WO2004069319A1

WO2004069319A1 - Baby soothing device

Info

Publication number: WO2004069319A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/000438
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick Byrne
Original assignee: BLP 2004-01 Ltd
Current assignee: BLP 2004-01 Ltd
Priority date: 2003-02-05
Filing date: 2004-02-04
Publication date: 2004-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2005-08-05
Also published as: GB0302587D0

Abstract

A device for soothing a baby the device comprising sound detection means or microphone (12), a sound output means or speaker (16) and sound output actuation means which causes the sound output means (16) to emit a soothing sound in response to the detection of a sound by the sound detection means (16) where the detected sound exceeds a predetermined threshold sound limit. The device can automatically soothe a baby when the baby becomes restless or cries thus helping the baby to return to sleep.

Description

Baby Soothing Device

The present invention relates to a baby soothing device, and in particular to a device for soothing a baby if the baby becomes restless or cries.

Ideally it would be possible to provide constant care and attention for a child such as a small infant or baby. However, a carer, typically a parent of the baby is sometimes faced with difficulties in providing constant attention. The situation is such that when the carer is cooking, doing the housekeeping, on the telephone, or taking a shower, it is not always easy to provide the attention required to soothe a crying baby, this is especially true in the middle of the night. Therefore it would be of particular benefit for the carer to have a device for automatically soothing a baby.

Baby monitoring systems are well known which comprise a combination of a transmitter and a receiver. In use the transmitter is placed beside the baby, and the receiver is kept close to the carer at a remote location. The transmitter may incorporate a message storage facility, such that a soothing message may be recorded and played back following remote activation by the carer of a play switch normally in response to the baby crying.

However, as this system requires a wireless operation by the carer, there will be some occasions that the soothing message can be activated by the carer, for example when the carer is busy cooking or taking a shower.

It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a device that automatically soothes a baby when the baby becomes restless or cries.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a device for soothing a baby, which does not require remote activation by the carer.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a baby soothing device, which can automatically soothe a baby thus helping the baby to return to sleep.

According to the present invention, there is provided a device for soothing a baby the device comprising a sound detection means, a sound output means and sound output actuation means which causes the sound output means to emit a soothing sound in response to the detection of a sound by the sound detection means where the sound exceeds a predetermined threshold sound limit.

Preferably the sound detection means and the sound output means are mounted in a common housing. Preferably the sound output actuation means is provided with a plurality of pre-set threshold sound limits.

Preferably the sound output actuation means is further provided with means for selecting at least one of the threshold sound limits.

Preferably the threshold sound limit comprises at least one sound parameter.

Preferably the sound parameter comprises a volume level.

Preferably the sound parameter comprises a frequency range.

The threshold sound limit may comprise a combination of a plurality of sound parameters.

Preferably the sound output means is provided with a plurality of selectable soothing sounds and a means for selecting the soothing sound to be emitted.

Preferably the plurality of selectable soothing sounds comprise music, singing, white noise and a human voice. Typically a father or mother's voice.

Preferably the sound output means comprises a recording medium for recording the soothing sound and playing means for playing the soothing sound, wherein the sound output actuation means activates the playing means to emit the soothing sound from the sound output means if the sound detection means detects sound exceeding the predetermined threshold sound limit. At least one pre-recorded soothing sound may be provided with the device.

Optionally, at least one soothing sound may be custom- recorded by the owner of the device.

Preferably, selection means is provided for selecting one of the soothing sounds.

Preferably, the recording medium comprises a cassette tape, CD, MD DVD, or a digital recording and playback means.

Preferably, the device is provided with coupling means to connect the digital recording and playback means to a source of digitised soothing sound files.

Optionally, the coupling means is provided by a wire connection.

Optionally, the coupling means is provided by a wireless connection.

The wireless connector may be capabel of supporting broadband connection.

Optionally, the coupling means is attachable to a personal computer onto which at least one digitised soothing sound file has been downloaded.

Preferably, the digitised soothing sound file has been downloaded from a central server. Preferably loop means is provided for repeating the soothing sound.

Preferably the device functions is further provided with a transmitter unit and a receiver unit.

Preferably the receiver unit is automatically activated when sound output means is activated.

Preferably the device is further provided with a light source to transmit light outside the device.

Preferably a lens may be provided in front of the light source. The lens may be interchangeable and may be designed.

Preferably the playing means is adapted to selectively play tracks on a pre-recorded data carrying medium, such as a cassette or a compact disc.

Preferably the sound output means is provided with a timer for pre-setting the duration for playing the soothing sound.

Preferably, the sound output means is provided with volume reducing means for automatically reducing the volume of the soothing sound over a predetermined part of the overall duration of the soothing sound.

Preferably, the volume reducing means decreases the volume in a gradual or stepwise manner. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a baby soothing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic front view of the baby soothing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the baby soothing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic right side view of the baby soothing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a schematic left side view of the baby soothing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a schematic back view of the baby soothing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a schematic bottom view of the baby soothing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a diagram showing a plurality of threshold sound limits and sound activated settings which are pre-set for the baby soothing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a diagram showing another method for defining a plurality of threshold sound limits and sound activated settings of a baby soothing device according to the present invention;

Figure 10 is a matrix diagram showing sound activated statuses of the baby soothing device according to the present invention, relating to the sound activated settings shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is matrix diagram showing sound activated statuses of the baby soothing device according to the present invention, relating to the sound activated settings shown in Figure 9;

Figure 12 shows a right side partial sectional view of a baby soothing device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 13 shows a schematic front view of a baby soothing device according to further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 shows a schematic diagram of a device according to the present invention connected to a personal computer which is connected to a central server; and Figure 15 shows a schematic diagram of a device according to the present invention connected directly to a central server.

Reference is initially made to Figure 1 of the drawings which illustrates a baby soothing device, generally indicated by the reference number 1, comprising a housing 2. In this embodiment the housing 2 is configured like a cube with the corners and edges being rounded for functional and aesthetic reasons. The housing 2 may be made of a moulded plastic material. As shown in Figures 2 through 7, the housing 2 has a front face 3, a top face 4, a right side face 5, a left side face 6, a back face 7 and a bottom face 8.

Reference is now made to Figure 2 wherein a light 9 and an ON/OFF switch 10 for the light are provided on the front face 3 of the device. Thus, the device 1 can also function as a light, especially a night light. A light source (not shown) of the light 9 is positioned in the housing 2. The switch 10 is a push button switch. The light 9 has a circular form with a diameter similar to the width of the front face 3 to ensure as large an illumination area as possible.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 wherein a main power switch 11, a sound detection means (microphone 12), a sound selection switch 13 and a record switch 14 are used to select the record mode and a timer to adjust the length of the playback time, are incorporated into the top face 4 of the device. The main power switch 11 for the device 1 is shown and comprises a push switch. The device 1 is activated when the power switch 11 is pushed into the housing 2. Preferably the microphone 12 is protected by means of a grating.

The sound selection switch 13 is used to select one of the pre-recorded or pre-programmed sounds such as music, singing, or other noises associated with soothing of babies, such as car noises, vacuum cleaner noises, or mother's tummy noises. Such a pre-recorded sound would be recorded and placed onto the device 1 by a manufacturer supplier of the device.

These and other soothing sounds may also be custom- recorded, the custom-recorded sound potentially being recorded by the owner of the device 1, typically by a parent of the baby and may include the father's or mother's voices or sounds similar to those previously described. In the preferred embodiment the sound selection switch 13 is a rotatable dial which can be used to select a number of different positions, each corresponding to a separate soothing sound.

The record switch 14 is used for the custom-recording of soothing sounds. Several sounds, voices or messages by a parent can be recorded onto the recording medium via the microphone 12, or alternatively using an auxiliary audio input jack (not shown), while the record switch 14 is maintained in a depressed position. The different messages recorded, are assigned to a region of the recording medium which corresponds to one of five selection positions of the sound selection switch 13, indicated as "1" to "5". The timer adjuster 15 comprises a rotatable dial connected to a timer (not shown) contained within the housing 2 and sets the length of playing time, the length of the playing time being shown on the adjacent scale in minutes. The timer may be mechanical or electrical.

In the present embodiment reducing means is included which incrementally reduces the volume of the soothing sounds produced over the last few minutes of playing time, thereby helping to soothe the baby to sleep.

Reference is now made to Figure 4, wherein a a sound output means having a speaker 16 is provided in the right side face 5 of the device to emit the soothing sound. The speaker 16 has a circular form with approximately the same diameter as the width of the right side face 5 to ensure as large a sound emitting area as possible. A suggested dimension is approximately 13 cm in diameter. The level of volume is controlled by a dial type volume control 17 which is located vertically along a right side edge of the right side face 5. Part of the volume control 17 protrudes from the housing 2.

Reference is now made to Figure 5 wherein a sound activated setting switch 18 is provided in the upper portion of the left side face 6. This switch 18 is transversely slidable and is used to select a threshold sound limit required to automatically activate the device. If the microphone 12 picks up sounds from the baby exceeding the pre-set threshold sound limit, then the device is automatically activated by sound output actuation means and proceeds to play the sound selected by the selection switch 13. The sound output actuation means can be a switch capable of turning the sound on at a predetermined threshold.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the sound parameter for activation of the device may consist of a volume level. As shown in Figure 8, five threshold sound limits THl, TH2, TH3 TH4 and TH5 and thereby five sound activated settings are pre-set and can be selected. The settings are named, from the lower level to the higher level, "gurgle", "mumble", "grumble", "bubble", and "scream".

A slot 19 is provided in the lower portion of the left side face 6, for allowing a recording medium such as a cassette tape, CD, MD or DVD to be removably inserted. Although not shown, there is provided a lid for covering the entrance of the slot 19, an ejection button or switch for removing the recording medium from the slot 19, and a play unit for playing the recording medium.

Alternatively or additionally, the recording medium may incorporate a digital voice record/playback IC chip. The IC chip allows the soothing sound to be recorded via the microphone 12 in response to activation of the record switch 14, and to be subsequently played when required.

The device 1 is powered by rechargeable a DC battery, such as Ni-Cd or Ni-H battery, or by an AC power source via an AC/DC adapter (not shown) . Figure 6 shows a removable lid 20 of the battery case, and a jack 21 for the connection of the lead of the AC/DC adapter. A battery charger is provided within the device 1 for charging the rechargeable battery using the AC power source.

As shown in Figure 7, four rubber grips 22 are attached at each corners of the bottom face 8 of the housing 2.

As would be known in the art, the device 1 also incorporates a central processing unit to control of the various electrical components of the device 1. The central processing unit may be linked to each of the previously described electrical components.

In use, the carer adjusts the sound select switch 13 to select the appropriate soothing sound, and the timer adjuster 15 to set for playing time. The sound activated setting switch 18 is set to the appropriate setting.

The carer sets the main switch 11 to the ON position and the device 1 is placed beside a cot or crib in which a baby lies. The device 1 is then sound activated when the baby becomes restless or cries and speaker 16 automatically emits the selected soothing sound. The activation process involves the step of the microphone 12 detecting the baby's voice exceeding the predetermined threshold sound limit set by the sound activated setting switch 18. The central processing circuit then activates the playback unit to play the selected sound from the recording medium. An electrical signal is transferred from the recording medium to the speaker 16 such that an audio signal corresponding to the selected soothing sound is then emitted by the speaker 16. The emitted sound then helps to calm or soothe the baby back to sleep. The soothing sound is emitted until the playing time set by the timer adjuster 15 is completed. In the last few minutes of the sounding time, the loudness of the soothing sound automatically reduces in a gradual or stepwise manner, thereby encouraging the baby to return to sleep.

The device 1 may also include loop means for repeating the soothing sound at the end of the recording. In this case, typically, the recording means may be a digital component such as CD, MD, DVD or the IC chips.

The device may also incorporate an analogue cassette tape player. In either case, the device may further include a plurality of switches for manual operation of the recording medium, such as a play switch, a stop switch, a pause switch, and forward and rewind switches.

The device may include an auxiliary audio input jack to allow an external audio signal to be input and recorded to the recording medium.

The device may also be used as a baby monitor, wherein the device functions as a transmitter and is supplied with a separate receiver unit. When the soothing device is set for automatic sound activation, a notice signal is automatically transmitted from the device to the receiver. The notice signal turns the receiver on and then activates a speaker, lamp, or visual indicator and/or vibrator incorporated into the receiver, thus notifying the carer of the baby's condition. The transmitter and receiver are typically FM type, and include antennas . The notice signal may be an audio signal supplied by the microphone 12, such as the baby's voice, which notifies the carer that the baby requires attention.

In addition, a variety of embodiments of the present invention can be envisaged.

For example, Figures 9 and 10 show another embodiment of the device using an alternative method for defining the sound activated setting of the device 1. In this embodiment two threshold sound limits THl and TH2 and thereby two sound activated settings ION and 20N are pre- set and selective. Non-activated status of the device is expressed by OFF. Two sound parameters, or a first parameter and a second parameter are pre-set. The 1^st parameter consists of a volume level of the sound detected by the microphone, whereas the 2^nd parameter consists of frequency of the same. Two thresholds 1/1 and 1/2 are predetermined to the 1^st parameter, whereas Two thresholds 2/1 and 2/2 are predetermined to the 2^nd parameter. Two hatched regions in the Figure 9 show the real levels of both parameters caused by the real sound detected by the microphone. Each region includes three different levels, in which levels 101, 102 and 103 correspond to the 1^st parameter, whereas levels 201, 202 and 203 correspond to the 2^nd parameter. The levels 101 and 201 are less than the lower thresholds 1/1 and 2/1 respectively. The levels 102 and 202 are above the thresholds 1/1 and 2/1, but less than the higher thresholds 1/2 and 2/2, respectively. The levels 103 and 203 are above the higher thresholds 1/2 and 2/2 respectively.

Figure 10 shows sound-activated statuses of the device and logic is utilised in this embodiment. As is understood by the Figure, the device is not activated (OFF) unless both real levels of the 1^st and 2^nd parameters exceed the thresholds 1/1 and 2/1 simultaneously. The device is activated in a first setting (ION) if both real levels of the 1^st and 2^nd parameters exceed the thresholds 1/1 and 2/1 simultaneously, but do not exceed the thresholds 1/2 and 2/2 simultaneously. The device is activated in a second setting (20N) if both real levels of the 1^st and 2^nd parameters exceed the thresholds 1/2 and 2/2 simultaneously.

In this embodiment, the first threshold sound limit THl consists of a first combination of the thresholds 1/1 and 2/1. Similarly, the second threshold sound limit TH2 consists of a second combination of the thresholds 1/2 and 2/2. Either of the threshold sound limits THl or TH2 can be selected by a switch such as the sound activated setting switch 18. Extending number to fifth, this embodiment is applicable to the former embodiment shown in Figure 1 to 8.

OR logic may be utilised instead of AND logic. Sound- activated statuses in this case are shown in Figure 11. As is understood by a person skilled in the art, a AND circuit or an OR circuit is provided in the device to implement such a method. In further alternative embodiment, a plurality of sound activated settings and a plurality of different soothing sounds are pre-set, wherein each soothing sound corresponds to a different setting. This allows the soothing sound to be automatically changed to the suitable sound for baby's attitude, whenever the detected sound exceeds a particular threshold sound limit. In this case, the sound activated setting switch above- described may be omitted, or used only for determining the lowest threshold sound limit.

Furthermore, the number and/or the sort of sound parameter, the threshold sound limit, the sound activated setting and the combination of parameter thresholds may be altered.

In an alternative embodiment a lens may be provided in front of the light.

In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 12, a convex lens 24 is positioned just in front of the light 9. The lens 24 is rotatably mounted to the front face 3 and may be adapted to move or rotate so as to provide a varying projected image. If the lens 24 is moved forward then the light beam from the lens is shrunk. This allows the use of the device as a spotlight or projector.

In combination with a function of the device as a cassette player, the lens may project an image that relates to the content of the emitted matched with the kind of sounds or music such as wave sound, bird song or piano instrumental. This will provide stage effects within the room. The adjustment of the lens may be carried out automatically.

As is recognised in the art, various lenses may be used for this purpose, for example, a concave lens, a transparent lens and a chromatic lens.

As shown in Figure 13, the bottom face 8 may be rounded or spherical such that the device 1 rocks and preferably rights itself when knocked over. In this case the centre of the gravity of the device is preferably around the bottom.

Figure 14 shows a further embodiment of the present invention with additional functionality. In this embodiment, the device 100 is provided with coupling means 101 that allow its connection to a personal computer (PC) which is connected to a central server 104 that contains a number of soothing sound digital files. The PC 102 can download one or more soothing sound files using a standard internet connection. These files can then be sent to the device 100 where they can be stored and selected for play by the user. The coupling means may be a USB connector or may provide a wireless connection for example, by use of the Bluetooth communication system.

Figure 15 shows a further embodiment of the present invention in which the device 200 is directly connectable to a central server 204 by means of a wireless connection. The coupling means 201 may be provided by cellular phone technology or other suitable means, which allows connection to the central server. The device may also be provided with an interface to allow the user to select the digital soothing sound files from a small screen (not shown) provided on the device.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various additional modifications may be made to the invention disclosed herein without departing from the scope thereof.

The advantage of the present invention is that it provides a device, which automatically soothes a baby back to sleep without the intervention of a parent.

A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides a device, which has an adjustable sound activation threshold, which can be pre-set by the user (carer) .

Claims

1. A device for soothing a baby the device comprising a sound detection means, a sound output means and sound output actuation means which causes the sound output means to emit a soothing sound in response to the detection of a sound by the sound detection means where the detected sound exceeds a predetermined threshold sound limit.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the sound detection means and the sound output means are mounted in a common housing.

3. A device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sound output actuation means is provided with a plurality of pre-set threshold sound limits.

4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the sound output actuation means is further provided with means for selecting at least one of the threshold sound limits.

5. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the threshold sound limit comprises at least one sound parameter.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the sound parameter comprises a volume level.

7. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the sound parameter comprises a frequency range.

8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7 wherein the threshold sound limit may comprise a combination of a plurality of sound parameters.

9. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound output means is provided with a plurality of selectable soothing sounds and a means for selecting the soothing sound to be emitted.

10. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the plurality of selectable soothing sounds comprise music, singing, white noise and a human voice.

11. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound output means comprises a recording medium for recording the soothing sound and playing means for playing the soothing sound, wherein the sound output actuation means activates the playing means to emit the soothing sound from the sound output means if the sound detection means detects sound exceeding the predetermined threshold sound limit.

12. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least one pre-recorded soothing sound may be provided with the device.

13. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, at least one soothing sound may be custom-recorded by the owner of the device.

14. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein selection means is provided for selecting one of the soothing sounds.

15. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein, the recording medium comprises a cassette tape, CD, MD DVD, or a digital recording and playback means.

16. A device as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the device is provided with coupling means to connect the digital recording and playback means to a source of digitised soothing sound files.

17. A device as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the coupling means is provided by a wire connection.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the coupling means is provided by a wireless connection.

19. A device as claimed in Claim 16 to 18 wherein the coupling means is capable of supporting a broadband connection.

20. A device as claimed in Claims 16 to 19 wherein the coupling means is attachable to a personal computer onto which at least one digitised soothing sound file has been downloaded.

21. A device as claimed in Claim 20 wherein the digitised soothing sound file has been downloaded from a central server.

22. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein loop means is provided for repeating the soothing sound.

23. A device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the device is further provided with a transmitter unit and a receiver unit.

24. A device as claimed in claim 17 wherein, the receiver unit is automatically activated when the sound output means is activated.

25. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is further provided with a light source to transmit light outside the device.

26. A device as claimed in claim 25 wherein a lens may be provided in front of the light source.

27. A device as claimed in claim 11 wherein, the playing means is adapted to selectively play tracks on a pre-recorded data carrying medium, such as a cassette or a compact disc.

28. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound output means is provided with a timer for pre-setting the duration for playing the soothing sound.

29. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound output means is provided with volume reducing means for automatically reducing the volume of the soothing sound over a predetermined part of the overall duration of the soothing sound.

30. A device as claimed in claim 29 wherein, the volume reducing means decreases the volume in a gradual or stepwise manner.

31. A device as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.