WO2005096895A1

WO2005096895A1 - Baby mattress with a device maintaining stable-mentality

Info

Publication number: WO2005096895A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/000983
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sung Yong Lee
Original assignee: Sung Yong Lee
Priority date: 2004-04-06
Filing date: 2005-04-06
Publication date: 2005-10-20
Also published as: KR100477459B1; KR20040036881A

Abstract

A baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality is disclosed. The baby mattress includes a data input unit for measuring mother's cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals and compressing them, a data storing unit for storing the compressed data in a memory device, a function selection unit for selecting an operation mode of the device for maintaining stable mentality, a data processing unit for extracting data in the data storing unit according to output signals of the function selection unit and decompressing the extracted data, a vibration output unit for receiving the output signals from the data processing unit and outputting vibration signals corresponding to the received signal, in which the vibration output unit includes a variable resistor, and a heartbeat sound output unit for receiving output signals form the data processing unit and outputting the heartbeat sound signals corresponding to the received signal. Here, the data input unit comprises: a signal measuring unit for measuring mother's cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals; a synchronous processing unit for inputting the heartbeat sound signals based on periods according to the number of mother's heartbeat pulsation; and a data compressing unit for compressing the heartbeat sound signals inputted based on the periods according to the number of mother's heartbeat pulsation, and cardiogram signals at the time of performing an inputting operation of the heartbeat sound signals.

Description

Description BABY MATTRESS WITH A DEVICE MAINTAINING STABLE- MENTALITY Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a baby mattress, and particularly to a bay mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality of a newly born baby and a bay. Background Art

[2] Generally, a newly born baby and a baby memorize mother's heartbeat sounds and heart pulsation during the period of pregnancy. Namely, they memorize their mother's heartbeat sounds and heart pulsation when a mother was in stable, active, and normal states, respectively.

[3] Therefore, if the heartbeat sound or the vibration based on the heart pulsation, which were memorized by the babies during the period of pregnancy, is applied to the newly born baby and the baby, they can feel stable mentality like they seem to be with their mothers.

[4] Recently, many kinds of apparatus and devices have been developed to reduce stresses felt by newly born babies or babies having just left the womb. Here, the babies felt the stresses, because they are good at the environments of their mothers' wombs and very sensitive to the external sounds or vibration, temperature, etc. The prior art cradle or bed for babies has functions to maintain a temperature like their mothers' temperature, and to apply mothers' heartbeat sound to them, etc., such that the babies can easily sleep. However, the prior art cradle or bed does not have functions which are to apply mothers' heartbeat sound and heart pulsations when their mothers are in an active state or normal state, such that they can feel stable mentality in variously changed environments. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality which is capable of providing mothers' heartbeat sound and heart pulsation to a newly born baby and a baby based on active states of the newly born baby and the baby, such that they can feel stable mentality like they seem to be with their mothers.

[6] It is another object of the present invention to provide a baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality which is capable of simultaneously measuring cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals according to change of the number of mother's heart pulsation, in which the baby mattress includes a data collection unit. [7] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality which is capable of compressing data collected in a data collection unit using a data compression unit. Technical Solution

[8] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the above and other objects can be accomplished by the provision of a baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality including a data input unit for measuring mother's cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals and compressing them, a data storing unit for storing the compressed data in a memory device, a function selection unit for selecting an operation mode of the device for maintaining stable mentality, a data processing unit for extracting data in the data storing unit according to output signals of the function selection unit and decompressing the extracted data, a vibration output unit for receiving the output signals from the data processing unit and outputting vibration signals corresponding to the received signal, in which the vibration output unit includes a variable resistor, and a heartbeat sound output unit for receiving output signals form the data processing unit and outputting the heartbeat sound signals corresponding to the received signal. Here, the data input unit comprises: a signal measuring unit for measuring mother's cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals; a synchronous processing unit for inputting the heartbeat sound signals based on periods according to the number of mother's heartbeat pulsation; and a data compressing unit for compressing the heartbeat sound signals inputted based on the periods according to the number of mother's heartbeat pulsation, and cardiogram signals at the time of performing an inputting operation of the heartbeat sound signals.

[9] Preferably, the synchronous processing unit performs a setting operation with reference to the period of the cardiogram signal and inputs the heartbeat sound based on the period according to the number of heartbeat pulsation.

[10] Preferably, the synchronous processing unit detects a period of heartbeat sound using a method for detecting an envelope or frequency of the heartbeat sound, performs a setting operation with respect to the detected period, and performs a measurement based on the periods according to the number of heartbeat pulsation.

[11] Preferably, the vibration output unit includes a vibration strength adjusting unit.

[12] Preferably, the heartbeat sound output unit includes a heartbeat volume controlling unit.

[13] Preferably, the data inputting unit for collecting a mother's heartbeat sounds is separably installed thereto.

[14] Preferably, the baby mattress comprises a baby state analysis unit for automatically analyzing baby states, wherein the baby state analysis unit includes at least one or more of a baby infrared measuring means for measuring a baby active state using an infrared sensor; a baby cardiogram measuring means for measuring a baby cardiogram; and a baby heartbeat number measuring means for measuring the number of baby heartbeat pulsation.

[15] Preferably, the operation mode of the function selection unit is automatically controlled based on the output signals of the baby state analysis unit. Brief Description of the Drawings

[16] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[17] Fig. 1 is a block diagram describing a baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[18] Fig. 2 is a view illustrating a waveform of a heartbeat signal corresponding to a cardiogram signal based on one period;

[19] Fig. 3 is a flowchart describing an operation mode of the baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality of Fig. 1 ; and

[20] Fig. 4 is a view illustrating an embodiment of a vibration output unit of Fig. 1. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[21] The configuration and operation of the baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality are described in detail, with reference to the drawings.

[22] Fig. 1 is a block diagram describing a baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the bay mattress includes a data input unit 10, a data storing unit 400, a function selection unit 500, a data processing unit 600, a baby state analysis unit 700, and a signal output unit 900.

[23] The data input unit 10 measures mother's cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals, and compresses them. The data input unit 10 includes a signal measurement unit 100, a synchronous processing unit 200, and an input data processing unit 300. Here, the data input unit 10 is separably installed into the device.

[24] The signal measurement unit 100 for measuring mother's cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals includes a cardiogram measuring unit 110 and a heartbeat sound measuring unit 120. The cardiogram measuring unit 110 measures cardiogram signals using surface electrodes, removes noises in the measured signals and then amplifies the noise removed signals. The heartbeat sound measuring unit 120 measures heartbeat sound signals, removes noises in the measured heartbeat sound signals, and amplifies the noise removed signals. Here, the heartbeat sound measuring unit 120 is implemented with a micro-system.

[25] The synchronous processing unit 200 for inputting the heartbeat sound signals according to the number of the heartbeat pulsation includes an R-R period analysis unit (not shown). The R-R period analysis unit obtains a period of an inputted cardiogram signal, or a period of heart pulsation, based on an R-R period. When the period is obtained, the synchronous processing unit 200 collects heart beat sounds for a time identical to each period of the cardiogram signals.

[26] The input data processing unit 300 includes an A/D converter 310, and a data compressing unit 320. The A/D converter 310 inputs the heartbeat sound signals and the cardiogram signals according to the obtained period in the synchronous processing unit 200, and converts them into digital signals. The data compressing unit 320 compresses the heartbeat sound signals inputted therefrom on the basis of the periods according to the number of the mother's heartbeat pulsation, and the cardiogram signals at the time of performing an inputting operation for the heartbeat sound signals. Here, the heartbeat sound algorithm is implemented with a general voice compression algorithm.

[27] The data storing unit 400 sequentially stores the heartbeat sound data based on the compressed pulsation numbers as output signals of the input data processing unit 300.

[28] The data input unit 10 individually performs all the processes for each mother. Preferably, the data input unit 10 is implemented with a microprocessor.

[29] The function selection unit 500 for selecting operation modes of the device for maintaining stable mentality includes a sleeping mode 510, an active mode 520, a nursing mode 530, and sleeping guide mode 540. Also, the function selection unit 500 further includes a manual mode (not shown) and an automatic mode (not shown). The manual mode can be arbitrarily controlled by a mother, according to states of a baby. The automatic mode enables the operation mode of the function selection unit 500 to be automatically controlled according to the output signals of a baby state analyzing unit 700. The sleeping mode 510 outputs the heartbeat sound data measured when a mother is in a sleeping state, in which the heartbeat sound data is stored in the data storing unit 400. The active mode 520 outputs the heartbeat sound data measured when a mother is in an active state, in which the heartbeat sound data is stored in the data storing unit 400. The nursing mode 530 outputs the heartbeat sound data measured when a mother is in a nursing state, in which the heartbeat sound data is stored in the data storing unit 400. The sleeping guide mode 540 sequentially outputs from heartbeat sound data that the pulsation number is large to heartbeat sound when the mother is in a sleeping state, using the heartbeat data measured based on the number of mother's heartbeat pulsation, in which the heartbeat data are stored in the data storing unit 400.

[30] The data processing unit 600 extracts data from the data storing unit 400 according to outputs signals of the function selection unit 500, and decompresses the extracted data to restore the data. The data processing unit 600 includes a data extracting unit 610, a data restoring unit 620, a vibration signal processing unit 630, and a heartbeat sound signal processing unit 640. The data extracting unit 610 extracts data from the data storing unit 400 according to signals of the function selection unit 500. The data restoring unit 620 decompresses the output signal of the data extracting unit 610 to restore the data. The vibration signal processing unit 630 outputs cardiogram signals restored in the data restoration unit 620, i.e., a vibration control signal according to the heartbeat signal, thereto. Here, the vibration control signal is a cardiogram point R, i.e., a pulse signal synchronized by a heartbeat signal. The heartbeat sound signal processing unit 640 outputs the heartbeat sound signal restored in the data restoration unit 620 as a heartbeat sound control signal.

[31] The baby state analysis unit 700 automatically analyzes baby states, and is operated when the function selection unit 500 is in an automatic mode. The baby state analysis unit 700 includes a baby infrared measuring means, a baby cardiogram measuring means and a baby heartbeat number measuring means. The baby infrared measuring means measures a baby active state using an infrared sensor. The baby cardiogram measuring means measures a baby cardiogram, removes noises in the measured cardiogram and amplifies the noise removed signals. The baby heartbeat number measuring means measures the number of a baby heartbeat pulsation.

[32] On the other hand, since the baby infrared measuring means, the baby cardiogram measuring means and the baby heartbeat number measuring means are well known to the public, they will be briefly described below. The baby infrared measuring means includes an infrared sensor, a sensing amplifier, and an A/D converter. The infrared sensor detects a baby state through electrical signals. The sensing amplifier removes white noises in the output signal from the infrared sensor and amplifies the same. The A/D converter converts the signals from the sensing amplifier into a digital signal to be outputted to the function selection unit 500. The baby cardiogram measuring means includes cardiogram electrodes, an amplifier, and an A/D converter.

[33] The cardiogram electrodes use surface electrodes, and detect cardiogram signals of a baby. The amplifier removes noises of 60Hz in the cardiogram signals outputted from the cardiogram electrodes and amplifies the same. The A/D converter converts the signals from the amplifier into digital signals to be outputted to the function selection unit 500. The baby heartbeat number measuring means includes cardiogram electrodes, an amplifier, an A/D converter, and a peak detecting unit. The cardiogram electrodes use surface electrodes, and detect cardiogram signals of a baby. The amplifier removes noises of 60Hz in the cardiogram signals outputted from the cardiogram electrodes and amplifies the same. The A/D converter converts the signals from the amplifier into digital signals to be outputted to the peak detecting unit. The peak detecting unit detects a point R as a peak point in a period in the inputted cardiogram signal, and measures the number of the heartbeat pulsation to be outputted to the function selection unit 500. The baby heartbeat number measuring means and the baby cardiogram measuring means commonly use the cardiogram electrodes, the amplifier and the A/D converter.

[34] The signal output unit 900 includes a vibration output unit 910 and a heartbeat sound output unit 920. The vibration output unit 910 outputs vibration according to output signals of the vibration signal processing unit 630, and performs that the speed variation of vibration and vibration period according to the heartbeat number are consistent with one another. The vibration device may be implemented with an ultrasonic vibration device or a solenoid. The heartbeat sound output unit 920 outputs heartbeat sounds according to output signal from the heartbeat signal processing unit 640. The heartbeat sound output unit 920 is implemented with a speaker. The vibration output unit 910 and the heartbeat sound output unit 920 include a vibration strength controlling unit and a heartbeat volume controlling unit, such that problems caused by noises or thickness of baby clothes can be resolved. The present invention utilizes the ultrasonic vibration device and the solenoid, which are publicly well known. For example, the solenoid may be DM14 series, DP1720F series etc., manufactured by Sinmeidenki Company, Japan. Also, the ultrasonic vibration device may be an ultrasonic vibrator manufactured by Honda, Japan. The vibration output unit 910 includes a current amplifier. The present invention utilizes a prior art current amplifier which provides current thereto.

[35] Fig. 2 is a view illustrating a waveform of a heartbeat signal corresponding to a cardiogram signal based on a period.

[36] The synchronous processing unit 200 sets a period according to the number of heartbeat pulsation so that the heartbeat sound is stored to the data storing unit 400, based on periods according to the number of the heartbeat pulsation. There are two methods for setting a period according to the number of heartbeat pulsation. One is to set the period according to the number of heartbeat pulsation with respect to a period of cardiogram signal. Namely, as shown in Fig. 2, an R-R period as a period of a cardiogram signal is set to a period of heartbeat pulsation, such that heartbeat sound for a time identical to each R-R period of the cardiogram signals is collected. Another method is to detect a period of heartbeat sound using a method for detecting an envelope or frequency of the heartbeat sound, and to set the period according to the pulsation number of heart with respect to the detected period, such that measurement is performed based on the periods according to the pulsation number of the heart. Therefore, the heartbeat sound signal of a period obtained by such a method is stored and then repeatedly outputted, such that heartbeat sound identical to the same as that of the heartbeat can be outputted.

[37] Fig. 3 is a flowchart describing an operation mode of the baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality of Fig. 1. When a function selection unit 500 inputs an operation mode in step S220, a check is performed as to whether the inputted mode is a nursing mode in step S230. If the check result is a nursing mode, the data processing unit 600 reads nursing mode data from the data storing unit 400 to operate a nursing mode in step S240. On the other hand, if the check result is not a nursing mode, a further check is performed as to whether the inputted mode is an active mode in step S250. If the further check result is an active mode, the data processing unit 600 reads active mode data to operate an active mode in step S260. If the further check result is not an active mode, another check is performed as to whether the inputted mode is a sleeping guide mode in step S270. If another check result is a sleeping guide mode, the data processing unit 600 sequentially reads heartbeat sound data from heartbeat sound speed fast to heartbeat sound speed slow from the data storing unit 400, and then operates a sleeping guide mode in step S280. Especially, in an operation of the sleeping guide mode, the pulsation number is varied at a predetermined interval such that a baby can be slowly guided to a sleeping state. Namely, using collected heartbeat sound data, the heartbeat sounds are outputted, changing from its fast speed to its slow speed, at a predetermined interval and sequentially, such that the baby can be slowly guided to a sleeping state. On the other hand, if the check result is not a sleeping guide mode, the result is determined as a sleeping mode. Namely, in a sleeping mode, the data processing unit 600 reads sleeping mode data from the data storing unit 400 to operate a sleeping mode in step S290.

[38] Therefore, the bay mattress with a device for maintaining sable mentality provides a newly born baby and a bay with a mother's heartbeat sound and heartbeat pulsation corresponding to a sleeping state, an active state or a normal state, such that the newly born baby and the baby can be in a stable state regardless of change of environments.

[39] Fig. 4 is a view illustrating an embodiment of the vibration output unit of Fig. 1, in which the vibrator 950 is implemented with a solenoid. The vibrator 950 is operated such that a vibration control signal according to the heartbeat signal outputted from the vibration signal processing unit 630 is inputted into the vibrator output unit to switch a transistor Ql. The vibration strength controlling unit manually operated from the outside according to outside environments corresponds to a variable resistor Rl of Fig. 4. Here, the variable resistor is manually adjusted according to noise or thickness of clothes, etc. Industrial Applicability [40] The bay mattress with a device for maintaining sable mentality according to the present invention can provide a newly bom baby and a bay with a mother's heartbeat sound and heartbeat considering the active states of the newly bom baby and the baby, such that the newly baby and the baby can feel stable mentality like they seem to be with their mother. Also, the bay mattress with a device for maintaining sable mentality according to the present invention can simultaneously measure cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals according to change of the number of mother's pulsation, in which the baby mattress includes a data collection unit, such that the baby can feel signals close to a mother's bio signals. In addition, the baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality according to the present invention can compress data collected in a data collection unit using a data compression unit, such that the mattress can be simplified and be small-sized.

[41] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] A baby mattress with a device for maintaining stable mentality including a data input unit for measuring mother's cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals and compressing them, a data storing unit for storing the compressed data in a memory device, a function selection unit for selecting an operation mode of the device for maintaining stable mentality, a data processing unit for extracting data in the data storing unit according to output signals of the function selection unit and decompressing the extracted data, a vibration output unit for receiving the output signals from the data processing unit and outputting vibration signals corresponding to the received signal, in which the vibration output unit includes a variable resistor, and a heartbeat sound output unit for receiving output signals form the data processing unit and outputting the heartbeat sound signals corresponding to the received signal, wherein the data input unit comprises: a signal measuring unit for measuring mother's cardiogram signals and heartbeat sound signals; a synchronous processing unit for inputting the heartbeat sound signals based on periods according to the number of mother's heartbeat pulsation; and a data compressing unit for compressing the heartbeat sound signals inputted based on the periods according to the number of mother's heartbeat pulsation, and cardiogram signals at the time of performing an inputting operation of the heartbeat sound signals.

[2] The baby mattress according to claim 1, wherein the synchronous processing unit performs a setting operations with reference to the period of the cardiogram signal and inputs the heartbeat sound based on the period according to the number of heartbeat pulsation.

[3] The baby mattress according to claim 1, wherein the synchronous processing unit detects a period of heartbeat sound using a method for detecting an envelope or frequency of the heartbeat sound, performs a setting operation with respect to the detected period, and performs a measurement based on the periods according to the number of heartbeat pulsation.

[4] The baby mattress according to claim 1, wherein the heartbeat sound output unit includes a heartbeat volume controlling unit.

[5] The baby mattress according to claim 1, wherein the data inputting unit for collecting a mother's heartbeat sounds is separably installed thereto.

[6] The baby mattress according to claim 1, further comprising a baby state analysis unit for automatically analyzing baby states, wherein the baby state analysis unit includes at least one or more of a baby infrared measuring means for measuring a baby active state using an infrared sensor; a baby cardiogram measuring means for measuring a baby cardiogram; and a baby heartbeat number measuring means for measuring the number of baby heartbeat pulsation. [7] The baby mattress according to claim 6, wherein the operation mode of the function selection unit is automatically controlled based on the output signals of the baby state analysis unit.