WO2010098702A1

WO2010098702A1 - Infant motion and monitoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2010098702A1
Application number: PCT/SE2009/050206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrej DAHLLÖF
Original assignee: TACTIQA TECHNOLOGY AB
Current assignee: TACTIQA TECHNOLOGY AB
Priority date: 2009-02-25
Filing date: 2009-02-25
Publication date: 2010-09-02
Anticipated expiration: 2011-08-25

Abstract

The present invention relates to an infant motion and monitoring system. The system comprises a vertical motion generating unit comprising an energy source, a solenoid and an elastic means attached to the solenoid. The vertical motion generating unit is arranged to apply a vertical swinging motion to an infant's cradle attached to the vertical motion generating unit. The infant motion and monitoring system also comprises an attachment arrangement arranged to attach the vertical motion generating unit to a point of suspension. The vertical motion generating unit further comprises a control module comprising a microprocessor arranged to control the vertical swinging motion by applying power from the energy source to the solenoid via a solenoid driver, in response to different input signals to the control module, and a sensing module adapted to sense signals and to generate input signals to the control module in response thereto.

Description

Title

Infant motion and monitoring system

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a system for imparting movement to a cradle according to the preamble of the independent claim. The invention also relates to a system for monitoring of an infant in the cradle.

Background of the invention Many parents find it challenging to get their newborn babies to sleep properly. Not only can this have negative effects on the babies' development, but also on the parents as they easily can get sleep deprived affecting their ability to function as parents or in the workplace.

There are numerous methods/devices on the market today that promise relief in this area but they are seldom effective for a broad mass. One of the most successful methods to help a baby to sleep better is to mimic certain motion patterns that the baby is accustomed to from the time in the mother's womb. These are often some kinds of rocking motions (vertical up and down), that the baby probably recognizes as moving or walking motions from the mother during the time in the womb. This seems to have a soothing effect on the baby. There are some products available on the market today that pick up on this conclusion by offering a manual swing where the motion has to be manually generated. These are basically cots that are suspended in a spring that can rock up and down. There are also some electrical swings with basic functions. One example of a swing is described in the UK patent application GB 2,181 ,946, which describes a device for imparting movement to a baby cradle. This device causes the baby cradle to move up and down by supplying an electrical current to a solenoid coil.

There are also some examples of devices that can react on input from an infant and adjust the rocking motion accordingly. One such example is described in the US patent 6,561,915, comprising an infant swing and a method of using the same. The drive mechanism is thus a motor with a worm gear, and the resulting motion of the swing does not resemble the motion during the infant's time in the womb.

Summary of the invention The object of the present invention is to provide an improved system which helps infants to fall asleep. A further aim is to provide a system which monitors the infant and facilitates for caretaker during the sometimes uneasy period of the infant's first period of life.

The above-mentioned object is achieved by an infant motion and monitoring system comprising a vertical motion generating unit comprising an energy source, a solenoid and an elastic means attached to the solenoid. The vertical motion generating unit is arranged to apply a vertical swinging motion to an infant's cradle attached to the vertical motion generating unit. The infant motion and monitoring system also comprises an attachment arrangement arranged to attach the vertical motion generating unit to a point of suspension. The vertical motion generating unit further comprises a control module comprising a microprocessor arranged to control the vertical swinging motion by applying power from the energy source to the solenoid via a solenoid driver, in response to different input signals to the control module. The vertical motion generating unit further comprises a sensing module adapted to sense signals and to generate sensed input signals to the control module in response thereto.

The present invention implements intelligence to the system and combines several important functions into the same product. Besides being an effective sleeping aid it may also be used to relieve the caretaker of the infant for other tasks/duties by keeping the infant occupied by movement and other entertainment such as music. The system comprises according to one embodiment a breathing alarm for warning caretakers if the infant may be exposed to a SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), which supports the caretaker in his or her efforts to take care of the infant. The system may also comprise a digital scale to weight the infant. The system is small and portable, and may easily be secured to different points of attachment. Due to its portability, the system can be brought along on journeys and visits outside the home. The whole system may fit into a briefcase sized bag where the bag may actually be part of the sleeping cradle to be attached to the system. The system is energy efficient enough to be battery powered, and this is also preferred to avoid high voltage security risks. As no power outlet is needed, the system is not limited to be used close to an outlet, and no extensions are needed. The system may be used together with a car safety seat for children, if you do not want to use an infant's cradle or sleeping bag that may accompany the system. It may then be demanded to use an adapter which constitutes an attachment for the car safety seat.

Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

Short description of the appended drawings Figure 1 illustrates an infant motion and monitoring system according to the invention.

Figure 2 schematically illustrates a functional diagram according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates a signal scheme according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates an example of an elongation spring arrangement to be used in the present invention attached outside the unit housing.

Figure 5 illustrates a further example of an elongation spring arrangement to be used in the present invention attached inside the unit housing.

Figure 6 illustrates a still further example of an elongation spring arrangement to be used in the present invention attached inside the unit housing.

Figure 7 illustrates an example of a compression spring arrangement to be used in the present invention attached inside the unit housing.

Figure 8 illustrates a further example of a compression spring arrangement to be used in the present invention attached inside the unit housing.

The invention will now be explained in detail in conjunction with the figures. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

In figure 1 it is shown an example of an infant motion and monitoring system according to the invention. The system comprises a vertical motion generating unit 1 comprises an energy source 2, a solenoid 3 and an elastic means 4 attached to the solenoid 3. The energy source 2 is preferably a rechargeable battery made of lead or nickel-cadmium, but other kinds of energy accumulators are also possible. The energy source 2 is according to one embodiment connected to an energy source monitor and charger unit (not shown). This unit is responsible for charging the energy source 2 and monitors its charge status. The solenoid 3 comprises a solenoid coil and a solenoid plunger 8, wherein the elastic means 4 according to the embodiment shown in figure 1 is attached to the solenoid plunger 8 via an attachment point 11 and a force connector rod 10 connected between the attachment point 11 and the solenoid plunger 8. The elastic means 4 may also be connected directly to the plunger 8, and to various attachment points on the unit housing 9. The vertical motion generating unit 1 is arranged to apply a vertical swinging motion to an infant's cradle 5 attached to the vertical motion generating unit 1. The vertical swinging motion may be expressed as an oscillating swinging motion, and this motion is intended to resemble the up-and-down motion the infant is exposed when it was carried in the mothers womb, or when it is carried by a person that is walking. The system further comprises an attachment arrangement 6 arranged to attach the vertical motion generating unit 1 to a point of suspension. The attachment arrangement 6 may e.g. be a hook, a hanger or a holder or any other kind arrangement for attachment. A point of suspension may be a door frame, a side of a door, a ceiling or a wall, or any other suitable points of attachment. Between the unit housing 9 and the attachment arrangement 6 there may be a variable chain or rope that attaches the vertical motion generating unit 1 to the attachment arrangement 6. The vertical motion generating unit 1 further comprises a control module 7 comprising a microprocessor 8 arranged to control the vertical swinging motion by applying power from the energy source 2 to the solenoid 3 via a solenoid driver, in response to different input signals to the control module 7. The control module 7 may apply power to the solenoid 3 by means of a power signal to the energy source 2. Hence, the swinging motion may be controlled by means of a microprocessor 8 that responds to input signals. The microprocessor 8 is the CPU that controls all functions in the system. The microprocessor 8 is according to one embodiment a RISC-based microcontroller with flash memory for program code and data accusation and integrated AfD converters. Other kinds of microcontrollers or microprocessors are of course applicable in conjunction with the invention, as long as they include means for executing program code and means for storing (i.e. a memory). Another important feature is the ability to receive analogue input signals, and for this purpose an A/D converter is needed. The solenoid driver is the electronics that deliver power to the solenoid 3. It converts TTL-level signals to appropriate power levels for the solenoid 3.

The vertical motion generating unit 1 further comprises a sensing module adapted to sense signals that may be used to control the vertical swinging motion and to generate sensed input signals to the control module 7 in response thereto. Thus, the control module 7 is adapted to receive sensed input signals acting as feedback of the vertical swinging motion, and by means of the microprocessor 8 control the vertical swinging motion accordingly. In response of sensed input signals, the control module 7 may e.g. adjust the frequency and amplitude of the vertical swinging motion. Examples of sensed signals will be described in the following, and a signal scheme of the signals in the system is illustrated in figure 3.

According to one embodiment, the elastic means 4 is a helical spring. This embodiment is exemplified in figure 1 and figure 4 to 7. According to another embodiment, the elastic means 4 comprises two or more helical springs, as illustrated in figure 7. The elastic means 4 may according to another embodiment be a rubber band that has elastic properties. Further types of elastic means 4 are feasible in so far the types have elastic properties.

The embodiment shown in figure 4 illustrates one example of an elongation spring type, where the elongation spring 4 is placed completely outside the unit housing 9. The spring 4 is here attached to the bottom of the unit housing 9. This embodiment has a fixed spring response. Another embodiment is shown in figure 5, which also illustrates an example of an elongation spring type. The difference from the example illustrated in figure 4 is that the elongation spring is placed partly inside the unit housing. In this embodiment, it is possible to adjust how much of the spring length that is used effectively, thereby changing the spring response as needed, by changing the attachment point of the spring inside the unit housing 9. In figure 5 a further possible embodiment is shown, illustrating an elongation type spring attached to the inside of the unit housing 9 whereby the spring 4 is completely inside the unit housing 9 making the embodiment aesthetically attractive and also safer, as an oscillating spring without cover may be a danger for e.g. other children. The unit housing 9 may thus be longer than in the other embodiments to completely cover the spring 4 in its elongated state. The attachment points of the springs 4 to the unit housings 9 are shown as small squares, denoted by the number 12. The arrows in the figures are illustrating the movement directions of the springs 4.

The embodiments shown in figures 7 and 8 are both illustrating compression spring types, placed completely inside the unit housings 9. In figure 7 a spring 4 is shown that is attached to the bottom of the unit housing 9. This arrangement has a fixed response. The embodiment shown in figure 8 makes use of two springs 4. The springs are attached to the bottom of the unit housing 9. A special "selector plate" may determine how many springs 4 that are working together. In this embodiment it is possible to adjust the characteristics of the total spring response.

The elastic means 4 may according to one embodiment (not shown) be situated at the side of the solenoid 3. This embodiment may entail a shorter length of the system compared to the embodiments described above, but thus a greater width.

Preferably, the sensing module is adapted to sense plunger movement and to generate plunger movement input signals to the control module 7 in response thereto, whereby the control module 7 controls the vertical swinging motion accordingly. Thus, it is possible to monitor the movement of the plunger 8, and to change the amplitude or frequency of the plunger 8 according to different thresholds. Further functions are made possible by monitoring the plunger movement, such as alarm if no plunger movement is sensed etc.

Thus, the invention preferably comprises a vertically hanging elastic means 4 connected to a sleeping cradle. The solenoid 3 pulls/pushes on the elastic means 4 to create a vertical oscillation, by switching on and off the power to the solenoid 3. The solenoid 3 is controlled by a microprocessor 8 which both influences and follows the plunger movement of the solenoid 3, to determine when power should be supplied or retrieved to the solenoid 3 to follow predetermined patterns which are controlled by the software of the present invention. From physical or mechanical point of view this system resembles a harmonic oscillating system.

To generate a vertical swinging motion, current is applied to the solenoid 3 to generate a magnetic field inside the coil. This field will attract the plunger 8 towards the center of the solenoid 3 thus generating a movement. The strength of the movement is determined by the solenoid characteristics and the amount of energy that is transferred into the coil. The amount of energy that is transferred into the solenoid 3 can be controlled by altering the duty cycle of the applied power (i.e. by PWM - pulse width modulation).

The attached cradle 5 is brought to swing in harmonic oscillation with the elastic means 4 (e.g. spring) to reduce power requirements. Power is according to one embodiment only applied when the oscillation cycle is at peak level. The amplitude of the motion is controlled by applying power to the solenoid 3 in exactly the right moment or by doing so in reverse (increase/decrease amplitude). The plunger 8 is directly linked to the elastic means 4 and its purpose is to transfer force/movement to and from the solenoid 3.

Different weights of the load 5 with the same elastic means 4 will render a varying stretch (amplitude) of the elastic means 4 and also a varying frequency when swinging. The latter is not a problem, but the varying amplitude may cause troubles. If using a solenoid which has got fixed extreme positions, the solenoid might get saturated and accordingly create a not optimal swinging vertical motion. The solenoid 3 used in the present invention is a special kind of solenoid 3 which does not have any fixed extreme positions. The plunger 8 may thus move freely inside the solenoid 3, which makes the system insensitive to weight variations of the load 5 in a large interval. Infants may vary greatly in weight, and optimally you want to make as little change as possible of the system in dependence of the weight of the infant, to get a more user friendly system. The present invention provides a solution to this problem, and offers a system that does not have to be changed according to the weight of the load, i.e. the infant. When no current is applied to the solenoid 3, the solenoid 3 with the plunger 8 may act as a generator together. Since the plunger 8 may be made out of iron and lightly magnetic, it will create (induce) a current when moving through the coil in the solenoid 3. According to one embodiment, the plunger movement is sensed by sensing the induced current in the solenoid 3. Thus, it is possible to sense and monitor the movement of the plunger and to use the sensed plunger movement to control the motion of the cradle. The induced current in the solenoid 3 preferably passes a filter that cuts away unwanted frequencies and is then advantageously fed into a series of operation amplifiers, after it is sensed in the sensing module as illustrated in figure 2. According to one embodiment, signal amplification and/or filtering means is included in the sensing module. The induced current signal is preferably amplified to match an A/D converter range in the control module 7. According to one embodiment, the A/D converter is incorporated into the microprocessor 8. This construction allows for the control module 7 to follow the movement of the plunger 8 .The signal information interpreted by the control module 7 can tell the system how fast the load is swinging (acceleration), how much it is swinging (amplitude) and at which frequency. The amplifier is designed in such way that the tiniest movement of the plunger 8 can be detected.

According to one embodiment, the amplification has got two modes of operation: the usual "swinging mode" when the induced voltage signal is amplified from about 50 mV approximately 100 times to about 5 V (peak). With this amplification degree, detection of frequency, zero crossing (i.e. when plunger 8 is in an extreme position) as well as amplitude and acceleration, is made possible. The other mode of operation is approximately 1000 times. This amplification is used to measure the extremely small movements (i.e. voltages) that originate from the breathing of the infant. The control module 7 automatically alternates between these situations when needed. These embodiments are merely examples of possible amplification alternatives, and should not be seen as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

The acceleration (i.e. how fast the swinging occurs up and down) can be determined by establishing the time when the induced voltage is increasing. The control module 7 advantageously comprises timing means for establishing when the induced voltage is increasing. The faster the increase the faster the plunger 8 is taken in and out of the solenoid 3. This is important to know to be able to slow down or increase the movement of the plunger 8, such that the movement becomes gentle. To slow down the movement of the plunger 8, the solenoid 3 is activated in the "reverse phase" against the natural movement of the elastic means 4. An increase of the plunger movement is made by following the natural motion of the plunger movement and then adding power to the solenoid 3 to obtain an increased plunger deflection.

According to one embodiment, the sensing module is adapted to sense audio signals from e.g. an infant and to generate audio input signals to the control module 7 in response thereto, whereby the control module 7 controls the vertical swinging motion accordingly. The sensing module then preferably comprises a microphone to sense audio signals. The system may thus react if the infant makes sounds, and may start a suitable swinging pattern to calm or amuse the infant. The control module 7 may also record the sensed audio signals to be able to play the recorded sounds later on demand to a user.

The advantage by having a system that reacts on different signals from the infant is that the infant may be monitored and supported to fall asleep according to the special needs for this particular infant. For example, if the infant moves (is awake/restless) the control module 7 will feel the motion in the solenoid 3 and will then activate a pre-determined movement pattern and optionally suitable sound patterns. The vertical motion generating unit 1 then includes an audio output module adapted to generate audio signals in response to control signals from the control module 7, as illustrated in figure 2. The audio output module then advantageously comprises a loudspeaker. The system may according to one embodiment be connected to an external loudspeaker (not shown). The same thing applies if the control module 7 detects sounds (crying/noise) over a certain threshold from an integrated microphone. For these and other purposes, the control module 7 advantageously comprises pre-programmed control algorithms which control the vertical swinging motion, wherein the pre-programmed control algorithms are effectuated by input signals to the control module 7. The control module 7 thus comprises the software of the system, and the software is what makes the system intelligent. The system may thus comprise several predefined patterns (programs) that control how the system uses motion and sound input signals. New software may be downloadable into the system as part of a correction process or if the owner wants to purchase new programs as they are developed. By receiving different inputs to the system, different pre-programmed movement patterns of the plunger 8 may be effectuated, as well as different sound patterns stored by the control module 7 may be played. According to one embodiment, the pre-programmed control algorithms are effectuated by a combination of input signals to the control module 7, such as user input signals, audio input signals, frequency input signals and induced current input signals. The infant may then be monitored from different points of view, such as breathing and sound making.

The movement of the infant's breathing (chest rising and collapsing) produces a small vertical movement of the attached sleeping cradle, and thereby the plunger 8, which induces a small voltage in the solenoid 3 and thus a small current that can be measured. It is thereby possible to determine when the infant breaths and also how deep each individual breath are. According to one embodiment, the audio output module generates audio alarm signals in response to control signals from the control module 7 indicating plunger movements of a plunger in the solenoid 3 below a certain threshold. Thus, an alarm signal may be generated if the breathing is unnormal or stops. By incorporating this functionality into the system, an effective SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) alarm is achieved which helps caretakers to watch over their infants. The SIDS alarm may monitor the infant's breathing constantly. If the infant's breathing would stop for a longer period than configured, the system may according to one embodiment try to provoke a reaction from the infant. This may be accomplished by a swinging movement or by audio signals. If the system detects a lack of response it will sound an audible alarm to notify the caretaker. Thus, without extensive equipment, the breathing of the infant may effectively be monitored.

According to one embodiment, the system comprises a pre-SIDS function that may detect anomalies in the infant's breathing that may be indicative of a higher SIDS risk. When the function is activated, it determines if the infant is sleeping and then switches over to constant surveillance of all kinds of movements and sounds. Breathing induces small movements and the system may determine the breathing frequency and the relative strength of the breath itself. The sensing module is thus preferably adapted to sense the frequency of the plunger movement in the solenoid 3 and to generate plunger frequency input signals to the control module 7 in response thereto, to be able to sense the breathing frequency of the infant. No additional accelero meters are thus needed to obtain this function, and the total cost of the system may thus be reduced, as accelerometers are relatively expensive. Also, no excessive wiring for accelerometers is needed. Certain variations in infant's breathing are normal but longer periods of apnea are dangerous and could possibly be indicative of oncoming SIDS. If such anomalies are detected the system will warn the caretaker about the heightened risk, e.g. by a sound alert.

According to one embodiment, the control module 7 is adapted to calculate the weight of an infant sitting in an infant's cradle 5 attached to the vertical motion generating unit 1 in response to receiving plunger frequency input signals. Thus, the present invention makes it possible to weigh the infant which is of interest for many caretakers during the infant's first months. As the swinging frequency in a harmonic oscillating system is direct proportional to characteristics of the spring (K value) and the mass of the load according to Hooke's law regarding springs and their natural oscillation frequency with a certain load, the infant is weighted by swinging the cradle and then measure the frequency. Since the system may know the K- value of the spring 4 it may derive M (Mass) from the measured frequency with high precision. The weigh measurement may be presented to the user on a display that may be a built in LCD display, by sound means, or by any other presentation means. The display may allow the user to view also other data from the system. It may further be used to display system status and other output. The display may further include control buttons for control of the system.

Preferably, the vertical motion generating unit 1 comprises a user control panel adapted to generate user input signals to the control module 7. The user control panel may include menu buttons or similar, to be able to select different programs. Thus, different modes of operating the system may be selected by a caretaker, such as pre-programmed swinging programs which e.g. monitors the infant's sounds and movements, and when the infant falls asleep the swinging may start decreasing to finally end. Different amplitudes of the swinging motion may be selected, as well as different swinging frequencies. One typical mode of operation works as follows:

1. The system start by sending a small power pulse to the solenoid 3 and then switches over to sense the response in movement of the plunger 8.

2. If the response is too small the system repeats step 1, but increases the power pulse until the working amplitude of the plunger 8 has been reached according to the selected program. (This will be seen as a gentle swinging increase)

3. During the selected program, the system will monitor the infant's response in movement and sound. This feedback will affect how certain behaviors of the selected program are adjusted. Based on the input the system may e.g. determine to slow down or increase the plunger movement. The initial program selection is effectively a "goal" based on the caretakers understanding of what works best with their infant.

4. When the system has determined that the infant is sleeping it switches over to monitor vital signs such as breathing, movement and sound. It may build statistics that may be used to determine for instance pre-SIDS risk and effective sleeping time.

5. If the system senses crying or larger movements, most selectable program modes will automatically start a gentle rocking period and evaluate the result. The goal is not to wake the infant up, but instead to return the infant back to comfortable deep sleep as fast and effective as possible.

This is only an example of a possible pre-programmed control algorithm that may be chosen by a user. Many other programs may be chosen by a user of the system, by e.g. selecting different buttons on the user control panel. According to one embodiment, the vertical motion generating unit 1 is remotely controlled and monitored by way of a portable user control panel. The same functions as described above are then incorporated into the portable user control panel. The system may then send alarm or status signals to the portable user control panel by radio waves (e.g. 433 MHz band or 2.4 GHz band) or other kind of transmission means from the transceiver/transmitter/receiver module, and receive control signals from the portable user control panel to the transceiver/transmitter/receiver module.

The vertical motion generating unit 1 comprises according to one embodiment an USB- interface. The system may thus be adapted to communicate with a PC or other form of USB compatible device. The interface may be used to configure the system or to retrieve data, such as weight or breathing frequency. The software of the control module 7 may thus be upgraded, with new features, updates, corrections etc.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appending claims.

Claims

1. Infant motion and monitoring system comprising a vertical motion generating unit (1) comprising an energy source (2), a solenoid (3) and an elastic means (4) attached to said solenoid (3), wherein said vertical motion generating unit (1) is arranged to apply a vertical swinging motion to an infant's cradle (5) attached to said vertical motion generating unit (1), an attachment arrangement (6) arranged to attach said vertical motion generating unit (1) to a point of suspension, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the vertical motion generating unit (1) comprises a control module (7) comprising a microprocessor (8) arranged to control said vertical swinging motion by applying power from said energy source (2) to the solenoid (3) via a solenoid driver, in response to different input signals to the control module (7), a sensing module adapted to sense signals, and to generate sensed input signals to the control module (7) in response thereto.

2. Infant motion and monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said elastic means (4) is a helical spring.

3. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sensing module is adapted to sense plunger movement and to generate plunger movement input signals to said control module (7) in response thereto, whereby the control module (7) controls said vertical swinging motion accordingly.

4. Infant motion and monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein said plunger movement is sensed by sensing the induced current in the solenoid (3).

5. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said sensing module is adapted to sense audio signals from e.g. an infant and to generate audio input signals to the control module (7) in response thereto, whereby the control module (7) controls said vertical swinging motion accordingly.

6. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical motion generating unit (1) includes an audio output module adapted to generate audio signals in response to control signals from said control module (7).

7. Infant motion and monitoring system according to claim 6, wherein said audio output module generates audio alarm signals in response to control signals from said control module (7) indicating plunger movements of a plunger in the solenoid (3) below a certain threshold.

8. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the claims 3 to 7, wherein the sensing module is adapted to sense the frequency of the plunger movement in the solenoid (3) and to generate plunger frequency input signals to said control module (7) in response thereto.

9. Infant motion and monitoring system according to claim 8, wherein said control module (7) is adapted to calculate the weight of an infant sitting in an infant's cradle (5) attached to the vertical motion generating unit (1) in response to receiving plunger frequency input signals.

10. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical motion generating unit (1) comprises a user control panel adapted to generate user input signals to the control module (7).

11. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control module (7) comprises pre-programmed control algorithms which controls said vertical swinging motion, wherein the pre-programmed control algorithms are effectuated by input signals to the control module (7).

12. Infant motion and monitoring system according to claim 11, wherein the pre- programmed control algorithms are effectuated by a combination of input signals to said control module (7), such as user input signals, audio input signals, and frequency input signals and induced current input signals.

13. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the applied power to the solenoid is controlled by pulse width modulation (PWM).

14. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical motion generating unit (1) is remotely controlled and monitored by way of a portable user control panel.

15. Infant motion and monitoring system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical motion generating unit (1) comprises an USB-interface.