TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to wireless charging systems for electronic devices, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle. The term “portable electronic device” herein refers to a device or apparatus, portable or mobile, having a rechargeable battery. Examples of the portable electronic device may include, but not limited to, a mobile device, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation aid (for example, GPS type), a game console, and the like.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed subject matter, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Wireless charging system recharges a battery of a portable electronic device without a wired connection. Such a system is intended to be integrated on a dashboard or between the seats of a vehicle. If a driver or user of the vehicle forgets his/her portable electronic device when he/she leaves the vehicle, no mechanism is provided to prevent the portable electronic device being left in the vehicle and may lead to an increase in the risk of burglary due to the visibility of the portable electronic device forgot on the wireless charging system. This risk makes the wireless charging system in the vehicle less attractive to the user or driver.
[0004] To address this issue, an anti-forget device is known in the state of the art to generate an alert for a portable electronic device when the user/driver is leaving the vehicle. For this purpose, a wireless charger is equipped with an alert mechanism. While the portable electronic device is present on the wireless charger, the ignition is turned off, and the user/driver opens the door to move out, the alert mechanism is engaged to generate device left-out alert to inform the user/driver of his/her forgetfulness.
3
[0005] Such anti-forget device has several disadvantages. For instance, when the user turns off the ignition, the power supply to wireless charger also gets disconnected. However, to establish the presence of portable electronic device on wireless charger, the wireless charger again sets-up the connection with portable electronic device by sending analog and digital pings. The time taken by the wireless charger for pinging the portable electronic device to detect its presence on the wireless charger may generally take about 3-5 seconds. By the time alert is generated, the driver/user may have already left the vehicle.
[0006] Also, in case the engine is stopped by the user/driver before opening the door, power supply to the wireless charger, for performing pinging of the portable electronic device to detect its presence on the mounting bracket, may not be available. This would lead to failure in providing an alert to the user/driver for the portable electronic device being left in the vehicle.
[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system and method that are capable of informing a driver while getting off the vehicle while leaving a portable electronic device in the vehicle.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed here in below.
[0009] It is a general object of the present disclosure to provide systems and methods that are capable of informing a driver while getting off the vehicle while leaving a portable electronic device in the vehicle.
[0010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a system that detects a portable electronic device left out in the vehicle and notifies the driver by one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm.
[0011] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
4
SUMMARY
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to systems and methods for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0013] The present disclosure relates to a system for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle control module (VCM) to detect occurrence of an event indicative of a deactivation state of an ignition switch of the vehicle; a body control module (BCM) to detect the occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of a driver to leave the vehicle; and a device detection module coupled to the VCM and BCM. The device detection module is to extend a wake up time of a wireless device charger for a predetermined time period after detection of occurrence of the event indicative of the deactivation state of an ignition switch, supply a charging power to the wireless device charger below a predetermined threshold value during the extended wake up time, and to detect the portable electronic device presence over a charging zone of the wireless device charger in the extended wake up time. The system further includes an alarm activation module, coupled to the device detection module, to activate an alarm, after the detection of occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle, based on the detection of the presence of the portable electronic device over the charging zone of the wireless device charger.
[0014] In an aspect, the system further includes a Controller Area Network (CAN) Common Gateway Controller (CGW). The CAN CGW is to receive detection signals from the VCM and the BCM, and transmit a CAN wake up signal to the device detection module to detect the presence of the portable electronic device on the charging zone of the wireless device charger.
[0015] In an aspect, after the expiration of extended wake up time period, the alarm activation module is to receive a detected load value from a load sensor mounted below the charging zone, compare the detected load value with an initial load value when no portable electronic device was placed over the charging zone, detect the presence of the portable electronic device based on the comparison, and
5
activate the alarm upon detecting an occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle.
[0016] In an aspect, the predetermined threshold value of the charging power for the wireless device charger is 15 W. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this value is for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
[0017] In an aspect, the charging power supplied to the wireless device charger is dropped from 15 W to 5 W. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art these values are for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
[0018] In an aspect, the extended wake-up time and the predetermined time period is 15 seconds. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art this value is for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
[0019] In an aspect, the alarm is triggered within 0.5 seconds after the driver opens the door of the vehicle for leaving during the extended wake-up time.
[0020] In an aspect, the alarm activation module is to continue the alarm until an input is received from a vehicle key or an in-vehicle infotainment system, or portable electronic device is lifted from wireless device charger, or door of the vehicle is closed, or after certain interval of time, for example 10 seconds.
[0021] In an aspect, the alarm is at least one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm.
[0022] In an aspect, the BCM is to detect the occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of a driver to leave the vehicle, based on the opening of a vehicle door and changing in load value of a load sensor placed beneath a driver seat.
[0023] In an aspect, the portable electronic device is a mobile communication device includes a mobile device, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation aid (for example, GPS type), and a game console.
[0024] The present disclosure further relates to a method for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle. The method includes detecting occurrence of an event indicative of a deactivation state of an ignition
6
switch of the vehicle; extending a wake up time of a wireless device charger for a predetermined time period after detection of occurrence of the event indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch; supplying a charging power to the wireless device charger below a predetermined threshold value during the extended wake up time; detecting presence of portable electronic device over a charging zone of the wireless device charger in the extended wake up time; and based on the detection of the presence of the portable electronic device over the charging zone of the wireless device charger, activating an alarm after detection of occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of a driver to leave the vehicle.
[0025] In an aspect of the method, the method further includes receiving, at a Controller Area Network (CAN) Common Gateway Controller (CGW), detection signal indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch and a detection signal indicating the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle; and transmitting, from the CAN CGW, a CAN wake up signal to a device detection module to detect the presence of the portable electronic device on the charging zone of the wireless device charger.
[0026] In an aspect of the method, after the extended wake up time, the method includes receiving a detected load value from a load sensor mounted below the charging zone; comparing the detected load value with an initial load value when no portable electronic device was placed over the charging zone; detecting the presence of the portable electronic device based on the comparison; and activating the alarm upon detecting an occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle.
[0027] In an aspect of the method, the predetermined threshold value of the charging power for the wireless device charger is 15 W. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this value is for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
[0028] In an aspect of the method, the charging power supplied to the wireless device charger is dropped from 15 W to 5 W. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, these values are for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
7
[0029] In an aspect of the method, the extended wake-up time and the predetermined time period is 15 seconds. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this value is for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
[0030] In an aspect of the method, the alarm is triggered within 0.5 seconds after the driver opens the door of the vehicle for leaving during the extended wake-up time..
[0031] In an aspect of the method, the alarm activation module is to continue the alarm until an input is received from a vehicle key or an in-vehicle infotainment system, or portable electronic device is lifted from wireless device charger, or door of the vehicle is closed, or after certain interval of time, for example 10 seconds.
[0032] In an aspect of the method, the alarm is at least one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm.
[0033] In an aspect of the method, the method further includes detecting the occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle is based on the opening of a vehicle door and changing in a load value of a load sensor placed beneath a driver seat.
[0034] In an aspect of the method, the portable electronic device includes a mobile device, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation aid (for example, GPS type), and a game console.
[0035] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
[0036] 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 to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.
[0037] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features
8
described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0039] FIG. 1 illustrates an architecture of a system for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary components of the system of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary conditions of implementation of the system of FIG. 1 in the form of tabular summary, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0043] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the
9
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0045] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0047] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0048] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0049] Embodiments explained herein pertain to systems and methods for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle. The term
10
“portable electronic device” herein refers to a device or apparatus, portable or mobile, having a rechargeable battery. Examples of the portable electronic device may include, but not limited to, a mobile device, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation aid (for example, GPS type), a game console, and the like.
[0050] It would be beneficial that a system is integrated with an alarm so that a driver of a vehicle can be reminded to remove a portable electronic device from the wireless charger or charging zone when charging power to the portable electronic device drops, for example, when the vehicle’s ignition switch (IS) is turned off or when the vehicle’s electrical system is switched off. It would further be beneficial that the system is integrated with a vehicle control module (VCM) and a body control module (BCM) so that false alarms aren’t raised, for example, during detection of an event of the door opening while the vehicle ignition is still activated.
[0051] FIG. 1 shows an architecture of a system 100 for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a vehicle control module (VCM) 102 to sense the occurrence of an event indicative of a deactivation state of an ignition switch 104 of the vehicle, and to receive input from load sensor 106 mounted beneath a charging zone 108 of a wireless device charger 110.
[0052] The system 100 further includes a body control module (BCM) 112 detect the occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of a driver to leave the vehicle based on signals received from a driver door opening/closing sensor 114.
[0053] From the VCM 102 or the BCM 112, a Controller Area Network (CAN) Common Gateway Controller (CGW) 116 continuously receives detection signals and transmits a CAN wake up signal to the device detection module 118 to detect the presence of the portable electronic device on the charging zone 108 of the wireless device charger 110.
[0054] Upon receipt of the wake-up signal, the device detection module 118 of the system 100 checks whether the portable electronic device is present on the charging zone 108 of the wireless device charger 110. For this, after switching off of the ignition switch 104, the device detection module 118 controls a power source
11
120 to extend the supply of charging power for a predetermined time period, say, 15 seconds, after detection of the occurrence of the event indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch 104. In the extended time period, the power source 120 is controlled to supply the charging power at 5W below a predetermined threshold value, say, 15W, so that the charging of the portable electronic device does not stop. In the process of continued charging, the device detection module 118 is able to detect the portable electronic device presence over the charging zone 108 of the wireless device charger 110. The alarm activation module 122 generates the alarm within 0.5 seconds, in comparison to 3-5 seconds required in conventional alarming systems.
[0055] Now, in case it is determined that the portable electronic device is over the charging zone 108 and the driver is not moved out of the vehicle even after extended predetermined time period of 15 seconds, the wireless device charger 110 will go to sleep mode but the load sensor 106 inbuilt beneath the charging zone 108 will continuously transmit the signals to the VCM 102. From VCM 102, the device detection module 118 continuously receives the signals detecting a load value from the load sensor 106, compares the detected load value with an initial load value when no portable electronic device was placed over the charging zone 108, detects the presence of the portable electronic device based on the comparison, and activates the alarm activation module 122 to active an instrument panel cluster (IPC) alarm 124 upon detecting an occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle. In an aspect, the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle includes (i) opening of a vehicle door and (ii) changing in load value of a load sensor (not shown in figures) placed beneath a driver seat (not shown in figures).
[0056] In an aspect, the IPC alarm 124 is one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm. The audible alarm may be regular beep sound or a musical sound coming out of the IPC, while the visible alarm includes a change in color of IPC or vehicle key.
[0057] Further, in an aspect, with the implementation of the disclosure described herein, the IPC alarm 124 is activated within 0.5 seconds from the event it is detected that the driver has made a decision to leave the vehicle. This ensures
12
that the event of portable electronic device left out in the vehicle can be quickly notified to the driver before he/she moves out of the vehicle.
[0058] In an aspect, in cases where the driver moves out of the vehicle without noticing the IPC alarm 124, the alarm activation module 122 may activate theft alarm through a speaker mounted in an engine bay of the vehicle. Also, in another aspect, the theft alarm may initially produce an alarm at a first predetermined sound level, and after a predetermined time, say 10 seconds, may elevate the alarm to a second predetermined sound level. Such a change in the volume or characteristic of the alarm may alert the driver walking away from that he/she has missed something while locking the vehicle.
[0059] However, in case the driver has intentionally left the portable electronic device on the charging zone 108 of the wireless device charger 110, the driver can switch off the IPC alarm 124 or the theft alarm by providing input from a vehicle key or an in-vehicle infotainment system.
[0060] FIG. 2 illustrates the functional components of the system 100 proposed herein. The system 100 includes a processor(s) 202, an interface(s) 204, and a memory 206. The processor(s) 202 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) 202 are configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and one or more routines stored in the memory 206. The memory 206 may store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to manage warehouse over a network service. The memory 206 may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
[0061] The interface(s) 204 may include a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 204 may facilitate communication of the system 100 with various devices coupled to the system 100. The interface(s) 204 may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the
13
system 100. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, module(s) 208 and data 210. The data 210 may include data that is either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the module(s) 208.
[0062] The module(s) 208 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the module(s) 208. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the module(s) 208 may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the module(s) 208 may include a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the controlling module(s) 208. In such examples, the system 100 may include the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the system 100 and the processing resource. In other examples, the module(s) 208 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0063] In an aspect, the module(s) 208 may include the VCM 102, the BCM 112, the device detection module 118, the alarm activation module 122, and other module(s) 212. The other module(s) 212 may implement functionalities that supplement applications or functions performed by the system 100. Also, in an alternative implementation and as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the module(s) 208 may exclude some of the sub-modules to implement the functionality of system 100, without departing from the scope of the subject matter.
[0064] In operation, when the driver turns off the ignition switch 104, the status of the ignition switch 104 is known by the VCM 102 of the vehicle. The VCM status further flows a message signal to CAN CGW 116. After routing the information over the CAN, the status of the ignition switch 104 is known to all controllers of control modules of the vehicle. Thereafter, the wireless device charger 110 will receive a CAN wake up signal and the wireless device charger 110
14
will continue charging the portable electronic device at reduces power to quickly detect the presence of the portable electronic device over the charging zone 108 of the wireless device charger 110. For detection process, the device detection module 118 controls a power source 120 to extend the supply of charging power for a predetermined time period, say, 15 seconds, after detection of the occurrence of the event indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch 104. In the extended time period, the power source 120 is controlled to supply the charging power at 5W below a predetermined threshold value, say, 15W, so that the charging of the portable electronic device does not stop. In the process of continued charging, the device detection module 118 is able to detect the portable electronic device presence over the charging zone 108 of the wireless device charger 110. The alarm activation module 122 generates the alarm within 0.5 seconds, in comparison to 3-5 seconds required in conventional alarming systems.
[0065] Now, in case it is determined that the portable electronic device is over the charging zone 108 and the driver opens the door of the vehicle, the BCM 112 detects occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of a driver to leave the vehicle based on signals received from a driver door opening/closing sensor 114. In an aspect, the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle includes (i) opening of a vehicle door and (ii) changing in load value of a load sensor (not shown in figures) placed beneath a driver seat (not shown in figures).
[0066] After the detection of the occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle, the alarm activation module 122 actives the instrument panel cluster (IPC) alarm 124. In an aspect, the IPC alarm 124 is one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm. The audible alarm may be regular beep sound or a musical sound coming out of the IPC, while the visible alarm includes a change in color of IPC or vehicle key.
[0067] Thus, with the implementation of the disclosure described herein, the IPC alarm 124 is activated within 0.5 seconds from the event it is detected that the driver has made a decision to leave the vehicle. This ensures that the event of portable electronic device left out in the vehicle can be quickly notified to the driver before he/she moves out of the vehicle.
15
[0068] Yet further, since the wireless device charger 110 is integrated with the VCM 102 and the BCM 112, false alarms are not raised. An exemplary tabular summary of different conditions is shown in FIG. 3. For example, in condition 1, when the driver door is closed, ignition status don’t care, load sensor (driver seat) status is don’t care, and the device status is don’t care, no alarm is generated. In condition 2, when the driver door status is don’t care, ignition is on, load sensor (driver seat) status is don’t care, and the device status is don’t care, no alarm is generated. In condition 3, when the driver door status is don’t care, ignition status is don’t care, load sensor (driver seat) is driver present, and the device status is don’t care, no alarm is generated. In condition 4, when the driver door status is don’t care, ignition status is don’t care, load sensor (driver seat) status is don’t care, and the device is absent, no alarm is generated. In condition 5, when the driver door status is open, ignition is off, load sensor (driver seat) is driver absent, and the device status is present, an alarm is generated.
[0069] Therefore, with the implementation of the present disclosure, it is ensured that the alarm is generated only when the ignition is off, driver door is open, and the device is present on the charger.
[0070] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any appropriate order to carry out the method 400 or an alternative method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 400 without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0071] At block 402, the method 400 includes detecting the occurrence of an event indicative of a deactivation state of an ignition switch of the vehicle.
[0072] At block 404, the method 400 includes extending a wake-up time of a wireless device charger for a predetermined time period after detection of the occurrence of the event indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch.
16
[0073] At block 406, the method 400 includes supplying charging power to the wireless device charger below a predetermined threshold value during the extended wake-up time.
[0074] At block 408, the method 400 includes detecting the portable electronic device presence over a charging zone of the wireless device charger in the extended wake-up time.
[0075] At block 410, the method 400 includes activating an alarm after detection of the occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of a driver to leave the vehicle, based on the detection of the presence of the portable electronic device over the charging zone of the wireless device charger.
[0076] In an aspect of the method, the method further includes receiving, at a Controller Area Network (CAN) Common Gateway Controller (CGW), detection signal indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch and a detection signal indicating the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle; and transmitting, from the CAN CGW, a CAN wake up signal to a device detection module to detect the presence of the portable electronic device on the charging zone of the wireless device charger.
[0077] In an aspect of the method, after the extended wake up time, the method includes receiving a detected load value from a load sensor mounted below the charging zone; comparing the detected load value with an initial load value when no portable electronic device was placed over the charging zone; detecting the presence of the portable electronic device based on the comparison; and activating the alarm upon detecting an occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle.
[0078] In an aspect of the method 400, the predetermined threshold value of the charging power for the wireless device charger is 15 W. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art this value is for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
[0079] In an aspect of the method 400, the charging power supplied to the wireless device charger is dropped from 15 W to 5 W. However, these values are for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
17
[0080] In an aspect of the method 400, the extended wake-up time and the predetermined time period is 15 seconds. However, as can be appreciated by those skilled in the art this value is for representation only and should not be considered limiting.
[0081] In an aspect, the alarm is triggered within 0.5 seconds after the driver opens the door of the vehicle for leaving during the extended wake-up time.
[0082] In an aspect of the method 400, the method 400 further includes continuing the alarm until an input is received from a vehicle key or an in-vehicle infotainment system, or portable electronic device is lifted from wireless device charger, or door of the vehicle is closed, or after certain interval of time, for example 10 seconds.
[0083] In an aspect of the method 400, the alarm is at least one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm.
[0084] In an aspect of the method 400, the method 400 further includes detecting the occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle is based on the opening of a vehicle door and changing in a load value of a load sensor placed beneath a driver seat.
[0085] In an aspect of the method 400, the portable electronic device includes a mobile device, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation aid (for example, GPS type), and a game console.
[0086] Thus, with the implementation of the method 400 of the present subject matter, the system 100 ensures that the power supply is maintained for about 15 seconds to the wireless device charger, so that the system is able to generate the alarm within 0.5 seconds, instead of 3-5 seconds. This reduction in time required for detection of the portable electronic device over the wireless charging zone ensures that the portable electronic device left out in the vehicle can be quickly notified to the driver before he/she moves out of the vehicle.
[0087] The above description does not provide specific details of the manufacture or design of the various components. Those of skill in the art are familiar with such details, and unless departures from those techniques are set out,
18
techniques, known, related art or later developed designs and materials should be employed. Those in the art can choose suitable manufacturing and design details.
[0088] It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “detecting,” or “extending,” or “supplying,” or “initiating,” or “activating,” or the like, refer to the action and processes of an electronic control unit, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the control unit’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the control unit memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0089] Further, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0090] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0091] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

We claim:
1. A system (100) for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a vehicle control module (VCM) (102) to detect the occurrence of an event indicative of a deactivation state of an ignition switch (104) of the vehicle;
a body control module (BCM) (112) to detect the occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of a driver to leave the vehicle;
a device detection module (118), coupled to the VCM (102) and the BCM (112), to:
extend a wake-up time of a wireless device charger (110) for a predetermined time period after detection of the occurrence of the event indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch (104),
control a power source (120) to supply charging power to the wireless device charger (110) below a predetermined threshold value during the extended wake-up time, and
detect the portable electronic device presence over a charging zone (108) of the wireless device charger (110) in the extended wake-up time; and
an alarm activation module (122), coupled to the device detection module (118), to activate an alarm (124), after the detection of occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle, based on the detection of the presence of the portable electronic device over the charging zone (108) of the wireless device charger (110).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a Controller Area Network (CAN) Common Gateway Controller (CGW) (116) to:
receive detection signals from the VCM (102) and the BCM (112); and
20
transmit a CAN wake up signal to the device detection module (118) to detect the presence of the portable electronic device on the charging zone (108) of the wireless device charger (110).
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein after the extended wake-up time, the device detection module (118) is to:
receive, from the VCM (102), a detected load value from a load sensor (106) mounted below the charging zone (108);
compare the detected load value with an initial load value when no portable electronic device was placed over the charging zone (108),
detect the presence of the portable electronic device based on the comparison, and
activate the alarm (124) upon detecting an occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold value of the charging power for the wireless device charger is 15 W.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the charging power supplied to the wireless device charger (110) is dropped from 15 W to 5 W.
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the extended wake-up time and the predetermined time period is 15 seconds.
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pinging to detect the portable electronic device is performed within 0.5 seconds in the extended wake-up time.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alarm activation module (122) is to continue the alarm until an input is received from a vehicle key or an in-vehicle infotainment system, or portable electronic
21
device is lifted from wireless device charger, or door of the vehicle is closed, or after certain interval of time.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alarm (124) is at least one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the BCM (112) is to detect occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of the driver to leave the vehicle, based on a signal indicative of opening of a vehicle door and changing in load value of a load sensor placed beneath a driver seat.
11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portable electronic device includes a mobile device, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation aid, and a game console.
12. A method for preventing a portable electronic device from being left in a vehicle, the method comprising:
detecting the occurrence of an event indicative of a deactivation state of an ignition switch (104) of the vehicle;
extending a wake-up time of a wireless device charger (110) for a predetermined time period after detection of the occurrence of the event indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch (104);
supplying charging power to the wireless device charger (110) below a predetermined threshold value during the extended wake-up time;
detecting the portable electronic device presence over a charging zone (108) of the wireless device charger (110) in the extended wake-up time; and
based on the detection of the presence of the portable electronic device over the charging zone (108) of the wireless device charger (110), activating an alarm (124) after detection of the occurrence of an event indicative of a decision of a driver to leave the vehicle.
13. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
22
receiving, at a Controller Area Network (CAN) Common Gateway Controller (CGW) (116), detection signal indicative of the deactivation state of the ignition switch (104) and a detection signal indicating the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle; and
transmitting, from the CAN CGW (116), a CAN wake up signal to a device detection module (118) to detect the presence of the portable electronic device on the charging zone (108) of the wireless device charger (110).
14. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein after the extended wake-up time, the method comprising:
receiving a detected load value from a load sensor (106) mounted below the charging zone (108);
comparing the detected load value with an initial load value when no portable electronic device was placed over the charging zone (108);
detecting the presence of the portable electronic device based on the comparison; and
activating the alarm (124) upon detecting an occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle.
15. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the predetermined threshold value of the charging power for the wireless device charger (110) is 15 W.
16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the charging power supplied to the wireless device charger is dropped from 15 W to 5 W during the extended wake time.
17. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the extended wake-up time and the predetermined time period is 15 seconds.
18. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pinging to detect the portable electronic device is performed within 0.5 seconds in the extended wake-up time.
23
19. The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising continuing the alarm (124) until an input is received from a vehicle key or an in-vehicle infotainment system, or portable electronic device is lifted from wireless device charger, or door of the vehicle is closed, or after certain interval of time.
20. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the alarm is at least one of an audible alarm and a visible alarm.
21. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the method comprising detecting occurrence of the event indicative of the decision of the driver to leave the vehicle is based on the opening of a vehicle door and changing in a load value of a load sensor placed beneath a driver seat.
22. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the portable electronic device includes a mobile device, a laptop, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a navigation aid, and a game console.