Abstract: A message-generating motor vehicle ignition key comprises a key portion for coupling with an ignition switch and a grip portion for grasping by an operator of the motor vehicle. The grip portion comprises a housing defining at least one chamber therein, a controller having a processor, memory, and associated operational components received in the at least one chamber, a battery received in the at least one chamber, electrically coupled with the controller, and supplying the controller with power to operate the controller, and a message generator received in the at least one chamber and electrically coupled with the controller to receive a signal from the controller. Data can be stored in the memory and processed by the processor into a signal delivered to the message generator to generate a spoken message.

Abstract: A child cushion monitor apparatus provided in two embodiments, a seat insert and a pillow, each providing for detection of occupancy. Each embodiment further provides for temperature sensing and display. Each embodiment is also flexibly coupled to a vibration sensor to detect vibration of a nearby device, auto or otherwise. The keychain provides for function and remote monitoring of the embodiments of the apparatus. Both the seat insert and pillow provide visual display of operable functions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of automatically communicating reminder messages to a telematics-equipped vehicle includes the following steps: (a) establishing a reminder message and defining playback instructions for playing the reminder message; (b) generating a trigger based on the defined playback instructions; (c) setting the trigger; (d) monitoring for the occurrence of one or more conditions that satisfy the trigger; and (e) determining that the one or more conditions have occurred and, if so, then; (f) accessing the reminder message associated with the trigger; and (g) communicating the reminder message.

Abstract: A system and process for optimizing vehicle service intervals for a plurality of vehicle service items begins with determination of a minimum service interval. The minimum service interval is set by the need to provide critical, though routine services such as engine oil changes and chassis lubrication. Multiple potential service intervals exist for at least one component, typically engine oil changes, based on different vehicle operating variables. Depending upon the character of vehicle use, one variable will control determination of the recommended interval for engine oil, which, after conversion to distance, is compared with the chassis lubrication to find the minimum service interval. Additional components/fluids are included for service based on operational variables selected to determine service intervals for these components.

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: 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: 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 system for preventing the illumination of a vehicle check engine light by notifying the driver that the fuel door is not closed. The system includes an interference member, a sensor for detecting the position of a fuel door, and a processor to communicate a detectable signal to the driver. The interference member prevents the fuel door from closing if the fuel cap is not properly seated in the fuel injection port, and the sensor detects the position of the door. The sensor can communicate the position of the door to the processor which in turn can send a detectable signal to the driver that the fuel door is ajar and the fuel cap is loose. Furthermore, in vehicles equipped with power slide doors, the processor can also disable the operation of the power slide door to prevent the power slide door from colliding with the fuel door.

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: In a multimedia information and control system for use in an automobile, at least one interface is employed which enables a user to access information concerning the automobile and control vehicle functions in an efficient manner. The user may select one of a plurality of displayed options on a screen of such an interface. Through audio, video and/or text media, the user is provided with information concerning the selected option and the vehicle function corresponding thereto. Having been so informed, the user may activate the selected option to control the corresponding vehicle function.

Abstract: A perishable integrity indicator system includes a RFID transponder and a perishable integrity sensor. The RFID transponder includes a RF integrated circuit coupled with an antenna. The sensor monitors the time and temperature of the perishable. A freshness determining module receives time- and temperature-dependent measurement data from the perishable integrity sensor and determines a current freshness status. A communications interface to the RFID transponder permits a RFID reader to retrieve current freshness status data corresponding to the freshness status determined by the freshness determining module. The system further includes a power management module.

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: A system for signaling that a person is in an vehicle is provided and includes a power source, a processing unit including a counter, a state monitoring unit configured to monitor an internal temperature of the vehicle and to monitor whether the vehicle is in an off state and a door monitoring unit configured to monitor whether any of the vehicle doors are open or closed, a first buckle receiver, including a first signal issuing unit, a first buckle to be removably inserted into the buckle receiver and to thereby cause the first signal issuing unit to issue an installation signal to the processing unit, a second buckle receiver, including a second signal issuing unit, a second buckle to be removably inserted into the second buckle receiver and to thereby cause the second signal issuing unit to issue an occupation signal to the processing unit, and an alarm unit.

Abstract: Systems for reminding a driver when height extending cargo is loaded on a vehicle. The warning systems can include an indicator that is selectively moveable between a warning position and a prevention position. In the warning position, the indicator is in a driver's field of vision. In the prevention position, the indicator at least partially obstructs cargo from being loaded on the vehicle. The indicator can be moved from the warning position to a prevention position by an arm, which can be designed to extend and retract.

Abstract: A telematics service in a motor vehicle is provided by a mobile radio link between a telematics controller in the motor vehicle and an external telematics center. The telematics center is provided with data which identifies the motor vehicle from a first database and with data which identifies the mobile radio link from a second database. The the telematics center uses the data that has been provided to produce the authorization automatically.

Abstract: A system for detecting proper usage of a seatbelt in a vehicle by an operator of the vehicle is provided. The seatbelt usage detection system includes a first communication device arranged on the seatbelt and a second communication device. One of the first and second communication devices is a transmitter and the other of the first and second communication devices is a receiver. The receiver and transmitter are capable of establishing a communication link with each other. The second communication device is arranged in the vehicle so as to be able to establish a communication link with the first communication device of a predetermined signal strength upon proper fastening of the seatbelt around the body of an operator. The system also includes a processing unit for monitoring the signal strength of the communication link between the first and second communication devices and for providing a signal that the seatbelt is unfastened when the signal strength is less than the predetermined signal strength.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing a vehicle state using a car media player. The method includes the steps of: (a) acquiring information on states of vehicle parts from a plurality of sensors, installed in the respective vehicle parts, through a dedicated vehicle network; (b) generating vehicle management information based on the acquired information on the states of the vehicle parts; and (c) notifying information necessary for repair of the vehicle based on the vehicle management information. Information on a vehicle state is received from a dedicated vehicle network using a typical car media player, and a vehicle state management such as replacement of vehicle parts is performed based on the information on the vehicle state. Therefore, a driver can reduce a cost of installing a separate vehicle state management device and need not separately perform a vehicle state management such as replacement time of vehicle parts.

Abstract: A device and a method for differentiating between a person sitting on the seat surface of a vehicle seat and an object such as, for example, a child seat. The device has a cushion provided with weight sensors which are distributed over the seat surface in a plane manner, first weight sensors being arranged in a central region and second weight sensors being arranged on the edge of the seat surface. At least one central weight sensor is differentiated from a plurality of second weight sensors on the edge of the seat surface in that it always emits a comparatively low sensor signal when subjected to the same weight load.

Abstract: A system for generating a reminder signal to one or more individuals exiting a vehicle for purposes of preventing the inadvertent leaving of a child, pet or other object therein. A sensor assembly monitors the presence of an individual within a predetermined proximity area and actuates an alarm assembly so as to generate a demonstrable reminder signal of significant intensity. A control assembly operatively connected to the sensor assembly comprises both arming and shut-off capabilities which are automatically and/or manually operable, respectively, to activate and deactivate the sensor assembly. In operation, the sensor assembly will cause the alarm assembly to generate the reminder signal upon the passage of one or more individuals out of the predetermined proximity area thereby forcing a return to the vehicle to deactivate the system, wherein the interior of the vehicle is readily observable to determine the existence of an inadvertently left object.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for providing an intelligent event notification system. The method includes selecting a type of event notification for an event. Determining the type of event notification is based in part on information elements associated with the event. The method also includes determining at least one optimal alert system to receive an event notification corresponding to the type of event notification selected. The determination is based in part on information elements associated with the event. The method further includes associating an alert trigger with the event notification and transmitting the event notification to the at least one optimal alert system upon activation of the alert trigger.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first wireless transmitter configured to transmit a first wireless signal when the first wireless transmitter detects the presence of a child in a child seat. The apparatus also includes a second wireless transmitter configured to transmit a second wireless signal when the second wireless transmitter detects the presence of the child seat in an automobile. The apparatus also includes a module configured to activate an alert when a door of the automobile is ajar and the module receives both the first and second wireless signals.

Abstract: Provided is an operator warning system for use in connection with a locomotive having a horn system with a horn activation actuator and a horn device for producing a noise. The operator warning system includes an onboard computer system with a database having grade crossing data and locomotive data thereon. The onboard computer system is in communication with the horn system. The operator warning system also includes a warning device for providing an audio, visual and/or tactile indicator to an operator of the locomotive based upon the grade crossing data, locomotive data and/or actuation condition of the horn activation actuator. A method for improving locomotive operator vigilance is also provided.

Abstract: A method of task and memory assistance using a mobile communication device can include storing a profile of a user and determining a task to be performed by the user based on the user profile. The method can also include notifying the mobile communication device of the task. The method can further include providing sensory indicators in an increasing order of intervention until an acknowledgement is received from user, or for a predetermined number of notifications.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing the awareness of a motor vehicle operator's recent actions regarding the vehicle's intended position and a method to control its operation are disclosed. The apparatus consists of a unit attached directly to a vehicle's nominally 12 volt power adapter to acquire the state of recent actions taken, where these actions comprise from the group consisting of turn signals and brake lights. The operator can choose to only be alerted if a turn signal has not been turned off after a set time or supplement the vehicle's blinker indication by sound or light.

Abstract: A system and method for alerting responsible personnel to perform a post-trip inspection check for passengers remaining on a bus at the end of a trip by issuing audible and/or visual alerts when the bus is parked and the motor shut off at the end of the trip. The ignition switch (47) must be placed in ACCESSORY position and a park brake applied for the system to be rendered capable of being disarmed by operation of a disarming device (45S) at the rear of the bus. Operation of the disarming device is indicated by a correct sequence of operating conditions of the device, namely first non-actuated, then actuated, and then non-actuated. The system includes a SNOOZE state that allows the ignition switch to be temporarily turned off during a trip and the alert to be stopped by pressing a snooze switch.

Abstract: A system and method to warn that a child has been left unattended in the vehicle when the ignition is off. The system includes a sensing device to detect if a child is in the infant seat, an ignition detection device to detect that the ignition is off, a delay timer to provide a certain period of time for the caregiver to remove the child from the car seat or put the child in the infant/booster seat and then to generate an alarm, a speaker to sound the alarm, and a switching assembly to detect when the dome light goes on, or if the dome light is operable.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a warning apparatus for an automobile, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a driver's information from a memory device memorizing said driver's information; a memorizing unit for memorizing an automobile insurance information; a determining unit for determining whether or not the driver is an insurant on the basis of said driver's information and the automobile insurance information; and a warning unit for warning the driver not to drive when the determining unit has determined that the driver is not said insurant.

Abstract: An infant seat alarm system to both detect and alert the presence of an unattended infant in a vehicle comprises an infant seat having a sensor and a detector seat having a second sensor. The sensor is coupled to the second sensor and both sensors are coupled to a timer device. A power supply independent of a power supply of the vehicle powers the timer device. One or more alarms are coupled to the timer device. After a predetermined time the timer device actuates at least one of the alarms to emit an audible sound if the infant seat is occupied by an infant and the detector seat is unoccupied by a person. An external alarm may be coupled to the timer device. Additionally a switch operable by a person may be coupled to both the timer device and the sensor of the infant seat.

Abstract: In a device for displaying maintenance procedures for motor vehicles with a display that has surface sections separate from one another on which information on the type of procedure and information on the due date of the procedure is displayed for each maintenance procedure, the information on the procedure is formed as a time line diagram. The due date is represented as a marking on the particular time line at a distance from a reference point common to the maintenance procedures corresponding to the length of time to the due date.

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: A child seat occupant warning system for an auto, comprising a sensor detecting the connection of the removable seat to the seat base, further comprising a central processing unit that communicates with a sensor in the driver seat of the auto, a vibration sensor sensing engine operation of the auto, a GPS transmitter with delay, and a low battery warning mechanism, whereby engine cessation, driver absence and seat base connection to child seat triggers an audio alarm to remind a driver to remove the child from the vehicle, the system reset by removing the child seat from the base.

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: Presence of an occupant in a vehicle is sensed. Furthermore, at least one occupant exposure condition in the vehicle is sensed. If there is an occupant in the vehicle, a signal is sent as a function of the at least one occupant exposure condition in the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention includes an electrical adapter switch assembly for bypassing the door light circuit on a Jeep TJ® when the driver and/or passenger door is removed. The defeat switch is a plug in electrical adapter designed to bypass the door light circuit on a Jeep TJ® when either or both front vehicle doors are removed. In use, the adapter is inserted in place of the existing door fuse. A slider switch mounted on the cover of the adapter is placed in an On/Normal position where the door light circuits function in the normal manner. Conversely, when placed in an Off/Remote position, the fuse is effectively removed from the circuit and the door lights will not operate even if the vehicle doors are removed. A remote plug allows for a remote mounted switch, perhaps located on the dashboard to be wired in to control the door light circuits.

Abstract: A child safety system is described which senses when a child is left alone in an automobile and alerting others. One implementation includes a weight sensor pad for sensing a child's weight applied to an infant car seat, a transmitter to transmit, to an alarm device, an alert signal when a child is in the seat, and a driver door switch. The alarm device generates an alarm signal (e.g., a loud siren noise) if a baby is in the seat after the door switch indicates the driver has left the car.

Abstract: A seatbelt reminder system includes a first reminder unit (S301) which gives a first reminder when a first condition having an unfastened state of a seatbelt as at least a fulfilling condition is satisfied, a second reminder unit (S306) which gives a second reminder when a second condition having the unfastened state of the seatbelt as at least a fulfilling condition is satisfied, and a reminder-start delay unit (S305) which delays start of the second reminder when the second reminder by the second reminder element is started.

Abstract: A steering column assembly (18) of the type for controlling one or more steerable wheels in a motor vehicle includes a steering wheel (14) interface secured to the free end of a steering column (20). The steering column assembly (18) includes powered telescope adjust and tilt adjust features which a driver (16) uses to adjust the position of the steering wheel (14) for maximum comfort. One or more condition sensors (48) monitor numerous parameters about the vehicle. When an emergency condition is detected, such as the seat belt warning, a door that is ajar, various engine conditions, or erratic driving activity, a haptic controller (50) rapidly vibrates the steering wheel (14) through the telescoping and tilt adjusting motors (32, 40) as a means of alerting the driver (16) to the emergency condition.

Abstract: The present invention includes system for preventing a child from being unattended in a child's car seat, which includes a master unit for mounting in the car seat and adapted for two-way wireless communication and a slave unit being portable and adapted for two-way communication with the master unit and having a slave alarm. The slave alarm is activated when the master unit and the slave unit are separated by a predetermined distance. The master unit includes a master switch to indicate that the child is fasten in the car seat, and the master alarm includes a LED and horn. The master unit will activate the master alarm when the master switch is closed and there is no communication with the slave unit. The master unit includes a FM receiver to receive data from the slave unit, and the master unit includes a FM transmitter to transmit data to the slave unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a re-positioning reminder for personal portable electronic equipment.

Abstract: A child detection system for a child seat includes a pressure sensor is adapted for detecting when weight is positioned on the presser sensor. The pressure sensor is selectively positioned within a seat cushion of a restraining seat. A primary processor is electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. The primary processor is adapted for is electrically coupled to a vehicle computer system of a vehicle in which is positioned the restraining seat. A sound emitter for emitting an audible sound is operationally coupled to the primary processor. The primary processor turns on the sound emitter for at least 3 seconds when the pressure sensor senses a weight thereon and the vehicle computer system determines that a driver's side door of the vehicle is open.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for providing an indication to a person external to a vehicle, of an occupant inside the vehicle. The method comprises determining whether an occupant is in a vehicle, based on a capacitance measured within the vehicle; sensing whether an ignition of the vehicle is in an off position; detecting whether a first door coupled to the vehicle has been opened and closed, if the vehicle ignition is in an off position; if the first door has been opened and closed and an occupant is sensed in the vehicle, measuring a first time (T1) beginning from the instant the first door is closed; and activating the alert, if T1 is greater than a predetermined threshold time.

Abstract: The device has a transceiver which transmits high-frequency signals, which are reflected back by reflectors in the seats. Occupied seats are detected on the basis of signal propagation delays and/or reflector detections and/or receiving intensities. In addition, it is possible to detect with the aid of a belt sensor whether or not a safety belt is fastened.

Abstract: A habit cessation aide includes a user-modifiable quitting schedule, a user-initiated habit-occurrence indicator, a display for displaying messages dependent upon the quitting schedule and the number of times the user-initiated habit-occurrence indicator is used, and an overall visual indication of the degree to which the user is maintaining the quitting schedule based upon the quitting schedule and the number of times the user-initiated habit-occurrence indicator is used. A widely held habit is smoking, to which the illustrated embodiment is directed. As shown, the device also functions as a standard watch and includes features such as calculating and displaying items including at least time, date, and elapsed time.

Abstract: An operational omission alarm system for a vehicle includes an alarm apparatus, at least one terminal device, and a central server. The alarm apparatus is located on the vehicle for determining whether at least one operational omission remains after a user of the vehicle has left the vehicle and for sending an alarm signal to a network when detecting the existence of the at least one operational omission. The at least one terminal device is separately assembled from the vehicle for notifying the user of the existence of the at least one operational omission in accordance with the alarm signal sent by the alarm apparatus. The central server is for registering the at least one terminal device and receiving the alarm signal sent by the alarm apparatus and for transferring the alarm signal to the at least one terminal device.

Abstract: A cylindrical open-ended soft material having (10) a vibrating apparatus to alert drivers of functionality of turn signal by way of tactile stimulation. (12) A gripping mechanism to adhere the vibrating device for turn signals in motorized vehicles to the turn signal arm in motor vehicles. Furthermore, this includes all signal indicators on the market. (14) A sensory receptor which will elicit a vibration which will alert the driver of the vehicle by way of tactile stimulation.

Abstract: A seatbelt reminder system warns a crew member when the crew member has not fastened a seatbelt. The system makes a way of giving a reminder different between a case (S302, S303, or S304) where the running state of a vehicle is detected when the unfastened state of the seatbelt is detected and a case (S310, S311, or S312) where the unfastened state of the seatbelt is detected when the running state of the vehicle is detected.

Abstract: A system detects the presence of an unattended child within a vehicle and when the child is so detected, disables the vehicle's door locks by preventing doors from being locked or remaining locked and sounds an alarm. The presence of a child is detected by measuring pressure on the back seat and measurements above a threshold limit signify a child is present or if any of the rear seat belts are buckled a child is detected. The system can be shut off by the driver, although the system has an override in the shutoff mode so that if the temperature rises above or falls below a certain level and the presence of a child is detected, the alarm is sounded. In this mode, the presence of the child can also be detected by a motion sensor.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a warning apparatus for an automobile, comprising: a receiving unit for receiving a driver's information from a memory device memorizing said driver's information; a memorizing unit for memorizing an automobile insurance information; a determining unit for determining whether or not the driver is an insurant on the basis of said driver's information and the automobile insurance information; and a warning unit for warning the driver not to drive when the determining unit has determined that the driver is not said insurant.

Abstract: A safety device for use with vehicles is disclosed for forcing the wearing of seatbelts by both a driver and a passenger which may eliminate the unpleasant situation that passengers seat sensors, passenger seatbelt switch and its associated alarm operate separately or independently of the presence or absence of a driver sitting on a driver sheet.

Abstract: A seatbelt reminder system for outputting a reminder for an occupant when the occupant leaves a seatbelt unfastened. The system includes a driver's seat reminder instruction section for outputting a reminder according to a first pattern (S405), a front passenger seat-rear passenger seat reminder instruction section for outputting a reminder according to a second pattern, and a second reminder synchronization section for synchronizing the reminders according to the first and second patterns with each other (S406) when the output of the reminder according to the second pattern is to be started while the reminder according to the first pattern is being output.