Abstract:
A system and methodology utilizing seat sensors and an electronic card system that monitors the location of children on a bus as well as preventing children from being left behind, is herein disclosed. As the child enters the bus, the child would insert a personalized identification card, thereby recording the child&#39;s seat location and presence. Upon exiting, the child again inserts the identification card and following a prescribed time interval, a warning light and alarm would be activated if the seat remains occupied, thus alerting the bus driver to check the seat location. Every bus seat would have an integral weight sensor electrically connected to a main control panel. The system provides the bus driver, or assigned chaperone, a pushbutton selection array corresponding to each seat assignment.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/967,982 filed on Sep. 10, 2007, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a tobacco product filtration device and, more particularly, to said device reducing second hand smoke. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many situations where children require transportation on multiple passenger vehicles. Field trips and transportation to school require a school bus. Some children are transported in large multiple passenger vans. Airplanes, commercial buses, trains all create situations where children can be easily displaced or forgotten about due to other pressures on a vehicle operator. When children are overlooked in conveyances of this sort, it may have dreadful consequences. Children have died from being left in overheated vehicles. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the presence of a child on a multiple passenger vehicle can be more readily and easily detected. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     It is all too often that we hear on the news of a child is left behind a school bus after a school day. Most of the time, the child is found at the school bus yard storage facility and the story ends happily. However in some cases, such as in inclement weather, weekends, or when a parent thinks the child is with someone else, the event can end tragically with a child&#39;s death. The causes of such oversight are many and may include new bus drivers, substitute bus drivers, or more likely, a child that has simply fallen asleep. Even with a required walk through after the bus run, children are sometimes simply overlooked. The development of the invention herein described fulfils this need. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,151,452 issued to Shieh discloses a vehicle occupant sensing system comprising a sensing system to determine if a child is within a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus and method the uses a unique identifier card issued to school children to monitor a child&#39;s presence on a school bus nor does this patent appear to disclose the use of a plurality of sensors located in the seats of a multiple passenger vehicle that electronically communicate with a main control cabinet. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,135,983 issued to Filppov et al discloses an occupant presence detection device that is able to detect whether a person is seated and occupying a motor vehicle, restaurant seat or the like. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a main control cabinet that is pivotally adjustable adjacent to an operator nor does it appear to disclose the use of unique identifier cards issued to passengers that are read by a reader on the main control cabinet. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,091,873 issued to Bauer et al. discloses a device and method for detecting the occupation of a seat in a motor vehicle comprising a sensor analyzer and a detector analyzer. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to a system that utilizes unique identifier cards issued to passengers to determine their presence in an assigned seat on a vehicle nor does this patent appear to disclose a system capable of wireless control and monitoring. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,082,360 issued to Oestreicher et al discloses a method and system for determining weight and position of a vehicle seat occupant for use in controlling a restraint system in a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a disclose an apparatus and method the uses a unique identifier card issued to school children to monitor a child&#39;s presence on a school bus nor does this patent appear to disclose the use of a plurality of sensors located in the seats of a multiple passenger vehicle that electronically communicate with a main control cabinet. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,075,450 issued to Young and Nathan discloses a vehicle occupant sensing system having discrete wiring comprising a controller and at least one sensor assembly. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is utilized to detect the presence of a child on a multiple passenger vehicle and that is capable of alerting responsible individuals of that situation. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,639 issued to Kiribaynashi discloses an occupant detection system for vehicles comprising a seat occupancy sensor that interacts with an air bag electrical control unit. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to a system that utilizes unique identifier cards issued to passengers to determine their presence in an assigned seat on a vehicle nor does this patent appear to disclose a system capable of wireless control and monitoring. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,039,514 issued to Fortune discloses an occupant classification method based on seated weight measurement for purposes of air bag suppression. Unfortunately, this patent does not appear to disclose a sensing system for children capable of detecting the presence of a child on a multiple passenger vehicle and that further alerts individuals to the unattended child nor does it appear that this system is capable of wireless control and monitoring via an external antenna. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is a need for a seat occupancy verification system for motor vehicles which monitors occupancy of seated children on school buses or other multi-passenger vehicles utilizing seat sensors and an electronic card system. 
     An object of the seat occupancy verification system is to verify that a child is not left unattended on a multi-passenger vehicle. 
     Another object of the seat occupancy verification system is to verify the location of a child on a multi-passenger vehicle by providing each child with an identification (ID) card that the child inserts into the main control cabinet on entry and egress of a multiple passenger vehicle, such as a school bus. Discrepancies in any child&#39;s location activate an indicator light and alarm alerting the bus operator to check a corresponding seat location. 
     A further object of the seat occupancy verification system is to verify that each child is in the seat assigned to that child by displaying this information to an operator on an attached display screen. 
     Yet a further object of the seat occupancy verification system is that the system may be used aboard multi-passenger vehicles. The system may also be used aboard other vehicles such as commercial busses, tour busses, airplanes, and ferry boats with equal benefits and results. 
     Yet another object of the seat occupancy verification system provides a main control cabinet that is located adjacent to an operator so that the main control cabinet is easily visible and physically accessible to the operator. 
     Another object of the seat occupancy verification system is that the system receives electric power from an onboard electrical system of the multi-passenger vehicle. 
     Yet a further object of the seat occupancy verification system is that the system comprises an external antenna connected to the main control cabinet that provides wireless remote access to the system. 
     Still a further object of the seat occupancy verification system is a quick-release mechanism that permits the main control cabinet to be rotationally pivoted by an operator to a desired position. 
     Yet still another object of the seat occupancy system is that the quick-release mechanism further permits the main control cabinet to be easily removed and placed in another vehicle or in another location if so desired. 
     Still another object of the seat occupancy system is that the electrical connections to the main control cabinet may be easily connected or disconnected through the use of dedicated connectors so that the main control cabinet may be easily disconnected form the system. 
     An aspect of the seat occupancy verification system comprises a main control cabinet, a plurality of sensors, a pedestal, interconnected cabling, power cabling, transmitter cabling, and an antenna. 
     Another aspect of the seat occupancy verification system comprises a main control cabinet further comprising a metallic rectangular control center; a mimic panel and a plurality of seat number labels corresponding directly to a particular arrangement of passenger seats and passenger locations; a card reader, an acknowledgement indicator light, a denial indicator light, and an alarm verifying seating eligibility upon conformation with an internal computerized database; a mounting post, and a plurality of fasteners, wherein the pedestal provides a conduit through which the power cable, transmitter cable, and interconnecting cables pass and are subsequently routed to the main control cabinet; and wherein the pedestal is supported and affixed to a floor surface adjacent to the operator of the multi-passenger vehicle. 
     User interface with the system is provided via a keyboard and electronic display screen. Power is routed via a power cable to a microprocessor such as a basic stamp controller, a programmable logic controller, a personal computer, or other similar device capable of executing various commands dependent upon certain inputs. 
     Yet another aspect of the seat occupancy verification system comprises a quick release mechanism. The quick-release mechanism comprises a plurality of fasteners, a locking pin, a release handle, a plurality of locking apertures, and a retaining spring. 
     A further aspect of the seat occupancy verification system comprises a power cable, a transmitter cable, interconnected cabling, an extension cable, a first connector, and a second connector. The power cable, transmitter cable, and interconnecting cabling are routed through the pedestal, being attached and combined to a first connector. 
     Yet another aspect of the seat occupancy verification system comprises a first connector, a second connector, and an extension cable that provide convenient electrical connection and disconnection of the main control cabinet to the system, thereby allowing removal of the control cabinet from the system. 
     Yet another aspect of the seat occupancy verification system comprises a plurality of seat sensors positioned on an underside portion of each passenger seat, providing indication to the main control cabinet that a person is present in a respective seat. The seat sensors preferably comprise common mechanical-type contact closure devices similar to those utilized in many automobile systems, although other types of mechanical and electronic switches and sensors may be provided such as, transducers, heat sensing, and ultrasonic, that provide equal benefit and function. 
     A further aspect of the seat occupancy verification system comprises sensors that provide various “closed” and “open” signals routed through the interconnecting cabling and collected by a signal shaping circuit which take said signals and convert them to a suitable resultant signal that can be used by the microprocessor. Additional input signals are provided from a keyboard to the microprocessor. In a similar manner, output signals are provided from the microprocessor to the electronic display screen. Output signals are also provided from the microprocessor to a light driver circuit which controls the application of power to the array of indicator lights. A number and arrangement of seat sensors would match that of the indicator lights for any one particular multi-passenger vehicle. An output signal is provided from the microprocessor to the acknowledgment indicator light, denial indicator light, and buzzer as well. An input signal is provided from the card reader to the microprocessor. Finally, a bi-directional communication path carries electrical signals between the microprocessor and transceiver modem. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are identified with like symbols and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an overall perspective view of the seat occupancy verification system for motor vehicles  10  depicting a utilized state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of a quick-release mechanism  26 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a section view of a main control cabinet portion  20  of a seat occupancy verification system for motor vehicles  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and, 
         FIG. 4  is an electrical block schematic diagram that depicts the electrical components as used in the seat occupancy verification system for motor vehicles  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 seat occupancy verification system 
               
               
                 15 
                 multi-passenger vehicle 
               
               
                 20 
                 main control cabinet 
               
               
                 21 
                 mounting post 
               
               
                 22 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 23 
                 locking aperture 
               
               
                 25 
                 pedestal 
               
               
                 26 
                 quick-release mechanism 
               
               
                 27 
                 locking pin 
               
               
                 28 
                 retaining spring 
               
               
                 29 
                 release handle 
               
               
                 30 
                 first connector 
               
               
                 31 
                 second connector 
               
               
                 32 
                 extension cable 
               
               
                 35 
                 power cable 
               
               
                 40 
                 transmitter cable 
               
               
                 45 
                 antenna 
               
               
                 46 
                 alarm 
               
               
                 50 
                 sensor 
               
               
                 55 
                 passenger seat 
               
               
                 60 
                 interconnecting cabling 
               
               
                 65 
                 mimic panel 
               
               
                 70 
                 indicator lights 
               
               
                 75 
                 seat number labels 
               
               
                 80 
                 card reader 
               
               
                 82 
                 identification (ID) card 
               
               
                 85 
                 acknowledgment indicator light 
               
               
                 90 
                 denial indicator light 
               
               
                 95 
                 ON/OFF switch 
               
               
                 100 
                 keyboard 
               
               
                 105 
                 display screen 
               
               
                 110 
                 mounting plate 
               
               
                 120 
                 battery 
               
               
                 125 
                 over current device 
               
               
                 130 
                 microprocessor 
               
               
                 135 
                 signal shaping circuit 
               
               
                 140 
                 light driver circuit 
               
               
                 145 
                 bi-directional communication path 
               
               
                 150 
                 transceiver modem 
               
               
                 160 
                 operator 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a system and method for a seat occupancy verification system for motor vehicles (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which monitors occupancy of seated children on school buses or other multi-passenger vehicles  15  by utilizing seat sensors  50  and an electronic card system  80 . Upon entering a bus  15 , each child provides an ID card  82  which is inserted thereinto a control cabinet  20 . In like manner, the ID card  82  is again inserted as the child exits the bus  15 , thereby accounting for a location of each child. Discrepancies in any child&#39;s location activates an indicator light  90  and an alarm  46  alerting the bus operator  160  to check a corresponding seat location  55 . Each sensor  50  is connected to a control cabinet  20  which provides an operator  160 , or assigned chaperone, displayed information for each seat assignment upon a display screen  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an overall perspective view of the system  10  depicting a utilized state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The system  10  is used aboard a multi-passenger vehicle  15 , depicted here as a school bus having the roof cut away for purposes of illustration; however, it should be noted that other vehicles such as commercial busses, tour busses, airplanes, ferry boats, other multi-passenger vehicles, and the like, can be used with equal benefits and results, and as such, should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. A main control cabinet  20  is located upon a floor-mounted pedestal  25  adjacent thereto an operator  160  of said multi-passenger vehicle  15 , thereby being easily visible and physically accessible. The main control cabinet  20  receives electric power therefrom a power cable  35  being connected thereto an onboard electrical system of the multi-passenger vehicle  15 . A transmitter cable  40  connects the control cabinet  20  to an external antenna  45  providing wireless remote access thereto the system  10  by others as needed. The system  10  comprises a plurality of seat sensors  50  on an underside portion of each passenger seat  55 . The sensors  50  are electrically interconnected to the main control cabinet  20  by a plurality of interconnecting cables  60  routed discreetly within a floor surface of the multi-passenger vehicle  15 . Said power cable  35 , transmitter cable  40 , and interconnecting cables  60 , are subsequently routed therewithin a pedestal portion  25  and thereinto the control cabinet  20 . In such a manner, each passenger seat  55  provides indication to the main control cabinet  20  that a person is present in a respective seat  55  (see  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a front perspective view of a main control cabinet portion  20  of the system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is disclosed. The main control cabinet  20  comprises a metallic rectangular control center approximately twenty-four (24) inches wide, twelve (12) inches high, and twelve (12) inches deep. The control cabinet  20  contains a forward facing mimic panel  65  comprising a plurality of indicator lights  70  and associated seat number labels  75  which correspond directly thereto a particular arrangement of passenger seats  55  and passenger locations on the multi-passenger vehicle  15 . A card reader  80  is provided on a side panel portion of the main control cabinet  20  such that an entering passenger to the multi-passenger vehicle  15  inserts a corresponding electronic ID card  82  verifying his or her identity and associated seat assignment. An acknowledgment indicator light  85 , a denial indicator light  90 , and the alarm  46  verifies seating eligibility upon conformation with an internal computerized database. Power thereto the system  10  is controlled by an ON/OFF switch  95 . Finally, user interface with the system  10  is provided via a keyboard  100  and electronic display screen  105 . As previously mentioned, the main control cabinet  20  is supported and affixed thereto a floor surface of the multi-passenger vehicle  15  by a pedestal  25  further comprising a mounting plate  110  and a plurality of common threaded anchoring fasteners  22 . The main control cabinet  20  is joined to the pedestal  25  using a quick-release mechanism  26  that allows the main control cabinet  20  to pivot as well as be moved from one multi-passenger vehicle  15  to another as needs require (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a section view of a quick-release mechanism portion  26  of the system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is disclosed. The quick-release mechanism  26  comprises a securing assembly made using rugged machined or cast metal parts providing a mounting and orientation means thereto the control cabinet  20  as well as a detachment means therefrom the pedestal  25 . The quick-release mechanism  26  comprises a mounting post  21 , a plurality of fasteners  22 , a locking pin  27 , and a release handle  29 . The control cabinet  20  provides an attachment means thereto the mounting post  21  along a bottom horizontal surface using a plurality of common fasteners  22  such as bolts, screws, or the like. The mounting post  21  comprises a “T”-shaped cylindrical fixture having an upper supporting flange and a main vertical diameter suitable for insertion thereinto an interior diameter of the pedestal  25 . Said flange portion of the mounting post  21  provides a plurality of equally-spaced drilled holes therearound, thereby utilizing a normal threaded attachment thereto said control cabinet  20  using corresponding fasteners  22  in an expected manner. Insertion of the mounting post  21  thereinto a top opening of the pedestal  25  provides rotational positioning of the control cabinet  20 , thereby providing an operator  160  an effective selectable viewing angle. The quick-release mechanism  26  provides a means of locking said control cabinet  20  thereinto a desired orientation via a locking pin  27 , corresponding locking apertures  23 , and a release handle  29 . The locking pin  27  provides an inserting round pin which slidingly passes horizontally thereinto a drilled hole in the pedestal  25  and subsequently thereinto a particular locking aperture  23  located therein the mounting post  21 . The locking pin  27  further comprises a retaining spring  28  and an “L”-shaped handle  29 . In use, the handle  29  is manually pulled away from the pedestal  25 , thereby compressing the spring  28  and releasing the locking pin  27  therefrom a respective locking aperture  23 , thereby allowing re-orientation or if lifted in an upward direction, removal thereof the control cabinet  20  therefrom the pedestal  25 . The locking apertures  23  comprise a plurality of equally-spaced drilled holes approximately one (1) inch deep and arranged in a radial manner therearound the mounting post  21 , thereby enabling an operator  160  to select and secure a desired orientation of the control cabinet  20 . 
     Convenient electrical connection and disconnection of the control cabinet  20  therefrom the system  10  is also provided via a first connector  30 , a second connector  31 , and an extension cable  32 . The first connector  30 , a second connector  31 , and an extension cable  32  comprise commercially available electrical components providing a linear molding of multiple conductors and expected matching pairs of male and female plastic end fittings providing a rugged connection and disconnection means, thereby allowing removal of the control cabinet  20  therefrom the system  10 . As previously described, the power cable  35 , transmitter cable  40 , and interconnecting cabling  60  are routed therethrough the pedestal  25 , being attached and combined thereto the first connector  30 . The first connector  30  is mounted along an outer wall portion of the pedestal  25  subjacent thereto the quick-release mechanism  26 . Said first connector  30  provides a penetration means therethrough a wall portion of the pedestal  25 . The first connector  30  provides a female fitting portion along an external surface of the pedestal  25  providing standard electrical attachment thereto a proximal end portion of the extension cable  32 . Said extension cable  32  comprises an approximately eighteen (18) inch long section of multi-conductor cable having mating end fittings providing expected electrical attachment thereto the first  30  and second  31  connectors at proximal and distal end portions, respectively. The second connector  31  provides a standard panel-mount attachment means thereto a bottom surface of the control cabinet  20  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring finally to  FIG. 4 , an electrical block schematic diagram which depicts the electrical components as used in the system  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed. Main power is provided via a battery  120  portion of an electrical system of the multi-passenger vehicle  15 . Said power is then routed through an over current device  125  such as a fuse, whereupon it is be controlled by an ON/OFF switch  95 . Power is then routed via a power cable  35  thereto a microprocessor  130  such as a basic stamp controller, a programmable logic controller, a personal computer, or other similar device capable of executing various commands dependent upon certain inputs. The seat sensors  50  preferably comprise common mechanical-type contact closure devices similar to those utilized in many automobile systems; however, it is understood that other types of mechanical and electronic switches and sensors may be provided such as, but not limited to: transducers, heat sensing, ultrasonic, and the like, while providing equal benefit and function and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the invention  10 . Said sensors  50  provide various “closed” and “open” signals routed therethrough the interconnecting cabling  60  and collected by a signal shaping circuit  135  which take said signals and convert them to a suitable resultant signal that can be used by the microprocessor  130 . Additional input signals are provided therefrom a keyboard  100  to the microprocessor  130 . In a similar manner, output signals are provided from the microprocessor  130  to the electronic display screen  105 . Output signals are also provided from the microprocessor  130  to a light driver circuit  140  which controls the application of power to the array of indicator lights  70 . As noted previously, a number and arrangement of seat sensors  50  would match that of the indicator lights  70  for any one particular multi-passenger vehicle  15 . An output signal is provided from the microprocessor  130  to the acknowledgment indicator light  85 , denial indicator light  90 , and alarm  46  as well. An input signal is provided from the card reader  80  to the microprocessor  130 . Finally, a bi-directional communication path  145  carries electrical signals between the microprocessor  130  and transceiver modem  150 . The external antenna  45  is connected to the transceiver modem  150  by the transmitter cable  40 . In such a manner, the system  10  can be controlled from a remote location and/or data read, thereby verifying that all passengers are properly seated or removed from the multi-passenger vehicle  15 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention is envisioned to be installed therein a multi-passenger vehicle  15  by a skilled automotive electrical technician and can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner following normal operational training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: installing the seat sensors  50  thereto each passenger seat  55 ; routing the interconnecting cabling  60  discreetly within a floor surface and through the pedestal  25 ; anchoring the pedestal  25  thereto a floor portion of the multi-passenger vehicle  15  adjacent thereto the operator  160  using the mounting plate  110  and provided fasteners  22 ; routing and connecting the power cable  35  thereto a suitable power source therewithin the existing electrical system of the multi-passenger vehicle  15 ; connecting the transmitter cable  40  thereto the external antenna  45 ; mounting the control cabinet  20  thereto the pedestal  25  by pulling the handle  29  outwardly; inserting the mounting post  21  thereinto a top opening of said pedestal  25 ; pivoting the control cabinet  20  thereto a desired viewing angle; releasing the handle  29 , thereby engaging the locking pin  27  thereinto an adjacent locking aperture  23 ; connecting the extension cable  32  thereto the first  30  and second  31  connectors; pressing the ON/OFF switch  95  to energize the system  10 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: allowing passengers to enter the multi-passenger vehicle  15  in a normal manner; directing each passenger to insert an electronically readable ID card  82  in the card reader  80 , thereby transferring preprogrammed data including the passenger&#39;s name, address, seat assignment, and other critical information dependent on the specific application of the seat system  10 ; directing each passenger to then progress to an assigned seat  55  and sit down; responding to discrepancies in any child&#39;s location as indicated by the denial light  90  and alarm  46  alerting the bus operator  160  to check a corresponding seat location  55 ; responding also to said denial light  90  and/or alarm  46  should at any time during a trip onboard the multi-passenger vehicle  15 , a passenger gets up from his or her passenger seat  55  and exceeds an allowable time delay; responding also to said denial light  90  and/or alarm  46  such as in the case of a child being skipped over when scheduled to be dropped off; directing each passenger to insert their ID card  82  in the card reader  80  as they exit the multi-passenger vehicle  15 , thereby updating associated passenger status data; and, benefiting from securely monitored occupancy of seated children on school buses or other multi-passenger vehicles  15  using the present invention  10 . 
     Should electronic ID cards  82  not be used, the keyboard  100  and electronic display screen  105  can be used to manually input passenger parameter data. In the case of a school bus, the system  10  serves as a supplemental warning system, in addition to visual verification, should a sleeping child be left behind. As previously described, the system  10  can be monitored remotely through use of the external antenna  45  should it be necessary. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.