Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not
exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a seatbelt warning system for a vehicle. Further
embodiments of the present disclosure disclose the seatbelt warning system and a method for
10 generating a warning signal for use of the seatbelt in the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[002] Vehicles such as passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles and the like, include
15 restraints in the form of various types of seatbelts, which are intended to be worn by an
occupant on each seat of the vehicle. In general, the seatbelts are designed to secure the
occupant in position within a respective seat in the event of an accident or other abrupt
movements of the vehicle. The seatbelt typically includes a shoulder belt intended to be worn
across the occupant's upper torso and a lap belt intended to be worn across the lap.
20
[003] Wearing of the seatbelt is up to the occupants of the seats of the vehicle in order for the
seatbelt to be effective for its intended purpose. However, occupants do not always wear the
seatbelts as indented. In some instances, the occupants have been observed wearing the
shoulder belt portion behind their backs and the shoulder belt portion under their arms, which
25 is undesired.
[004] With rising concerns over safety of the occupants inside the vehicle, various systems
or devices to monitor use of the seatbelts by the occupants of the vehicle have been developed
and used in vehicles. Conventional monitoring systems include a switch or other sensor
30 coupled with the seatbelt buckle that functions to determine whether or not the buckle insert is
received within the buckle receptacle. An audible tone and/or a visible indication may be
generated, which can be a warning signal for use of the seatbelt by the occupant. However,
such monitoring systems may be defeated by coupling the seat buckle, by wearing the seatbelt
behind the back of the occupant, the shoulder belt portion under the arms and the like, which
35 is a concern over safety of the occupants.
[005] Further, the occupants try to defeat the monitoring system by coupling readymade
buckle inserts within the buckle receptacle, without the need to wear the seatbelt s, which again
is undesired.
3
5
[006] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or
other limitations associated with the existing art.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
10
[007] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional
advantages are provided through the system and method as claimed in the present disclosure.
Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present
disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and
15 are considered as a part of the claimed disclosure.
[008] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a seatbelt warning system for a
vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a first sensor disposed in a body of a vehicle proximal
to a seatbelt anchor bracket. The first sensor is configured to detect angular position of the
20 seatbelt anchor bracket relative to at least a portion of a vehicle body. The system includes a
load sensor disposed on a portion of a seatbelt. The load sensor is configured to measure load
on the seatbelt and transmit a second signal corresponding to load of the seatbelt. Further, the
system includes a control unit communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the load sensor.
The control unit is configured to receive a first signal and a second signal indicative of the
25 angular position of the seatbelt from the first sensor and the load on the seatbelt from the load
sensor. The control unit is configured to compare the load on the seatbelt and corresponding
angular position of the seatbelt with a threshold load on the seatbelt corresponding to a
threshold angular position of the seatbelt. The control unit is configured to generate a warning
signal based on comparison of the angular position with the threshold angular position and
30 comparison of the load on the seatbelt with the threshold load value.
[009] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the warning signal upon
comparison of the angular position and the load on the seatbelt with the threshold angular
position and the threshold load value in the seatbelt respectively.
35
[010] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the warning signal when
the angular position of the seatbelt is away from an axis at a predetermined angle, wherein the
axis is defined along length of at least one pillar defined in the vehicle body.
4
[011] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate 5 the warning signal when
the load in the seatbelt is greater than the threshold load value.
[012] In an embodiment, the first sensor is disposed on the at least one pillar of the vehicle
body to detect the angular position of the seatbelt.
10
[013] In an embodiment, the system comprises a second sensor disposed in the vehicle body
proximal to the seatbelt anchor bracket configured to sense a length of the seatbelt relative to
position of a seatbelt anchor.
15 [014] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to receive and compare the length of
the seatbelt with a threshold length and generate the warning signal based on the comparison
of the length of the seatbelt with the threshold length.
[015] In an embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the warning signal when
20 the sensed length of the seatbelt is less than the threshold length.
[016] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the system includes an indication unit
communicatively coupled to the control unit. The control unit generates the warning signal
through the indication unit. The indication unit is at least one of an audio unit, a visual unit and
25 an audio-visual unit.
[017] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating a
seatbelt warning system is disclosed. The method includes receiving by a control unit, a first
signal and a second signal indicative of the angular position of the seatbelt from the first sensor
30 and the load on the seatbelt from the load sensor. The control unit is configured to compare the
load on the seatbelt and corresponding angular position of the seatbelt with a threshold load on
the seatbelt corresponding to a threshold angular position of the seatbelt. The control unit is
configured to generate a warning signal based on comparison of the angular position with the
threshold angular position and comparison of the load on the seatbelt with the threshold load
35 value.
[018] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the method comprises generating, by the control
unit (3), the warning signal upon comparison of the angular position and the load on the seatbelt
with the threshold angular position and the threshold load value in the seatbelt (103)
40 respectively.
5
5
[019] In an embodiment, the method comprises generating, by the control unit, the warning
signal when the angular position of the seatbelt is away from an axis at a predetermined angle,
wherein the axis is defined along length of at least one pillar defined in the vehicle body.
10 [020] In an embodiment, the method comprises generating, by the control unit, the warning
signal when the load in the seatbelt is greater than the threshold load value.
[021] In an embodiment, the method comprises receiving and comparing, by the control unit,
a length of the seatbelt with a threshold length and generate the warning signal based on the
15 comparison of the length of the seatbelt with the threshold length.
[022] In an embodiment, the method comprises generating, by the control unit, the warning
signal when the length of the seatbelt is less than the threshold length.
20 [023] It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described
above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments
may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[024] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.
25 In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further
aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the
following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
30
[025] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended
claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and
advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description
of an embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more
35 embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[026] Figure. 1 is a block diagram of a seatbelt warning system, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
40
6
[027] Figure. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a cabin of a vehicle, 5 depicting seatbelt in
normal condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[028] Figure. 3a illustrates a schematic view of a seat, depicting seatbelt with a load sensor,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10
[029] Figure. 3b illustrates a schematic view of a pillar of the vehicle, depicting a second
sensor, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[030] Figure. 4a illustrates a schematic view of the seatbelt depicting a first angular position
15 of the seatbelt, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[031] Figure. 4b illustrates a schematic view of the seatbelt depicting a neutral position of the
seatbelt, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
20 [032] Figure. 4c illustrates a schematic view of the seatbelt depicting a second angular
position of the seatbelt, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[033] Figure. 5 is a flow chart depicting operational sequence of the seatbelt warning system,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
25
[034] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One
skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative
embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without
departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
30
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[035] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and
alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the
35 figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended
to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to
cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[036] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present
40 disclosure and modify various features of a seatbelt warning system and method of generating
the seatbelt warning, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such
7
modifications are considered to be part of the disclosure. Accordingly, 5 the drawings show
only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present
disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to
those of ordinary skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein.
10 [037] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the
disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system that comprises
a list of components does not include only those components but may include other
components not expressly listed or inherent to such system. In other words, one or more
elements in a system or device proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more
15 constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or
device.
[038] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a seatbelt warning system for a vehicle
is disclosed. The system includes a first sensor disposed in a body of a vehicle proximal to a
20 seatbelt anchor bracket. The first sensor is configured to detect angular position of the seatbelt
anchor bracket relative to at least a portion of a vehicle body. The system includes a load sensor
disposed on a portion of a seatbelt. The load sensor is configured to measure load on the seatbelt
and transmit a second signal corresponding to load of the seatbelt. Further, the system includes
a control unit communicatively coupled to the first sensor and the load sensor. The control unit
25 is configured to receive a first signal and a second signal indicative of the angular position of
the seatbelt from the first sensor and the load on the seatbelt from the load sensor. The control
unit is configured to compare the load on the seatbelt and corresponding angular position of
the seatbelt with a threshold load on the seatbelt corresponding to a threshold angular position
of the seatbelt. The control unit is configured to generate a warning signal based on comparison
30 of the angular position with the threshold angular position and comparison of the load on the
seatbelt with the threshold load value.
[039] The configuration of the system ensures proper use of the seatbelt by the occupant by
the generating alert signal, unlike conventional alert systems which can be circumvented to
35 avoid alert signal even without proper use of the seatbelt.
[040] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1
to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated
by the same reference signs.
8
5
[041] Figure. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a seatbelt warning system (100) for a vehicle.
The seatbelt warning system (100) may be adapted to generate warning signal for proper use
of the seatbelt (103) in front and rear seats of the vehicle. Further, the seatbelt warning system
(100) may generate the warning signal even when buckle of the seatbelt (103) is coupled,
10 without wearing the seatbelt (103) by the occupant or wearing the seatbelt (103) in an undesired
way.
[042] As seen in Figure. 1, the system (100) may include a first sensor (1), which may be
disposed in a body (102) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the body (102) of the vehicle may
15 be inferred as a B-pillar, a C-pillar and a D-pillar of the vehicle. As an example, the first sensor
(1) may be positioned proximal to or on a pivot point of seatbelt anchor bracket (101) [as seen
in Figure. 2]. The first sensor (1) may be configured to detect an angular position of the seatbelt
anchor bracket (101) relative to the body (102) of the vehicle. The anchor bracket may displace
angularly about an anchor ring disposed on the body (102) of the vehicle in a clockwise
20 direction and an anti-clockwise direction. As seen in Figure. 4a, when the seatbelt anchor
bracket (101) changes its angular position [e.g., denoted by ?], the first sensor (1) detects the
angular position of the seatbelt anchor bracket (101). In an embodiment, the first sensor (1)
may be but not limiting to a potentiometer. The first sensor may also be selected from the group
consisting of position sensors including a rotary encoder, an optical position sensor, an
25 ultrasonic sensor, and the like and electromagnetic induction based sensors including inductive
position sensor and the like. The potentiometer may determine variation in resistance, which is
a result of change in angular position of the seatbelt anchor bracket (101). The change is
resistance may be a reference to the angle of the seatbelt anchor bracket (101). For example,
the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) may displace away from a vertical axis (AA’) defined along
30 length of at least one pillar of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the seatbelt (103) may be defined
with a central axis (BB’) defined parallel to lateral edges of the seatbelt (103), extending along
length of the seatbelt (103). The displacement of the seatbelt (103) about the anchor ring may
defined an angle between the vertical axis (AA’) and the central axis (BB’). The first sensor
(1) may determine an increase in resistance and/or a decrease in resistance based on angular
35 displacement of the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) about the anchor ring. The increase in
resistance determined by the first sensor (1) may indicate angular displacement of the seatbelt
anchor bracket (101) in clockwise direction away from the vertical axis (AA’) when the seatbelt
(103) may be pulled rearward with respect to the at least one pillar as can be seen in Figure 4c.
9
The decrease in resistance determined by the first sensor (1) may indicate 5 angular displacement
of the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) in anti-clockwise direction away from the vertical axis
(AA’), when the seatbelt (103) may be pulled forward with respect to the at least one pillar as
can be seen in Figure 4a. In an embodiment, the displacement of the seatbelt (103) and the
seatbelt anchor bracket (101) in the clockwise direction may define a negative angle between
10 the vertical axis (AA’) and the central axis (BB’), where the displacement of the seatbelt (103)
and the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) in the anti-clockwise direction may define a positive angle
between the vertical axis (AA’) and the central axis (BB’). The direction of angular
displacement from the vertical axis (AA’) with respect to change in resistance is depicted for
explanatory purposes and the same shall not be considered a limitation.
15
[043] Referring to Figures 1 and 3a, the system (100) may include a load sensor (2) disposed
on a portion of the seatbelt (103). The load sensor (2) may be configured to measure load on
the seatbelt (103). The load sensor (2) may detect load on the seatbelt (103) due to improper
positions of the seatbelt (103) such as but not limited to, between back of an occupant and the
20 seat (104), beneath shoulder and across chest of the occupant which may impose a load on the
seatbelt (103). When the seatbelt (103) may be worn properly by the occupant where, the
seatbelt (103) extends across the shoulder and the chest of the occupant, the load sensor (2)
may not detect any load on the seatbelt (103) upon coupling the seatbelt (103) buckle. Further,
the system (100) may include a control unit (3), which may be communicatively coupled to the
25 first sensor (1) and the load sensor (2). The control unit (3) may receive a first signal and a
second signal indicative of the angular position of the seatbelt (103) from the first sensor (1)
and the load on the seatbelt (103) from the load sensor (2) respectively.
[044] In an embodiment, the control unit (3) may be configured to receive a signal from the
30 position sensor (1) when a trigger signal corresponding to occupant occupying the seat (104)
of the vehicle is generated. In an embodiment, the trigger signal may be generated by an
occupant detection sensor associated with the seat (104) of the vehicle and communicatively
coupled to the control unit (3). As an example, the occupant detection sensor is a strain gauge
or weight sensor, which triggers a signal when the vehicle is operated to ON-condition. The
35 control unit (3) may compare the load on the seatbelt (103) and corresponding angular position
of the seatbelt (103) with a threshold load on the seatbelt (103) corresponding to a threshold
angular position of the seatbelt (103) as can be seen in Figure 4b. The control unit (3) may,
then, generate a warning signal based on comparison of the angular position with the threshold
10
angular position and comparison of the load on the seatbelt (103) with 5 the threshold load value.
The control unit (3) may be configured to generate the warning signal when the angular position
of the seatbelt (103) is away from an axis at a predetermined angle, wherein the axis is defined
along length of the at least one pillar. The predetermined angle may be defined between the
vertical axis (AA’) and the central axis (BB’). In the illustrative embodiment, the
10 predetermined angle is defined as the negative angle, when the seatbelt (103) and the seatbelt
anchor bracket (101) displace away from the vertical axis (AA’) in clockwise direction.
Further, the control unit (3) is configured to generate the warning signal when the load on the
seatbelt (103) is greater than the threshold load value. In an embodiment, the control unit (3)
may compare the angular position from the first sensor (1) relative to the load on the seatbelt
15 (103).
[045] Referring again to Figures 1 and 3b, the system (100) may include a second sensor (5)
disposed in the vehicle body (102) proximal to the seatbelt anchor bracket (101). The second
sensor (5) may be configured to sense a length of the seatbelt (103) relative to position of a
20 seatbelt (103) anchor. The control unit (3) may receive the length of the seatbelt (103) from the
second sensor (5) and may compare the length with a threshold length. In an embodiment, the
length of the seatbelt (103) received by the control unit (3) may be defined as length of the
seatbelt (103) unreeled to be worn by the occupant. The control unit (3) may generate the
warning signal based on comparison of the measured length with the threshold length. In an
25 embodiment, the control unit (3) may compare the length of the seatbelt (103) relative to the
angular position of the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) from the first sensor (1) and the load on
the seatbelt (103) from the load sensor (2). The control unit (3) may generate the warning signal
when the length of the seatbelt (103) may be less than the threshold length, which may indicate
the seatbelt (103) may not be pulled and may not be worn around the occupant. In an
30 embodiment, the threshold angular position, the threshold load and the threshold length may
be stored in the control unit (3).
[046] Furthermore, the system (100) may include an indication unit (4), which may be
communicatively coupled to the control unit (3). The control unit (3) may generate a warning
35 signal through the indication unit (4).
[047] In an embodiment, the indication unit (4) is at least one of an audio unit, a visual unit
and an audio-visual unit. The audio unit generate an audio warning signal, the visual unit
11
generates a visual warning signal, typically on an instrument cluster 5 and the audio-visual unit
generated both audio and video warning signal.
[048] In an embodiment, the first sensor (1) may continuously monitor change in angular
position of the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) and the load sensor (2) may continuously detect
10 load on the seatbelt (103), which may be received by the control unit (3). Based on the
comparison of the angular position of the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) at that particular
horizontal position of the seat (104) with the threshold value, the control unit (3) may generate
the warning signal through the indication unit (4).
15 [049] In an embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to generate the warning signal
even when the seatbelt (103) buckle is not coupled. In other words, the system (100) of the
present disclosure aids in generating warning signal in two stages. That is, the system (100)
may generate the warning signal when the seatbelt (103) buckle is not engaged and also if the
buckle is engaged without proper use of the seatbelt (103), unlike conventional system which
20 generate the warning signal only when the seatbelt buckle is not engaged.
[050] Turning now to Figure. 5, which is a flowchart depicting operational sequence of the
system (100) for generating the warning signal for proper use of the seatbelt (103). The
operation sequence of the system (100) is described in relation to the seatbelt (103) which is
25 adapted in one of a front seat (104) of the vehicle and the same cannot be construed as a
limitation, since the system (100) may be adapted to generate warning signal in relation to
seatbelt (103) associated with any seat (104) of the vehicle.
[051] As illustrated in flowchart of Figure. 5, the one or more blocks illustrates a sequence
30 of operation of the system (100). The operation may be described in the general context of
computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions may include
routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions,
which perform functions or implement abstract data types.
35 [052] The order in which the operation is described is not intended to be construed as a
limitation, and any number of the described method (500) blocks can be combined in any order
to implement the method (500). Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the
methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore,
12
the method (500) can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, 5 firmware, or
combination thereof.
[053] As seen in Figure. 5, at block 501, the first sensor (1) may detect angular position of
the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) relative to the body (102) of the vehicle and the load sensor
10 (2) may detect and generate a first signal corresponding to the horizontal position of the seat
(104), when a trigger signal corresponding to occupant occupying the seat (104) of the vehicle
is generated. Further, the load sensor (2) may detect load on the seatbelt (103) and may generate
a second signal. The control unit (3) may receive the first signal and the second signal indicative
of the angular position of the seatbelt (103) from the first sensor (1) and the load on the seatbelt
15 (103) from the load sensor (2) respectively at block 501. In an embodiment, the control unit (3)
may be configured to receive a trigger signal corresponding to occupant occupying the seat
(104) of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the trigger signal may be generated by an occupant
detection sensor associated with the seat (104) of the vehicle and communicatively coupled to
the control unit (3). As an example, the occupant detection sensor is a strain gauge or weight
20 sensor, which triggers a signal when the vehicle is operated to ON-condition.
[054] At block 502, the control unit (3) may compare the load on the seatbelt (103) and
corresponding angular position of the seatbelt (103) with a threshold load on the seatbelt (103)
corresponding to a threshold angular position of the seatbelt (103).
25
[055] The second sensor (5) communicatively coupled to the control unit (3) may be
configured to sense a length of the seatbelt (103) relative to position of a seatbelt anchor bracket
(101). The control unit (3) may receive the length of the seatbelt (103) from the second sensor
(5) and may compare the length with a threshold length. In an embodiment, the control unit (3)
30 may compare the length of the seatbelt (103) relative to the angular position of the seatbelt
anchor bracket (101) from the first sensor (1) and the load on the seatbelt (103) from the load
sensor (2).
[056] At block 503, the control unit (3) may generate a warning signal based on comparison
35 of the angular position with the threshold angular position and comparison of the load on the
seatbelt (103) with the threshold load value. The control unit (3) may be configured to generate
the warning signal when the angular position of the seatbelt (103) is away from an axis at a
predetermined angle, wherein the axis is defined along length of the at least one pillar. The
predetermined angle may be defined between the vertical axis (AA’). In the illustrative
13
embodiment, the predetermined angle is defined as the negative angle, 5 when the seatbelt (103)
and the seatbelt anchor bracket (101) displace away from the vertical axis (AA’) in clockwise
direction. Further, the control unit (3) is configured to generate the warning signal when the
load on the seatbelt (103) is greater than the threshold load value. In an embodiment, the control
unit (3) may compare the angular position from the first sensor (1) relative to the load on the
10 seatbelt (103).
[057] In an embodiment, the control unit (3) may receive a third signal from the second sensor
(5) corresponding to length of the seatbelt (103) relative to position of the seatbelt anchor
bracket (101). The control unit (3) may generate the warning signal based on comparison of
15 the measured length with the threshold length. The control unit (3) may generate the warning
signal when the length of the seatbelt (103) may be less than the threshold length, which may
indicate the seatbelt (103) may not be pulled and may not be worn around the occupant. In an
embodiment, the threshold angular position, the threshold load and the threshold length may
be stored in the control unit (3).
20
[058] In an embodiment, the system (100) may be fitted in the existing vehicles without
substantial modification.
[059] In an embodiment, the system (100) is modular, simple, and effectively facilitates in
25 generating the warning signals for proper use of the seatbelt (103), thereby ensures safety of
the occupant.
[060] In an embodiment, the system (100) may be configured to operate in relation with the
monitoring system, which may generate corresponding to non-coupling of the seatbelt (103)
30 buckle with occupant residing on the seat (104) of the vehicle.
[061] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the control unit (3) may be a centralized control
unit, or a dedicated control unit. The control unit (3) may be implemented by any computing
systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The processing
35 module of the control unit (3) may comprise at least one data processor for executing program
components for executing user or system generated requests. The processing module may be a
specialized processing module such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory
management control units, floating point units, graphics processing modules, digital signal
processing modules, etc. The processing module may include a microprocessor, such as AMD
14
Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, 5 IBM PowerPC,
Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing module
may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or
other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like applicationspecific
integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable
10 Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.
[062] In some embodiments, the control unit (3) may be disposed in communication with one
or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface
may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc
15 drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment
(SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber
channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include
a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of
independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.
20
[063] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system
(100) of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such
modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present
invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and
25 variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Equivalents:
[064] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those
30 having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to
the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural
permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[065] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and
35 especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended
as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited
to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be
interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within
the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent
15
will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation 5 no such intent is
present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the
introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular
10 claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such
recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at
least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be
interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite
articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an
15 introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such
recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare
recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations,
or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to
“at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
20 one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one
of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C
alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together,
etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is
used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would
25 understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but
not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C
together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more
alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to
30 contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both
terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A”
or “B” or “A and B.” While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other
aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and
embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
35 limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numerals:
16
Particular Reference number
Seatbelt warning system 100
First sensor 1
Load sensor 2
Control unit 3
Indication unit 4
second sensor 5
Seatbelt anchor bracket 101
Body 102
Seat 104
Seatbelt 103
Method 500
Vertical axis AA’
Central axis BB’ , Claims:We Claim:
1. A seatbelt warning system (100) for a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a first sensor (1) disposed proximal to a seatbelt anchor bracket (101), the first
sensor (1) is configured to detect an angular position of the seatbelt anchor bracket
(101) relative to at least a portion of a vehicle body (102);
10 a load sensor (2) disposed on a portion of a seatbelt (103), the load sensor (2) is
configured to measure load on the seatbelt (103); and
a control unit (3) communicatively coupled to the first sensor (1) and the load
sensor (2), wherein the control unit (3) is configured to:
receive a first signal and a second signal indicative of the angular position
15 of the seatbelt (103) from the first sensor (1) and the load on the seatbelt (103)
from the load sensor (2);
compare the load on the seatbelt (103) and corresponding angular position
of the seatbelt (103) with a threshold load on the seatbelt (103) corresponding to
a threshold angular position of the seatbelt (103); and
20 generate a warning signal based on comparison of the angular position with
the threshold angular position and comparison of the load on the seatbelt (103)
with the threshold load value.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to
25 generate the warning signal upon comparison of the angular position and the load on
the seatbelt (103) with the threshold angular position and the threshold load value in
the seatbelt (103) respectively.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to
30 generate the warning signal when the angular position of the seatbelt (103) anchor
bracket is away from an axis at a predetermined angle, wherein the axis is defined along
length of at least one pillar defined in the vehicle body (102).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to
35 generate the warning signal when the load in the seatbelt (103) is greater than the
threshold load value.
18
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensor 5 (1) is disposed on the
at least one pillar of the vehicle body (102) to detect the angular position of the seatbelt
(103).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises a second
10 sensor (5) disposed in the vehicle body (102) proximal to the seatbelt anchor bracket
(101) configured to sense a length of the seatbelt (103) relative to position of a seatbelt
(103) anchor.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to
15 receive and compare the length of the seatbelt (103) with a threshold length and
generate the warning signal based on the comparison of the length of the seatbelt (103)
with the threshold length.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (3) is configured to
20 generate the warning signal when the sensed length of the seatbelt (103) is less than the
threshold length.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an indication unit (4)
communicatively coupled to the control unit (3), wherein the control unit (3) generates
25 the warning signal through the indication unit (4).
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the indication unit (4) is at least one
of an audio unit, a visual unit, and an audio-visual unit.
30 11. A method (500) of operating a seatbelt warning system (100), the method (500)
comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (3), a first signal and a second signal indicative
of an angular position of a seatbelt (103) from a first sensor (1) and a load on the
seatbelt (103) from a load sensor (2);
35 comparing, by the control unit (3), the load on the seatbelt (103) and
corresponding angular position of the seatbelt (103) with a threshold load on the
seatbelt (103) corresponding to a threshold angular position of the seatbelt (103);
and
19
generating, by the control unit (3), a warning 5 signal based on comparison
of the angular position with the threshold angular position and comparison of the
load on the seatbelt (103) with the threshold load value.
12. The method (500) as claimed in claim 11, comprises generating, by the control unit (3),
10 the warning signal upon comparison of the angular position and the load on the seatbelt
(103) with the threshold angular position and the threshold load value in the seatbelt
(103) respectively.
13. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, comprises generating, by the control unit (3),
15 the warning signal when the angular position of the seatbelt (103) anchor bracket is
away from an axis at a predetermined angle, wherein the axis is defined along length
of at least one pillar defined in the vehicle body (102).
14. The method (500) as claimed in claim 12, comprises generating, by the control unit (3),
20 the warning signal when the load in the seatbelt (103) is greater than the threshold load
value.
15. The method (500) as claimed in claim 11, comprises receiving and comparing, by the
control unit (3), a length of the seatbelt (103) with a threshold length and generate the
25 warning signal based on the comparison of the length of the seatbelt (103) with the
threshold length.
16. The method (500) as claimed in claim 15, comprises generating, by the control unit (3),
the warning signal when the length of the seatbelt (103) is less than the threshold length.