阅读说明：本技术 后方乘员警告系统 (Rear passenger warning system ) 是由 马哈茂德·阿卜杜勒哈米德 M·优素福 桑亚(S·D)·本特利 N·林德勒 S·巴尔巴特 于 2021-04-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了“后方乘员警告系统”。车辆后方乘员警告系统提供与后座椅的占用相对应的警告。所述系统包括门位置传感器、点火传感器和警告系统。此外,所述警告系统包括处理器和存储器。所述门位置传感器确定处于半开位置与关闭位置之间的后门状态。所述点火传感器确定处于接通状态与断开状态之间的点火状态。所述警告系统与所述传感器耦合。如果后门从半开位置转变为关闭位置并且点火从断开状态转变为接通状态,则所述处理器将所述警告系统的状态调整为保持戒备。当所述点火转变为断开状态时,所述警告系统通知和警告驾驶员检查所述后座椅。在所述点火在预定义时间内从断开状态转变为接通状态之后,所述处理器使所述警告系统重新保持戒备。(The present disclosure provides a "rear occupant warning system". The vehicle rear occupant warning system provides a warning corresponding to occupancy of the rear seat. The system includes a door position sensor, an ignition sensor, and a warning system. Further, the warning system includes a processor and a memory. The door position sensor determines a state of the rear door between a semi-open position and a closed position. The ignition sensor determines an ignition state between an on state and an off state. The warning system is coupled to the sensor. The processor adjusts the state of the warning system to remain armed if the rear door transitions from the ajar position to the closed position and the ignition transitions from the off state to the on state. The warning system notifies and warns a driver to check the rear seat when the ignition is turned to an off state. After the ignition transitions from an off state to an on state within a predefined time, the processor causes the warning system to remain armed again.)

1. A vehicle rear occupant warning system, comprising:

a door position sensor operably coupled with at least one rear door of a vehicle, wherein the door position sensor is operable to determine a rear door state between a ajar position and a closed position;

an ignition sensor operatively coupled with the vehicle, wherein the ignition sensor is operable to determine an ignition state between an on state and an off state;

a warning system operatively coupled with the door position sensor and the ignition sensor, the warning system comprising one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

receiving a signal from the door position sensor that the rear door state of the at least one rear door changes from the half-open position to the closed position;

receiving a signal from the ignition sensor indicating that the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predefined time of the at least one rear door state changing to the closed position;

adjusting the alert system state to stay armed;

receiving a signal from the ignition sensor indicating a change in the ignition state from the on state to the off state; and

generating a rear occupant warning, thereby adjusting the warning system state to disarmed, wherein the warning system state is adjusted to stay armed if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period of time and the rear door state remains in the closed position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the warning system is operable to transition to a deactivated state.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the warning system is automatically reactivated after a pre-fixed time or a pre-fixed mileage traveled.

4. The system of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising a seat sensor coupled with a rear seat, the seat sensor operable to determine a presence of a rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat, and the non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, further cause the processor to: receiving a signal from the seat sensor indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant.

5. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the warning system further comprises a display, and the processor is operable to display the warning on the display.

6. The system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the warning is an audible warning and a visual warning.

7. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to:

receiving a signal from a door position sensor that a rear door state of at least one rear door is changed from a half-open position to a closed position;

receiving a signal from an ignition sensor indicating that an ignition state changes from an off state to an on state within a predefined time of the at least one rear door state changing to the closed position;

adjusting the alert system state to stay armed;

receiving a signal from the ignition sensor indicating a change in the ignition state from the on state to the off state; and

generating a rear occupant warning, thereby adjusting the warning system state to disarmed, wherein the warning system state is adjusted to stay armed if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period of time and the rear door state remains in the closed position.

8. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 7, wherein the warning system state is operable to transition to a deactivated state.

9. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 7, wherein the warning system state is automatically reactivated after a pre-fixed time or after a pre-fixed mileage traveled.

10. The non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of claims 7-9, further comprising receiving a signal indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant from a seat sensor operable to determine the presence of the rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat.

11. The non-transitory computer readable medium of any one of claims 7-9, further comprising displaying the alert on a display.

12. A method of detecting a rear occupant, the method comprising:

receiving a signal from a door position sensor that a rear door state of at least one rear door is changed from an open position to a closed position;

receiving a signal from an ignition sensor indicating that an ignition state changes from an off state to an on state within a predefined time of the at least one rear door state changing to the closed position;

adjusting the alert system state to stay armed;

receiving a signal from the ignition sensor indicating a change in the ignition state from the on state to the off state; and

generating a rear occupant warning, thereby adjusting the warning system state to disarmed, wherein the warning system state is adjusted to stay armed if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period of time and the rear door state remains in the closed position.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the warning system is operable to transition to a deactivated state, and wherein the warning system is automatically reactivated after a pre-fixed time.

14. A method as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising receiving a signal indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant from a seat sensor operable to determine the presence of a rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat.

15. The method of claim 12 or claim 13, further comprising displaying the warning on a display.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle rear occupant warning systems.

Background

There are several vehicle related non-traffic events that may cause health and safety issues for children. One such event is leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, particularly during hot or cold days. Even a careful adult may have a child sitting in the rear seat of the vehicle while working or stopping to do something else. Adults may leave children in the vehicle and may not return to the vehicle as quickly as expected due to delays and forgetfulness. In other situations, such as when an adult is in a hurry, the guardian may forget the child completely in the vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle rear occupant warning system. The present disclosure addresses the need to capture multiple scenarios to keep an occupant warning system behind a vehicle armed. The present disclosure also provides an automatic notification to the new owner of the vehicle of awareness of features related to rear occupant warning, and provides the option of enabling or disabling the vehicle rear occupant warning system. The present disclosure discloses a method for providing a warning corresponding to occupancy of one or more rear seats.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the vehicle rear occupant warning system includes a door position sensor, an ignition sensor, and a warning system. The door position sensor is operatively coupled to at least one rear door of the vehicle. The door position sensor is operable to determine a state of the rear door between a semi-open position and a closed position. The ignition sensor is operatively coupled with the vehicle to determine an ignition state between an on state and an off state, wherein the on state ignition state comprises a run position or a start position and the off state ignition state comprises an off state or an accessory state. A warning system is operatively coupled to the door position sensor and the ignition sensor.

The warning system may include one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium including instructions executable by the processors. Execution of the instructions may cause the processor to receive a signal from the door position sensor that a back door state of at least one back door changes from a closed position to a half-open position. In at least one example, the ajar position may include a position in which the rear door is fully open or any intermediate position when the rear door is not fully open but is not in a closed position. Further, execution of the instructions may cause the processor to receive a signal from the ignition sensor indicating a change in ignition state from an off state to an on state. The processor receives a signal corresponding to an ignition state within a predefined time for at least one rear door state to change from a closed position to a ajar position to a closed position and adjusts the warning system state to remain armed. The predefined time is reset each time the status of the same or other back door changes from the closed position to the ajar position. The predefined time starts when the rear door state changes from the closed position to the ajar position and subsequently to the closed position.

In another aspect of the disclosure, execution of the instructions may cause the processor to receive a signal from the ignition sensor indicating that the ignition state has changed from the off state to the on state. Further, execution of the instructions may cause the processor to receive a signal from the door position sensor corresponding to a change in at least one rear door state from a closed position to a half-open position. After receiving the signal from the ignition sensor and the signal from the door position sensor immediately, the warning system state changes directly to hold-up, i.e. changes to hold-up at any time regardless of the predefined time. The processor receives a signal corresponding to a change in the state of the at least one rear door from the closed position to the ajar position.

Further, execution of the instructions may cause the processor to receive a signal from the ignition sensor indicating a change in ignition state from an on state to an off state. Upon receiving the signal indicative of the ignition state, the processor generates a rear occupant warning, thereby adjusting the warning system state to disarm. The warning system state is adjusted to remain armed if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period of time and the back door state remains in the closed position.

The vehicle rear occupant warning system is operable to transition to a deactivated state and is automatically reactivated after a predetermined fixed time. In at least one example, the pre-fixed time period is six months. The rear vehicle occupant warning system provides a pop-up message after a predetermined time to inform the driver that the rear vehicle occupant warning system is off, and provides the driver with an option to turn the rear vehicle occupant warning system on or off. In another example, activation of the occupant warning system behind the vehicle is dependent on a pre-fixed mileage traveled. In one aspect, the pre-fixed miles driven is 15,000 miles. The rear vehicle occupant warning system provides a pop-up message after a particular miles driven to inform the driver that the rear vehicle occupant warning system is off, and provides the driver with the option to turn the rear vehicle occupant warning system on or off.

The vehicle rear occupant warning system also includes a seat sensor coupled to the rear seat. The seat sensor is operable to determine the presence of a rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat and a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising executable instructions. The executable instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to receive a signal from the seat sensor indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant. The warning is an audio warning and the vehicle rear occupant warning system further comprises a display and the processor is operable to display the warning on the display. The warning is an audible warning and a visual warning.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes executable instructions. The executable instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive a signal from a door position sensor that a rear door state of at least one rear door changes from a half-open position to a closed position. Further, the executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a signal indicating a change in ignition state from an off state to an on state. The processor receives a signal indicating an ignition status within a predefined time of a change of at least one tailgate status to a closed position. After receiving a signal corresponding to the ignition status within the predefined time, the processor adjusts the warning system status to remain armed.

Further, the executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a signal from the ignition sensor indicating a change in ignition state from an on state to an off state. The processor generates a rear occupant warning, and adjusts the warning system state to disarm. The warning system state is adjusted to remain armed if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period of time and the back door state remains in the closed position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of detecting a rear seat occupant includes the steps of: a signal is received that the rear door state of at least one rear door changes from a half-open position to a closed position. The door position sensor provides a signal corresponding to a state of the rear door. Further comprising the steps of: a signal is received indicating that the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predefined time of the at least one back door state changing to the closed position. The ignition sensor provides a signal corresponding to the ignition status. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of: the state of the warning system is adjusted to stay armed based on the ignition state and the rear door state.

The method further comprises the steps of: a signal is received from the ignition sensor indicating a change in ignition state from an on state to an off state. Based on the ignition status, the method comprises the steps of: a rear passenger warning is generated, and the warning system state is adjusted to disarm. However, if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predefined period and the back door state remains in the closed position, the warning system state is adjusted to remain armed.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes executable instructions. The executable instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a signal from the body control module indicative of an operating vehicle mode, such as normal, transport, or factory. If the vehicle mode is factory or transport, the warning system is disarmed and no warning is generated. Once the received signal indicates that the vehicle is in a normal mode, normal logic is executed to keep the system armed and generate an alert.

In another aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes executable instructions. The executable instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive a Data Identifier (DID) binary value signal for an end of line (EOL) configuration. If the received signal includes a valid DID value, the processor of the vehicle rear occupant warning system performs normal operations and generates a warning based on the necessary conditions. However, if the received signal includes an invalid DID value, the processor of the vehicle rear occupant warning system does not perform normal operation and does not generate a warning, regardless of the necessary conditions being satisfied, i.e., the system is fully disarmed and no warning is generated.

Drawings

The above implementations are further described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the description and drawings relate to example implementations and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. It will also be appreciated that various arrangements are contemplated which, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the disclosure, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle rear occupant warning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a vehicle rear occupant warning system for warning a driver to check a rear occupant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another aspect of a vehicle rear occupant warning system for warning a driver of rear occupants in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a boundary diagram of an embodiment of a vehicle rear occupant warning system.

FIG. 5 is an environment including non-transitory computer readable media according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a method for detecting rear occupants and alerting a driver to check the rear occupants in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 is a flow diagram representing a method for detecting a rear occupant in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a state machine diagram of a vehicle rear occupant warning system using rear seat occupant warning logic in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures or methods associated with the engine compartment have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, throughout the following description and claims, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" are to be understood in an open-ended sense, i.e., as "including (but not limited to)". Furthermore, the terms "first", "second" and similar indicators of sequence should be understood to be interchangeable unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Reference throughout this specification to "one aspect" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one aspect. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one aspect" or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more aspects.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its broadest sense, i.e., as the meaning "and/or," unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The present disclosure relates to a vehicle rear occupant warning system (VROAS). The VROAS may include a door position sensor operably coupled with at least one rear door of the vehicle. The door position sensor may be operable to determine a rear door state between a semi-open position and a closed position. The context of the half-open position used throughout this disclosure may include the rear door being in a fully open position or any intermediate position when the rear door is not fully open and not in a closed position. The VROAS can further include an ignition sensor operably coupled with the vehicle, wherein the ignition sensor is operable to determine an ignition state between an on state and an off state. Additionally, the VROAS system may include a warning system operatively coupled to the door position sensor and the ignition sensor.

In one aspect, the VROAS is operable to transition to a deactivated state and may be automatically reactivated after a predetermined fixed time (such as 6 months). In another aspect, the VROAS can be operably transitioned to a deactivated state and can be automatically reactivated after a pre-fixed number of miles (such as 15,000 miles). The VROAS provides a pop-up notification to inform the driver that the VROAS is off, and provides the driver with the option to turn back on the VROAS (i.e., reactivate the VROAS). The VROAS can also include a seat sensor coupled with the rear seat. The seat sensor may be operable to determine the presence of a rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat.

Fig. 1 depicts a rear vehicle occupant warning system (VROAS)100 mountable on a vehicle 108 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. In the illustrated aspect, the vehicle 108 may be an autonomous or semi-autonomous four-wheeled automobile. In one aspect, the vehicle 108 includes one of an electric motor, a hybrid engine, and an internal combustion engine. The VROAS 100 includes a door position sensor 102, an ignition sensor 104, and a warning system 106. The door position sensor 102 is a sensing device for monitoring a door state of the vehicle 108, wherein the door state is a half-open position or a closed position. The door position sensor 102 is operatively coupled with at least one of two rear doors 110 of the vehicle 108. In one aspect, the vehicle includes at least one door position sensor 102 located at each rear door 110 of the vehicle 108. The door position sensor 102 is positioned in a manner such that there is no ambiguity in determining the state of the rear door.

The ignition sensor 104 is a sensing device for monitoring an ignition state of the vehicle 108, wherein the ignition state is an on state or an off state. The ignition state in the on-state includes a run position or a start position, and the ignition state in the off-position includes an off-state or an accessory position. In the off state, the engine is off and power to electrical accessories (not shown in the figures) is off. The electrical accessories are, for example, vehicle audio, headlights, air ventilators, etc. In the accessory position, the electrical accessories receive power, thereby allowing the use of radios, windshield wipers, etc. when the engine is off. In the run position, the electrical accessories, the dashboard, and the engine receive electrical power. The run position is selected when on-board diagnostics are to be performed. In the start position, the electrical accessories, the instrument panel, and the engine receive electrical power and engage the starter to crank the engine. Ignition sensor 104 is operatively coupled to an engine (not shown in the figures) of vehicle 108. Ignition sensor 104 and door position sensor 102 are operatively coupled to warning system 106. Warning system 106 receives a signal from door position sensor 102 that the rear door state of at least one rear door 110 has changed from a semi-open position to a closed position. Further, the warning system 106 receives a signal from the ignition sensor 104 indicating that the ignition state has changed from the off state to the on state. This change in state is within a predefined time that the rear door state of the at least one rear door 110 changes from the half-open position to the closed position. In a particular aspect, the predefined time is fifteen minutes.

If warning system 106 receives a signal from ignition sensor 104 indicating that the ignition status has changed from the off state to the on state before receiving a signal from door position sensor 102 that the rear door status of at least one rear door 110 changed from the ajar position to the closed position, warning system 106 remains armed without regard to the predefined time.

The warning system 106 includes two states: an armed state and a disarmed state. The armed state corresponds to one or more conditions being met for: a warning is provided to the driver by VROAS 100 to indicate occupancy in the rear seat of vehicle 108. Alternatively, the disarmed state corresponds to one or more conditions not satisfying the following operations: a warning is provided by VROAS 100 to, or effectuation of, the driver of vehicle 108, and an assumption that the rear seat is empty that the rear occupant has left vehicle 108. Warning system 106 is primarily or by default in the disarmed state.

Warning system 106 is configured to adjust its state to stay armed when the rear door state of one or more rear doors 110 changes from the ajar position to the closed position after the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predefined time. The predefined time is, for example, fifteen minutes.

Alternatively, the warning system 106 is configured to adjust its state to stay armed whenever the back door state changes from the open position to the closed position (without a predefined time) when the ignition state transitions from the off state to the on state.

Warning system 106, having an armed state, receives a signal from ignition sensor 104 indicating that the ignition state changed from the on state to the off state. Warning system with armed state 106 generates a rear occupant warning for a driver of vehicle 108 to inspect one or more rear seat occupants in vehicle 108. Warning system 106 generates a rear occupant warning within a certain period of time (e.g., five hundred milliseconds) after the ignition state changes from the on state to the off state. Warning system 106 provides the rear occupant warning for a duration (e.g., 10 seconds) and terminates the rear occupant warning after the duration.

In an aspect, the rear occupant warning is a visual warning and/or an audio warning or a combination thereof. The visual warning is a visual cue such as a notice to inspect one or more rear seats, a graphical representation instructing the driver to inspect the rear seats, or the like.

In another aspect, warning system 106 may provide an audible warning to the driver to check one or more rear seats. The audible warning is, for example, a verbal announcement to check one or more rear seats, a chime to warn the driver to check one or more rear seats. In at least one example, the volume of the audible alert may be increased for the entire duration of the alert. In other examples, the volume may fluctuate for the entire duration of the alert and/or for a portion of the duration of the alert. The warning system 106 is configured to receive an input from the driver to manually terminate the rear occupant warning for the duration. Warning system 106 automatically terminates the rear occupant warning after the duration expires.

Warning system 106 adjusts its state to disarm after rear occupant warning is provided. If the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period (i.e., a new ignition cycle), the state of warning system 106 is adjusted to remain armed. The predetermined period is a duration elapsed after the ignition state is changed from the on state to the off state and back to the on state while the rear door state of the one or more rear doors 110 is maintained at the closed position. In a particular aspect, the predetermined period of time is fifteen minutes. Thus, if a new ignition cycle is detected within the predetermined period, i.e., the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state, warning system 106 holds itself armed after disarming.

For example, at a gas station, the driver turns the ignition off and turns the ignition on without opening the back door 110 for fifteen minutes. Warning system 106 provides a rear occupant warning and disarms itself after ignition is turned off. However, once ignition is turned on within fifteen minutes from ignition off, warning system 106 again holds itself armed, i.e., re-holds itself armed. VROAS 100 uses a timer (not shown in the figure) to measure time and determine whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

In one aspect, VROAS 100 includes a seat sensor (not shown in the figures) coupled to a rear seat (not shown in the figures) in vehicle 108. In at least one example, the seat sensor is configured to determine the presence of a rear seat occupant of a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat. In other examples, the seat sensor may be a camera or other device operable to determine the presence of a rear seat occupant. The seat sensor may be operable to determine the presence of a rear seat occupant below a non-occupant (e.g., cargo).

Warning system 106 is coupled to the seat sensors to receive signals from the seat sensors indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant. Warning system 106 adjusts the state of warning system 106 to remain armed and generate a rear occupant warning based on signals from door position sensor 102, ignition sensor 104, and seat sensors.

In one aspect, VROAS 100 includes a door position sensor 102 positioned on a trunk lid of vehicle 108 and considers the trunk lid status in a manner similar to the rear door status of one or more rear doors 110 to keep warning system 106 armed.

VROAS 100 operates to provide a rear occupant warning to the driver when VROAS 100 is activated. VROAS 100 provides a rear occupant warning to the driver when VROAS 100 is deactivated. VROAS 100 can be manually deactivated.

In an aspect, VROAS 100 can be automatically or manually reactivated. In one aspect, VROAS 100 is automatically reactivated after being deactivated for a predetermined fixed time. In one aspect, the pre-fixed time period is six months. The VROAS 100 can request that the driver reactivate the rear occupant warning to ensure that there is a change in ownership of the vehicle 108, whether the new owner is aware of the rear occupant warning. On the other hand, VROAS 100, which has been deactivated, is reactivated after vehicle 108 has completed a predetermined number of miles driven. In another aspect, VROAS 100 is automatically reactivated after a pre-fixed mileage. In one example, the pre-fixed miles driven is 15,000 miles

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of VROAS 100 for alerting a driver to check rear occupants, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The VROAS 100 includes a door position sensor 102, an ignition sensor 104, and a warning system 106. VROAS 100 can be operable to transition to an active state or a deactivated state.

The door position sensor 102 disclosed in fig. 1 is operatively coupled with one or more rear doors 110 of the vehicle 108 for monitoring a rear door status of the rear doors 110. The rear door state may be a half-open position or a closed position. The ignition sensor 104 disclosed in fig. 1 is operatively coupled to an engine of the vehicle 108 for monitoring an ignition status of an ignition of the vehicle 108. The ignition state may be an on state or an off state. Door position sensor 102 and ignition sensor 104 are operatively coupled to warning system 106.

Warning system 106 includes one or more processors 202 and memory unit 204. Memory unit 204 is, for example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions. The one or more processors 202 execute one or more instructions to perform various tasks as described in detail below.

The processor 202 receives a signal from the door position sensor 102 when the rear door state of one or more of the rear doors 110 changes from an open position to a closed position. Further, the processor 202 receives a signal from the ignition sensor 104 indicating that the ignition state has changed from the off state to the on state. The ignition state should be changed within a predefined time for the rear door state of the at least one rear door 110 to change from the open position to the closed position. The predefined time is, for example, fifteen minutes.

Processor 202 then adjusts the alert system 106 state to stay armed. Further, the processor 202 receives a signal from the ignition sensor 104, wherein the signal indicates a change in ignition state from an on state to an off state. Thereafter, processor 202 generates a rear occupant warning and adjusts the state of warning system 106 to disarm. The rear occupant warning is generated during a period (e.g., five hundred milliseconds) in which the ignition state changes from the on state to the off state.

In an aspect, the rear occupant warning is at least one of a visual warning or an audio warning. The visual warning and the audio warning may be provided sequentially or simultaneously. The audio warning is, for example, a chime. In one aspect, if media content, i.e., a mixable prompt scenario, is present at the time of the audio alert, the alert system 106 fades the audio of the media content to a lower volume to enable the audio alert to be viewable by the driver. In one aspect, if media content, i.e., a mixable prompt scenario, is present at the time of the visual warning, warning system 106 blurs or blocks the media content to display the visual warning that is observable to the driver.

However, if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period of time and the rear door state of one or more rear doors 110 remains in the closed position, processor 202 adjusts the state of warning system 106 to remain armed. In one aspect, VROAS 100 includes one or more timers (not shown in the figure) for determining the predetermined period.

Fig. 3 is a block diagram of another aspect of a VROAS 300 for alerting a driver to inspect a rear seat occupant in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The VROAS 300 includes a door position sensor 302, an ignition sensor 304, a seat sensor 306, and a warning system 308.

The door position sensor 302 is a sensing device coupled to one or more back doors (not shown in the figures) to monitor the status of the back doors. The rear door state may be a half-open position or a closed position. Ignition sensor 304 is a sensing device coupled to the engine of the vehicle to monitor the ignition status. The ignition state may be on state or off state.

Seat sensors 306 are coupled to one or more rear seats. The seat sensor 306 is configured to sense the presence of an occupant on the rear seat based on a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat.

It is contemplated that the door position sensor 302 and the ignition sensor 304 may operate in a similar manner as the door position sensor 102 and the ignition sensor 104 discussed in the detailed description of fig. 1-2.

The warning system 308 is operatively coupled to the door position sensor 302, the ignition sensor 304, and the seat sensor 306. Warning system 308 also includes a processor 310, a memory 312, and a display unit 314.

The display unit 314 is, for example, a screen used only for display purposes as an output device. The display unit 314 may be, for example, a touch-function display unit that can function as an input device and an output device. The display unit 314 is a human-machine interface. The display unit includes, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) based display, and the like. The memory 312 includes computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor 310, perform a method of alerting a driver to a rear seat occupant, as described in detail below.

The processor 310 of the warning system 308 receives a signal from the door position sensor 302 that the rear door state of one or more rear doors has changed from a half-open position to a closed position. Thereafter, the processor 310 receives a signal from the ignition sensor 304 indicating that the ignition state has changed from the off state to the on state. The ignition status should change within a predefined time for the rear door status of one or more rear doors to change from the open position to the closed position. The processor 310 also receives signals from the seat sensors 306 indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant. The processor 310 adjusts the state of the warning system 308 to remain armed after receiving these signals from the door position sensor 302, the ignition sensor 304, and the seat sensor 306.

Before the ignition state is on, the processor 310 continues to maintain the state of the warning system 308 as being held armed. Further, the processor 310 receives a signal from the ignition sensor 304 indicating that the ignition state has changed from the on state to the off state. Processor 310 then generates a rear occupant warning and adjusts the state of warning system 308 to disarm. In one aspect, the processor 310 generates a rear occupant warning within five hundred milliseconds of the ignition state changing from the on state to the off state. The rear occupant warning is at least one of a visual warning or an audio warning. A visual warning is displayed on the display unit 314.

The visual warning includes, for example, a notification with text requesting the driver to inspect the rear seat occupant of the rear seat. The visual warning is, for example, a notification with one or more flags that provide the driver with the meaning of inspecting the occupant of the rear seat. In one aspect, the visual alert is a visual cue, such as a notification to mention inspection of the rear seat, a graphical representation instructing the user to inspect the rear seat, or the like.

The visual alert is displayed on the display unit 314 for a given duration, e.g., at least 10 seconds. The driver also has the option of providing an input that turns off the visual warning 10 seconds ago. In an aspect, the display unit 314 includes a built-in speaker for providing both an audio alert and a visual alert.

In an aspect, if multimedia content (e.g., video) is being displayed on display unit 314, warning system 308 pauses the multimedia content and overlays a visual warning on display unit 314.

In another aspect, warning system 308 is coupled to one or more optical sensors (not shown in the figures) positioned within the vehicle to monitor rear seat occupants of one or more rear seats. The visual warning includes providing a video input from an optical sensor on the display unit 314 to show the driver real-time video of the rear seat occupant. A textual notification may be provided with the video input and combined with the audio alert. In another aspect, warning system 308 includes an audio unit (not shown in the figures) for providing an audio warning. The audio warning is, for example, a chime, an audio output requesting the driver to look at the rear seat, etc.

In one aspect, if VROAS 300 is deactivated, display unit 314 displays a notification of activation of VROAS 300 after the end of a predetermined fixed time (such as six months) after the deactivation. Display unit 314 accepts input from the driver to activate VROAS 300 or continue to deactivate VROAS 300. The driver may turn off the visual warning by touching a virtual stop button or off button display on the display unit 314. On the other hand, the driver activates VROAS 300 at any time on an as-needed basis. In another aspect, the VROAS is coupled to a physical component (not shown in the figures), such as a button, to manually override the VROAS, wherein pressing the button disables the VROAS 300.

Figure 4 depicts a boundary diagram 400 of an aspect of a VROAS404 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Boundary diagram 400 is a graphical illustration of the relationship between VROAS404 and adjacent systems and environments. Boundary diagram 400 also illustrates the relationships between components within VROAS404 and provides a demarcation between the activity of driver 402 and the activity of VROAS 404.

Noise factors 428 of VROAS404 (such as the external environment, objects on the rear seat whose presence may create a situation that keeps VROAS404 armed) are demarcated from VROAS404 in boundary map 400. In addition, an external interface 430 (such as services and provisioning and manufacturing processes 432) is demarcated from the VROAS404 in a boundary map. Boundary diagram 400 discloses the energy and information flow within VROAS404 and the physical activity that triggers the energy and information flow.

In one aspect, the VROAS404 includes modules such as a Door Control Unit (DCU)412, a Body Control Module (BCM)414, a gateway module (GWM)416, a power supply 418, an Auxiliary Protocol Interface Module (APIM)420, and an Electrical Distribution System (EDS) 426. The DCU 412, BCM 414, GWM 416, power supply 418, and APIM420 of VROAS404 are arranged in a series combination to perform logical decisions to eliminate or reduce the chance of false detection of a rear seat occupant in the vehicle. BCM 414, GWM 416, and APIM420 are powered by power supply unit 418, which is a 12V power supply. Power supply unit 418 provides power E1 to BCM 414, power E2 to GWM 416, and power E3 to APIM 420. EDS 426 provides the lines to connect the modules of VROAS404 (such as DCU 412, BCM 414, GWM 416, power supply 418, APIM420, etc.) to each other.

The driver 402 performs activities that change the physical state of the vehicle. The driver 404 opens one or more rear doors 406 or opens the driver door 408 and operates an ignition switch 410. In at least one aspect of the present disclosure, the ignition switch 410 may be operated using a physical/mechanical interface including an ignition key or button or a wireless interface including a bluetooth or infrared signal. One or more door position sensors (not shown in the figures) are coupled to the rear door 406 or to the driver door 408 to monitor the activity of the driver 402 corresponding to the rear door 406 and the driver door 408 of the vehicle. One or more door position sensors provide information to the DCU 412 over information lines I1 and I2. An ignition sensor (not shown in the figures) is coupled to ignition switch 410 to monitor the action performed by driver 402 of the vehicle on ignition switch 410.

The DCU 412 determines the position of one or more rear doors 406 and driver doors 408 based on information lines I1 and I2, respectively. The DCU 412 provides information to the BCM 414 regarding the determined status of one or more rear doors 406 and driver doors 408.

The DCU 412 generates information on the information line I4 that the state of one or more rear doors 406 (i.e., the rear door state) is in the open position, and generates information on the information line I5 that the state of the driver door 408 (i.e., the driver door state) is in the open position. DCU 412 provides information to BCM 414 on information lines I4 and I5. The ignition sensor provides information on information line I3 to BCM 414 indicating whether the ignition state is on or off.

BCM 414 is configured to manage various power control functions such as exterior lighting, interior lighting, keyless entry, remote start, and is coupled to sensors such as ignition sensors, door position sensors, etc. Further, BCM 414 is configured to monitor the operating mode of the vehicle. The operation modes of the vehicle are a normal mode, a transportation mode, and a factory mode. In the normal mode, the electrical system of the vehicle (such as exterior lighting, interior lighting, etc.) is fully functional, and the vehicle must be in the normal mode when the vehicle is in normal use. In the transport mode, the electrical system has limited functionality in order to minimize power consumption. The transport mode is used when the vehicle is not scheduled for use for a long period of time, however, the vehicle is able to travel a short distance. In the plant mode, the electrical system has limited functionality in order to minimize power consumption and meet plant regulations. However, similar to the transport mode, the vehicle may travel a short distance.

BCM 414 provides information to GWM 416 over information line I6 to carry information to APIM420 in information line I6. If one or more rear doors 406 and driver door 408 are in the open position or the closed position, BCM 414 provides information on I6. Further, if the ignition state is on or off, BCM 414 provides information on I6. Further, BCM 414 provides information on the operating mode of the vehicle on I6, i.e., the I6 includes a signal indicating the operating mode of the vehicle. The operating mode of the vehicle is also referred to as a vehicle operating mode.

GWM 416 is programmed to receive information from a module (e.g., BCM 414) over a communication channel and transmit the information to another module, e.g., APIM420, over another channel. GWM 416 carries information from BCM 414 to APIM 420. Information line I6 includes information regarding whether the rear door status of one or more rear doors 406 and the status of driver door 408 are in an open position, an ignition status, and an operating mode of the vehicle.

The APIM420 monitors and controls one or more communication devices and corresponding inputs. In one example, the communication device is a display unit for displaying data, an audio unit including a speaker for providing audio output, or the like. The display unit may be an input device for receiving touch-based input from a driver or a user, and the audio unit may include a microphone for receiving voice commands.

The APIM420 includes a processor for implementing the rear seat occupant warning (RSOA) logic disclosed in the detailed description of FIG. 8. In one aspect, if the I6 includes information corresponding to the operating mode of the vehicle being a normal mode, the processor implements RSOA logic. However, after receiving the I6 including information that the operating mode of the vehicle is one of the transportation mode and the factory mode, then the processor does not implement the RSOA logic regardless of other information on the I6 (such as the rear door status, the driver door status, and the ignition status). In one aspect, the normal mode is referred to as a normal condition, the transport mode is referred to as a transport condition and the plant mode is referred to as a plant condition. The APIM420 provides information on the information line I7 to the display unit 422, which is a synchronization screen for displaying notifications to the driver 402. In addition, the APIM420 provides information on an information line I8 to the AHU 424, which is an audio host unit that provides an audio notification (such as a chime) to notify the driver 402. The display unit 422 provides a display notification E4 to the driver 402 and the audio unit provides an audio notification E5 to the driver. The driver 402 may manually provide input to deactivate/activate the VROAS 404. The APIM420 accepts input from the driver 402.

In one aspect, the implementation of the RSOA logic is dependent upon the manufacturing process 432 of the vehicle. The APIM420 is configured during an offline (EOL) configuration of the vehicle to activate the VROAS404 and provide a warning corresponding to rear seat occupancy. VROAS404 is configured by a signal indicating EOL configuration. The EOL configuration is a Data Identifier (DID) that obtains values such as valid and invalid. In one example, if the vehicle includes only two doors, the value of DID is programmed to be invalid because VROAS404 is not needed during the absence of the rear door. In another example, if a fault is encountered during service or testing, the value of the DID is programmed to be invalid regardless of the number of doors of the vehicle. The value of DID that is valid ensures that VROAS404 is enabled, and the value of DID that is invalid ensures that VROAS404 is disabled. Programming the value of the DID to enable and disable the VROAS404 supports customized EOL configuration for the vehicle based on factors such as vehicle model, customization requirements, and the like. Programming the value of the DID allows for customized EOL configuration of the vehicle, thereby alleviating the need to modify the assembly line to include VROAS404 during the manufacturing process 432 of the vehicle.

APIM420 is configured to receive a signal on information line I9 corresponding to the value of the DID. If the received signal on I9 includes a valid DID value, the processor implements the RSOA logic by performing normal operations and provides an alert based on the RSOA logic. However, after receiving a signal on I9 that the value of DID is invalid, the processor does not implement the RSOA logic and does not generate a warning regardless of other information on I6 such as the rear door status, the driver door status, the ignition status, the operating mode of the vehicle, and so forth.

The VROAS404 provides rear seat occupancy warnings, thereby complying with the necessity of an external interface 430, such as services and regulations that govern the safety requirements of the vehicle and rate the vehicle based on safety features present in the vehicle. In one example, the hot car maneuver h.r.3593 requires the warning system to detect the presence of an occupant and generate a warning as a distinct audible and visual warning for notifying the presence of the occupant. The ability of the VROAS404 to generate and provide warnings ensures that the VROAS404 complies with the hot car maneuver h.r.3593. In another example, a european new car assessment project (european NCAP) is a european automotive safety performance assessment project that assesses new cars and issues safety reports for the new cars and rates the vehicles based on the safety provided. The use of VORAS 404 in the vehicle to provide a warning to ensure that no rear occupants are left unattended after ignition is turned off allows the vehicle to comply with the safety requirements and allows the vehicle to obtain a rating for european NCAP corresponding to increased safety.

Fig. 5 is an environment 500 in which the systems of fig. 1, 2, and 3 operate, and the exemplary environment 500 is explained with reference to various elements of these figures. According to one aspect of the disclosure, environment 500 includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 and a processor 502 communicatively coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504. The processor 502 obtains computer-readable instructions from the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 and executes the computer-readable instructions. It should be noted that the processor 502 may be the same as the processor 202 in the system shown and described in fig. 2 or the processor 310 in the system shown and described in fig. 3.

According to one example, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 is accessible by the processor 502. Further, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 may include instructions to: a signal is received from a door position sensor that a rear door state of one or more rear doors changes from an open position to a closed position. Further, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 may include instructions to: a signal is received from the ignition sensor that the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state.

The processor determines whether the ignition status changes within a predefined time for a rear door status of one or more rear doors to change from an open to a closed position. After determining that the ignition status has changed within the predefined time of the change in the back door status, the processor adjusts the status of the warning system to remain armed.

Further, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 may include instructions to: a signal is received from the ignition sensor that the ignition state changes from the on state to the off state. Finally, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 may include instructions to: a rear passenger warning is generated, and the state of the warning system state is adjusted to release the guard. The state of the warning system is adjusted to remain armed if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period and the rear door state of one or more rear doors remains in the closed position.

In an aspect, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 may include instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to receive a signal indicating an EOL binary configuration of a VROAS. The EOL binary configuration results in one of a valid value and an invalid value. A processor receives the signal after execution of the instruction and determines that the EOL binary configuration value is valid, the processor proceeds to determine the state of the rear door and the ignition to generate a warning accordingly. However, if the processor determines that the EOL binary configuration value is invalid, the processor does not determine the state of the rear door and ignition and does not generate a warning corresponding to rear seat occupancy. In one example, the EOL binary configuration value is on corresponding to a valid value and the EOL binary configuration value is off corresponding to an invalid value. In another example, a valid value of the EOL binary configuration is referred to as a valid state and an invalid value of the EOL binary configuration is referred to as an invalid state.

In another aspect, the non-transitory computer-readable medium 504 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a signal from the body control module indicative of an operating mode of the vehicle, such as a normal mode, a transportation mode, or a factory mode. If the processor determines that the signal indicates that the operating mode of the vehicle is one of factory mode and transport mode, the warning system is disarmed and no warning is generated regardless of the back door status and the ignition status. However, if the processor determines that the signal indicates that the operating mode of the vehicle is a normal mode, the warning system provides a warning based on the rear door status and the ignition status.

FIG. 6 is a method for detecting one or more rear seat occupants. The method 600 is provided by way of example, as there are a variety of ways to perform the method. For example, the method 600 described below may be performed using the configurations depicted in fig. 1-4, and the exemplary method 600 is explained with reference to the various elements of these figures. Each block shown in fig. 6 represents one or more processes, methods, or subroutines performed in exemplary method 600. Further, the order of description of the blocks is merely illustrative, and the order of the blocks may be changed according to the present disclosure. Additional blocks may be added or fewer blocks may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The example method 600 may begin at block 602.

The method utilizes VROAS to detect one or more rear seat occupants. At block 602, the processor receives a back door status of one or more back doors from a corresponding door position sensor. The processor receives a signal that the state of the back door changes from the open position to the closed position. The door position sensor, for example, also stores timing information for switching events of one or more back doors from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

At block 604, the processor receives a signal from the ignition sensor indicating an ignition status, i.e., whether the ignition status changed from an off status to an on status within a predefined time of a backdoor status changing from an open position to a closed position. At block 606, the processor adjusts the state of the alert system to stay armed.

At block 608, the processor receives a signal from the ignition sensor indicating that the ignition state changed from the on state to the off state. At block 610, the processor generates a rear occupant warning, adjusting the state of the warning system to disarmed, and further, adjusting the state of the warning system to stay armed if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period and the back door state remains in the closed position.

The seat sensor provides a signal indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant. The seat sensor is operable to determine the presence of a rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat. The processor sets the state of the warning system to one of hold and disarm by taking into account signals received from the door position sensor, the ignition sensor, and the seat sensor.

In one aspect, the VROAS can be operably transitioned to a deactivated state after a predetermined fixed time and automatically reactivated. The warning system as part of the VROAS is also deactivated and reactivated along with the VROAS. In one example, the pre-fixed time period is six months. In another aspect, VROAS is automatically reactivated after a pre-fixed mileage traveled. In at least one example, the pre-fixed miles driven is 15,000 miles. In one aspect of the disclosure, the VROAS further includes a seat sensor.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for detecting a rear seat occupant. Fig. 7, described below, can be performed using the configurations depicted in fig. 1, 2, 3, and 4, as with fig. 6. Flow begins at block 702 where the VROAS is disabled.

At block 704, the processor checks whether the rear seat alert mode is on. If the rear seat alert mode is not on, the VROAS continues to be deactivated. If the rear seat alert mode is on, VROAS is activated and the processor proceeds further to check the ignition status. The VROAS then provides a rear seat occupant warning when the rear seat warning mode is on, and does not provide a rear seat occupant warning when the rear seat warning mode is off.

At block 706, the processor checks whether the ignition state is on or off. If the ignition state is off, VROAS continues to be disabled. The processor is coupled to the ignition sensor to receive a signal as to whether the ignition state is on or off. If the ignition state is on, the processor proceeds to block 708.

At block 708, the processor checks the back door status of one or more back doors. The processor checks whether the rear door state changes from the open position to the closed position within a predefined time (e.g., fifteen minutes) before the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state. The processor also checks whether the rear door state changes from the open position to the closed position at any time after the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state. If the rear door state changes from the open position to the closed position within a predefined time from the time when the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state, the processor proceeds to block 714, otherwise to block 710. If the rear door state changes from the open position to the closed position at any time after the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state, the processor proceeds to block 714, otherwise to block 710.

At block 714, the processor transitions the state of the alert system to hold on standby. For example, the driver mounts a rear passenger on the way without turning on the ignition. The rear occupant opens the rear door and sits in the vehicle while the ignition remains on, and the VROAS then changes the state of the warning system to stay armed. At block 710, the processor checks the ignition status; if the ignition state is in the off state, the processor proceeds to block 712, otherwise to block 702 and VROAS is disabled. At block 712, the processor disarms the warning system after determining that the ignition state is in the off state.

After the alert system is kept armed at block 714, the processor proceeds to block 716. At block 716, the processor continuously checks whether the ignition status is in the off position. If the ignition status is in the off position, the processor proceeds to block 718.

At block 718, after determining that the ignition status is in the off position, the processor displays a warning or sounds a chime for a predetermined duration to instruct the driver to check the rear seat.

The processor proceeds to block 720 and checks whether a predetermined duration has elapsed or whether the processor has received an input from the driver to stop the warning. If the predetermined duration for displaying the warning or sounding the chime has elapsed or if the processor has received an input to stop the warning, the processor proceeds to block 722.

At block 722, the processor checks whether the back door has been opened. If the processor receives a signal that the back door is open, the processor proceeds to block 712 and disarms the system. If the processor does not receive a signal indicating that the rear door is open, the processor proceeds to block 724.

At block 724, the processor checks whether the ignition status is on for a predetermined period of time (e.g., fifteen minutes). If the ignition is on for a predetermined period, the processor proceeds to block 714 and the warning system remains armed. If the ignition state is not on for a predetermined period of time, the processor proceeds to block 712 and disarms the warning system.

Fig. 8 is a state machine diagram 800 of VROAS using rear seat occupant warning (RSOA) logic. The state machine diagram demonstrates the dynamic behavior of the component over time by modeling the lifecycle of the component. The key elements described in a state machine are states, transitions, events, and actions. VROAS corresponds to a feature that warns the driver to inspect the rear seat occupant.

Fig. 8 described below may be performed using the configurations depicted in fig. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Based on the RSOA logic, the VROAS includes two states, which are a configuration off state 802 and a configuration on state 804. The configuration off state 802 of the VROAS is due to an inefficient power supply to the VROAS. The configuration on state 804 is when the VROAS has an active power supply. When the feature configuration is off (i.e., an invalid power supply), the VROAS is in the configuration off state 802. When the feature configuration is on (i.e., VROAS has an active power supply), VROAS is in the configuration on state 804.

VROAS provides a feature that alerts the driver to inspect the rear seat occupant. The feature configuration signal indicates the status of the configuration of the VROAS. A VROAS in the configuration off state 802 indicates that the VROAS is completely off. During the configure off state 802, the VROAS cannot provide a feature that warns the driver to check the rear seat occupant, and does not provide notification to the driver that the VROAS is enabled after a predetermined time. In one aspect, the feature configuration corresponds to the EOL binary configuration described in the detailed description of fig. 5, where the configuration on state corresponds to a valid value and the configuration off state corresponds to an invalid value. In another aspect, the characteristic configuration corresponds to an operating mode of the vehicle described in the detailed description of fig. 4 and 5, wherein the configuration on state corresponds to a normal mode, and the configuration off state corresponds to one of a transportation mode and a factory mode.

The configure on state 804 includes two modes of operation of the components of the VROAS. The mode and state of a VROAS is implemented when a processor corresponding to the VROAS executes instructions corresponding to the VROAS that reside in a non-transitory medium, such as memory. The characteristic pattern signal indicates the pattern of VROAS.

The first mode is an enable mode 806, where the feature mode signal indicates that VROAS is enabled. During the active mode, components of the VROAS that are ignition sensors, door position sensors, and warning systems are active. The warning system includes a processor and a memory. Components of the VROAS are directed to determining the presence of a rear seat occupant and alerting the driver to inspect the rear seat occupant. The memory includes instructions executed by the processor to implement the RSOA logic. The processor determines the state of the VROAS for the execution flow of instructions and inputs from the ignition sensor and the door position sensor.

Another mode of the VROAS is a disabled mode 820, in which the features of the VROAS to determine the presence of the rear seat occupant and to alert the driver to check the rear seat occupant are disabled. The characteristic pattern signal indicates that VROAS is disabled. In one example, VROAS is manually enabled and disabled, where enabling VROAS is synonymous with activating VROAS, and disabling VROAS is synonymous with disabling VROAS.

During the enable mode 806, the VROAS provides the following features: the driver is actively warned during each ignition cycle to inspect the rear seat occupant. The enabled mode 806 includes a sub-mode that is a standby mode 808 in which the warning system of the VROAS accepts a signal from the ignition sensor and waits for a time to elapse. The enablement mode 806 begins in a key-off state 810, state 1. When the ignition state is off, the VROAS is in the key-off state 810. The processor executes instructions to receive a signal that provides information about the ignition status. The state of ignition is monitored by an ignition sensor and the ignition sensor provides information that the ignition state is in an off state.

When the ignition state is on, the VROAS proceeds to the key-on state 812, i.e., state 2. The processor executes instructions to receive a signal that provides information about the ignition status. When the signal provides information to the processor that the ignition status is on, the status triggers the VROAS to transition from the key-off state 810 to the key-on state 812.

When at least one rear door changes position from closed to open, VROAS proceeds to an armed state 814, state 3. A door position sensor monitors the position of the rear door and provides information that the position of the rear door is open. The processor executes instructions to receive signals that provide information regarding the status of the tailgate position.

The processor receives a signal that provides information about the status of the rear door in the open position (i.e., the rear door status). Upon receiving the signal indicating the back door state, the processor triggers the VROAS to transition from the key-on state 812 to the hold armed state 814. However, if the signal provides information to the processor that the rear door is in the closed position and the processor receives a signal that provides information that the ignition is off, the VROAS transitions from the key-on state 812 to the key-off state 810. In one aspect, the door position sensors are positioned at the driver door and one or more rear doors. The VROAS proceeds to a standby state 814 when at least one of the rear doors and the driver door changes position from closed to open.

When the ignition state transitions from the on state to the off state, VROAS proceeds from the armed state 814 to the notification state 816, state 4. The processor receives a signal that the ignition state is in the off state. When the signal provides information to the processor that the ignition state is in the off state, the state triggers the VROAS to transition from the armed state 814 to the armed state 816. During the notification state 816, the VROAS provides a notification, for example, a visual notification "check the occupant of the rear seat" and an audio notification, such as a chime. During the notify state 816, the VROAS sets the alert flag to true, indicating that the VROAS is providing an alert. After the warning flag is set to true or if the processor receives information that the back door is in the closed position, the VROAS transitions from the notify state 816 to a keep-armed timer state 818, state 5.

During the keep-armed timer state 818, the VROAS continues to remain in the same state for a predetermined period of time, e.g., fifteen minutes. The VROAS continues to remain in the keep-armed timer state 818 until the processor receives that the state of the back door (i.e., back door state) is an open position and sets the warning flag to false. The alert flag is set to false indicating that the VROAS is not providing an alert at that current time during the timer state 818 where it remains armed.

When the warning flag is set to true and when the processor receives a signal from the door position sensor that the back door state is in the open position, the VROAS proceeds to transition from the timer state 818, which remains armed, to the key-off state 810.

Additionally, VROAS may also proceed to transition from the keep-alive timer state 818 to the key-off state 810 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed (i.e., the keep-alive timer has elapsed). However, if the processor receives a signal from the ignition sensor that the ignition state is on during the keep-alive timer state 818 and before the keep-alive timer has elapsed, VROAS transitions from the keep-alive timer state 818 to the keep-alive state 814.

During the key-off state 810, the processor receives a signal providing information that the back door is in the open position, and then the VROAS transitions from the key-off state 810 to the keep-armed timer state 818 and waits a predefined time to transition to the keep-armed state 814. In an aspect, the predefined time is fifteen minutes. The VROAS can be operably transitioned to the disabled mode 820. The driver may manually transition VROAS to disabled mode 820. In one aspect, the VROAS provides notification to the driver that the VROAS is enabled after a predetermined time or a predetermined number of miles traveled. In a particular aspect, VROAS provides the notification to the driver every half year (i.e., 6 months). In another particular aspect, the VROAS provides notification to the driver that the VROAS is enabled after 15,000 miles of travel.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the disclosure, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the disclosure. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure as defined.

According to the present invention, there is provided a vehicle rear occupant warning system having: a door position sensor operably coupled with at least one rear door of a vehicle, wherein the door position sensor is operable to determine a rear door state between a ajar position and a closed position; an ignition sensor operatively coupled with a vehicle, wherein the ignition sensor is operable to determine an ignition state between an on state and an off state; a warning system operatively coupled with the door position sensor and the ignition sensor, the warning system comprising one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: receiving a signal from a door position sensor that a rear door state of at least one rear door is changed from a half-open position to a closed position; receiving a signal from the ignition sensor indicating that the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predefined time of the at least one rear door state changing to the closed position; adjusting the alert system state to stay armed; receiving a signal from an ignition sensor indicating a change in ignition state from an on state to an off state; and generating a rear occupant warning, thereby adjusting a warning system state to disarm, wherein if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period and the rear door state remains in the closed position, the warning system state is adjusted to remain armed.

According to one embodiment, the warning system is operable to transition to a deactivated state.

According to one embodiment, the warning system is automatically reactivated after a predetermined time or a predetermined number of miles driven.

According to one embodiment, the pre-fixed time is 6 months, or the pre-fixed miles is 15,000 miles.

According to one embodiment, the invention also features a seat sensor coupled with the rear seat, the seat sensor operable to determine a presence of a rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat, and the non-transitory computer-readable medium including executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to: a signal indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant is received from a seat sensor.

According to one embodiment, the warning is an audible warning.

According to one embodiment, the warning system further comprises a display and the processor is operable to display the warning on the display.

According to one embodiment, the warning is an audible warning and a visual warning.

According to the invention, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: receiving a signal from a door position sensor that a rear door state of at least one rear door is changed from a half-open position to a closed position; receiving a signal from the ignition sensor indicating that the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predefined time of the at least one rear door state changing to the closed position; adjusting the alert system state to stay armed; receiving a signal from an ignition sensor indicating a change in ignition state from an on state to an off state; and generating a rear occupant warning, thereby adjusting a warning system state to disarm, wherein if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period and the rear door state remains in the closed position, the warning system state is adjusted to remain armed.

According to one embodiment, the warning system state is operably transitionable to a deactivated state.

According to one embodiment, the warning system status is automatically reactivated after a predetermined time or after a predetermined number of miles driven.

According to one embodiment, the warning system status is automatically reactivated after a pre-fixed time of 6 months or after 15,000 miles.

According to one embodiment, the invention also features receiving a signal indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant from a seat sensor operable to determine the presence of the rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat.

According to one embodiment, the warning is an audible warning.

According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized in that the warning is displayed on a display.

According to the present invention, a method of detecting a rear occupant includes: receiving a signal from a door position sensor that a rear door state of at least one rear door is changed from an open position to a closed position; receiving a signal from the ignition sensor indicating that the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predefined time of the at least one rear door state changing to the closed position; adjusting the alert system state to stay armed; receiving a signal from an ignition sensor indicating a change in ignition state from an on state to an off state; and generating a rear occupant warning, thereby adjusting a warning system state to disarm, wherein if the ignition state changes from the off state to the on state within a predetermined period and the rear door state remains in the closed position, the warning system state is adjusted to remain armed.

In one aspect of the invention, the warning system is operable to transition to a deactivated state.

In one aspect of the invention, the warning system is automatically reactivated after a predetermined fixed time.

In one aspect of the invention, a signal indicative of the presence of a rear seat occupant is received from a seat sensor operable to determine the presence of the rear seat occupant by a predetermined mass engaged with the rear seat.

In one aspect of the invention, the method includes displaying the alert on a display.