Systems and methods for child restraint monitoring

Included are systems and methods for child restraint monitoring. Some embodiments include determining that a child restraint seat has been installed in a vehicle seat of a vehicle, determining whether the child restraint seat is being properly utilized, and detecting an issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat. Some embodiments include determining that a guardian is remote from the vehicle and, in response to detecting the issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat and determining that the guardian is remote from the vehicle, sending a communication to a third party, wherein the communication provides an option to contact the vehicle to regarding improper utilization of the child restraint seat.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments described herein generally relate to child restraint monitoring and, more specifically, to systems and methods that provide information related to the proper utilization of a child restraint seat.

BACKGROUND

There are currently vehicle seatbelt systems that alert a driver regarding whether a non-driving passenger has fastened his/her seatbelt. As an example, many vehicles now include an occupant sensor in the seat, as well as a seatbelt connection sensor. The occupant sensor may be a weight sensor that detects whether a passenger is sitting in the seat. If an occupant is sitting in the seat, the seatbelt connection sensor determines whether the passenger has latched the seatbelt. If the seatbelt is latched, no alert may be provided. If the passenger is sitting in the seat and the seatbelt is not latched, an alert may be provided to the passenger or others in the vehicle to instruct the passenger to fasten the seatbelt.

While such systems have proven useful for adult passengers, oftentimes such as system may not operate properly when a child passenger is in the vehicle and using a child restraint seat. As an example, many occupant sensors are configured to only detect a passenger that is greater than a predetermined weight (e.g., 80 pounds). If a child is put into a child restraint seat, this threshold may not be met, so there is no alert provided. Additionally, these current solutions have no ability to determine whether the child restraint seat is properly utilized.

SUMMARY

Included are systems and methods for child restraint monitoring. Some embodiments include determining that a child restraint seat has been installed in a vehicle seat of a vehicle, determining whether the child restraint seat is being properly utilized, and detecting an issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat. Some embodiments include determining that a guardian is remote from the vehicle and, in response to detecting the issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat and determining that the guardian is remote from the vehicle, sending a communication to a third party, wherein the communication provides an option to contact the vehicle to regarding improper utilization of the child restraint seat.

In another embodiment, a system for child restraint monitoring includes a processor and a memory component. The memory component may store logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to determine that a child restraint seat has been installed in a vehicle seat of a vehicle, where the child restraint seat comprises a first sensor for detecting whether the child restraint seat is being properly utilized in the vehicle seat and receive a first signal from the first sensor, the first signal indicating whether the child restraint seat is being utilized properly. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to determine, from the first signal, an issue with utilization of the child restraint seat and, in response to determining the issue with utilization of the child restraint seat, provide an option to address the issue. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to, in response to receiving a user selection of the option, send a command to automatically address the issue with utilization of the child restraint seat.

In yet another embodiment, a system includes a vehicle seat for a passenger of a vehicle, the vehicle seat receiving a child restraint seat for a child, where the vehicle seat includes a sensor that detects a characteristic of utilization of the child restraint seat, and where the vehicle seat includes a first motor for adjusting a configuration of the vehicle seat. The system may also include a computing device that includes a processor and a memory component, where the memory component stores logic that, when executed by the processor, causes the system to determine that the child restraint seat has been installed in the vehicle seat and receive a signal from the sensor, where the signal indicates whether the child restraint seat is being utilized properly. In some embodiments, the logic causes the system to determine, from the signal, an issue with utilization of the child restraint seat and in response to determining the issue with utilization of the child restraint seat, provide an option to address the issue. In some embodiments, in response to receiving a user selection of the option, the logic may cause the system to send an activation command to the first motor to automatically address the issue with utilization of the child restraint seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments disclosed herein include systems and methods for child restraint monitoring. Some embodiments include hardware and/or software for determining whether a child restraint seat is positioned in a vehicle; whether a child is positioned and restrained in the child restraint seat; and whether the child restraint seat is properly secured to the vehicle seat. Specifically, many child restraint seats secure to a vehicle seat via the vehicle's seatbelt system. Embodiments disclosed herein may be configured to determine whether the vehicle seatbelt is secured to the child restraint seat and whether the vehicle seatbelt is secured with proper tension to secure the child restraint seat. Some embodiments may be configured to determine whether the restraint system on the child restraint seat is secured and at a predetermined tension (e.g., that the belt is fastened and properly tightened to the child). Some embodiments may be configured to determine the pitch, roll, and/or yaw of the child restraint seat to ensure that the child restraint seat is properly aligned in the seat. Some embodiments may also indicate whether power from the child restraint seat is low, determine which child restraint seat in the vehicle has issues (when more than one is in use), and/or provide other information.

If an error is determined in the use of the child restraint seat (and/or if the child restraint seat is being used properly), embodiments disclosed herein may provide an in-vehicle signal of the positive or negative action. In some embodiments, this signal is transmitted through the vehicle multi-media system and/or is sent to the child restraint seat, which can provide the signal. Some embodiments may be configured to provide a signal to a mobile device, such as a mobile telephone. Such an embodiment may provide a guardian of the child or other person with notice that the child restraint seat is not being used properly and may allow the mobile phone to contact the vehicle to allow the guardian to interact with the driver for properly utilizing the child restraint seat. Similarly, a signal may be provided to an administrator (such as the manufacturer of the child restraint seat) to contact the driver for instructing the driver on properly utilizing the child restraint seat.

Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1schematically depicts an environment for monitoring a child restraint seat, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, a network100may be coupled to a vehicle102, which includes a vehicle seat104and a child restraint seat106, a mobile computing device108, and an administrator computing device110. The network100may include a wide area network, such as the internet, a cellular network (such as 3G, 4G, 4G LTE, WiMax, etc.). Similarly, the network100may include a local area network, such as a wireless fidelity (WiFi) network, a Bluetooth network, a near field communication network, hardwire, etc.

The vehicle102may be coupled to the network100and may include a vehicle computing device130. The vehicle102may additionally be coupled to the vehicle seat104and/or the child restraint seat106. The vehicle seat104may be integral with the vehicle102, but may be configured to communicate with the vehicle computing device130via the network100. The child restraint seat106may be removably coupled to (and/or integral with) the vehicle seat104and may be configured to communicate with the vehicle seat104and/or the vehicle computing device130via the network100.

Similarly, the mobile computing device108may be configured as a mobile phone, a tablet, a personal computer, and/or other device for performing the functionality described herein. The mobile computing device108may be operated by a guardian of the child in the child restraint seat106and/or other third party. Similarly, the administrator computing device110may be configured as a personal computer, tablet, mobile telephone, etc. and may be operated by an administrator that is situated for assisting in the proper utilization of the child restraint seat106.

Also depicted inFIG. 1is the vehicle computing device130that includes a memory component140. The memory component140may store logic, such as detection logic144aand communication logic144b.The detection logic144amay be executed by a processor (such as processor930fromFIG. 9) of the vehicle computing device130to cause the vehicle computing device130to detect one or more signals (such as a first signal and a second signal) from sensors in the vehicle102(including sensors in the vehicle seat104and/or the child restraint seat106). The communication logic144bmay cause the vehicle computing device130to communicate the detected signals to a vehicle passenger, to a remote guardian, to an administrator, and/or to others. Other components of the vehicle computing device130may be provided inFIG. 9, described in more detail, below.

FIG. 2schematically depicts an interior of the vehicle102, which includes a plurality of child restraint seats106a,106b,according to embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, the vehicle102may include an on-board display device206, which may be coupled to one or more speakers208a,208band/or microphones. While not explicitly depicted inFIG. 2, some embodiments may be configured with speakers and/or microphones in the vehicle seats104a,104b,and/or in other areas of the vehicle102. As discussed in more detail below, embodiments may be configured to utilize one or more sensors to detect whether the child restraint seats106a,106bare properly installed in the vehicle seats104a,104b.If the child restraint seats106are installed properly, an indication of proper utilization (or no indication) may be provided via the on-board display device206, the mobile computing device108(FIG. 1), and/or the administrator computing device110(FIG. 1).

Accordingly, some embodiments may be configured such that the child restraint seat106is includes one or more sensors (such as a first sensor and a second sensor) for determining whether the child restraint seat106is properly utilized. The child restraint seat106may communicate this sensor data to the vehicle computing device130, which may determine, from the signal data, the current issue with the child restraint seat106and adjustments that should be made. In some embodiments, the child restraint seat106may include a computing device and/or logic for making this determination and then communicating the information to the passengers and/or third parties. In some embodiments, the child restraint seat106is instead paired with a mobile computing device108of a passenger (driver or non-driving passenger), which then communicates the data to the vehicle computing device130.

Additionally, some embodiments may be configured to facilitate correcting the current issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat106. As discussed in more detail below, the vehicle seat104and/or the child restraint seat106may include one or more motors (such as a first motor and a second motor) for adjusting the seatbelt, the child restraint seat106, and/or the vehicle seat104. Thus, when an error in the utilization of the child restraint seat106is detected, mechanisms such as an activation command (first activation command and/or second activation command) from the vehicle computing device130to the motor or other device may be implemented for correcting the error.

It should also be understood thatFIG. 2illustrates that some embodiments are configured to accommodate a plurality of different child restraint seats106, as well as detect proper utilization of each and provide instructions and/or repair an issue with the child restraint seats106. Accordingly, the functionality described herein may be configured to individually identify issues with each child restraint seat106a,106band/or address issues with the utilization of each child restraint seat106a,106b.

FIG. 3Aschematically depicts a child restraint seat106, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, the child restraint seat106may be configured to receive a seatbelt of the vehicle102and utilize that seat belt to secure the child restraint seat106to the vehicle seat104. Additionally, the child restraint seat106includes a plurality of sensors for detecting whether the child restraint seat106is being properly utilized. As an example, the child restraint seat106may include a seatbelt tension sensor302for determining whether the vehicle seatbelt has adequate tension, a child restraint seat seatbelt tension sensor304may be configured for determining whether the child restraint seat seatbelt has a proper amount of tension to adequately restrain the child; a child restraint seat seatbelt latch sensor306for determining whether the child restraint seat seatbelt is buckled; and a tilt sensor308a,308bfor determining a tilt angle of the child restraint seat106. Depending on the embodiment, one or more of these sensors (or other sensors) may be included with the child restraint seat106. Additional sensors could include a vehicle seatbelt engagement sensor that determines whether the vehicle seatbelt has been properly attached to the child restraint seat106. Similarly, another sensor may detect motion of the child restraint seat106with respect to the vehicle102to determine the movement of the child restraint seat106when the vehicle102is in operation. In still some embodiments, sensors may be included to ensure that the child is properly placed in the child restraint seat106.

Other sensors may also be included, such as a power level sensor of the child restraint seat106. In some embodiments, the child restraint seat106may include electronic and/or other components that require electrical power. While some of these embodiments may access power provided by the vehicle102, some embodiments may utilize portable power, such as a battery. As a consequence, a sensor may determine when the power level has dropped below a predetermined threshold and alert a passenger that a recharge will be needed soon.

As indicated above, the child restraint seat106may additionally include one or more motors or other devices to correct detected issues with the installation or utilization of the child restraint seat106. As an example, if the seatbelt tension sensor302detects that the tension of the seatbelt is lower than desired, the child restraint seat106may activate a motor to correct this issue. Similarly, if the tilt sensor308detects that the child restraint seat106is not level, the child restraint seat106may activate a device to level the seat.

The child restraint seat106may also include communications logic (hardware and/or software) for communicating the sensor output to the vehicle computing device130. As an example, if one or more of the sensors302-308detect that the child restraint seat106is improperly utilized, the sensors302-308may send sensor output to the communications logic. The communications logic may then cause a processor to send the information to the vehicle computing device130.

It should be understood that in some embodiments, the child restraint seat106simply includes the described sensors, motors, devices, and communication logic. In such embodiments, the sensor data is communicated to the vehicle computing device130. The vehicle computing device130determines issues with the child restraint seat106from the sensor data and may additionally determine a solution for correcting the issue and/or alerting a passenger or third party. The vehicle computing device130may also send a signal back to the child restraint seat106, which then may activate a motor and/or other device for correcting the issue. The vehicle computing device130may also communicate the issue, solution, and/or options to a vehicle passenger via the on-board display device206, and/or to a third party via the mobile computing device108and/or the administrator computing device110.

Similarly, some embodiments may be configured such that at least a portion of the logic resides in the child restraint seat106. As an example, the child restraint seat106may determine the nature of the issue and determine the solution for correcting the issue. In such embodiments the child restraint seat106may communicate the determined issue, solution, and/or other options to a passenger and/or third party via the vehicle computing device130, the mobile computing device108and/or the administrator computing device110.

FIG. 3Bschematically depicts a vehicle seat104, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated, the vehicle seat104includes a seatbelt latch sensor322, a seatbelt strap sensor324, a seat sensor326a,a lumbar sensor326b,and a vehicle seat position control328. Specifically, the seat sensor326aand the lumbar sensor326bmay be utilized to determine if a passenger is seated in the vehicle seat104. As an example, the seat sensor326aand the lumbar sensor326bmay be configured to detect a characteristic of utilization of the child restraint seat106, such as whether a weight is placed in the vehicle seat104. Additionally, based on the amount of weight placed on the vehicle seat104and/or the distribution of that weight, the seat sensor326aand the lumbar sensor326bmay determine whether the passenger in the vehicle seat104is an adult or a child in a child restraint seat106.

Additionally, some embodiments may be configured to determine the weight distribution to ensure that the child restraint seat106is properly positioned in the vehicle seat104(e.g., facing the proper direction, centered, etc.). Regardless, if it is determined that a child in the child restraint seat106is present in the vehicle seat104, the seatbelt latch sensor322and the seatbelt strap sensor324may activate to further determine whether the child restraint seat106is being properly utilized.

In some embodiments, the vehicle seat104may communicate the sensor data to the vehicle computing device130to determine whether there is an issue with the utilization of the child restraint seat106is proper. The vehicle computing device130may additionally provide commands to the vehicle seat104for making adjustments, thereby correcting the issue with the child restraint seat106. As an example, if the vehicle computing device130determines that the seatbelt tension of the vehicle seat104is too low, the vehicle computing device130may alert a passenger and/or third party. Additionally, the vehicle computing device130may send a command to the vehicle seat104to adjust a configuration of the vehicle seat104and/or the child restraint seat106, such as tighten the seatbelt tension. Similarly, if the vehicle seat104is improperly positioned (e.g., the lumbar is too reclined, the vehicle seat104is too far back in the vehicle102, etc.), the vehicle computing device130may determine the issue, contact a passenger/third party and/or send a command to correct the issue.

It should be understood that, while the vehicle seat104may communicate sensor data to the vehicle computing device130, some embodiments may be configured for the vehicle seat104to communicate the sensor data to the child restraint seat106for determining an issue. In such an embodiment, the child restraint seat106may directly communicate with the vehicle seat104and/or communicate with the vehicle computing device130to correct the issue with the vehicle seat104.

FIG. 4schematically depicts a user interface430that may be provided for alerting a vehicle passenger of improper utilization of a child restraint seat106, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As discussed above, in response to a determination that there is an issue with the child restraint seat106, the vehicle computing device130may provide an alert to a passenger (driver and/or non-driving passenger) of the vehicle102. As indicated in the user interface430, the vehicle computing device130has determined that the seatbelt tension of the child restraint seat106is too low. Accordingly, the user interface430provides a plurality of options for addressing this issue. Specifically, the user interface430includes a repair option (one or more), such as an automatic repair option432, a manual repair option434, and a contact administrator option436. In response to selection f the automatic repair option432, the vehicle computing device130may send a command to a motor (and/or other device) of the child restraint seat106for tightening the tension of the seatbelt of the child restraint seat106. In response to selection of the manual repair option434, the vehicle computing device130may provide the passenger with instructions for correcting the issue. The passenger may then manually take steps to correct the issue. In response to selecting the contact administrator option436, an administrator or other third party may be contacted for reporting and/or addressing the issue.

FIG. 5schematically depicts a user interface530for providing a message from a guardian to a vehicle passenger, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As discussed above, some embodiments may be configured to alert a remote parent via the mobile computing device108when an issue exists with the child restraint seat106. As an example, if grandparents of the child are driving the vehicle102without the parent being present, the parent may wish to be alerted if the child restraint seat106is not properly utilized. In response to receiving the alert, the parent may send a message back to the vehicle102(and/or grandparent's mobile device). Accordingly, the user interface530may provide that message to the passenger.

The user interface530may also provide an automatic repair option532, a manual repair option534, and a respond option536. In response to selection of the automatic repair option532, the vehicle computing device130may automatically address the issue detected. In response to selection of the manual repair option434, the vehicle computing device130may provide instructions to the passenger for addressing the issue. A check may be performed to determine if the passenger has addressed the issue. If so, the alert may be extinguished. In response to selection of the respond option536, the passenger may be provided with options for responding to the message that was received.

FIG. 6depicts a user interface630that may be provided to a remote guardian of a child, indicating that a child restraint seat106has been improperly utilized, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As discussed above, some embodiments may be configured to notify a third party, such as a guardian of the child and/or an administrator (such as via the mobile computing device108and/or the administrator computing device110) if an issue is detected. Accordingly, the user interface630represents an alert that may be received by the third party. As illustrated, the user interface630may include the alert, as well as a contact driver option632, a contact administrator option634, an automatic repair option636, and a manual repair option638.

In response to selection of the contact driver option632, a call (or other communication) may be initiated to the vehicle102and/or to a mobile computing device108of one of the passengers. In response to selection of the contact administrator option634, a call (or other communication) may be initiated to the administrator computing device110. This call may then result in the administrator contacting the vehicle102to assist the vehicle passenger in properly utilizing the child restraint seat106. In response to selection of the automatic repair option636, the vehicle computing device130may facilitate automatically addressing the issue as described above. In response to selection of the manual repair option638, the vehicle computing device130may provide instructions to the passenger of the vehicle102for correcting the issue.

FIG. 7depicts a user interface730that may be provided to a remote guardian of a child, providing options for contacting a third party regarding improper utilization of a child restraint seat106, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The user interface730may be provided in response to the vehicle computing device130determining that the issue has been resolved. This may be in response to a manual repair, an automatic repair and/or other solution. Regardless, the user interface730also includes a contact driver option732and a contact administrator option734for initiating communication with the vehicle102and/or the administrator.

It should be understood that in some embodiments the communications sent to the guardian are sent when that guardian is detected as being remote from the vehicle102. In some embodiments however, similar communications may be sent to the mobile computing device108of a guardian who is located proximate with the vehicle. As an example, the guardian may be located in a back seat and thus not in a position to operate the vehicle computing device130directly. As such, the guardian may utilize the mobile computing device108of perform the functionality described herein.

FIG. 8depicts a flowchart for facilitating a communication with a guardian of a child, according to embodiments disclosed herein. As illustrated in block850, a signal from a child restraint seat106may be received, where the signal is related to proper utilization of the child restraint seat106in the vehicle102. In block852, a determination may be made from the signal regarding whether a fault has occurred with the utilization of the child restraint seat106. In block854, a determination may be made regarding whether a guardian is remote form the vehicle. In block856, an option for the guardian to contact a user of the vehicle102may be provided to indicate the improper utilization of the child restraint seat106. In block858, a communication between the guardian and a user of the vehicle102may be facilitated.

FIG. 9depicts a vehicle computing device130for monitoring a child restraint seat106, according to embodiments disclosed herein. The vehicle102is depicted inFIG. 9as an automobile but may be any passenger or non-passenger vehicle such as, for example, a terrestrial, aquatic, and/or airborne vehicle may be included. The vehicle102may be coupled to a remote computing device804and/or a user computing device806for receiving content and/or other data via a network800. The network may include a wide area network, local area network, and/or other wired or wireless network for communicating data, as described herein.

Also illustrated is the vehicle computing device114, which includes the processor930, input/output hardware932, the network interface hardware934, a data storage component936(which stores child seat data938a,vehicle data938b,and/or other data), and the memory component140. The memory component140may be configured as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory and as such, may include random access memory (including SRAM, DRAM, and/or other types of RAM), flash memory, secure digital (SD) memory, registers, compact discs (CD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and/or other types of non-transitory computer-readable mediums. Depending on the particular embodiment, these non-transitory computer-readable mediums may reside within the vehicle computing device130and/or external to the vehicle computing device114.

The memory component140may store operating logic942, the detection logic144aand the communication logic144b.The detection logic144aand the communication logic144bmay each include a plurality of different pieces of logic, each of which may be embodied as a computer program, firmware, and/or hardware, as an example. A local interface946is also included inFIG. 9and may be implemented as a bus or other communication interface to facilitate communication among the components of the vehicle computing device130.

The processor930may include any processing component operable to receive and execute instructions (such as from a data storage component936and/or the memory component140). As described above, the input/output hardware932may include and/or be configured to interface with the components ofFIG. 9. As an example, the input/output hardware932may include microphones, speakers208, the on-board display device206, the seatbelt tension sensor302, the child restraint seat seatbelt tension sensor304, the child restraint seat seatbelt latch sensor306, the tilt sensor308a,308b(FIG. 3A), the seatbelt latch sensor322, the seatbelt strap sensor324, the seat sensor326a,the lumbar sensor326b,and the vehicle seat position control328, and/or other hardware in the vehicle102

The network interface hardware934may include and/or be configured for communicating with any wired or wireless networking hardware, including an antenna, a modem, a LAN port, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) card, WiMax card, mobile communications hardware, and/or other hardware for communicating with other networks and/or devices. From this connection, communication may be facilitated between the vehicle computing device130and other computing devices.

The operating logic942may include an operating system and/or other software for managing components of the vehicle computing device130. Similarly, as discussed above, the detection logic144amay reside in the memory component134and may be configured to cause the processor930to determine an issue with utilization of the child restraint seat106. Similarly, the communication logic144bmay be utilized to communicate alerts and/or commands to users and/or other portions of the vehicle102.

It should be understood that while the components inFIG. 9are illustrated as residing within the vehicle computing device130, this is merely an example. In some embodiments, one or more of the components may reside external to the vehicle computing device130. It should also be understood that, while the vehicle computing device130is illustrated as a single device, this is also merely an example. In some embodiments, the detection logic144aand the communication logic144bmay reside on different computing devices. As an example, one or more of the functionalities and/or components described herein may be provided by the mobile computing device108, the child restraint seat106, and/or administrator computing device110, which may be coupled to the vehicle102via the network100.

Additionally, while the vehicle computing device130is illustrated with the detection logic144aand the communication logic144bas separate logical components, this is also an example. In some embodiments, a single piece of logic may cause the vehicle computing device130to provide the described functionality.

As illustrated above, various embodiments for monitoring child restraint are disclosed. Accordingly, embodiments disclosed herein may provide a vehicle passenger and/or guardian with an indication of whether a child restraint seat is being properly utilized. Additionally, embodiments may be configured to contact a remote guardian or other third party that the child restraint seat is being improperly utilized. Some embodiments may be configured to manually and/or automatically repair the utilization of a child restraint seat, to ensure that the child restraint seat is being properly utilized.

While particular embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, although various aspects have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. Accordingly, it is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the embodiments shown and described herein.

It should now be understood that embodiments disclosed herein includes systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable mediums for monitoring child restraint. It should also be understood that these embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.