NFCDs are in communication with one another. Journey completion events may be turning off of a vehicle ignition, opening of a vehicle door, or a vehicle seat becoming unoccupied.

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: An operational omission notification method for performing operational omission notification to a terminal unit of a user of a vehicle when the user forgets to operate vehicle equipment after the vehicle has been parked, the method including: detecting an operational omission of equipment installed on the vehicle after the vehicle has been parked; determining whether the vehicle is parked in an object region classified into a predetermined category; and notifying the terminal unit when it is determined that the vehicle is not parked within the object region.

Abstract: A vehicle ready light control method includes providing a vehicle having a vehicle ready light and illuminating the vehicle ready light when a powertrain of the vehicle is enabled and at least one of the following conditions exists: the vehicle is in park mode or neutral mode; an engine RPM speed of the vehicle is below a predetermined RPM value and a wheel speed of the vehicle is below a predetermined wheel speed. A vehicle ready light control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A removable fuel tank indicator having a housing, wherein the housing is removable and universal to all automobiles and wherein the housing attaches to an automobile connection point located within the interior of the automobile; a removable arm temporarily attached to the housing, wherein the removable arm signals which side of the automobile a fuel tank is located; a means for attaching the housing to the automobile connection point wherein the automobile connection point is located within the interior of the automobile and said connection point is capable of attaching to the housing; the fragrance cartridge adapted for insertion into the opening and locking into the cavity of the housing, wherein where the cartridge is properly inserted into the opening and cavity of the housing.

Abstract: A fuel gauge system has a fuel gauge unit, a processing unit, display units, input units, and a GPS navigation system unit with means to connect to other connections and which, by audio and visual aids, informs and alerts an operator of a vehicle of the amount of fuel remaining and range and which allows the operator to manipulate and select and alter the levels, the volume and frequency intervals at which the alerts are sounded, emitted and displayed.

Abstract: A computerized vehicle control system and device for limiting the functionality of a mobile asset (e.g., vehicle) capable of performing a plurality of mobile asset functions. The device includes an asset monitor, a mobile wireless transceiver, and a mobile asset processor. The asset monitor is in communication with a first mobile asset for collecting monitored data associated with the first mobile asset. The mobile wireless transceiver is adapted to interface with a management computer. The mobile asset processor is adapted to receive the monitored data from the asset monitor; determine that a first mobile asset function of the plurality of mobile asset functions should be limited; and limit operation of the first mobile asset function. The mobile asset control device can be adapted to override the functionality of the mobile asset, based on the navigation, relative location of the mobile asset, or business rules.

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 vehicular child alert device includes a main body housing a pressure switch configured to indicate the status of a vehicle door, a memory configured to store audible notifications, a speaker configured to play the audible notifications, and a processor configured to control the device.

Abstract: A wireless child proximity monitoring and alarm system for use with child seats for vehicles includes a separable seat monitor for affixation to the seat's shoulder straps. The seat monitor has a first housing affixable to one of the shoulder straps and a second housing affixable to a second shoulder strap. The second housing has a transceiver for wireless communication and a microcontroller integrated with the transceiver. A micro switch is communicative with the microcontroller and is responsive to the proximity of the first housing. A connecting strap extends between the housings and is separable from at least one housing. A key fob for retention by a child caregiver has a fob case and a transceiver therein for wireless communication with the seat monitor transceiver. A microcontroller is integrated with the transceiver, and an alarm is selectively operable between a first silent sate and a second audible alarm generating 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 at least one of the motor, the driver door and other doors or closures in the vehicle, by activating a timer if the motor is stopped or 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 motor stops or 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: A method of providing a reminder of a task to be performed at a task location is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving first location information identifying a first location of a user via a mobile communication device and storing the first location information in association with historical travel information. The method includes storing task information that identifies the task and the task location. The method includes identifying a reminder position, wherein the reminder position is 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. The method includes receiving current location information identifying a current location and providing a reminder for the task based on a comparison of the current location information and the reminder position.

Abstract: A monitoring pendant is coupled to a person, thing or animal being monitored and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from a key chain fob and to and from a base unit. The key chain fob is coupled or integrated into something a guardian would carry such as a set of keys, cell phone or electronics and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the monitoring pendant and to and from the base unit. The base unit is coupled to the vehicle and is adapted to transmit and receive signals to and from the monitoring pendant and to and from the key chain fob.

Abstract: A system for maintaining a plurality of vehicle consumables includes a storage unit configured to store a consumable maintenance list according to an engine type and a transmission type of a vehicle; a control unit configured to control recommendation of when to change the consumable by calculating a change interval of each consumable and an actual consumption distance in the consumable maintenance list; and a display unit configured to display a screen that recommends when to change a particular consumable.

Abstract: A vehicle system for providing a reminder that at least one mobile electronic device is being left in an interior cabin of a vehicle after a vehicle access event is provided. The vehicle system includes at least one indicator, a vehicle access system, and a control module. The indicator provides notification that the at least one mobile electronic device is being left in the interior cabin of the vehicle after the vehicle access event. The vehicle access system determines a vehicle access event. The control module is in communication with the at least one indicator and the vehicle access system. The control module includes a control logic for establishing a connection between the at least one mobile electronic device and the control module.

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: The present disclosure provides a directionally filtered indicator light, wherein a directional filter is applied to a light source that is controlled to emit light when a condition or series of conditions are met. The directional filter, in turn, regulates the transmission of light from the light source so that a first group of individuals, located within a viewing angle, are the only individuals able to see the transmitted light. In one example, the directionally filtered indicator light of the present disclosure allows an indicator light on the interior of a passenger aircraft to be viewed from outside the aircraft in direct sunlight while substantially eliminating the presence of transmitted light from a passenger seating area.

Abstract: A tailgate sensor system for providing a warning signal to a driver of a pickup truck when the tailgate is not in a closed position. The tailgate sensor system includes a detector mounted on an exterior of a pickup truck, an activator mounted on and moveable with a tailgate of the pickup truck, and a signal generator in communication with the detector. The detector is positioned relative a range of motion of the activator such that a signal is generator by the detector and received by the signal generator when the tailgate is in at least a partially open position. Upon receipt of the signal, the signal generator generates a warning signal to the driver.

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: This object is attained by the combination of a motor-vehicle safety belt formed as a flexible longitudinally extending band and formed with a longitudinally extending and laterally substantially closed passage with an insert fittable into the passage and comprised of a flexible and elongated support strip and at least one electrical or electronic element usable by a motor-vehicle passenger employing the belt secured to the strip.

Abstract: A system and method are described for processing location-based reminders. For example, a system according to one embodiment of the invention comprises: a location database to store a plurality of different locations including event facilities, points of interest, and one or more personal locations specified by an end user, the location database associating each of the different locations with a Global Positioning System (GPS) location or range of GPS locations; a location-based reminder application to receive user input related to one or more location-based reminders, each location-based reminder associating a particular location from the location database with reminder data input by the user; and wherein, in response to detecting the user's mobile device arriving within a particular location associated with the reminder data, the location-based reminder application triggering the reminder using a visual and/or audible notification on the user's mobile device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and system for determining class, attributes, and identity of an occupant in an occupancy space. An infra-red image of the occupant in the occupancy space is captured. The infra-red image information of the captured image is digitized to obtain a thermal signature of the occupant. The thermal signature of the occupant is compared with thermal signatures, characteristics, and attributes common to a class of occupants stored in a thermal signature database to determine the class, the attributes, and the identity of the occupant. The determination of the class and the attributes may, for example, comprise distinguishing between an animate occupant and an inanimate occupant, analyzing gait of the animate occupant for distinguishing between human motion and non-human motion, and enumerating occupants in the occupancy space using an edge detection algorithm.

Abstract: A facility-around-route retrieval device includes a map disk 3 for storing map data and facility data, a route calculation unit 13 for calculating a route to a destination by using the map data stored in the map disk, a facility retrieval condition setting unit 16 for setting a facility retrieval condition, and a facility-around-route retrieval unit 17 for retrieving, in a case where a facility around the route calculated in the route calculation unit is retrieved in accordance with the condition set in the facility retrieval condition setting unit, the facility present only on a side of a traveling lane of a vehicle of a divided road from the facility data stored in the map disk when the route includes the divided road.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a tailgate down indicator is provided. The indicator displays the position of the tailgate of a truck to the driver based upon a signal received from a sensor device. The sensor device determines whether the tailgate is in the up or down position.

Abstract: A wireless alarm for an automobile comprising a wireless carbon dioxide/smoke sensor, a wireless temperature sensor, a wireless movement sensor, at least one wireless warning electronic display, at least one wireless alarm buckle adapter, and a processor, said processor further comprising a wireless transmitter, said transmitter emitting at least one signal to the internet; wherein, said processor identifies that one of said wireless sensors is tripped and submits at least one signal to alert that a person or child is left inside the vehicle.

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: 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: Various embodiments of a warning indicator for use with wiper blades are provided. In one embodiment, the warning indicator has a housing, a counting unit disposed in the housing, an indicating unit exposed on the housing and an electrical source. The housing is coupled to an oscillating wiper blade of a windshield wiper device. The counting unit is configured to detect oscillating movements of the wiper blade one at a time. The counting unit is configured such that an oscillating number of the wiper blade is accumulatively increased. The indicating unit indicates a warning under control of the counting unit when the oscillating number comes to a predetermined value. The electrical source supplies an electrical power to the counting unit and the indicating unit.

Abstract: A vehicle system for providing a reminder that at least one mobile electronic device is being left in an interior cabin of a vehicle after a vehicle access event is provided. The vehicle system includes at least one indicator, a vehicle access system, and a control module. The indicator provides notification that the at least one mobile electronic device is being left in the interior cabin of the vehicle after the vehicle access event. The vehicle access system determines a vehicle access event. The control module is in communication with the at least one indicator and the vehicle access system. The control module includes a control logic for establishing a connection between the at least one mobile electronic device and the control module.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for locking a door or the like with a Sabbath control unit comprises a Sabbath control unit comprising an optical device including a light beam emitter and detector spaced apart with a line of sight path between them, the optical device operative to provide output indicating if a light beam emitted by the emitter is received by the detector, and a locking mechanism comprising a moving member operative to be displaced between a locked state position wherein the door is locked and an unlocked state position wherein the door is unlocked, wherein the moving member is operative to block the line of sight path while in the locked state position and to clear the line of site path while in the unlocked state position, and wherein the Sabbath control unit is operative to activate an electronic device in response to output indicating that the light beam emitted by the emitter has not been received by the detector.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed, including a startup switch electrically connected to the ECU. Actuation of the startup switch causes a signal to be sent to the ECU indicative of a desired operation of the vehicle. A display device is disposed forwardly of the seat for displaying information to the rider. Actuation of a confirmation switch causes a confirmation signal to be sent to the ECU indicative of a display of information to a rider. Upon actuation of the startup switch, the ECU prevents the vehicle from moving until information is displayed by the display device and the confirmation signal is received by the ECU. A method of operating a vehicle is also disclosed.

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 portable vehicle alarm system alerts a vehicle operator of the presence of a child/pet left in the vehicle. The system includes at least one first portable wireless alarm unit in communication with a second portable wireless unit. The first and second portable wireless alarm units include a microprocessor in communication with a transmitter and receiver, having a power supply. The first portable unit is located on a key chain. The second wireless unit has attachment means for attachment to a seat belt associated with a child's car seat or a pet's collar. An activation sensor detects a disengagement action related to the vehicle, including powering-off of the vehicle ignition or unbuckling of the driver's seat belt. A distance sensor has a selected range. If the range is exceeded, an audible alarm is actuated from the first unit.

Abstract: A driver alarm for preventing children from being left in a car comprises a power device, a voltage measuring device, an inputting device, a prompting device and a controlling device. The power apparatus has a plug, which can be inserted into a cigarette-lighter socket in the car to become a power source for the driver alarm. The voltage measuring device is used to measure voltage of the cigarette-lighter in the car, the voltage rises when the car is started up and the voltage declines when the engine is turned off. The voltage measuring device reports to the controlling device about voltage rising or voltage declining. The inputting device is designed for a driver to report to the controlling device about whether children are in the cars or not. The promoting device is used to warn driver that there are children inside of the car when the car are started up or when the engines are turned off.