GB2498578A

GB2498578A - Baby or child sleep teaching aid

Info

Publication number: GB2498578A
Application number: GB1201029.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Deborah Sugden
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-01-23
Filing date: 2012-01-23
Publication date: 2013-07-24
Also published as: GB201201029D0

Abstract

A sleep teaching aid apparatus 1 is disclosed comprising: a microphone 10 for converting received noise into an audio signal, memory means 22 for storing an audio playback message for output through a loudspeaker 8 and processing means 20 configured to monitor the received audio signal and to trigger a first timer or counter upon detection of the volume exceeding a predetermined threshold. Upon reaching a predetermined first time period or count, the processing means is arranged to cause output of the playback message through the loudspeaker, the first timer or counter being reset if before the time period or count is reached the detected sound drops below the threshold for greater than a second time period which is less than the first time period or count.

Description

Baby or Child Sleep Teaching Aid

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method providing a sleep teaching aid for a baby or child.

Background of the Invention

Human beings wake in between sleep cycles every 90 minutes or so. As for babies and young children, it is estimated that 25 -30% at any one time have difficulty sustaining sleep. This particularly affects the duration of night sleep.

It is usually necessary to have to calm a small baby with parental/human touch. However, when babies begin to consolidate night sleep at around 3 -4 months, it is considered desirable gradually to wean the baby from needing parent/human touch. Research shows that the way in which a parent/carer intervenes with night waking is key to consolidating night sleep.

Conventional baby monitor devices comprise first and second units, wherein the first unit includes a microphone and transmitter arranged in use to transmit sound received through the microphone to the second unit which is arranged to output received sound through a speaker. The first unit can therefore be placed near a baby and the second unit can be carried by, or situated near to, the parent or carer remotely from the first unit for the purpose of monitoring whether the baby is asleep or crying. Signals are usually transmitted between the first and second units wirelessly, over a radiofrequency (r.f.) link.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, there is provided a sleep teaching aid apparatus for a baby or infant, the apparatus comprising: a microphone for receiving sound from a baby or infant and generating a audio signal; memory means for storing an audio playback message; and processing means arranged to determine from the audio signal when the sound exceeds a threshold volume and subsequently to cause output of the audio playback message through a speaker of the device.

This enables a baby or child to be comforted back to sleep without the need for parental presence during periods of brief awakenings in between sleep cycles. When babies begin to consolidate night sleep at around 3 -4 months, the device may be used gradually to wean the baby from needing parent/human touch and be comforted by a pre-recorded message, for example the parent's voice, from the device. The device allows verbal reassurance rather than parental/carer presence at an age when an infant is capable of sleeping for longer periods. Older children may be comforted back to sleep by, for example, a ten minute (or thereabouts) recording of a parent reading a story.

The apparatus may further comprise means configured to record an updated audio playback message through the microphone for storage on the memory means.

The processing means may be arranged to trigger a first timer or counter when the sound exceeds the threshold volume and, upon said first timer or counter reaching a predetermined first time period or count, to cause output of the playback message. The predetermined first time period or count may be greater than five seconds. The processing means may be arranged, subsequent to the first timer or counter being triggered, to reset said timer or counter if, before the predetermined first time period or count is reached, the sound drops below the threshold for greater than a second time period, the first timer or counter continuing to operate if the sound returns above the threshold volume within the second time period. The predetermined first time period or count may be user adjustable. Also, the second time period may be user adjustable.

The apparatus may be configured such that the audio playback message is output for a predetermined time period. The apparatus may further be configured such that the audio playback message is repeated in the event that its duration is less than that the predetermined time period.

The predetermined time period of the audio playback message may be user adjustable.

The apparatus may be provided within a self-contained, battery-powered unit. It may have a stand or means for hanging the unit from a rail or hook.

The apparatus may further comprise means for transmitting an alert signal to an associated, remote apparatus in the event that sound exceeds the predetermined threshold volume.

There is also provided a system comprising the sleep teaching aid apparatus according to any of the above definitions and an associated monitoring apparatus for receiving wirelessly the alert signal from the sleep aid apparatus and arranged to generate a visual or audible user alert in the event of said receipt. The monitoring apparatus may be further arranged with control means for causing wireless transmission of a control signal to the sleep aid apparatus for controlling playback of the audio message.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a sleep teaching aid apparatus comprising: a microphone for converting received noise into an audio signal; memory means for storing an audio playback message for output through a loudspeaker; processing means configured to monitor the received audio signal and to trigger a first timer or counter upon detection of the volume exceeding a predetermined threshold and, upon reaching a predetermined first time period or count, to cause output of the playback message through the loudspeaker, the first timer or counter being reset if before the time period or count is reached the detected sound drops below the threshold for greater than a second time period which is less than the first time period or count.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving sound from a baby or infant and generating an audio signal; storing an audio playback message; and determining from the audio signal when the sound exceeds a threshold volume and subsequently causing output of the audio playback message through a speaker.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method comprising: converting received noise into an audio signal; storing an audio playback message for output through a loudspeaker; monitoring the received audio signal and triggering a first timer or counter upon detection of the volume exceeding a predetermined threshold and, upon reaching a predetermined first time period or count, causing output of the playback message through the loudspeaker, the first timer or counter being reset if before the time period or count is reached the detected sound drops below the threshold for greater than a second time period which is less than the first time period or count.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that when executed by computer apparatus control it to perform the method steps defined above in the third and fourth aspects.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure lisa perspective front view of a sleep teaching aid device for a baby or infant; Figure 2 is a perspective rear view of the sleep teaching aid device shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing components of the Figure 1 device and their interconnection; Figure 4 is a state transition diagram showing the different possible states in which the software running on the processor/controller of the sleep teaching aid device of Figure 1 can operate in; Figures 5 and 6 are audio signal timing diagrams showing, respectively, different sets of received sound and the resulting signals generated as a result by the processor/controller of the sleep teaching aid device of Figure 1; and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the sleep teaching aid device shown in Figure 1 and a monitoring terminal forming part of an overall monitoring system.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Referring to Figure 1, a sleep teaching aid device 1 is shown from its front side. The device 1 is a stand-alone unit comprising a body 2 having a plastics casing and powered by means of a number of batteries 6 retained within a battery compartment 4 enclosed by a removable battery cover 5.

Alternatively, the device 1 can be mains-powered using a suitable d.c. transformer connected to an input terminal (not shown).

The device 1 is further provided with a loudspeaker 8 and a microphone 10. Referring to Figure 2, which shows the device 1 from its rear side, a stand is provided for allowing the device to stand upright on an underlying surface such as a table or bedside cabinet. Means can also be provided for attaching the device 1 to a wall or for hanging it from a rail or hook, for example within a cot. A number of control buttons 14 permit user control and adjustment of various ones of the device's 1 functions, to be explained below, and an on-off button 16 is located on the upper side.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the components of terminal 1. The terminal 1 has a controller 20, the aforementioned battery or batteries 6, the speaker 8, the microphone 10, a memory 22 and a wireless communication module 26 with associated antenna 28. The controller 20 is connected to each of the components in order to control operation thereof.

The memory 22 may be a non-volatile memory such as read only memory (ROM) a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory 22 stores, amongst other things, a software application 24. RAM may be used by the controller 20 for the temporary storage of data.

The controller 20 may take any suitable form. For instance, it may be a microcontroller, plural microcontrollers, a processor, or plural processors.

The wireless communications module 26 may be configured to communicate via a point-to-point radio link, or via protocols such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, Bluetooth and IEEE 802.11 (Wi-H).

As well as storing the software applications 24, the memory 22 is configured to store one or more so-called audio playback message(s) using a known digital format. The playback message may be recorded by means of a user manually selecting a record button or switch from among the control buttons 14 and then speaking through the microphone 10. The playback message can be reset and re-recorded any number of times. Initially, the playback message may comprise white noise as a factory default, with the user having the option of then recording their own playback message or even downloading proprietary pre-recorded messages.

The memory 22 also stores a number of timer or counter settings associated with timer/counter functions of the controller 20 operating under software control. Said settings are also user adjustable by means of the control buttons 14. The purpose of the timer/counter functions will be explained below.

The device 1 is configured to operate as a sleep teaching aid device for a baby or infant. Particularly, the device 1, when switched on, is configured to monitor sound received through the microphone 10 and cause output of the stored playback message through the speaker 8 when certain condition(s) associated with the level of the received sound are met. Typically, the playback message will be recorded by a parent or carer familiar to the baby or child with whom the device 1 is to be used.

When the playback message is output through the speaker 8, the intended effect of the parent or carer's voice is to calm the baby or child and help it return to sleep.

Monitoring is performed by the controller 20 sampling the audio signal received from the microphone and comparing the sound level with a predefined threshold level Vthreshold stored in the memory 22.

In a general sense, if the received sound level meets or exceeds Vthreshold for a given time period or count, hereafter called TIME1, the controller 20 is configured automatically to output the playback message. The value of TIME1 is stored in the memory 22 and the software application 24 provides a first timer (hereafter called Ti) which is triggered, paused and/or reset accordingly. A binary counter may function as the timer. Typical values for TIME1 areS seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute and 2 minutes.

If the received sound level drops below Vthreshold for a particular time frame (before TIME1 is reached) then Ti is reset to its initial value. Further details are explained below.

The playback message is output for a predetermined time period Tmessage, typically in the order of ten minutes with this period being user adjustable. If the length of the playback message is less than Trnessage, the message automatically repeats until expiry of Tmessage. At expiry, Ti is reset to its initial value.

In order to account for periodic pauses in the received sound level, for example due to the baby's breathing between crying, or when they roll over, a second time period, hereafter called TIME2, is provided for within which the received sound level may drop below, and return above, Vthreshold without resetting Ti to its initial value. For this purpose, the controller 20 operates a second timer or counter T2 stored in the memory 22. If, after the triggering of the first timer Ti the controller 20 detects that the sound has dropped below Vthreshold then it will trigger the operation of T2 and allow Ti to continue (or alternatively it can pause Ti); if the sound does not return above Vthreshold by the timeT2 reaches TIME2 then both Ti and T2 are reset. If the noise does return above Vthreshold before T2 reaches TIME2 then T2 is reset with the Ti continuing to operate (or resuming if paused).

A typical value for TIME2 is 10 seconds.

Referring to Figure 4, a state transition diagram is shown which represents the various states that the controller 20 can operate in when running the software application 24.

A start condition is shown as state 4.1, which is the case when the device 1 is switched on. Sound (or noise) is sampled in state 4.2. In state 4.3 it is determined whether Vthreshold has been exceeded.

If so, in state 4.4, T2 is reset if not done already. In state 4.5 it is determined whether Ti has started.

If not, in state 4.6 Ti is triggered. If Ti has started in state 4.5, in state 4.7 it is determined whether Ti has expired, or in other words whether it has reached TIME1. If so, the playback message is output through the loudspeaker in state 4.13 and Ti is reset in state 4.12. If not, state 4.2 is returned to and the sound continues to be sampled.

If Vthreshold has not been exceeded in state 4.3, it is determined in state 4.8 whether Ti has started. If not, state 4.2 is returned to. If Ti has started, in state 4.9 it is determined whether T2 has started. If not, T2 is started in state 4.14 and state 4.2 is then returned to. If in state 4.9 T2 is determined to have started, in state 4.10 it is determined whether T2 has expired, or in other words whether it has reached TIME2. If not, state 4.2 is returned to. If T2 has expired, in state 4.ii T2 is reset, and then state 4.i2 is entered in which Ti is reset. State 4.2 is then entered.

Ti and T2 can be represented by a timer or counter which can either count up to TIME1 or TIME2, or count down to zero from TIME1 or TIME2.

Figures 5 and 6 show example sound signals along a time axis (upper section) and an associated timing diagram (lower section) indicating Ti, T2 and the playback message.

Referring to Figure 5, at time = 0 the device i is switched on and ambient noise is picked up by the microphone 10. At time = TA, the sound exceeds Vthreshold and so Ti is triggered. At time = TB, the sound drops below Vthreshold and so T2 is triggered while Ti continues to operate. At time = Tc, the sound returns above Vthreshold before T2 reaches TIME2 and so T2 is reset. The process repeats as for time = TB and Tc when time = Tn and TE and so on, until Ti reaches TIME1 at which point the playback message is played and Ti is reset.

Referring to Figure 6, the same process repeats as for time = TA, TB, Tc and To above. However, in this case the sound does not return above Vtliresliold by the time T2 reaches TIME2. Accordingly, at time = TE both Ti and Tz are reset. At time = TF, the sound returns above Vthresliold and so Ti starts over as before.

As indicated above, the parameters Vthreshold, TIME1, and TIME2 are user-adjustable by means of the control buttons 14. A volume controller is also provided for by the control buttons i4 to adjust the level of the playback message. A further control button is provided to allow the user to re-record a new playback message, for example by holding the button down and speaking into the microphone 10. The control buttons i4 and the on/off button 16 may be backlit or similarly illuminated so that they may be visible in low light.

Referring to Figure 7, the above-described device 1 can be used as part of a monitoring system with an associated monitoring unit 30, typically held by, or situated near, the parent or carer. The device 1 is configured to communicate over a wireless link with its monitoring unit 30. The monitoring unit 30 comprises a wireless communications module and antenna for this purpose. A control button is provided on the monitoring unit 30 to remotely switch-on the device 1. Further, a visual and/or audible alert means is provided which serves to alert the user, e.g. the parent or carer, in response to receiving an alert signal generated and transmitted wirelessly from the device 1 in the event that Ta reaches TIME1.

Additionally or alternatively, an alert signal can be generated and transmitted wirelessly from the device 1 when the received sound exceeds Vthreshold. At the monitoring unit 30, the received alert signal is used to issue a visual or audible alert to the parent or carer. A control button is provided on the monitoring unit 30 to remotely cause output of the playback message at the device 1 by means of a wireless control signal.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present application.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.

Claims

<claim-text>CLAIMS1. A sleep teaching aid apparatus for a baby or infant, the apparatus comprising: a microphone for receiving sound from a baby or infant and generating a audio signal; memory means for storing an audio playback message; and processing means arranged to determine from the audio signal when the sound exceeds a threshold volume and subsequently to cause output of the audio playback message through a speaker of the device.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. Apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means configured to record an updated audio playback message through the microphone for storage on the memory means.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the processing means is arranged to trigger a first timer or counter when the sound exceeds the threshold volume and, upon said first timer or counter reaching a predetermined first time period or count, to cause output of the playback message.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined first time period or count is greater than five seconds.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. Apparatus according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein processing means is arranged, subsequent to the first timer or counter being triggered, to reset said timer or counter if, before the predetermined first time period or count is reached, the sound drops below the threshold for greater than a second time period, the first timer or counter continuing to operate if the sound returns above the threshold volume within the second time period.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 5, configured such that the predetermined first time period or count is user adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or claim 6, configured such that the second time period isuser adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, configured such that the audio playback message is output for a predetermined time period.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. Apparatus according to claim 8, configured such that the audio playback message is repeated in the event that its duration is less than that the predetermined time period.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or claim 9, configured such that the predetermined time period of the audio playback message is user adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, provided within a self-contained, battery-powered unit.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for transmitting an alert signal to an associated, remote apparatus in the event that sound exceeds the predetermined threshold volume.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A system comprising the sleep aid apparatus according to claim 12 and an associated monitoring apparatus for receiving wirelessly the alert signal from the sleep aid apparatus and arranged to generate a visual or audible user alert in the event of said receipt.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A system according to claim 13, wherein the monitoring apparatus is further arranged with control means for causing wireless transmission of a control signal to the sleep aid apparatus for controlling playback of the audio message.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A sleep teaching aid apparatus comprising: a microphone for converting received noise into an audio signal; memory means for storing an audio playback message for output through a loudspeaker; processing means configured to monitor the received audio signal and to trigger a first timer or counter upon detection of the volume exceeding a predetermined threshold and, upon reaching a predetermined first time period or count, to cause output of the playback message through the loudspeaker, the first timer or counter being reset if before the time period or count is reached the detected sound drops below the threshold for greater than a second time period which is less than the first time period or count.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A method comprising: receiving sound from a baby or infant and generating a audio signal; storing an audio playback message; and determining from the audio signal when the sound exceeds a threshold volume and subsequently causing output of the audio playback message through a speaker.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising triggering a first timer or counter when the sound exceeds the threshold volume and, upon said first timer or counter reaching a predetermined first time period or count, outputting the playback message.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined first time period or count is greater than five seconds.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising, subsequent to the first timer or counter being triggered, resetting said timer or counter if, before the predetermined first time period or count is reached, the sound drops below the threshold for greater than a second time period, the first timer or counter continuing to operate if the sound returns above the threshold volume within the second time period.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the predetermined first time period or count isuser adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the second time period is useradjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>22. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the audio playback message is output for a predetermined time period.</claim-text> <claim-text>23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the audio playback message is repeated in the event that its duration is less than that the predetermined time period.</claim-text> <claim-text>24. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the predetermined time period of the audio playback message is user adjustable.</claim-text> <claim-text>25. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 24, further comprising transmitting an alert signal to an associated, remote apparatus in the event that the sound exceeds the predetermined threshold volume.</claim-text> <claim-text>26. A method comprising: converting received noise into an audio signal; storing an audio playback message for output through a loudspeaker; monitoring the received audio signal and triggering a first timer or counter upon detection of the volume exceeding a predetermined threshold and, upon reaching a predetermined first time period or count, causing output of the playback message through the loudspeaker, the first timer or counter being reset if before the time period or count is reached the detected sound drops below the threshold for greater than a second time period which is less than the first time period or count.</claim-text> <claim-text>27. A computer program comprising instructions that when executed by computer apparatus control it to perform the method of any one of claims 16 to 26.</claim-text>