Seatbelt usage detection system
First Claim
1. A system for detecting an operator wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle, the system comprising:
- first and second devices on the seatbelt and another part of the vehicle, respectively, that cooperate to establish a link when the two devices are brought into proximity of one another;
a third device for providing an operating condition of the vehicle; and
electronics responsive to the link and the operating condition for detecting inconsistencies between the link and the operating condition.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for detecting proper usage of a seatbelt in a vehicle by an operator of the vehicle is provided. The seatbelt usage detection system includes a first communication device arranged on the seatbelt and a second communication device. One of the first and second communication devices is a transmitter and the other of the first and second communication devices is a receiver. The receiver and transmitter are capable of establishing a communication link with each other. The second communication device is arranged in the vehicle so as to be able to establish a communication link with the first communication device of a predetermined signal strength upon proper fastening of the seatbelt around the body of an operator. The system also includes a processing unit for monitoring the signal strength of the communication link between the first and second communication devices and for providing a signal that the seatbelt is unfastened when the signal strength is less than the predetermined signal strength.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. A system for detecting an operator wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle, the system comprising:
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first and second devices on the seatbelt and another part of the vehicle, respectively, that cooperate to establish a link when the two devices are brought into proximity of one another; a third device for providing an operating condition of the vehicle; and electronics responsive to the link and the operating condition for detecting inconsistencies between the link and the operating condition. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 22)
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13. A method for detecting when an operator of a vehicle is wearing a seatbelt, the method comprising:
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monitoring a wireless link between the seatbelt and another part of the vehicle; monitoring an operating condition of the vehicle; detecting inconsistencies between the link and the operating condition; and providing a message that the seatbelt is not being worn properly. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 23)
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19. A system for detecting an operator properly wearing a seatbelt in a vehicle, the system comprising:
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a wireless link between the seatbelt and another part of the vehicle that is established when the operator is properly wearing the seatbelt; a device for providing a signal when the seatbelt is fastened properly; and electronics responsive to the link and the signal for detecting inconsistencies among statuses of the link, the signal and an operating condition of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification