Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a child safety system for vehicles that is capable of enhancing safety and well-being of child occupants by providing a comprehensive solution for safeguarding children during vehicle travel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Child safety during travel is paramount due to their physical vulnerability and dependence. In emergencies like sudden stops or accidents, they are at higher risk of severe injuries. Proper restraints and safety systems mitigate these risks, providing crucial protection and ensuring their well-being on the road. Existing child safety challenges include incorrect car seat installation and usage, premature transition to booster seats, children unbuckling themselves, and the risk of being left unattended in vehicles. Additionally, ensuring proper window safety and monitoring a child's well-being during travel remain significant concerns for parents and caregivers.

[0003] Traditionally used methods for child safety in vehicles include car seats, booster seats, and seat belts. However, these methods often rely on correct manual installation and consistent usage by caregivers, which prone to errors. Problems in the context of automation arise from the lack of real-time monitoring of proper usage, the inability to automatically adjust protection levels based on a child's specific needs or the vehicle's situation, and the absence of integrated systems that proactively respond to potential dangers beyond basic crash protection. These traditional methods also lack the ability to remotely alert guardians or authorities in case of a child's distress or a potentially hazardous situation.

[0004] US8232874B1 discloses about a vehicle child seat safety system comprises a child seat sensor connected to a transmitter, a receiver in the vehicle connected to a processor controlling exterior lights, ignition switch, air conditioner, alarm and door locks, to advise a driver and passersby of a child left in the vehicle unattended, and provide for the access to the vehicle. The application is further directed to a method of informing of a child left unattended in a locked vehicle comprises providing a sensor in a child seat, starting the sensor when the ignition is turned off, generating a warning signal and transmitting same from a transmitter in the child seat after a predetermined time elapsed since starting the sensor, receiving the signal in the vehicle to direct a CPU of the vehicle to start an alarm sound signal and turn alarm lights on, and, if the sensor is not disabled, to further unlock door locks and start air conditioner.

[0005] US3948556A discloses about a car seat for a young child which may be oriented in either a sitting or reclining position. The orientation of the car seat can be changed without disturbing the occupant or the secured position of the supporting frame. The car seat includes a seat structure, a support frame and linkage there between. The seat structure is designed to enclose the occupant for protection during severe maneuvering and collisions and includes a restrainer positioned across the front of the occupant which advantageously distributes the impact force on the occupant during a collision. The restrainer is held in place by a secondary seat belt system which does not require unbuckling when the seat orientation is changed. The linkage between the seat structure and the support frame provides a high seating position for comfort and visability and a reclining position for resting.

[0006] Conventionally, many methods have been available in market for child safety. However, these methods lack in providing a fully integrated and automated solution that not only secures the child but also proactively monitors their well-being, prevents risky behavior, and offers real-time alerts and assistance in various potentially hazardous scenarios without constant manual intervention.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a method that is capable of providing a comprehensive, automated, and proactive child safety solution for vehicles, addressing issues beyond basic crash protection by integrating features for securement, behavior monitoring, health surveillance, and remote assistance in potentially dangerous situations, thereby reducing reliance on manual intervention and minimizing the risks associated with human error.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of changing position of a child's seat for making sure that there is enough legroom and overall space inside the vehicle for the child.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing a deployable barrier next to each seat that covers the window, preventing children from being able to extend their arms outside the moving vehicle.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of quickly and automatically engaging a restraint, across the child's seat for ensuring that they are safely secured during travel.

[0012] Yet, another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of detecting potential health issue with the child and allowing guardians to track vehicle's location in real-time.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a child safety system for vehicles that is capable of adapting child's seating environment for optimal comfort and safety, preventing potentially hazardous behaviors, ensuring securement during transit, and enabling remote monitoring in case of a child's well-being becoming a concern.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a child safety system for vehicles, comprising, a plurality of seats mounted within the vehicle, each by means of a pair of parallel sliding unit, to enable an adjustment of the seat, a plurality of airbags installed along rear portion of each of the seats, a gyroscopic sensor installed in the seat detects sudden change in velocity of the vehicle to deploy the airbags, an artificial intelligence based camera installed with a seat of the vehicle, configured with facial recognition protocol, to recognise a face of a child seated in the seat by matching with a database of facial data of children, a GPS (global positioning system) associated with the system to enable guardians of the children to track location of the children, an extendable plate attached adjacent to each of the seats, extended upwards to cover a window of the vehicle to prevent children from extending their arms from the windows, a telescopic link attached with an armrest of the seat by means of a hinge, extends across the seat to secure the child in the seat, a pair of ultrasonic sensors is mounted with the seat to detect distance of the seat with respect to a front and a rear seat.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the present system is further comprising of, a user interface is adapted to be installed with computing units of guardians to enable communication with a communication unit connected with the system to track the children via the GPS unit, a plurality of iris holes is crafted in the plate to allow ventilation in the vehicle, the plate is configured with a drawer arrangement for enabling extension and retraction of the plate, a pressure sensor is embedded in the link to detect excessive pressure caused by an obstruction to actuate the hinge to rotate the link outwards to prevent discomfort to the child, a temperature sensor is embedded in each of the seats to detect body temperature of the child, to determine a condition of fever, a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor is embedded in each of the seats to detect vitals of the child, to determine abnormal vitals and a battery is associated with the system for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the system.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a child safety system for vehicles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a child safety system for vehicles that is capable of providing a comprehensive layer of protection and convenience for child passengers by automatically adjusting seating, preventing unsafe actions, ensuring securement, and enabling remote health and location monitoring.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a child safety system for vehicles is illustrated, comprising, a plurality of seats 101 mounted within the vehicle, each by means of a pair of parallel sliding unit 102, a plurality of airbags 103 installed along rear portion of each of the seats 101, an artificial intelligence based camera 104 installed with the seats 101, an extendable plate 105 attached adjacent to each of the seats 101, a telescopic link 106 is attached with an armrest 107 of the seat by means of a hinge 108 and a plurality of iris holes 109 is crafted in the plate 105.

[0024] The system disclosed herein includes a set of seats 101 installed within a vehicle to be accessed by children for seating. The seats 101 herein incorporate all the components of the system required for monitoring children and ensure their safety against potential risk and unsafe actions throughout a journey.

[0025] Once a child occupying the seat, an artificial intelligence based camera 104 is arranged with a seat of the vehicle and configured with facial recognition protocol, to recognise a face of a child seated in the seat by matching with a database of facial data of children, linked with a microcontroller. The microcontroller functions as a central processing unit of the system, executing programmed instructions to control its operations, manage inputs and outputs, and coordinate various components for seamless functionality.

[0026] The artificial intelligence-based camera 104 includes a lens to focus light onto an image sensor (like a CMOS or CCD sensor), which converts the light intensity and color into digital pixel data. This raw digital image then undergoes preprocessing, which might involve noise reduction, normalization of lighting and contrast, and scaling to a consistent size. The facial recognition protocol, the intelligent core of this component, then takes over to employ protocols to detect if a face is present within the image frame. Once a face is detected, the protocol focuses on extracting unique and distinguishing features from the image frame. These features, often referred to as facial landmarks or embeddings, represent key aspects of the face's geometry, such as the distances and angles between eyes, nose, mouth, and chin. This extraction process transforms the facial image into a numerical representation or a feature vector. To recognize the child, this generated feature vector is then compared against the database containing pre-enrolled facial data of children. This database stores the feature vectors of known children. The comparison is performed using various similarity metrics (e.g., Euclidean distance, cosine similarity) to determine the degree of resemblance between the captured facial features and those in the database. If the similarity score exceeds a predefined threshold, indicating a sufficiently close match, the system recognizes the child as the individual associated with that entry in the database, confirming their presence in the seat.

[0027] Once the child presence is conformed, then the microcontroller actuates a telescopic link 106 attached with an armrest 107 of the seat by means of a hinge 108 to extend to deploy across the seat as a safety restraint to secure the child. The telescopic link 106 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the link 106. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the link 106 and due to applied pressure the link 106 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopic link 106 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the link 106 in order to extend for deployment purpose.

[0028] Once the link 106 is extended, them the microcontroller actuates the hinge 108 to deploy the link 106 across the seat to secure the child in the seat. The hinge 108 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the link 106 and the armrest 107. The leafs are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge 108. The rotation of the shaft is in clockwise and anti-clockwise which aids in opening and closing of the hinge 108 respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge 108 that in turn provides movement to the link 106 for securing the child in the seat.

[0029] Once the child is secured by the telescopic link 106, the microcontroller continuously monitors the pressure exerted on it via a pressure sensor integrated in the link 106. The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as a diaphragm that experiences a force exerted by the link 106 on the child's body. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for further processing to determine if the pressure is within a safe range or exceeds a threshold stored in the database, potentially indicating the obstruction, then the microcontroller regulates actuation of the hinge 108 to rotate the link 106 outwards if excessive pressure is detected.

[0030] Upon the camera’s 104 detection and confirmation of a child being secured in the seat, the microcontroller triggers an upward extension of an extendable plate 105 positioned next to the seat to effectively cover the vehicle window, serving as a barrier to prevent the child from reaching or extending their arms outside. The extension of the plate 105 is operated by the microcontroller by employing a drawer arrangement installed within the plate 105. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/ anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend to create the barrier to prevent the child from reaching or extending their arms outside.

[0031] The plate 105 also incorporates multiple iris holes 109 for ventilation, activated by the microcontroller after the plate 105 is deployed. These iris holes 109 operate using a motor connected to an iris arrangement, which consists of overlapping, hinged blades that open and close in a circular motion. When the microcontroller activates the iris holes 109, the motor drives a gear that rotates these blades, adjusting the size of the openings. The aperture controls the flow of air, allowing an optimal amount to enter the vehicle. The blades' movement is precise, enabling accurate control over the ventilation level. The microcontroller dynamically adjusts the aperture size for consistent airflow. For deactivation of the ventilation, the microcontroller stops the motor, closing the aperture to restrict airflow.

[0032] Once the child is confirmed secured in the seat by the facial recognition protocol, the microcontroller initiates the activation of a pair of ultrasonic sensors integrated into the seat to measure distance between the child's seat and the front seat, as well as the distance to the rear seat. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the adjacent seats 101 (front or rear). The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. a transmitter, and a receiver for emitting and detecting the waves to measure distance between the adjacent seats 101 (front or rear). The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of the adjacent seat, which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the receiver as the pulse hits the adjacent seat. The receiver then detects the reflected echo from the surface of the adjacent seat, and a calculation is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the distance of the adjacent seat. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller further processes the signal and actuate a pair of parallel sliding unit 102 arranged underneath the seats 101 to adjust the position of the child's seat for optimized space.

[0033] The sliding unit 102 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 102 results in the translation of the child’s seat over the sliding rails.

[0034] With the child is comfortably secured in the seat, the microcontroller activates a gyroscopic sensor integrated within the seat to monitor and detect any sudden changes in the vehicle's velocity. The gyroscopic sensor detects sudden velocity changes by measuring the vehicle's rotation rate. Inside, a vibrating element or rotating mass experiences the Coriolis force during rotation. The sensor sense changes in vibration patterns using capacitive or piezoelectric elements, converting them to electrical signals representing angular velocity. The microcontroller continuously reads these signals; a sudden velocity change causes a rapid shift in angular velocity. By analyzing the magnitude and rate of change, the microcontroller detects these abrupt movements, enabling the activation of safety features.

[0035] Upon the gyroscopic sensor detecting abrupt vehicle movement, the microcontroller triggers the deployment of multiple airbags 103 positioned along the rear of each seat to provide immediate cushioning and protection to the occupants.

[0036] The airbags 103 include an electronic control unit (ECU), an inflator module, and the airbag cushion itself. When the microcontroller (acting as or communicating with the ECU) determines the severity of the abrupt movement warrants airbag deployment, it sends an electrical signal to the inflator module. The inflator contains a chemical propellant, typically sodium azide, which undergoes a rapid pyrotechnic reaction upon ignition. This reaction generates a large volume of inert gas, primarily nitrogen, in milliseconds. The rapidly expanding gas fills the folded nylon fabric bag (the airbag cushion) with significant force, causing it to burst out of its housing and inflate in front of the occupant. This inflated bag acts as a soft, energy-absorbing cushion, slowing down the child’s forward motion during a collision and distributing the impact force over a larger area of the body. As the child makes contact with the airbag, the gas vents out through small holes, causing it to deflate in a controlled manner, allowing the occupant to regain some movement and visibility after the initial impact. This entire process, from sensor detection to full inflation and partial deflation, happens within a fraction of a second, providing crucial immediate protection against severe injuries from hitting the vehicle's interior.

[0037] In parallel with the safety measures, the microcontroller continuously monitors the child's well-being using a temperature and PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensors embedded in the seats 101. The temperature sensor, composed of a metal element (likely a thermistor or thermocouple), generates a change in electrical voltage or resistance in response to temperature fluctuations. It measures the voltage across a diode or its own resistance, converting these values into a readable temperature reading that is then sent as an electrical signal to the microcontroller. The PPG sensor, consisting of a light source (typically an infrared or green LED) and a photodetector, works by emitting light into the child's skin tissues and measuring the reflected light. The intensity of the reflected light varies with blood volume changes in the tissue, providing data on the child's pulse rate and blood flow. This detected light intensity is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0038] The microcontroller then analyzes both the temperature and PPG sensor data to determine the child's vital signs. If the measured temperature exceeds pre-defined fever thresholds stored in its database, the microcontroller activates a communication unit connected to the system to alert guardians and relevant authorities about the potential health concern through establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and a computing unit (includes, but not limited to smartphone, tablet or laptop) and inbuilt with a user-interface that is accessed by a child’s guardian.

[0039] The communication module used herein includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication module used herein is preferably a Wi-Fi module that is a hardware component that enables the microcontroller to connect wirelessly with the computing unit. The Wi-Fi module works by utilizing radio waves to transmit and receive data over short distances. The core functionality relies on the IEEE 802.11 standards, which define the protocols for wireless local area networking (WLAN). Once connected, the module allows the microcontroller to send and receive data through data packets.

[0040] Upon detecting a fever or abnormal vital signs, the microcontroller activates the GPS (Global Positioning System) associated with the system to enable the guardians to track the child's location. The GPS, a satellite-based navigation system, relies on a network of satellites orbiting Earth that continuously transmit their position and time. These signals, traveling at the speed of light, are received by the vehicle's GPS module. The module calculates its distance from at least four of these satellites by precisely measuring the time it takes for the signals to arrive. By knowing the satellites' positions and the calculated distances, the GPS module uses a mathematical technique called trilateration to pinpoint the exact current location coordinates of the vehicle. This real-time location data is then made available to the guardians through the communication unit and the user interface.

[0041] In addition, once the vehicle arrives at the designated destination, as determined by the GPS unit, the microcontroller sends signals to retract and rotate the telescopic link 106 and lower the extendable plate 105 for allowing the child to safely and easily exit the seat.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present invention, multiple telescopic rods are arranged with the seats 101 of the vehicle, that are actuated by the microcontroller to adjust height of the chair as per the child legs, as detected by the camera 104. The extension/retraction of the rods is regulated by the microcontroller by in the same manner as the telescopic link 106, by employing the pneumatic unit, for adjusting the height of the seats.

[0043] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0044] The present invention work best in the following manner, where the plurality of seats 101 is mounted on the pair of parallel sliding unit 102 for enabling position adjustment, assisted by the pair of ultrasonic sensors that detect the distance between adjacent seats 101 to optimize space. The airbags 103 are installed along the rear portion of each seat which are triggered by the gyroscopic sensor detecting sudden vehicle deceleration. The artificial intelligence-based camera 104 with facial recognition protocol is to identify children seated by matching facial data stored in the database. The camera 104 also detects if the child extends their arms out of the window, prompting the extension of the plate 105 mounted adjacent to the seat, which rises to cover the window. The plate 105 is equipped with iris holes 109 for ventilation and utilizes the drawer arrangement for smooth extension and retraction. The telescopic link 106 is attached via the hinge 108 to the armrest 107 and extends across the seat to secure the child upon presence detection and retracting and rotating upwards upon arrival at the destination as determined by the GPS. The pressure sensor in the link 106 detects obstructions, prompting the link 106 to rotate outward to prevent discomfort. The temperature sensors embedded in each seat monitor the child's body temperature and triggering notifications to guardians and authorities if fever is detected. The PPG (Photo plethysmography) sensor monitors vital signs, and any abnormal readings prompt alerts via the communication unit. The user interface allows guardians to communicate and track the child’s location through the GPS.

[0045] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A child safety system for vehicles, comprising:

i) a plurality of seats 101 mounted within the vehicle, each seat is adjustable by means of a pair of parallel sliding unit 102:
ii) a plurality of airbags 103 installed along rear portion of each of the seats 101, wherein a gyroscopic sensor is installed in the seat detects sudden change in velocity of the vehicle to deploy the airbags 103;
iii) an artificial intelligence based camera 104 installed with a seat of the vehicle, is configured with facial recognition protocol, to recognise a face of a child seated in the seat by matching with a database of facial data of children;
iv) a GPS (global positioning system) associated with the system to enable guardians of the children to track location of the children;
v) an extendable plate 105 attached adjacent to each of the seats 101, extendeding upwards to cover a window of the vehicle to prevent children from extending their arms from the windows, as detected by the camera 104; and
vi) a telescopic link 106 attached with an armrest 107 of the seat by means of a hinge 108, which extends across the seat to secure the child in the seat, upon detecting presence of the child in the seat by the camera 104, wherein the link 106 is retracted and rotated upwards upon reaching the destination as detected by the GPS unit.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of ultrasonic sensors is mounted with the seat to detect distance of the seat with respect to a front and a rear seat to accordingly actuate the sliding units 102 to adjust position of the seat for optimised space.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user interface is adapted to be installed with computing units of guardians to enable communication with a communication unit connected with the system to track the children via the GPS unit.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of iris holes 109 is crafted in the plate 105 to allow ventilation in the vehicle.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate 105 is configured with a drawer arrangement for enabling extension and retraction of the plate 105.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is embedded in the link 106 to detect excessive pressure caused by an obstruction to actuate the hinge 108 to rotate the link 106 outwards to prevent discomfort to the child.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is embedded in each of the seats 101 to detect body temperature of the child, to determine a condition of fever to actuate the communication unit to notify the authorities and the guardians regarding seeking medical attention.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor is embedded in each of the seats 101 to detect vitals of the child, to determine abnormal vitals to actuate the communication unit to notify the authorities and the guardians regarding seeking medical attention.