System and method to detect child presence using active mems sensors
AssigneeSTMicroelectronics S.r.l.
InventorJurgis Astrauskas
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Abstract
The presence of a child within an enclosed space in an appliance, such as a washing machine, dishwasher or refrigerator, is detected using one or more MEMS sensors positioned to detect movement within the enclosed space through various measured characteristics. In preference, combinations of different types of MEMS sensors are utilized to detect the movement. Movement may be attributed to the presence of a child inside the enclosed space, rather than resulting from other influences, with increased reliability if the determination is made based upon such combinations of different characteristics. Safety processes may be initiated upon detecting the presence of the child.
Claims20
A method, comprising:
- monitoring an output of one or more micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors each positioned to detect a condition inside an enclosed space within an appliance;
- and
- responsive to receiving outputs from the one or more MEMS sensors indicating movement inside the enclosed space that is not attributable to operation of the appliance, initiating a safety process within the appliance.
A child detection system, comprising:
- one or more micro electromechanical system (MEMS) sensors each positioned to detect a condition inside an enclosed space within an appliance;
- and
- a controller configured to monitor an output of the one or more MEMS sensors and, in response to receiving outputs from the one or more MEMS sensors indicating movement inside the enclosed space that is not attributable to operation of the appliance, to initiate a safety process within the appliance.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.