PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-12157431-B2
Application Number: US-202318224128-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Connector assembly

Abstract:
A system for securing a restraint system includes a retractor enclosing a spool, a sensor coupled to the spool, and a motor coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool about a spool rotation axis. The system also includes webbing configured to be wound and unwound from around the spool. An automatic locking retractor mode is enabled and disabled to selectively and automatically lock the retractor to prevent rotation of the spool when a predetermined length of the webbing is unwound from the spool.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A system, comprising:
 a retractor configured to be coupled to a vehicle body of a vehicle, the retractor including a spool, a rotation sensor coupled to the spool, and a motor coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool about a spool rotation axis; and 
 a webbing configured to be wound and unwound from around the spool, 
 wherein the motor is configured to selectively activate an auto locking retractor mode and automatically arrest the retractor to prevent rotation of the spool and hold the retractor in place when a predetermined length of the webbing is unwound from the spool to hold the webbing in an extended position, and the motor is configured to selectively reactivate the auto locking retractor mode when a restraint system is secured in the vehicle. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the auto locking retractor mode is configured to be selectively disabled to allow the webbing to be unwound from the spool and activate retraction of the webbing of the spool around the spool rotation axis to wind the webbing around the spool. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a vehicle sensor configured to detect the restraint system, and the auto locking retractor mode is activated when the vehicle sensor detects the restraint system within an interior of the vehicle. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the auto locking retractor mode is disengaged when the vehicle sensor detects the webbing is extended to the predetermined length and secured to the restraint system and the auto locking retractor mode is engaged to initiate retraction of the webbing when the vehicle sensor detects an installation position of the restraint system. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 3 , wherein the vehicle sensor is configured to determine when the restraint system includes a top tether, and when the top tether is included, a safety check is performed to determine if the top tether is correctly installed. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a voice sensor, and the auto locking retractor mode is configured to activate when the voice sensor receives a predetermined voice command. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a user interface, and the auto locking retractor mode is configured to activate when the user interface receives a user command. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the motor is configured to activate to prevent rotation of the spool when the predetermined length of the webbing is unwound from the spool. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the auto locking retractor mode is configured to activate when the rotation sensor determines that the spool has unwound the predetermined length of webbing. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a latch plate attached to an end of the webbing; and 
 a buckle coupled to the vehicle and configured to receive the latch plate, 
 wherein the auto locking retractor mode is configured to deactivate and retraction of the webbing is configured to be initiated when the latch plate is received by the buckle. 
 
     
     
       11. A vehicle, comprising:
 a seat; and 
 a system for securing a restraint system, comprising:
 a retractor including a spool, a rotation sensor coupled to the spool, and a retractor assembly coupled to the spool and configured to control a rotation of the spool about a spool rotation axis; and 
 a seatbelt webbing coupled at one end to the spool and configured to be wound and unwound from around the spool, 
 
 
       wherein the retractor assembly is configured to be selectively disabled to allow extension of the seatbelt webbing to secure the restraint system in the vehicle and selectively enabled to automatically retract the seatbelt webbing to remove slack in the seatbelt webbing and cinch the restraint system to the seat. 
     
     
       12. The vehicle of  claim 11 , further comprising a vehicle sensor configured to detect the restraint system, and an auto locking retractor mode is configured to activate when the vehicle sensor detects the restraint system within an interior of the vehicle. 
     
     
       13. The vehicle of  claim 12 , wherein the auto locking retractor mode is configured to disengage when the vehicle sensor detects the seatbelt webbing is extended to a predetermined length and secured to the restraint system and the auto locking retractor mode is configured to engage to initiate retraction of the seatbelt webbing when the vehicle sensor detects the restraint system is positioned on the seat. 
     
     
       14. The vehicle of  claim 13 , wherein the vehicle sensor is configured to determine when the restraint system includes a top tether based on sensor information, and when the top tether is included, the vehicle sensor is configured to initiate a safety check to determine if the top tether is correctly installed. 
     
     
       15. The vehicle of  claim 12 , further comprising a user interface, and the auto locking retractor mode is configured to activate when the user interface receives a user command. 
     
     
       16. The vehicle of  claim 11 , further comprising a seatbelt buckle coupled to the vehicle and a latch plate attached to an end of the seatbelt webbing, wherein the seatbelt buckle is configured to receive the latch plate and retraction of the seatbelt webbing is configured to initiate when the latch plate is received by the seatbelt buckle. 
     
     
       17. A method for installing a restraint system in a vehicle, comprising:
 determining that installation of the restraint system is underway; 
 responsive to determining that installation of the restraint system is underway, automatically locking a seatbelt webbing of the vehicle in an extended position to allow the seatbelt webbing to engage with and secure the restraint system; and 
 automatically retracting the seatbelt webbing when installation of the restraint system is complete. 
 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein automatically locking the seatbelt webbing in the extended position includes disengaging an auto locking retractor mode of a seatbelt retractor coupled with the seatbelt webbing. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein automatically retracting the seatbelt webbing is initiated when a command is received via a user interface of the vehicle. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , wherein automatically retracting the seatbelt webbing is initiated when a latch plate coupled with the seatbelt webbing is received in a seatbelt buckle coupled with the vehicle. 
     
     
       21. The vehicle of  claim 11 , further comprising a vehicle sensor configured to detect whether the slack in the seatbelt webbing is removed, wherein the vehicle is configured to prevent operation of the vehicle if the vehicle sensor detects that the slack in the seatbelt webbing is not removed. 
     
     
       22. The vehicle of  claim 11 , wherein the retractor assembly is configured to be selectively enabled to automatically retract the seatbelt webbing to remove the slack in the seatbelt webbing and cinch the restraint system to the seat when the seatbelt webbing is routed through the restraint system. 
     
     
       23. The method of  claim 17 , wherein determining that installation of the restraint system is underway includes determining that the restraint system is approaching the vehicle or is located within the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/394,418, filed Aug. 2, 2022, and claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/387,371, filed Dec. 14, 2022, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of connector assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Automatic connector assemblies can be used to secure a restraint system. However, when the automatic connector assembly is engaged, it can be difficult to ensure a sufficient length of webbing to secure the restraint system without inducing the retraction of the automatic connector assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect of the disclosure, according to an implementation, is a system for securing a restraint system in a vehicle. The system includes a retractor configured to be coupled to a vehicle body of a vehicle, the retractor including a spool, a rotation sensor coupled to the spool, and a motor coupled to the spool and configured to rotate the spool about a spool rotation axis. The system also includes a webbing configured to be wound and unwound from around the spool. The motor is configured to selectively activate an auto locking retractor mode and automatically arrest the retractor to prevent rotation of the spool when a predetermined length of the webbing is unwound from the spool, and the motor is configured to selectively reactivate the auto locking retractor mode when a restraint system is secured in the vehicle. 
     In some aspects, the auto locking retractor mode is configured to be selectively disabled to allow the webbing to be unwound from the spool and activate retraction of the webbing of the spool around the spool rotation axis to wind the webbing around the spool. 
     In some aspects, the system further includes a vehicle sensor configured to detect the restraint system, and the auto locking retractor mode is activated when the vehicle sensor detects the restraint system within an interior of the vehicle. 
     In some aspects, the auto locking retractor mode is disengaged when the vehicle sensor detects the webbing is extended to the predetermined length and secured to the restraint system and the auto locking retractor mode is engaged to initiate retraction of the webbing when the vehicle sensor detects an installation position of the restraint system. 
     In some aspects, the vehicle sensor is configured to determine when the restraint system includes a top tether, and when the top tether is included, a safety check is performed to determine if the top tether is correctly installed. 
     In some aspects, the system further includes a voice sensor, and the auto locking retractor mode is configured to activate when the voice sensor receives a predetermined voice command. 
     In some aspects, the system further includes a user interface, and the auto locking retractor mode configured to activate when the user interface receives a user command. 
     In some aspects, the motor is configured to activate to prevent rotation of the spool when the predetermined length of the webbing is unwound from the spool. 
     In some aspects, the auto locking retractor mode is configured to activate when the rotation sensor determines that the spool has unwound a predetermined length of webbing. 
     In some aspects, the system further includes a latch plate attached to an end of the webbing, and a buckle coupled to the vehicle and configured to receive the latch plate. The auto locking retractor mode is configured to deactivate and retraction of the webbing is configured to be initiated when the latch plate is received by the buckle. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure, according to an implementation, is a vehicle. The vehicle includes a seat and a system for securing a restraint system. The system for securing the restraint system includes a retractor including a spool, a rotation sensor coupled to the spool, and a retractor assembly coupled to the spool and configured to control a rotation of the spool about a spool rotation axis. The system for securing the restraint system also includes a seatbelt webbing coupled at one end to the spool and configured to be wound and unwound from around the spool. The retractor assembly is configured to be selectively disabled to allow extension of the seatbelt webbing to secure the restraint system in the vehicle and selectively enabled to automatically retract the seatbelt webbing to cinch the restraint system to the seat. 
     In some aspects, the vehicle further includes a vehicle sensor configured to detect the restraint system, and an auto locking retractor mode is configured to activate when the vehicle sensor detects the restraint system within an interior of the vehicle. 
     In some aspects, the auto locking retractor mode is configured to disengage when the vehicle sensor detects the seatbelt webbing is extended to a predetermined length and secured to the restraint system and the auto locking retractor mode is configured to engage to initiate retraction of the seatbelt webbing when the vehicle sensor detects restraint system is positioned on the seat. 
     In some aspects, the vehicle sensor is configured to determine when the restraint system includes a top tether based on information, and when the top tether is included, the vehicle sensor is configured to initiate a safety check to determine if the top tether is correctly installed. 
     In some aspects, the vehicle further includes a user interface, and the auto locking retractor mode is activated when the user interface receives a user command. 
     In some aspects, the vehicle further includes a seatbelt buckle coupled to the vehicle and a latch plate attached to an end of the seatbelt webbing. The seatbelt buckle is configured to receive the latch plate of the seatbelt and retraction of the seatbelt webbing is configured to initiate when the latch plate is received by the seatbelt buckle. 
     Another aspect of the disclosure, according to an implementation, is a method for installing a restraint system in a vehicle. The method includes determining an installation status of the restraint system, automatically locking a seatbelt webbing of the vehicle in an extended position to allow the seatbelt webbing to engage with and secure the restraint system, and automatically retracting the seatbelt webbing when installation of the restraint system is complete. 
     In some aspects, automatically locking the seatbelt webbing in the extended position includes disengaging an auto locking retractor mode of a seatbelt retractor assembly coupled with the seatbelt webbing. 
     In some aspects, automatically retracting the seatbelt webbing is initiated when a command is received via a user interface of the vehicle. 
     In some aspects, automatically retracting the seatbelt webbing is initiated when a latch plate coupled with the seatbelt webbing is received in a seatbelt buckle coupled with the vehicle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a vehicle including a retractor assembly that includes an auto locking retractor, according to an implementation. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic side view illustration of a restraint system installed with a seatbelt retractor assembly, according to an implementation. 
         FIG.  3    is a schematic rear view illustration of the restraint system installed with the seatbelt retractor assembly of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a schematic illustration of the retractor assembly shown in  FIG.  1   , according to an implementation. 
         FIG.  5    is a flow chart diagram of a method for installed a restraint system in a vehicle, according to an implementation. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure relates to systems and methods to secure a restraint system, such as, for example and without limitation, a child restraint system, a pet restraint system, a cargo restraint system, or an adolescent or adult special needs restraint system in a vehicle. Seatbelts include an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) and are designed to enter an ALR mode (e.g., auto locking retractor mode) to restrain the restraint system within the vehicle. The ALR locks when the continuous motion of spooling the seatbelt from a retractor is stopped. Once the seatbelt is in place and the seatbelt latch plate is inserted into the buckle, the ALR allows the extra seatbelt webbing to retract into the retractor until the webbing is tight around the restraint system and the slack in the seatbelt webbing is removed. To prevent the seatbelt webbing from becoming loose around the restraint system, a bar locks into a spool of the retractor with gears and prevents any further webbing from being released. A limitation of the ALR is that once the webbing is locked in place, more webbing cannot be withdrawn from the retractor. Additionally, a second limitation of the ALR is that a retraction assembly such as a spool spring of the retractor is still active and is constantly trying to spool in or retract the seatbelt webbing. This can inhibit installation of the restraint system if more webbing is needed to secure the restraint system as the installation cannot proceed until the webbing is fully retracted within the retractor and withdrawn again from the retractor. Furthermore, it can be difficult to remove the slack from the webbing once the restraint system is installed in a manner sufficient to rotate a toothed wheel enough to engage the next tooth of the wheel with the locking pawl of the ALR in the retractor to sufficiently secure the restraint system in the vehicle. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a vehicle  100  that includes a seatbelt retractor assembly  110  (e.g., a retractor assembly or seatbelt retractor) that includes an electronically controllable ALR. By electronically controlling activation of the ALR, the installation experience of a restraint system is improved. In various implementations, the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  includes a locking assembly, such as a pawl, that prevents the spool of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  from rotating (e.g., arrest the retractor assembly) when there is a pulling force on a seatbelt webbing  112  (e.g., webbing). In various implementations, one element in the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is a spool which is attached to one end of the seatbelt webbing  112 . A spring applies a torque to rotate the spool to wind up loose portions of the seatbelt webbing  112 . Further details of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  are discussed below. 
     The vehicle  100  includes a vehicle body  102 . The vehicle body  102  can be a vehicle structure to which vehicle components, such as seats, are attached. The vehicle body  102  defines a vehicle interior  103 . A seat  104  is coupled to the vehicle body  102  and is positioned within the vehicle interior  103 . In the illustrated implementation, one seat  104  is shown; however, other implementations may include two, three, four or more seats positioned either forward-facing, rearward-facing, or both, within the vehicle interior  103 . 
     The seat  104  includes a seat base  106  and a seat back  108 . Each of the seat base  106  and the seat back  108  are formed from a rigid structure covered by a compressible material such as foam that is then covered with an outer layer of fabric, leather, or other material. In some implementations, the seat  104  also includes a headrest  109  extending upward from the seat back  108 . 
     A restraint system  114  is illustrated as positioned forward-facing on the seat  104 . The restraint system  114  includes a base portion  116  coupled with a back portion  118 . In some implementations, the restraint system also includes a top tether  119 . The top tether  119  is configured to secure the restraint system  114  to the headrest  109  of the seat  104 . The restraint system  114  is designed to be secured to the seat  104  using, in some implementations, the seatbelt webbing  112  that is wound and unwound from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . The seatbelt webbing  112  passes through one or more openings in the restraint system  114 . While the restraint system  114  is illustrated as forward-facing in the various figures, the methods and systems described can also be used with the restraint system  114  when installed in a rearward-facing configuration. While the restraint system  114  is illustrated as a child seat, the methods and systems described can also be used with a bucket-style or other style of restraint system. 
       FIGS.  2  and  3    illustrate the restraint system  14  as installed on the seat  104 . The restraint system  114  includes an anchor location  115 . In various implementations, the anchor location  115  includes a passage  117  that extends through the back portion  118  of the restraint system  114 . 
     To install the restraint system  114  in the vehicle  100 , the seatbelt webbing  112  is threaded into the anchor location  115  such that the seatbelt webbing  112  extends through the passage  117  from one side of the back portion  118  of the restraint system  114  to the other side of the back portion  118  of the restraint system  114 . To thread the seatbelt webbing  112  through the anchor location  115  from one side of the restraint system  114  to the opposite side requires the seatbelt webbing  112  to be slack, that is, without tension applied by the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . During installation, there may be insufficient length or slack in the seatbelt webbing  112  to extend fully through the passage  117  in the restraint system  114  such that the seatbelt webbing  112  can be snapped into the buckle to secure the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 . This lack of slack or length may require a full release and retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  to release the hold on the seatbelt webbing  112  by the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . It may be difficult to achieve the needed amount of slack and length of seatbelt webbing  112  without triggering the hold feature of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  includes a spool  130  and a retractor assembly  131  connected to the spool  130 . The spool  130  is attached to one end of the seatbelt webbing  112 . The retractor assembly  131  includes, in some implementations, a spring that applies a rotation force or torque to the spool  130  that rotates the spool  130  to wind up loose seatbelt portions of the seatbelt webbing  112 . The retractor assembly  131  also includes a locking assembly, such as a pawl, to stop the spool  130  from rotation and hold or restrain the seatbelt webbing  112 . The spool  130  can be locked from rotation and the lock can be triggered by both vehicle movement and movement of the seatbelt webbing  112 . The retractor assembly  131  includes, in various implementations, a pretensioner. The pretensioner tightens up slack in the seatbelt webbing  112  and generally acts when the vehicle experiences a sudden deceleration. In various implementations, the retractor assembly  131  includes a pre-pretensioner  133  that is an electric, reversible pretensioner that is active throughout use of the vehicle  100 , not just during a deceleration event. The pre-pretensioner  133  is, in some implementations, a motor coupled to the spool  130  that applies a force to the seatbelt webbing  112  to remove slack from the seatbelt webbing  112  during installation of the restraint system  114 . In various implementations, the retractor assembly  131  includes any method to prevent the spool  130  from retracting the seatbelt webbing  112 . In various implementations, the retractor assembly  131  includes any method to arrest rotation or movement of the spool  130  to hold the retractor assembly  131  when a predetermined length of the seatbelt webbing  112  is unwound from the spool  130 . 
     The seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is in electronic communication with a controller  120 . The controller  120  is configured to receive data from at least one vehicle sensor, such as a vehicle sensor  122  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) to determine when to initiate an ALR mode to control locking of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 , and when to shut-off or override the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to control unlocking and retraction of a spool of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . In various implementations, the ALR mode is activated when the seatbelt webbing  112  associated with a seat  104  is fully pulled out. In other implementations, the ALR mode is only activated once the seatbelt webbing  112  is pulled out. In some implementations, the ALR mode is activated only when the seatbelt webbing  112  is first pulled out and is not activated in subsequent pulls or tugs on the seatbelt webbing  112 . In various implementations, the vehicle sensor  122  is used to detect the presence of the restraint system  114 , the orientation of the restraint system  114  (i.e., forward-facing or rearward-facing), the type of restraint system  114  (i.e., if special installation instructions apply, such the restraint system  114  includes the top tether  119 , attachment of the top tether  119 , etc.), and an installation status of the restraint system  114  (i.e., whether the seatbelt webbing is tightened, the top tether  119  is tightened or slack, etc.). 
     In some implementations, an ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is activated manually. In various implementations, the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  includes a mechanical system  121 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . The mechanical system  121  is similar to mechanical systems used to recline rear seats in a vehicle and is used to engage a pall or similar feature within the retractor assembly  131 , such as a cable system. The mechanical system  121  includes a lever or button actuation that, when manipulated, is configured to hold or lock the seatbelt webbing  112  when the seatbelt webbing  112  is nearly or fully pulled out from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . Once the installation of the restraint system  114  is complete (e.g., the seatbelt webbing  112  has been wound through the restraint system  114  as shown in  FIG.  3   ), the retractor assembly  131  of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is allowed to function (e.g., retract the seatbelt webbing  112  and hold or lock the seatbelt webbing  112  in case of sudden deceleration or acceleration of the vehicle). Function of the retractor assembly  131  of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is triggered in this implementation by pulling an additional amount of seatbelt webbing  112  from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  or by manipulating a button or lever arm on the mechanical system  121  to retract the activated pall and allow the ALR mode to engage to enable cinching the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 . 
     The mechanical system  121  includes a sensor, in some implementations. The sensor may be in electronic communication with the controller  120  such that the controller  120  is configured to determine when the retractor assembly  131  of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  has not been returned to normal operation mode, that is, slack has been removed from the seatbelt webbing  112 . When the controller  120  determines that the slack has not been removed from the seatbelt webbing  112  either due to a missed cinching operation or some other circumstance, the controller  120  can prevent operation of the vehicle until the slack in the seatbelt webbing  112  has been removed and operation of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  has returned to normal. 
     In some implementations, manual activation of an ALR mode is initiated by manipulation of a user interface associated with the mechanical system  121 . The seatbelt webbing  112  is extracted from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  and the locking feature, such as a pall, of the mechanical system  121  will hold the seatbelt webbing at its fully extracted or nearly fully extracted state. Once the restraint system  114  has been installed by threading the seatbelt webbing  112  through the restraint system  114  as shown in  FIG.  3   , for example, the seatbelt webbing  112  is allowed to retract and cinch the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 . The retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  is initiated by manual manipulation of the mechanical system  121  or by extracting any remaining seatbelt webbing  112  from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . The seatbelt webbing  112  retracts and the cinching feature, discussed herein, is initiated to securely cinch the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 . The ALR mode can be deactivated by unbuckling the seatbelt webbing  112  and allowing the seatbelt webbing  112  to retract within the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . In various implementations, the ALR mode can be selectively activated or deactivated to prevent undesired retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  during installation of the restraint system  114 , as discussed in various implementations herein. 
     In some implementations, an enhanced ALR mode can be activated by enabling the mechanical system  121 . The mechanical system  121  includes, in some implementations, a webbing clamp or spool block. Manual activation of the mechanical system  121  using a user interface such as a button, lever, or activation of an electronic solenoid can lock out or arrest retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  to allow for easier installation of the restraint system  114 . In various implementations, the controller  120  is configured to monitor the status of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 , that is, whether the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is in a lock out mode in which the seatbelt webbing  112  has slack to allow for installation of the restraint system  114 . When the vehicle is in motion, for example, the controller  120  is configured to disable attempts to lock out the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  and, in some implementations, can generate a haptic, visual, auditory, or other notification such as a nuisance tone or error warning. 
     In various implementations, the controller  120  initiates a safety check or monitor to determine if a top tether  119  is included as part of the restraint system  114 . The safety check can include an inspection of the vehicle interior by the vehicle sensor  122 , such as a visible light camera or an infrared camera, to visualize when the top tether  119  is included as part of the restraint system  114 . In various implementations, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the top tether  119  includes an infrared (IR) thread, reflective member, or coating integrated into or embedded into the top tether  119  to observe the position of the top tether  119  more easily. In some implementations, the safety check can include receipt by the controller  120  of information regarding the configuration of the restraint system  114 , via the vehicle sensor  122  and/or a user input via a user interface. The controller  120  can determine whether the top tether  119  is installed and/or tightened correctly, via data provided by the vehicle sensor  122  and/or via a notification generated by the controller  120 . In various implementations, the vehicle sensor  122  can include at least one infrared or visible light sensor such as cameras that observe the vehicle interior  103 . In other implementations, the vehicle sensor  122  includes pressure sensors or other sensing technologies that detect a weight positioned on the seat  104 . In some implementations, the vehicle sensor  122  includes a noise, audio, or voice sensor. In other implementations, the vehicle sensor  122  includes various sensing technologies that can identify the restraint system  114  including, for example, the type of restraint system, installation details, etc. In various implementations, the vehicle sensor  122  includes an RFID detector to detect an RFID chip installed on the restraint system  114 , and use information obtained from the RFID chip to identify the restraint system  114 . In various implementations, the vehicle sensor  122  includes a radar sensor to detect a radar cross sectional area identification provided by a unique reflector positioned on the restraint system  114 . 
     The vehicle  100  also includes, in some implementations, a user interface  123  (shown in  FIG.  1   ). The user interface  123  can be a tablet or other input device coupled to the vehicle body  102  and in electronic communication with the controller  120 . In some implementations, the user interface  123  is a user device, such as a phone or tablet, which is separate from the vehicle  100  but is in electronic communication with the controller  120 . The user interface  123  receives user commands or instructions, such as an instruction to install the restraint system  114 , which can trigger one or more actions of the electronically controlled seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  4   , which is a schematic illustration of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  shown in  FIG.  1   , details of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  are shown. The seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is configured to be coupled to the vehicle  100 . As an example, the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  may be coupled to the vehicle body  102 , either directly or indirectly through an intervening structure. The seatbelt retractor assembly  110  includes a housing  111  that encloses the spool  130  and the retractor assembly  131 . The spool  130  includes an exterior surface  132  around which the seatbelt webbing  112  is wound and unwound. The seatbelt webbing  112  is coupled at one end to the spool  130 . The spool  130  is configured to rotate about a spool rotation axis  134 . As discussed herein, the retractor assembly  131  includes a locking assembly (such as a pawl) to prevent rotation of the spool, a pretensioner to prevent rotation of the spool  130  during a deceleration event of the vehicle  100 , and a pre-pretensioner  133  to apply a force to the seatbelt webbing  112  to remove slack during installation of the restraint system  114 . In various implementations, the pre-pretensioner  133  is a motor coupled to the spool  130  that applies a force to rotate the spool  130  to remove slack from the seatbelt webbing  112  upon receipt of information from the controller  120  and the vehicle sensor  122  that indicates the installation of the restraint system  114  in the vehicle  100 . 
     A rotation sensor  136 , such as a Hall effect sensor or spool encoder, is a sensor positioned adjacent to or coupled to the spool  130 . In various implementations, the rotation sensor  136  is configured to determine a rotational position of the spool  130 . In some implementations, the rotation sensor  136  is configured to detect an element coupled to the seatbelt webbing  112  to determine an amount of seatbelt webbing  112  that has been released or paid out from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . In some implementations, the rotation sensor  136  is configured to count the number of times that a magnet coupled to the spool  130  passes the rotation sensor  136  to count the number of rotations of the spool  130  which may be used to determine an amount of seatbelt webbing  112  that has been released or paid out from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . In various implementations, the rotation sensor  136  may be mounted on components of the spool  130 . In some implementations, the rotation sensor  136  is mounted to any component of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to track the rotating elements, such as the spool  130  of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . The mounting position of the rotation sensor  136  will determine whether any gear ratio changes are accounted for to track the total length of the seatbelt webbing  112 . The rotation sensor  136  is in electronic communication with the controller  120  and provides information related to the rotational position of the spool  130 . The controller  120  can determine an amount of seatbelt webbing  112  that has been released or paid out from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  based on information from the rotation sensor  136  and determine when to activate an ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . The decision of when to activate the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  may be based on when a predetermined length of seatbelt webbing  112  has been unwound from the spool  130 , for example. Activation of the ALR mode enables retraction and locking the seatbelt webbing  112  in response to a force, such as a vehicle deceleration, or pulling on the seatbelt webbing  112 . 
     The seatbelt retractor assembly  110  also includes a motor  138  in electronic communication with the controller  120 . In various implementations, the motor  138  is an electric motor. The motor  138  is used to hold a rotational position of the spool  130  or to induce rotation of the spool  130 , depending on whether the controller  120  determines that an ALR mode is active such that the ALR holds or locks the seatbelt webbing  112  at a predetermined length or shuts-off, overrides, or disables the ALR mode when the controller  120  determines that slack needs to be taken out of the seatbelt webbing  112 , etc., for example and without limitation. In various implementations, the rotation sensor  136  is mounted on the motor  138  or a gearbox (not shown) of the motor  138 . 
     A latch plate body  124  couples a latch plate  126  to the seatbelt webbing  112 . The latch plate  126  is received and retained by a seatbelt buckle assembly  128 . The seatbelt buckle assembly  128  is coupled to the vehicle body  102 , such as directly or by additional webbing (not shown). When installed, the restraint system  114  is retained between the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  and the seatbelt buckle assembly  128  by the seatbelt webbing  112 . In various implementations, an ALR mode or ALR features such as locking the seatbelt webbing  112  is deactivated and retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  is initiated when the latch plate  126  is received by the seatbelt buckle assembly  128 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  4   , the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  also includes an electronic lock  139 . The electronic lock  139  is an electronically activated clutch or locking assembly that allows selective extension and retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  due to controlled rotation of the spool  130 . In various implementations, the electronic lock  139  also includes locking components such as a clutch, a gear, a pawl, etc. that engage upon receipt of an electronic signal to restrict rotation of the spool  130 . While the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is shown as having both the motor  138  and the electronic lock  139 , some implementations of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  may include either the motor  138  or the electronic lock  139 . 
     To improve the installation experience of the restraint system  114 , the controller  120  is configured to selectively activate and deactivate the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . Once the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is activated, the installer does not need to specify the seat  104  to which the restraint system  114  is to be attached as the rotation sensor  136  of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  of all seats (not shown) in a given vehicle  100  are monitored by the controller  120  to determine which seatbelt retractor assembly  110  has a predetermined length of seatbelt webbing  112  extended, released, or paid out. Once the spool  130  has reached a terminal rotation position for the seat  104 , that is, the maximum amount of seatbelt webbing  112  has been unwound from the spool  130 , the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  can disable ALR features such as locking the seatbelt webbing  112  in an extended position. Alternatively, the controller  120  can disable, shut-off, deactivate, or override the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to allow the seatbelt webbing  112  to be extended and locked in an extended position to enable the seatbelt webbing  112  to be easily coupled with the restraint system  114 . To enable easier installation of the restraint system  114 , the controller  120  is configured to selectively deactivate ALR features or an ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  and automatically lock the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to prevent rotation of the spool  130  when a predetermined length of the seatbelt webbing  112  is unwound from the spool  130 . The controller  120  is also configured to selectively reactivate the ALR mode or ALR features of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  when the restraint system  114  is secured in the vehicle  100 . The controller  120  can control the retractor assembly  131  to actively cinch or automatically retract the seatbelt webbing  112  to secure the restraint system  114  when instructed to do so by a user command or via information received from the vehicle sensor  122 . 
     The ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  can also be activated automatically if the vehicle sensor  122 , such as an IR or RGB camera or interior radar sensor, detects that a restraint system  114  is being carried or lifted into the vehicle interior  103 . In other implementations, the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  can be activated by a predetermined voice command received by the vehicle sensor  122  or a touch- or gesture-based input into the user interface  123 . The predetermined voice command could include a command to install a car seat or may specify a specific seat to which the car seat is to be installed (i.e., right rear seat, rear middle seat, etc.). In various other implementations, the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  can be activated by an installation command or user command received by a vehicle user interface, such as the user interface  123  which may be a touchscreen installed in the vehicle interior  103  or a phone, tablet, or other connected device in electronic communication with the controller  120 . In still other implementations, the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  can be activated by occupant detection and classification performed by the vehicle sensor  122  and the controller  120  to determine which seat  104  of the vehicle  100  is intended for installation of the restraint system  114 . 
     In various implementations, the ALR mode can be suspended such that the spool  130  of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  can be automatically locked when the seatbelt webbing  112  is in a fully extended position. In the fully extended position, the seatbelt webbing  112  has slack to enable threading the seatbelt webbing  112  through or around the restraint system  114  as directed to properly secure the restraint system  114  to the seat  104  of the vehicle  100 . The spool  130  can be automatically locked, or prevented from rotating, by engaging the motor  138  to hold the spool  130  in a fixed rotational position. In other implementations, the spool  130  can be automatically locked by activating the electronic lock  139  or by any other mechanical locking assembly. Locking the spool  130  with a predetermined length of seatbelt webbing  112  locked out or extended from the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  or seatbelt retractor assembly  210  allows the installer to more easily fish or direct the seatbelt webbing  112  through the passage  117  of the restraint system  114  without having to constantly attempt to keep the seatbelt webbing  112  from retracting back into the spool  130  and risking having to restart the installation process. 
     Once the seatbelt webbing  112  has been properly routed around and/or through the restraint system  114 , the controller  120  disengages, disables, shuts-off, or overrides the seatbelt webbing  112  lockout feature of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  such that the seatbelt webbing  112  can be released and allowed to retract or wind around the spool  130  within the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . The release of the hold on the seatbelt webbing  112  can be initiated by a voice or user interface command received by the vehicle sensor  122  or the user interface  123 . In some implementations, the release of the hold on the seatbelt webbing  112  can be initiated when the latch plate  126  is received within the seatbelt buckle assembly  128 . In various implementations, the seatbelt buckle assembly  128  includes a sensor, such as the vehicle sensor  122 , that detects when the latch plate  126  engages with the seatbelt buckle assembly  128 . Further confirmation that the hold on the seatbelt webbing  112  is to be released and the slack in the seatbelt webbing  112  is to be taken up can be provided by a voice or user interface command or by visual confirmation provided by a camera positioned in the vehicle interior  103 . The release of the hold on the seatbelt webbing  112  enables reactivation of the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . 
     For some restraint system  114  installations, inserting the latch plate  126  into the seatbelt buckle assembly  128  may be one step of the installation process. Thus, in some implementations, a series of buckle/unbuckle/buckle events are monitored by the controller  120  and if a predetermined sequence of buckle and unbuckle events occurs within a predetermined period, the controller  120  can then activate the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to retract the seatbelt webbing  112 . Alternatively, if an expected series of buckle and unbuckle events does not occur or does not occur within a predetermined period, the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  can indefinitely hold or lock the seatbelt webbing  112  until instructions to release or retract the seatbelt webbing  112  are received by the controller  120 . 
     If a small amount of the seatbelt webbing  112  is left wound around the spool  130  (for example, approximately 50-100 mm), and the rotational position of the spool  130  is being held by the motor  138 , an additional tug or pull on the seatbelt webbing  112  during installation will overcome the motor torque holding the spool  130  and release the remaining seatbelt webbing  112 . This action of releasing an additional portion of the seatbelt webbing  112  is registered by the rotation sensor  136 . The data from the rotation sensor  136  is received by the controller  120  which can then initiate retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  and tightening, cinching, or snugging of the seatbelt webbing  112  around or through the restraint system  114 . 
     Additionally, in some implementations, the additional tug or pull on the seatbelt webbing  112  to release the additional portion of the seatbelt webbing  112  can indicate to the controller  120 , via data received from the rotation sensor  136 , that retraction and tightening of the seatbelt webbing  112  is still needed as part of the installation of the restraint system  114 . This indication for additional retraction, received as data from the rotation sensor  136 , for example, can indicate to the controller  120  to initiate an additional automatic cinching or retracting mode of operation of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . 
     Once the seatbelt webbing  112  is successfully routed through the restraint system  114  as shown in  FIG.  2   , to complete installation, the slack must be removed from the seatbelt webbing  112 . Due to the soft and pliable nature of the seat base  106  and the seat back  108  due to a foam construction, for example, it can be difficult for the installer to remove enough slack to properly secure the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 . The pre-pretensioner  133  of the retractor assembly  131  can apply a belt force to remove the slack from the seatbelt webbing  112  and cinch the restraint system  114  tightly through the foam or other pliable material of the seat  104 . This allows the restraint system  114  to be tightly secured to the seat  104  without requiring strength and effort from the installer to manually cinch or tighten the seatbelt webbing  112 . 
     In some implementations, the controller  120 , in combination with the vehicle sensor  122 , can identify the type and/or manufacturer of the restraint system  114 . The vehicle sensor  122  can identify the manufacturer of the restraint system  114  from observation or scanning of a QR code, visual inspection and comparison with a database of matching images, machine learning, a two-dimensional barcode visible in infrared or visible light, scanning an RFID tag, user selection of the manufacturer by a tactile or verbal user interface, via an electrical connection to the vehicle (if the restraint system  114  is electrically connected to the vehicle), or other identification methods. The identification of the type and/or manufacturer of the restraint system  114  can inform the controller  120  of the amount of tension (e.g., a pretensioning recommendation related to the restraint system  114 ) to apply to the seatbelt webbing  112  to properly cinch and tighten the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 . Based on the manufacturer recommendation, the controller  120  can generate the necessary control signal to control retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  by the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . For example, one manufacturer may recommend applying 450 N of pretensioning force for 2500 ms to correctly install the restraint system  114 . The controller  120  would generate a control signal to the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to apply the directed pretensioning force for the specified duration to correctly install the identified restraint system  114 . 
     For installations of the restraint system  114  in which the manufacturer or type of restraint system  114  cannot be identified, the controller  120  generates a control signal to direct the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to apply a predetermined amount of cinching or pretensioning force for a predetermined duration. 
     In various implementations, the rotation sensor  136 , in combination with the controller  120 , can act as a safety monitor. If activation of retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  has not been initiated, a visual, auditory, haptic, or other notification can be provided to indicate that the installation of the restraint system  114  is not complete until retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  has been initiated or performed. In various implementations, the controller  120  can initiate automatic retraction or cinching of the seatbelt webbing  112  upon receipt of data indicating that slack remains in the seatbelt webbing  112  during an identified installation of the restraint system  114 . 
     In various implementations, the motor  138  of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  can apply a force to rotate the spool  130  to remove slack from the seatbelt webbing  112  as a smart cinching or retraction feature initiated by the controller  120 . In various implementations, the pre-pretensioning force applied by the motor  138  can be approximately 800 N. The motor  138  can apply this force to the seatbelt webbing  112  when directed by the controller  120  to cinch or tighten the seatbelt webbing  112  to secure the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 . In various implementations, the pre-pretensioning force can be used to pull the restraint system  114  into the comfort foam or other soft covering of the seat  104 . If the full pre-pretensioning force is not needed to remove the slack in the seatbelt webbing  112  or to tightly secure the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 , the controller  120  can direct a varied force be applied based on a current vs. time profile. In some implementations, the pre-pretensioning force applied by the motor  138  is based on the recommended cinching force specified by the manufacturer of the restraint system  114 . 
     The vehicle sensor  122  can be used to verify a correct installation of the restraint system  114 . For example, cameras positioned within the vehicle interior  103  can capture images of the restraint system  114  such that the controller  120  can determine whether there is any remaining slack in the seatbelt webbing  112  or if a top tether of the restraint system  114  is installed and tightened. In various implementations, the controller  120  can generate a notification or reminder that the installation is not complete (or, in other implementations, that the installation is complete). The notification or reminder may be auditory, visual, or haptic or some other type of notification. 
       FIG.  5    is a flow diagram of a method  300  for installing a restraint system in a vehicle, such as the restraint system  114  shown secured in the vehicle  100 , as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The method  300  can be performed by the controller  120  and seatbelt retractor assembly  110  of the vehicle  100 . It is understood that the steps of the method  300  may be performed in another order rather than the order shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     The method  300  starts with determining an installation status of the restraint system  114 , at block  302 . The installation status may be determined by assessing if the restraint system  114  is approaching the vehicle  100  or is within the vehicle interior  103  using the vehicle sensor  122 . 
     Next, as shown in block  304 , an installation position of the restraint system  114  is determined. A sensor such as the vehicle sensor  122 , can determine on which seat  104  of the vehicle  100  the restraint system  114  is to be coupled. A vehicle sensor  122  such as weight sensors and cameras, and seatbelt webbing positions sensors such as the rotation sensor  136 , for example and without limitation, can provide this data to the controller  120 . 
     Once the installation position is determined, at block  306  the controller  120  can selectively engage or disengage the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 , as discussed herein. In some implementations, the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is selectively deactivated and activated automatically based on, for example, data from the vehicle sensor  122 . Deactivation of the ALR mode includes automatic detection of the seat  104  to which the restraint system  114  is being installed and subsequent reactivation of the ALR mode occurs when installation of the restraint system  114  is complete. Deactivation of the ALR mode can occur when the vehicle sensor  122 , such as IR or RGB cameras, detect the restraint system  114  is being carried into the vehicle  100 . Additionally, the ALR mode can be deactivated by receipt of a voice command, or by interaction with a user interface  123 . Automatic retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  can be overridden or disabled temporarily during installation of the restraint system  114  to enable the installer to thread the seatbelt webbing  112  around and through the restraint system  114  with sufficient slack. In some implementations, the seatbelt webbing  112  is extracted and the motion or extension of the seatbelt webbing  112  is arrested before activating the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110 . This allows for extension of the seatbelt webbing  112  to a desired length, including any desired slack, to make it easier to route the seatbelt webbing  112  through and around the restraint system  114  before activating the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to retract the slack from the seatbelt webbing  112 . In some implementations, the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  is activated and remains activated during installation of the restraint system  114  but a reaction rotation of the spool  130  is arrested to prevent retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112 . 
     The controller  120  can control the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to automatically lock the seatbelt webbing  112  in an extended position, as shown in block  308 , during installation of the restraint system  114 . The “smart locking” feature improves installation of the restraint system  114  by allowing the installer sufficient slack in the seatbelt webbing  112  to correctly install the restraint system  114  to the seat  104 . Automatically locking the seatbelt webbing  112  in an extended position allows for easier routing of the seatbelt webbing  112  through and around the restraint system  114  without having to constantly tug on the seatbelt webbing  112  or release and re-extend the seatbelt webbing  112 . 
     As part of a “smart cinching” feature, the controller  120  controls the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  to automatically tighten or retract the seatbelt webbing  112  when the installation of the restraint system  114  is complete, as shown at block  310 . The controller  120  can use data from the vehicle sensor  122  to determine when the installation of the restraint system  114  is complete, such as image data, pressure, or weight data from the vehicle sensor  122  that indicate the latch plate  126  is engaged with the seatbelt buckle assembly  128  or that the restraint system  114  is positioned on the seat  104 . A completed installation of the restraint system  114  can also be indicated from data from the rotation sensor  136  such as a force applied to the seatbelt webbing  112 , etc., for example and without limitation. In some implementations, the controller  120  can use data from the vehicle sensor  122  to identify the type of restraint system  114  and using the identification information, can retract the seatbelt webbing  112  to apply a manufacturer&#39;s suggested force or pre-load to the restraint system  114 . In some implementations, the data indicating the type of restraint system  114  can be used to remove an amount of movement of the restraint system  114  due to seat foam cushioning compression of the restraint system  114  without placing undue stress on the restraint system  114 . 
     The controller  120  also engages or reengages the ALR mode of the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  when the seatbelt webbing  112  has been positioned around and through the restraint system  114  during the installation process, as shown at block  312 . Engagement of the ALR mode and further retraction of the seatbelt webbing  112  can be enabled by a voice or user interface command or when the latch plate  126  is received and retained by the seatbelt buckle assembly  128 . Engagement of the ALR mode is performed when the restraint system  114  has been successfully installed in the vehicle  100  such that the seatbelt retractor assembly  110  locks the spool  130  during a vehicle deceleration. 
     The vehicle sensor  122  can provide confirmation of the installation of the restraint system  114  as shown at block  314 . The confirmation can be accompanied by a notification generated by the controller  120 . The notification can be a visual, auditory, or other notification that confirms a successful installation or provides instruction of further installation steps, such as attachment or tightening of the top tether  119  of the restraint system  114 , for example. 
     As described above, one aspect of the present technology is the gathering and use of data available from various sources for use during installation of a restraint system. As an example, such data may identify the user and include user-specific settings or preferences. The present disclosure contemplates that in some instances, this gathered data may include personal information data that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate a specific person. Such personal information data can include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, twitter ID&#39;s, home addresses, data or records relating to a user&#39;s health or level of fitness (e.g., vital signs measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information. 
     The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data, in the present technology, can be used to the benefit of users. For example, a user profile may be established that stores preference of device-type related information that allows installation of a restraint system according to user and manufacturer preferences. Accordingly, use of such personal information data enhances the user&#39;s experience. 
     The present disclosure contemplates that the entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer, storage, or other use of such personal information data will comply with well-established privacy policies and/or privacy practices. In particular, such entities should implement and consistently use privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining personal information data private and secure. Such policies should be easily accessible by users, and should be updated as the collection and/or use of data changes. Personal information from users should be collected for legitimate and reasonable uses of the entity and not shared or sold outside of those legitimate uses. Further, such collection/sharing should occur after receiving the informed consent of the users. Additionally, such entities should consider taking any needed steps for safeguarding and securing access to such personal information data and ensuring that others with access to the personal information data adhere to their privacy policies and procedures. Further, such entities can subject themselves to evaluation by third parties to certify their adherence to widely accepted privacy policies and practices. In addition, policies and practices should be adapted for the particular types of personal information data being collected and/or accessed and adapted to applicable laws and standards, including jurisdiction-specific considerations. For instance, in the US, collection of or access to certain health data may be governed by federal and/or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); whereas health data in other countries may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Hence different privacy practices should be maintained for different personal data types in each country. 
     Despite the foregoing, the present disclosure also contemplates implementations in which users selectively block the use of, or access to, personal information data. That is, the present disclosure contemplates that hardware and/or software elements can be provided to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, in the case of storing a user profile for installing the restraint system, the present technology can be configured to allow users to select to “opt in” or “opt out” of participation in the collection of personal information data during registration for services or anytime thereafter. In another example, users can select not to provide data regarding usage of specific applications. In yet another example, users can select to limit the length of time that application usage data is maintained or entirely prohibit the development of an application usage profile. In addition to providing “opt in” and “opt out” options, the present disclosure contemplates providing notifications relating to the access or use of personal information. For instance, a user may be notified upon downloading an app that their personal information data will be accessed and then reminded again just before personal information data is accessed by the app. 
     Moreover, it is the intent of the present disclosure that personal information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize risks of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Risk can be minimized by limiting the collection of data and deleting data once it is no longer needed. In addition, and when applicable, including in certain health related applications, data de-identification can be used to protect a user&#39;s privacy. De-identification may be facilitated, when appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of data stored (e.g., collecting location data at a city level rather than at an address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data across users), and/or other methods. 
     Therefore, although the present disclosure broadly covers use of personal information data to implement one or more various disclosed implementations, the present disclosure also contemplates that the various implementations can also be implemented without the need for accessing such personal information data. That is, the various implementations of the present technology are not rendered inoperable due to the lack of all or a portion of such personal information data. For example, preference information may be determined each time the restraint system is installed, such as by obtaining needed information in real time from vehicle sensors, and without subsequently storing the information or associating with the particular user.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20230720
Publication Date: 20241203
Grant Date: 20241203
Priority Date: 20220802
Inventors: DENNIS, NATHANIEL J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "B60R2022/4833", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2022/029", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/48", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/105", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/48", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2022/4825", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/343", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/343", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2022/4833", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R2022/029", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/48", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/02", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "B60R22/343", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 87554198