- The following is content from the press release -
(headquartered in Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; Toshiyuki Ozaki, President; hereinafter "TCI") will release on Monday, October 3, 2022, an anti-leaving device (product number: SOS-0001) developed by TCI. The device is equipped with an AI camera inside the vehicle that emits a loud buzzer when it automatically detects a human being and activates 60 seconds after the vehicle engine is stopped. The part number SOS stands for S for SYANAI (inside the vehicle), O for OKIZARI (left behind), and S for SHINAIDE (do not do), and was named with the aim of issuing an SOS on behalf of school children and students who are left behind. By developing a unique application of TCI's AI camera solution, which has been introduced at major forklift manufacturers and major heavy equipment companies, we have achieved fully automated anti-left behind measures.
Development Background
Following the tragic incident in the news last year in which a preschooler died of heat stroke after being left on a bus, Ozaki, the president of TCI and father of two children the same age as the victim of the incident, was saddened and angry at the management system for transporting children to and from school, and said, "It cannot be human error. Improvements are urgently needed to prevent recurrence. He decided to start product development with this in mind.
Since then, we have been working on development ahead of any other project.
Then, when we learned of the recent second accident on the news, we rushed to develop SOS-0001 with the single-minded desire to have it installed in kindergarten shuttle buses and school buses around the world as soon as possible, and in early September 2022, we succeeded in developing it.
I can't imagine how much pain and suffering the children who have been left behind must be going through, and my heart truly breaks every day when I think of them and imagine the pain they must be going through.
If an infant is trapped in a car, it is almost impossible for him or her to escape on their own.
He cannot even speak. (We believe that teaching them to honk their horns, for example, is nearly impossible when they are panicking in the heat and fear.)
We have come to commercialize this product with the strong desire to prevent such accidents from happening again by introducing a device (SOS-0001) that transmits an SOS message outside the car as soon as possible on behalf of the person trapped inside the car in the event of an emergency.
SOS series fully automates the process of checking for vehicles left behind
It can be used as an addition to the daily in-vehicle inspection work of drivers and staff.
Features of SOS-0001
◆An anti-misplacement system
The battery starts up 60 seconds after the engine is stopped, and the AI camera system starts up. The system will automatically stop after approximately 2 hours of operation.
This allows the AI to continue monitoring even after the driver has left the vehicle.
◆Cameras with AI functions
The camera installed in the car is equipped with AI (Artificial Intelligence), which can automatically recognize and judge "only human figures (including infants)" that enter the detection range and emit a warning sound.
◆Four AI cameras to prevent blind spots
A maximum of four cameras can be connected to one monitor.
Four cameras (horizontal viewing angle 140°) are installed according to the size of the vehicle in which they are installed to cover blind spots, making it possible to devise ways to avoid leaving people in the vehicle behind in a variety of situations.
◆ Auditory and visual warning systems
The buzzer in this product emits a loud warning sound when the AI camera detects a human.
By informing the surrounding area with sound (auditory) and light (visual), it will lead to more reliable prevention of being left behind.
In addition, the buzzer in this product has acquired the IP56 dustproof and waterproof standard, which prevents dust from entering the product and is considered unaffected by waves or strong water currents from all directions.
Uses safe batteries
◆Safety "LiFePO4" battery is adopted.
The SOS series batteries use "LiFePO4" (lithium iron phosphate battery), which has a proven track record as a drive battery for hybrid vehicles.
Therefore, as an anti-leaving device, the SOS series enables monitoring of the vehicle interior after the vehicle has stopped using AI (artificial intelligence) while significantly reducing the burden on the car battery.
◆Battery charging time of only 50 minutes
The product's battery can be charged from 0% to 100% in approximately 50 minutes.
◆Safety Design
Safety is a top priority, even for vehicles carrying children.
(1) Current sensor
Built-in over-charge, over-discharge, and over-current sensors stop operation for safety when an abnormality is detected.
(2) Temperature sensor
Sensors to detect high temperatures are built into the battery cell, base, and body, and if an abnormality is detected, operation is stopped for safety.
JAF's demonstration tests have shown that the temperature inside a car under the hot summer sun can rise to 55°C and the temperature near the dashboard exposed to direct sunlight can rise to 74°C. Our batteries have withstood such tests with no problems, and there are no safety issues when using the product under the hot summer sun.
◆Batteries that have passed the PSE inspection, a Japanese original standard, are used.
SOS series batteries have passed the PSE inspection, an independent standard required for sales in Japan.
*The PSE mark is based on strict safety standards under the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law, which has been strictly regulated since February 2019.
◆Lithium-ion battery passed UN38.3 UN recommended transportation test
The batteries in the SOS series are lithium-ion batteries that have passed the inspection for the transport of dangerous goods.
*In the wake of the lithium metal battery fire at a U.S. airport (2003) and other incidents, the United Nations "Manual of Recommended Tests and Standards for the Transport of Dangerous Goods," which sets safety standards for the international transport of a wide range of dangerous goods, established regulations for the transport of lithium-ion batteries (LiB).
Remote communication option for more reliable prevention of left-behind
As an option, a remote buzzer capable of 60m communication can be installed.
This will activate the vehicle's buzzer as well as an optional buzzer in the staff room or classroom at a remote location when the AI camera detects a person in the vehicle.
What SOS-0001 can solve
By utilizing SOS-0001, we can prevent children from being left behind in cars due to human error and protect their lives.
Even with thorough notification and other measures, and even with roll call applications, all kinds of situations can lead to unexpected human error. While thorough confirmation is of course necessary, building a system in which technology compensates for human error will help prevent tragic accidents caused by "just in case" situations. By introducing the equipment, it is possible to automate the confirmation process even in kindergartens and nursery schools where personnel are in short supply.
Product Specifications
Startup voltage: 12V
Onboard battery: LiFeP04 lithium iron phosphate (PSE certified product)
AI camera: Deep learning camera 140° horizontal field of view
Monitor: High-definition HD touch panel display (up to 4 camera split display)
Waterproof LED buzzer: 107dB
Start timer device after engine stop
calibration unit
Option: Wireless transmitting buzzer patlite (60m)
Sticker for vehicles equipped with anti-leaving devices
Product Overview and Sales Price
Product name: SYANAI, OKIZARI, SHINAIDE (anti-leaving device in a car)
Part No.: SOS-0001
Scheduled release date: October 3, 2022 (Monday)
Price: 550,000 yen (excluding tax)
Wireless patrol light option (transmitter, receiver, and patrol light): 180,000 yen (excluding tax)
Location of use: For all types of school buses and transportation vehicles, including kindergarten and nursery school shuttle buses
User: All responsible persons, managers, bus rental companies in kindergartens, nursery schools, cram schools, schools, etc.
Product warranty: 3 years from the date of purchase (2 years for the internal battery)
Installation warranty period: Lifetime (e.g., installation-related defects)
Sales Methods and Product Installation
For product sales, please contact the TCI sales department directly or use the inquiry form on our website.
Also, installation of this product requires specialized installation work. Our installation support staff or dedicated workers from our partner stores will visit the site to install the product.
TCI is able to provide installation services for all vehicles throughout Japan by utilizing the network obtained through its existing business, the installation of heavy equipment and truck electrical components by TRASAPPOR-KUN.
For inquiries, please contact
TCI Corporation (Head Office Sales Department)
2-5-41, Kigawahigashi, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 532-0012
TEL：06-6885-7250
E-Mail: honsya@tci-osaka.com
HP:https://www.tci-car-item.com/contact
When you call us, please tell us that you are inquiring about our bus leave-behind prevention system for preschool children.
Many companies and individuals have announced their countermeasure services for accidents involving children left behind on school buses. BabyTech.jp will introduce each product and service, and will prepare a summary page at a later date to allow for comparison.
Let's take a look at the details from the press release.