Child/intruder detection alert through utilization of interior motion/sound sensors

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9764688-B2
Application number	US-201514963885-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Dec 9, 2015
Priority date	Dec 9, 2015
Publication date	Sep 19, 2017
Grant date	Sep 19, 2017

Abstract

A number of illustrative variations may include a method of using vehicle sensors to produce an alert.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A method comprising:
providing a vehicle;
providing a number of sensors or cameras;
providing a data storage medium, capable of storing data in a format readable by an electronic device;
using at least one of the sensors or cameras and a controller to determine that:
a. at least one alert system user has exited the vehicle;
b. an occurrence on the interior of the vehicle is worthy of alerting alert system users; and,
using the controller to determine that (a) and (b) have occurred and to alert at least one alert system user of the occur;
wherein the using at least one of the sensors or cameras and a controller to determine that an occurrence on the interior of the vehicle is worthy of alerting alert system users comprises:
using at least one of the sensor or cameras to take at least one reading of the climate interior to the vehicle cabin;
using the controller to store the a first reading in the data storage medium;
using at least one of the sensors or cameras to take a second reading;
using the controller to compare the first reading to the second reading of the climate interior to the vehicle cabin; and,
wherein the using at least one of the sensors or cameras and a controller to determine that an occurrence on the interior of the vehicle is worthy of alerting alert system users further comprises:
using at least one sensor or camera to take first and second readings of the climate exterior to the vehicle cabin; and,
using the controller to associate the first and second readings of the climate exterior to the vehicle cabin with the first and second readings of the climate interior to the vehicle cabin.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the using at least one of the sensors or cameras and a controller to determine that an occurrence on the interior of the vehicle is worthy of alerting alert system users comprises:
using at least one sensor or camera to determine that a certain type of sound is being produced within the interior of the vehicle cabin.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the certain type of sound is defined by the range of sound frequencies or patterns which fall into a range which is common for sounds made by children.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the using at least one of the sensors or cameras and a controller to determine that an occurrence on the interior of the vehicle is worthy of alerting alert system users comprises:
using at least one sensor or camera to determine that there is movement within the vehicle cabin.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the using at least one of the sensors or cameras and a controller to determine that an occurrence on the interior of the vehicle is worthy of alerting alert system users comprises:
using at least one sensor or camera to determine that there is heat being generated by something in the vehicle cabin.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the using at least one of the sensors or cameras and a controller to determine that an occurrence on the interior of the vehicle is worthy of alerting alert system users comprises:
using at least one sensor or camera to determine that gas concentrations within the vehicle cabin have changed.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the alerting at least one alert system user comprises: producing a sound.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the alerting at least one alert system user by producing a sound comprises:
sending the alert system user an audio recording of the sound or pattern of sounds which caused the alert.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the alerting at least one alert system user comprises:
notifying an alert system user by visual means.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the alerting an alert system user by visual means comprises:
sending the alert system user a photo or video of the interior of the vehicle.

11. The method of claim 1 wherein the alerting at least one alert system user comprises:
prompting the user to make a decision based upon the occurrence which caused the alert.

12. The method of claim 1 wherein the alert is raised after a predetermined time delay.

13. The method of claim 1 wherein the portable communication device is embedded in FOBs, phone, personal effects, jewelry, or clothing.

Assignees

• Gm Global Tech Operations Llc

Inventors

• Biondo William A
• Kleinert Julie A
• Huntzicker Fred W
• Morrow Tricia E

Classifications

• B60Q5/005 Primary

  automatically actuated · CPC title

• B60R11/04

  Mounting of cameras operative during drive; Arrangement of controls thereof relative to the vehicle · CPC title

• B60R1/00

  Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles · CPC title

• B60R2300/8013

  for child monitoring · CPC title

• B60Q1/00

  Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor (for lighting vehicle interior B60Q3/00) · CPC title