WO1998049662A1 - Appareil de surveillance pour bebe avec transmission de signaux audio et de temperature - Google Patents

Appareil de surveillance pour bebe avec transmission de signaux audio et de temperature Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998049662A1
WO1998049662A1 PCT/GB1997/001142 GB9701142W WO9849662A1 WO 1998049662 A1 WO1998049662 A1 WO 1998049662A1 GB 9701142 W GB9701142 W GB 9701142W WO 9849662 A1 WO9849662 A1 WO 9849662A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
temperature
child
receiver
data
transmitted
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB1997/001142
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Gooch
Chi Cheung Liu
Original Assignee
Kindertec Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kindertec Ltd. filed Critical Kindertec Ltd.
Priority to AU23984/97A priority Critical patent/AU2398497A/en
Priority to PCT/GB1997/001142 priority patent/WO1998049662A1/fr
Priority to EP97919550A priority patent/EP0983580A1/fr
Publication of WO1998049662A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998049662A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0205—Specific application combined with child monitoring using a transmitter-receiver system
    • G08B21/0208—Combination with audio or video communication, e.g. combination with "baby phone" function
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01K1/00—Details of thermometers not specially adapted for particular types of thermometer
    • G01K1/02—Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers
    • G01K1/024—Means for indicating or recording specially adapted for thermometers for remote indication
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0205—Specific application combined with child monitoring using a transmitter-receiver system
    • G08B21/0211—Combination with medical sensor, e.g. for measuring heart rate, temperature
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
    • G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
    • G08B21/0202—Child monitoring systems using a transmitter-receiver system carried by the parent and the child
    • G08B21/0294—Display details on parent unit

Definitions

  • This invention concerns monitors, and relates in particular to devices allowing the monitoring at a distance of a baby in its room.
  • the transmitter and receiver can be linked by wire, or other physical connection, but it is most usual these days for them to be coupled either inductively or electromagnetically - in the latter case, by radio (usually Very High Frequency [VHF] radio of only a short range) - both to permit the receiver to be placed anywhere suitable in the building without trailing unsightly wires behind it and also to allow the Minder to move about in the building carrying the receiver free of the encumbrance of those same wires.
  • VHF Very High Frequency
  • the invention in its most preferred forms seeks to render this task easier by providing the child's Minder with up-to-date information about the room temperature. More specifically, it proposes that at regular and frequent intervals the Minder should be advised of the room temperature by apparatus forming an extension, as it were, of the normal monitoring equipment, this being one wherein associated with the transmitter is a temperature sensor that provides a temperature-indicating output which, much like any output from the monitor's microphone, is transmitted to the receiver and there displayed by appropriate display means for the Minder to see and act upon.
  • the temperature is only one sort of data that might be transmitted along with the noises made by the child - other data types could include limit settings, clock pulses, respiration rates, and the like.
  • the invention proposes that all this data be transmitted to the receiver using a VHF radio link with a sub-carrier modulated by the data.
  • the data code strings can be pulse modulated with a sub-carrier frequency low enough in practice to be virtually inaudible to the recipient; this is an inexpensive and cost-effective way - in a product of limited performance - of transmitting data as a background signal without noticeably affecting normal voice transmission/ reception.
  • the invention provides child-monitoring apparatus enabling the Minder of a child to hear what noises are made in the child's room, the apparatus being of the type having a microphone and transmitter (to be placed in the child's room) and, operationally linked thereto, a receiver and speaker to be positioned adjacent the Minder's location, which apparatus also includes associated with the transmitter data-generating means the data from which is transmitted to the receiver, and in which apparatus the microphone and transmitter are operationally linked to the receiver and speaker by a short-range VHF radio link utilising a sub-carrier modulated by the transmitted data.
  • the invention provides child-monitoring apparatus of the type having a microphone and transmitter (as a single module) operationally linked to a receiver and speaker (again, as a single module: this may possibly be portable, and carried/worn by the Minder).
  • a microphone and transmitter as a single module
  • a receiver and speaker as a single module: this may possibly be portable, and carried/worn by the Minder.
  • These components may be of any suitable variety.
  • the apparatus may also include other features appropriate to a child monitoring device, such as: a sleep mode (when either or both the transmitter and receiver are powered down, and do not communicate one with the other); a diagnostic testing ability (for checking that the various alarms etc are actually working); an out-of- range warning (for when the minder moves too far from the transmitter); a visible warning of the child crying (typically a row of Light Emitting Diodes [LEDs], on the receiver module, more of which light as the crying increases in amplitude); and, if battery-powered, a "battery low" warning.
  • a sleep mode when either or both the transmitter and receiver are powered down, and do not communicate one with the other
  • a diagnostic testing ability for checking that the various alarms etc are actually working
  • an out-of- range warning for when the minder moves too far from the transmitter
  • a visible warning of the child crying typically a row of Light Emitting Diodes [LEDs], on the receiver module, more of which light as the crying increases in amplitude
  • the apparatus of the invention includes, associated with the transmitter, data-generating means the data from which is transmitted to the receiver.
  • data-generating means is a temperature sensor that provides a temperature- indicating output.
  • the sensor may be of any suitable type - for example, it may be a thermistor type - and its output (which is transmitted to and displayed upon display means associated with the receiver) is most preferably shown, advantageously by a small LCD screen, on the transmitter module, so that when in the room the Minder can check the room's temperature simply by referring to the module's display. It is desirable that the temperature display be switchable between Centigrade/Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F).
  • the data-generating means output is transmitted to the receiver using a VHF radio link, and providing a sub-carrier modulated by the data.
  • the data code strings are pulse modulated with a sub-carrier frequency low enough either to be virtually inaudible to the human ear or to be unreproduceable with the relatively low fidelity speakers employed; a typical frequency is 80Hz.
  • this sub-carrier is then mixed with the voice signal, and the resultant mixed signal is FM modulated and transmitted using the RF link.
  • a typical frequency for that link is one in the 30 to 70MHz range, say around 50MHz .
  • the primary data is temperature, and the transmission of this data can be continuous - that is to say, non-stop - but it will normally be necessary only to send the data at regular but relatively infrequent intervals. For example, it might be transmitted no more often that every five minutes.
  • Another possibility, though, is to compare the present temperature with whatever it was a short time - say, 30 seconds - ago, and to transmit the current information if, and only if, it is actually different from what it was then.
  • a third possibility is for the transmission to be voice activated - that is, or a cry or other sound from the child to trigger the transmission of the present temperature data. And, of course, all three of these could be employed.
  • the apparatus of the invention will be able to record - most conveniently in the transmitting module - the maximum and minimum temperature it detects.
  • the transmitted temperature information is displayed upon display means associated with the receiver.
  • the receiver module display is conveniently an LCD display, and is most desirably switchable between °C and "F.
  • the apparatus - and preferably the receiver section thereof - conveniently includes both programming means and warning means that together first permit the Minder to set upper and lower limits, and then provide the relevant warning - a buzzer, say, or a flashing light - if the actual room temperature goes up or down beyond the pertinent limit.
  • the sub-carrier technique can usefully be employed to carry these other data signals - for example, realtime clock data, temperature scale (Centigrade or Fahrenheit) information, timer alarm status, battery level status, high/low temperature recorded data, high/low temperature alarm limits, and alarms on/off status, as is shown in the accompanying Drawings.
  • realtime clock data for example, realtime clock data, temperature scale (Centigrade or Fahrenheit) information, timer alarm status, battery level status, high/low temperature recorded data, high/low temperature alarm limits, and alarms on/off status, as is shown in the accompanying Drawings.
  • Figure 1 shows a block schematic diagram of a transmitting module - the baby unit - of the baby-monitoring apparatus of the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows a block schematic diagram of a matching receiving module - the mother unit - of the baby-monitoring apparatus of the invention.
  • the components are as follows : -
  • INSIDE/OUTSIDE SENSOR Each of these is a temperature sensor that uses a thermistor for measurement.
  • MIC -AMP This is an amplifier that effects voice amplification to an appropriate level with gain control.
  • VOICE ACTIVATE This is to hold and compare the microphone signal, and output a control signal to trigger tone generator I and power switch.
  • TONE GENERATOR I This generates a 90Hz tone signal when triggered by the voice activate control .
  • TONE GENERATOR II This generates a 135Hz tone signal, and is controlled by the MCU data signal.
  • CRYSTAL OSC & MODULATION The signal frequency is modulated with the crystal oscillating frequency.
  • FREQ. MULTIPLIER This multiplies the fundamental frequency to the third overtone carrier frequency.
  • R.F. AMP This amplifies the carrier frequency, and outputs it to the antenna.
  • POWER SWITCH This is a transistor power switch which controls the R.F. transmission.
  • the components are as follows:-
  • R.F. AMP This receives the radio frequency from the antenna, and performs amplification.
  • MIXER This mixes the local oscillations with the carrier frequency.
  • I.F. AMP This uses a narrow band I.F. IC for amplification, and outputs the recovered audio signal.
  • TONE DETECTOR I This uses a two-state tone filter to detect out the tone signal and convert it to a DC voltage.
  • TONE DETECTOR II This uses a two-state tone filter to detect out the data tone signal and convert it to DC levels.
  • COMPARATOR This compares the input signal voltage with the preset level, and performs output control.
  • POWER SWITCH This is a transistor switch which controls the on/off state of the audio amplifier.
  • AUDIO AMP This is to amplify the audio signal, and provides volume control, and outputs it to the speaker.
  • the temperature recording range is from -20°C to +50°C, and the resolution is 0.1°C (or °F) .
  • the data sent-out rate is 10 bits/sec, data refresh rate per 15 to 20 seconds.
  • the alarm signal beep tone is 0.2 sec on, 2 sec off.
  • All data can be transmitted to the receiver (the mother unit) through a radio link.
  • a 135Hz tone signal is used with tone switching on and off to simulate the timing.
  • Data-enable pin from the MCU controls the period for data transmission.
  • the voice signal is received through the microphone, and after amplification is sent for modulation, and passed to the voice-activate circuit.
  • Another 90Hz tone signal is used for audio signal transmission. All the signals are modulated at the variable capacitance diode (vcd) with crystal oscillation. After being multiplied to the carrier frequency the signals are send to R.F. amplification, and then go to the antenna.
  • Receiver mother unit
  • the voice- and data-modulated carrier frequency is received from the antenna, and sent to an R.F. amplifier for amplification. It is then mixed with the crystal frequency, and the audio component extracted and amplified.
  • tone detector stage Another part of recovered audio signal is sent to the tone detector stage; at tone detector I the tone signal is filtered out at sinusoidal form and sent to the comparator, and after comparison the comparator outputs a control voltage to switch on the power supply to the audio amplifier, whereupon audio sound can be heard from the speaker.
  • tone detector II the on/off data tone signal is recovered in DC level and sent directly to the comparator. The data chain is then sent to the MCU's input port for data processing, and for displaying the status.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Child & Adolescent Psychology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Emergency Alarm Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de surveillance de bébé dans lequel un dispositif d'émission de sons avec un microphone/émetteur dans la chambre de l'enfant couplé à un haut-parleur/récepteur porté par un parent ou situé à proximité de lui transmet instantanément les bruits faits par l'enfant au parent qui les reçoit alors. L'émetteur et le récepteur sont généralement couplés de manière inductive ou électromagnétique, dans ce dernier cas par radio (généralement une radio VHF - très haute fréquence - à courte portée). De nos jours, les pédiatres considèrent que la température ambiante est un facteur important pour la vie d'un très jeune enfant et il est donc nécessaire de prendre en compte la température ambiante dans la chambre de l'enfant afin de prendre les mesures nécessaires si la température monte ou tombe au-delà des limites appropriées. L'invention cherche à rendre cette tâche plus facile en fournissant des informations mises à jour sur la température de la pièce. En particulier, l'appareil de surveillance utilise à intervalles fréquents et réguliers un détecteur de température associé afin de fournir une sortie indiquant la température, qui est transmise au moyen d'une sous-porteuse au récepteur et est affichée là par un élément d'affichage approprié afin que le parent puisse en prendre connaissance et agir en conséquence.
PCT/GB1997/001142 1997-04-25 1997-04-25 Appareil de surveillance pour bebe avec transmission de signaux audio et de temperature WO1998049662A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU23984/97A AU2398497A (en) 1997-04-25 1997-04-25 Baby monitor with transmission of audio and temperature signals
PCT/GB1997/001142 WO1998049662A1 (fr) 1997-04-25 1997-04-25 Appareil de surveillance pour bebe avec transmission de signaux audio et de temperature
EP97919550A EP0983580A1 (fr) 1997-04-25 1997-04-25 Appareil de surveillance pour bebe avec transmission de signaux audio et de temperature

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/GB1997/001142 WO1998049662A1 (fr) 1997-04-25 1997-04-25 Appareil de surveillance pour bebe avec transmission de signaux audio et de temperature

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998049662A1 true WO1998049662A1 (fr) 1998-11-05

Family

ID=10806301

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1997/001142 WO1998049662A1 (fr) 1997-04-25 1997-04-25 Appareil de surveillance pour bebe avec transmission de signaux audio et de temperature

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0983580A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2398497A (fr)
WO (1) WO1998049662A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004047038A1 (fr) * 2002-11-18 2004-06-03 Baby Dan A/S Appareil pour le controle de l'etat de bebes et de nourrissions en particulier
FR2878057A1 (fr) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-19 Valerie Mai Dispositif de surveillance bebe ou jeune enfant adapte aux sites de dimensions importantes avec multi-utilisateurs
ITVA20100059A1 (it) * 2010-08-05 2012-02-06 Simone Lovisolo Sistema di localizzazione non gps e non basato su rete telefonica cellulare, composto da stazioni di ricezione terrestri connesse tra loro e da trasmettitori radio che utilizzano antenne o il corpo umano come antenna o un corpo conduttivo come antenn
GB2503021A (en) * 2012-06-14 2013-12-18 Starspot Ltd Room temperature monitor

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2904682A (en) * 1955-08-22 1959-09-15 Lockheed Aircraft Corp Frequency ratio detector
US3210747A (en) * 1962-04-05 1965-10-05 Technical Measurement Corp Telemetering system
US4286465A (en) * 1979-09-17 1981-09-01 Trustees Of Dartmouth College Electronic device to record temperatures and the time of occurrence
US4321933A (en) * 1979-08-23 1982-03-30 Baessler Medical Electronics, Inc. Telemetry system for monitoring hospital patient temperature
GB2210537A (en) * 1987-09-23 1989-06-07 Space Age Electronics Ltd Power saving telemetry device
EP0635812A1 (fr) * 1993-05-24 1995-01-25 British Gas plc Thermostat télécommandé
WO1995022366A1 (fr) * 1994-02-22 1995-08-24 Gerry Baby Products Company Systeme de surveillance a distance comportant un generateur de tonalite permettant de verifier le fonctionnement du systeme
US5581238A (en) * 1995-05-12 1996-12-03 Chang; Mei-Hui Pacifier with fever heat alarm device
GB2306275A (en) * 1995-10-13 1997-04-30 Kindertec Ltd Baby monitor with transmission of audio and temperature signals

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2904682A (en) * 1955-08-22 1959-09-15 Lockheed Aircraft Corp Frequency ratio detector
US3210747A (en) * 1962-04-05 1965-10-05 Technical Measurement Corp Telemetering system
US4321933A (en) * 1979-08-23 1982-03-30 Baessler Medical Electronics, Inc. Telemetry system for monitoring hospital patient temperature
US4286465A (en) * 1979-09-17 1981-09-01 Trustees Of Dartmouth College Electronic device to record temperatures and the time of occurrence
GB2210537A (en) * 1987-09-23 1989-06-07 Space Age Electronics Ltd Power saving telemetry device
EP0635812A1 (fr) * 1993-05-24 1995-01-25 British Gas plc Thermostat télécommandé
WO1995022366A1 (fr) * 1994-02-22 1995-08-24 Gerry Baby Products Company Systeme de surveillance a distance comportant un generateur de tonalite permettant de verifier le fonctionnement du systeme
US5581238A (en) * 1995-05-12 1996-12-03 Chang; Mei-Hui Pacifier with fever heat alarm device
GB2306275A (en) * 1995-10-13 1997-04-30 Kindertec Ltd Baby monitor with transmission of audio and temperature signals

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004047038A1 (fr) * 2002-11-18 2004-06-03 Baby Dan A/S Appareil pour le controle de l'etat de bebes et de nourrissions en particulier
FR2878057A1 (fr) * 2004-11-15 2006-05-19 Valerie Mai Dispositif de surveillance bebe ou jeune enfant adapte aux sites de dimensions importantes avec multi-utilisateurs
ITVA20100059A1 (it) * 2010-08-05 2012-02-06 Simone Lovisolo Sistema di localizzazione non gps e non basato su rete telefonica cellulare, composto da stazioni di ricezione terrestri connesse tra loro e da trasmettitori radio che utilizzano antenne o il corpo umano come antenna o un corpo conduttivo come antenn
GB2503021A (en) * 2012-06-14 2013-12-18 Starspot Ltd Room temperature monitor
WO2013186557A3 (fr) * 2012-06-14 2014-04-17 Starspot Limited Moniteur de température ambiante

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2398497A (en) 1998-11-24
EP0983580A1 (fr) 2000-03-08

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