GB2438433A

GB2438433A - Baby monitor wherein audio content played to baby is masked from detected sound

Info

Publication number: GB2438433A
Application number: GB0610263A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Morris Gold; Daniel Jason Tyler
Original assignee: CATALYST DEVELOPMENTS; Brother Max Ltd
Current assignee: Brother Max Ltd
Priority date: 2006-05-24
Filing date: 2006-05-24
Publication date: 2007-11-28
Anticipated expiration: 2026-05-24
Also published as: WO2007135433A1; GB2438433B; GB0610263D0

Abstract

A baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby comprises a baby unit 30 and a parent unit 10. The baby unit 30 includes an audio player 34, e.g. an MP3 player, for playing audio content to a baby, a sound detector 38 for detecting sound local to the baby and a transmitter 40 for transmitting a signal 42 representative of the detected sound. The parent unit 10 includes a receiver 22 for receiving the signal 42 and an audio player14 for playing the detected sound to a carer. The baby monitor system is further provided with an audio mask 44 for masking out the audio content from the detected sound so that the audio content is not played to the carer. The audio mask 44 may be provided in the baby unit or in the parent unit (144 fig.7).

Description

Baby monitor system

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system for remote monitoring of a baby. The system is of a type that comprises a baby unit, which in use, is placed local to a baby and which is capable of communicating sounds made by the baby to a parent unit, which in use, is placed local to a monitoring carer.

Background to the Invention

Baby monitor systems for use in the remote monitoring of a baby (or young child) by a carer (e.g. a parent or guardian) are well-known in the prior art. Typical systems comprise a baby unit, which in use, is placed within a monitoring distance of the baby (e.g. adjacent to the baby's cot) and a parent unit, which in use, is placed local to a monitoring carer. The baby unit includes a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby, in particular sound made by the baby, and a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of the detected sound. The parent unit includes a receiver for receiving the signal representative of the detected sound from the transmitter and a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer.

In a typical usage scenario, the sound detector will either pick up resting / playful baby noises or crying / disturbed baby noises. These are then transmitted to the monitoring carer who will generally be reassured by the resting and/or playful noises, but can choose to respond to tend to the baby if crying and/or disturbed baby noises are heard.

One typical response on hearing crying and/or disturbed baby noises is for the carer to enter the baby's room to physically check on the baby in the cot. Often the baby's room will be in darkness or at least, semi-darkness since the baby is intended to be / resting or asleep. This presents a problem for the parent who needs a certain amount of light be able to see in order to check on the baby. To provide for this, a light in the baby's room may be turned on, but this presents the risk of further disturbing the baby. Alternatively, the carer may use a torch light to guide their steps, but this presents the problem of finding the torch. In solution to these problems, the Applicant has devised a baby monitor system, in which at least part of the parent unit is portable and incorporates a torch light for guiding a carer, thereby providing convenience to the carer.

It is known to supplement the baby unit of baby monitor systems of the above type with a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby. Thus, lullabies and other soothing sounds may be played to the baby to induce restfulness and sleep.

Whilst potentially attractive to the baby, such audio players can present an distraction / annoyance to the monitoring carer who also gets to listen to such audio content as it is picked up along with any baby noises by the sound detector of the baby unit and then transmitted to the parent unit, which plays it (again, along with any baby noises) to the carer. This is distracting for the carer because the audio content may cover up any baby noises, which the carer is trying to listen out for. This can be annoying for the carer because the audio content may be of a type that whilst potentially pleasing to the ear of a baby is less attractive to the ear of the carer.

In solution to this problem, the baby monitor system herein is provided with an audio mask responsive to the sound detector of the baby unit, for masking out the audio content from the detected sound such that the audio content is not played to the carer by the parent unit audio player. Thus, the carer only gets to hear the baby noises, which he or she is trying to monitor for and not the distracting I annoying audio content, which is heard only locally to the baby unit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved baby monitor system, which is of enhanced utility for the carer.

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Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer comprising (a) a baby unit including (i) a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby; (ii) a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby; (iii) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound; (b) a parent unit including (iv) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the detected sound from said transmitter; and (v) a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer, wherein said baby monitor system is further provided with an audio mask for masking out said audio content from the detected sound such that the audio content is not played to the carer by the parent unit audio player.

There is described herein a baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer (e.g. a parent or guardian). The system comprises a baby unit, which in use locates local to a baby that is to be monitored and a parent unit, which in use locates local to a monitoring carer.

The baby unit typically comprises a housing to which various components are provided. Suitably, the housing is provided with attachment means for attachment to a baby cot such as a screw fastener or snap-engagement means for attachment to the side rails of a baby cot. The baby unit may in aspects, be mains or battery-powered.

The baby unit includes a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby.

In use, the particular audio content is selected to be attractive to the baby and in particular, may include lullabies and/or soothing sounds to induce calm and sleep in the baby. The baby unit audio player typically includes one or more loudspeakers.

The baby unit audio player is of any suitable type and may be for playing recorded and/or broadcast audio content. Thus, the audio player may in aspects comprise an MP3 player, CD player, DVD player, cassette tape player or alternatively comprise a radio receiver and player. Combinations and configurations of these different types of player are envisaged as long as the functional requirement for playing audio content local to the baby is met. Control of the audio player (e.g. volume control, track selection) may be provided at the baby unit or alternatively, may be provided remote from the baby unit at a remote control unit, which communicates (e.g. by wireless or wired link) to the baby unit audio player. In one aspect, the remote control unit is provided integral with the parent unit.

The baby unit also includes a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby.

Thus, the sound detector suitably includes a microphone or other sound detector means for detecting sound local to the baby for monitoring thereof.

The baby unit further includes a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound. The transmitter may be of any suitable type and typically, enables wireless transmission. The signal may be analogue or digital.

The parent unit typically comprises a housing to which various components are provided. The parent unit may in aspects, be mains or battery-powered.

The parent unit includes a receiver for receiving the signal representative of the detected sound from the transmitter of the baby unit. The receiver is arranged for effective receipt of transmission from the transmitter and may be of the analogue or digital type to match the transmitter.

The parent unit also includes a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer. The parent unit audio player typically includes one or more loudspeakers.

The parent unit audio player is of any suitable type. Control of the parent unit audio player (e.g. volume control, track selection) is typically provided by a control that is integral with the parent unit but may alternatively be provided remote from the parent unit at a remote control unit, which communicates (e.g. by wireless or wired link) to the parent unit audio player.

The baby monitor system is further provided with an audio mask, which may in aspects be responsive to said sound detector. The audio mask is arranged to mask out the audio content from the detected sound such that the audio content is not played to the carer by the parent unit audio player. Thus, in use the carer is only played the detected sounds made by the baby and not the "background noise" represented by the audio content that is played to the baby by the baby unit audio player.

The audio mask may be of any suitable type. In one preferred aspect, the baby unit audio player is of the digital type and the audio mask is also of the digital type and responds to (e.g. communicates with) the baby unit audio player to digitally mask out the audio content from the detected sound. In another preferred aspect, all relevant b components of the baby unit and/or parent unit are digital in nature such that all signals representative of played and/or detected sounds are also digital.

In one aspect, the audio mask is provided to the baby unit responsive to said sound detector such that the transmitter of the baby unit transmits a signal representative of a masked sound to the receiver of the parent unit.

Preferably, in this aspect the baby monitor system comprises (a) a baby unit including (i) a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby; (ii) a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby; (iii) responsive to said sound detector, an audio mask for masking said detected sound to mask out said audio content; and (iv) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said masked sound; (b) a parent unit including (v) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the masked sound from said transmitter; and (vi) a parent unit audio player for playing the masked sound to a carer.

In an alternative aspect, the audio mask is provided to the parent unit such that the transmitter of the baby unit transmits a signal representative of an unmasked sound r / to the receiver of the parent unit, which unmasked sound is masked by the audio mask prior to playing through the parent unit audio player.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer comprising (a) a baby unit including (i) a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby; (ii) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound; (b) a parent unit including (iii) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the detected sound from said transmitter; and (iv) a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer, wherein said parent unit is provided with a torch light for guiding a carer.

The baby unit typically comprises a housing to which various components are provided. Suitably, the housing is provided with means for attachment to a baby cot such as a screw fastener or snap-engagement means for attachment to the side rails of a baby cot. The baby unit may in aspects, be mains or battery-powered.

In one aspect, the baby unit is provided with a mounting for receipt of rotating mobile unit. The mounting of the baby unit is arranged such as to enable suitable or part-transfer of power from the baby unit to the rotating mobile unit (i.e. the mobile unit draws its power from the baby unit).

Suitably, the rotating mobile unit comprises a rotatable head that is suitably operable in response to activation of switch. Novelty items are provided to the rotatable head.

Suitably, the novelty items suspend from resilient cables such that when the head rotates the novelty items also rotate in pleasing fashion to amuse the baby. In one aspect, the resilient cables consist of fibre optic cables such that light energy is transferable in use, from the rotatable head to the novelty items, which are thereby illuminated.

In this aspect, the parent unit is further provided with a torch light for guiding a carer.

Suitably, the parent unit further includes a torch control unit for turning the torch light on and off. Control may also be provided for the intensity of the torch light beam.

In one aspect, the parent unit comprises (A) a base docking unit, which is typically arranged for placement on a supporting surface; and (B) a portable unit, which is arranged for reversible docking by said base docking unit. Suitably, the base docking unit is powered. Typically, the portable unit stands proud from the base docking unit when it is reversibly received (i.e. in docking relationship) thereby. Suitably, the torch light is provided to the portable unit, more preferably at the base of the portable unit.

Suitably, the upper part of the housing is shaped to provide a hand grip for the carer.

Suitably, the torch light locates at the base of the portable unit. Suitably, also an upper part of the base unit is shaped to provide a hand grip for the carer. In use, the carer therefore grips an upper part of the housing and points the base of the portable unit to shine the torch light to provide a guiding torch light beam.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer comprising (a) a baby unit including (i) a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby; (ii) a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby; (iii) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound; (b) a parent unit including

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(iv) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the detected sound from said transmitter; and (v) a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer, wherein said baby unit audio player comprises an MP3 player.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer comprising (a) a baby unit including (i) a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby; (ii) a sound detector for detecting Sound local to said baby; (iii) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound; (b) a parent unit including (iv) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the detected sound from said transmitter; and (v) a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer, wherein said baby unit is provided with a mounting for detachable receipt of rotating mobile unit.

Suitably, the mounting of the baby unit is arranged such as to enable suitable or part-transfer of power from the baby unit to the rotating mobile unit (i.e. the mobile unit draws its power from the baby unit).

Suitably, the rotating mobile unit comprises a rotatable head that is suitably motor-driven and operable in response to activation of switch. Novelty items are provided to the rotatable head. Suitably, the novelty items suspend from resilient cables such that when the head rotates the novelty items also rotate in pleasing fashion to amuse the baby. In one aspect, the resilient cables consist of fibre optic cables such that light energy is transferable in use, from the rotatable head to the novelty items, which are thereby illuminated.

It will be appreciated that the baby unit and parent unit elements of the baby monitor system herein may be manufactured and supplied separately and br supplied as a pre-assembly or a kit of parts. The present invention encompasses all of these separate component parts and any assemblies thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a baby monitor system in accord with one aspect of the present invention; Figures 2a and 2b show perspective views of a parent unit herein comprising a portable unit reversibly dockable with a docking base unit in the docked' and undocked' configurations respectively; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a baby unit herein; Figures 4a and 4b show perspective views of a baby unit herein comprising a rotating mobile unit reversibly dockable with a docking baby unit in the undocked' and docked' configurations respectively; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of attachment of a baby unit herein to a baby cot; Figure 6 shows a system diagram of a first baby monitor system herein; and Figure 7 shows a system diagram of a second baby monitor system herein.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates a baby monitor system herein for remote monitoring of a baby I by a carer 5. It will be noted that the baby I is located remotely from the carer 5 (e.g. the baby 1 is in its cot in an upstairs nursery room and the carer 5 is in a living room downstairs).

A parent unit 10 locates close to the carer 5 and a baby unit 30 locates close to the baby 1. The parent unit 10 is arranged for upright mounting on a base 12, which includes a mains power supply II. The baby unit 30 is arranged for mounting on a side mounting 32, which also includes a mains power supply 31.

The baby unit 30 includes a loudspeaker 35 that is responsive to a baby unit audio player, which locates within the housing of the baby unit 30, for playing audio content 36 to the baby 1. The baby unit also includes a microphone 37 for detecting sound local to said baby I including the noise 39 (shown schematically as zzz's) made by the baby. The baby unit 30 further includes a transmitter within the housing thereof for transmitting a signal 42 representative of the detected sound.

The parent unit 10 includes a receiver 20 for receiving the signal 42 representative of the detected sound from the transmitter. The parent unit further includes loudspeaker responsive to a parent unit audio player provided within the housing of the parent unit 10 for playing the detected sound to the carer. Ii

The baby monitor system is further provided with an audio mask responsive to the sound detector for masking out the audio content 36 from the detected sound such that the audio content 36 is not played to the carer 5 through the parent loudspeaker.

Rather, the carer 5 only hears played sound 18, which corresponds to the noise 38 (again, shown schematically as zzz's) made by the baby.

Reference is made to Figures 6 and 7, which are described in more detail hereinafter for details of alternative system aspects of the baby monitor system of Figure 1.

Figures 2a to 5 are now described, which provide more details of external' features of suitable baby units and parent units herein.

Figures 2a and 2b show more details of the parent unit 10 of Figure 1. The parent unit 10 comprises a portable unit 25, which is arranged for upright docked mounting on a base unit 12, which includes a mains power supply 11. The docking relationship of the portable unit 25 to its base unit 10 is reversible and enabled by the provision of an upright peg 14, which is received by a base aperture 24 of the portable unit 25.

The stem 26 of the portable unit 25 is shaped for ease of grip by the user's hand. A torch light 28 is provided to the base of the portable unit 25, which torch light 28 is operable in response to user activation of on/off button 27 provided adjacent to the grip stem 26. The portable unit 25 is also provided with a volume control 29 for the parent audio player unit.

In a typical use scenario, the carer hears baby crying noise 39 through the loudspeaker 15 and makes a decision to go and check on the welfare of the baby 1.

The carer grips the stem 26 of the portable unit 25 and removes it from its base unit 12. The carer then switches on the torch light 28 by means of the on/off button 27 and by holding the unit 25 towards the horizontal employs the torch light 25 to guide his or her steps on entering the room of the baby 1. After use, the portable unit 25 is replaced on its base unit 12.

Figure 3 shows more details of the baby unit 30 of Figure 1. The baby unit 30 is arranged for mounting on a side mounting 32, which also includes a mains power supply 31. The baby unit 30 includes a loudspeaker 35 that is responsive to a baby unit audio player, which locates within the housing of the baby unit 30, for playing audio content 36 to the baby 1. The baby unit 30 also includes a control knob 33 for controlling the volume of the audio content 36 played by the audio content player.

The baby unit further includes a microphone 37 for detecting sound local to said baby I including the noise 39 (shown schematically as zzz's in Figure 1) made by the baby. The baby unit 30 is further provided at its top part with a cover 50, the purpose of which will become clearer by reference to Figures 4a and 4b.

In Figure 4a, the cover 50 is shown removed to reveal a mounting aperture 52 for receipt of rotating mobile unit 60. Mounting plug 62 of the rotating mobile unit seats within the mounting aperture 52 of the baby unit, which connection enables transfer of power from the baby unit 30 to the rotating mobile unit 60.

Figure 4b shows the baby unit 30 and rotating mobile unit 60 in assembled form. The mobile unit 60 comprises a rotatable head 64 with a motor that is operable in response to activation of switch 66. Novelty items 68 suspend from resilient cables 69 such that when the head 64 rotates the novelty items 69 also rotate in pleasing fashion to amuse the baby. In aspects, the baby unit audio player may be arranged to play music 36 as the novelties 68 rotate and/or the resilient cables 69 may consist of fibre optic cables such that light energy is transferable from the head 64 to the novelty items 68, which are thereby illuminated.

Figure 5 shows a detail of a suitable means of attaching a baby unit (e.g. as shown in Figures 1,3, 4a or 4b) to the cot 70 of a baby. In more detail, the base unit 12 is screw mountable to the main part of the baby unit 30. Any suitable screw mounting arrangement is envisaged. Attachment to the cot is enabled by receipt of rails 72a, 72b between the base unit 12 and the main part of the baby unit 30, which receipt is made engaging in fashion as the base unit 12 is screwed up towards the main part of the baby unit 30. That is to say, the rails 72a, 72b are engagingly sandwiched between the base unit 12 and main part of the baby unit 30.

Referring now to again to Figure 1 and also especially to Figure 6, which shows a first alternative system aspect herein, the baby unit 30 includes a loudspeaker 35 that is responsive to a baby unit audio player 34 for playing audio content 36 to the baby 1. The baby unit also includes a microphone 37 for detecting sound local to the baby I to a sound detector 38 and a transmitter 40 for transmitting a signal 42 representative of the detected sound. The baby unit 30 is further provided with an audio mask 44 responsive to the sound detector 38 for masking out the audio content 36 (i.e. as previously transmitted through the loudspeaker 35) from the detected sound. All system elements are responsive to central processor 46, which provides a control function and enables communication between the relevant system elements.

In use, the baby unit audio player 34 plays audio content 36 via the loudspeaker 35 to the baby 1. The baby I also occasionally makes noises 39. The microphone 37 detects both the sound of the audio content 36 and the baby noises 39 to the sound detector 38. The audio mask 44, which is responsive to both the audio player 34 and the sound detector 38, masks out (e.g. digitally) the audio content 36, and then provides a signal which is now representative of only the baby noises 39 to the transmitter 40. The transmitter transmits a signal 42 representative of the masked sound to the parent unit 10.

At the parent unit 10, receiver 22 picks up the transmitted signal and transfers it via central processor 16 (which again, acts as a control) to the parent unit audio player 14, which translates it into sound 18 that is played via loudspeaker 15 to the carer 5.

It may thus be appreciated that the audio content 36 is thereby, not played to the lb carer 5 through the parent loudspeaker. Rather, the carer 5 only hears played sound 18, which corresponds to the baby noises 39.

The parent unit 10 includes a receiver 20 for receiving the signal 42 representative of the detected sound from the transmitter. The parent unit further includes loudspeaker responsive to a parent unit audio player provided within the housing of the parent unit 10 for playing the detected sound to the carer.

Referring now to again to Figure 1 and also especially to Figure 7, which shows a second system aspect herein, the baby unit 130 includes a loudspeaker 135 that is responsive to a baby unit audio player 134 for playing audio content 36 to the baby 1. The baby unit also includes a microphone 137 for detecting sound local to the baby I to a sound detector 138 and a transmitter 140 for transmitting a signal 142 representative of the detected sound. All system elements are responsive to central processor 146, which provides a control function and enables communication between the relevant system elements.

In use, the baby unit audio player 134 plays audio content 136 via the loudspeaker to the baby 1. The baby I also occasionally makes noises 39. The microphone 137 detects both the sound of the audio content 36 and the baby noises 39 to the sound detector 138. The sound detector 138 provides a signal which is representative of both the audio content 36 and the baby noises 39 to the transmitter 140. The transmitter transmits a signal 142 representative of the unmasked sound to the parent unit 110.

At the parent unit 110, receiver 122 picks up the transmitted signal 142 and transfers it via central processor 116 (which again, acts as a control) to the audio mask 144.

The audio mask 144 is responsive to the audio player 134 of the baby unit 130. The audio mask 144 acts to mask out the audio content 36 (i.e. as previously transmitted through the loudspeaker 135 by the baby unit audio player 134) from the received signal. The audio mask 144 then transfers the masked sound signal to the parent 1/ ( unit audio player 114, which translates it into sound 18 that is played via loudspeaker to the carer 5. It may thus be appreciated that the audio content 36 is thereby, not played to the carer 5 through the parent loudspeaker. Rather, the carer 5 only hears played sound 18, which corresponds to the baby noises 39. The audio mask 144, which is responsive to both the baby unitaudio player 134 and the receiver of the parent unit 122, masks out (e.g. digitally) the audio content 36, and then provides a signal which is now representative of only the baby noises 39 to the parent unit audio player 114.

Desired aspects of an optimal baby monitor system herein are as follows: Baby Unit The transmitter of the baby unit enables interference-free transmission. The transmitter enables multi-channel (auto-select, circa. 120) with automatic secure channel selection. The transmitter has a circa. 300m range. The transmitter has an in-built scrambling device with circa. 65,000 unique combinations.

The baby unit can be both mains & battery powered (i.e. mains power lead included) for baby unit and rotating mobile (when plugged in) -low voltage, with transformer either on plug or lead (like a laptop) i.e. away from cot.

The baby unit includes a nightlight (e.g. low emitting, soft light -circa. 15-30 watts).

The nightlight is responsive to a nightlight button that is operable from the baby unit or remotely from the parent unit.

The baby unit includes an LCD display. Information that may be displayed includes ambient room temperature, low battery indicator, digital clock and digital signal confirmation to the baby unit. The LCD display typically has a minimum screen size of 40 X 20 millimetres.

The baby unit includes a temperature read sensor.

The baby unit provides for adjustable sound sensitivity (low / high) such as responsive to a dial or button.

The baby unit provides a port (e.g. at top) for receipt of a modular rotating mobile accessory (e.g. to plug-and-play).

The baby unit provides a USB port for MP3 player connection to a personal computer or another MP3 player.

The baby unit provides an MP3 Player with start/stop, back/forward buttons.

Optionally, music pre-loads are provided. The speakers are of high definition.

The baby unit provides a fixed toy armature with a driven rotating end cap (to secure on to cot) or alternatively is free-standing.

Parent Unit The parent unit provides for one-touch (e.g. 1 LED) reception check.

The parent unit has a mains power lead with charging base unit. Additionally, the parent unit may be battery-powered.

The parent unit provides a temperature read remote operation button. The parent unit has an LCD display. Information that may be displayed includes ambient room temperature, low battery indicator, clock and signal confirmation to the baby unit.

The parent unit includes an audible alarm alert for low battery or to signal that it is out of contact with the baby unit. Optionally, the audible alarm alert can be turned on/ off from the parent unit. The parent unit provides an adjustable volume control dial.

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The parent unit provides an integral torch with low, soft light emission (to not wake up sleeping baby). For example, the torch light may be provided by a white LED with 9,200mcd light output. The torch has an on/off switch or button.

The parent unit provides that when it is in proximity with the baby unit it automatically cuts out sound reception by the parent unit (to avoid feedback).

Modular rotating mobile unit (accessory to baby unit) The modular rotating mobile unit provides for plug-and-play connection with (e.g. top of) baby unit (for easy installation with no fixing). A start / stop button or switch is provided.

The modular rotating mobile unit has a motor (that takes power source from baby unit) for rotation. As a safety feature, the rotating mobile unit has in-built resistance to allow a child to hold on to it enough to cause it to stop without damaging the motor.

The modular rotating mobile unit provides for various moveable suspended novelties such as cloth animals or fibre optic light balls.

The application of which this description and claims form part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims:

Claims

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Claims 1. A baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer comprising (a) a baby unit including (i) a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby; (ii) a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby; (iii) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound; (b) a parent unit including (iv) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the detected sound from said transmitter; and (v) a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer, wherein said baby monitor system is further provided with an audio mask for masking out said audio content from the detected sound such that the audio content is not played to the carer by the parent unit audio player.

2. A baby monitor system according to claim 1, wherein said audio mask is provided to the baby unit responsive to said sound detector such that said transmitter of the baby unit transmits a signal representative of a masked sound to said receiver of the parent unit.

3. A baby monitor system according to claim 1, wherein the audio mask is provided to the parent unit such that the transmitter of the baby unit transmits a signal representative of a unmasked sound to the receiver of the parent unit, which unmasked sound is masked by the audio mask prior to playing through the parent unit audio player.

4. A baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer comprising (a) a baby unit including (i) a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby; (ii) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound; (b) a parent unit including (iii) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the detected sound from said transmitter; and (iv) a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer, wherein said parent unit is provided with a torch light for guiding a carer.

5. A baby monitor system according to claim 4, wherein the parent unit corn prises (A) a base docking unit; and (B) a portable unit, which is arranged for reversible docking by said base docking unit, wherein said torch light is provided to said portable unit.

6. A baby monitor system according to claim 5, wherein the torch light locates at the base of the portable unit and an upper part of the base unit is shaped to provide a hand grip for the carer.

7. A baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer comprising (a) a baby unit including (i) a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby; (ii) a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby; (iii) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound; (b) a parent unit including (iv) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the detected sound from said transmitter; and (v) a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer, wherein said baby unit audio player comprises an MP3 player.

8. A baby monitor system for remote monitoring of a baby by a carer comprising (a) a baby unit including (i) a baby unit audio player for playing audio content to a baby; (ii) a sound detector for detecting sound local to said baby; (iii) a transmitter for transmitting a signal representative of said detected sound; (b) a parent unit including (iv) a receiver for receiving said signal representative of the detected sound from said transmitter; and (v) a parent unit audio player for playing the detected sound to a carer, wherein said baby unit is provided with a mounting for detachable receipt of a rotating mobile unit.

9. A baby monitor system according to claim 8, wherein a rotating mobile unit is detachably provided to said mounting.

10. A baby monitor system according to any of claims 1 to 9, in kit of parts form wherein a first kit part comprises said baby unit and a second kit part comprises said parent unit.