Abstract:
A portable recording device to capture a child&#39;s first words without the need for constant surveillance, as well as provide additional monitoring functions.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present disclosure is for a device that captures sounds, such as the first words, spoken by an infant, and can also monitor and entertain the infant. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is a thrill for parents to watch the development of their child. As the child reaches each milestone, parents are eager to capture the moment and, if possible, record the event for the child&#39;s own records or to share with others. For example, many parents use video cameras to capture exciting events like the child&#39;s first steps, words, birthday, or other “firsts.” 
         [0004]    However, sometimes it can be difficult to predict when a developmental “first” will occur. With respect to walking, parents can rely on cues, such as the child standing on her own or pushing herself up, to make themselves aware that walking may be imminent and prepare the camera to capture the moment. Even then, they may still miss it and have to settle for video footage of the subsequent steps. Further, some children will suddenly become very shy when they know that they are being monitored or recorded. 
         [0005]    A child&#39;s first word is another important milestone that can occur even more spontaneously than walking. Parents can try to capture it by having a recording device handy or perhaps even constantly recording at all times. However, this constant surveillance can be tedious and difficult to maintain. 
         [0006]    In addition to frequently or continuously monitoring the child to capture milestones, some parents may also want to supervise or monitor the child for safety or comfort. For example, many parents place a music player in the child&#39;s room to soothe her to sleep or use a “baby monitor” to keep tabs on the child remotely. However, these devices are often confined to the child&#39;s room. Portable music players exist, of course, and a baby monitor can be moved from room to room. However, when moving a child around, having another item to carry can be inconvenient. 
         [0007]    What is needed is a device that can continually and automatically record a child&#39;s sounds and capture significant events, such as a child&#39;s first word, which can then be saved and shared with others. In addition, such a device can also be combined with a baby monitor and music player to provide one convenient, portable, unit that can travel with the child. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present device. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of the present device in use. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  depicts another embodiment of the present device in use. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]      FIG. 1  depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present device. A recording and data storage unit  102  can be connected to a power supply  104 , which can be a battery or any other known and/or convenient device. An input device  106  and an output device  108  can each be connected to or integrated with a recording unit  102 . A display screen  110  can also be connected to a recording unit  102 . A manual switch  112  and a sound-activated switch  114  can be connected in a circuit between said recording unit  102  and power supply  104 . 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, a recording unit  102  can be a digital device capable of running on a continuous recording loop. The duration of recording time can be any known and/or convenient span of time. In some embodiments, a recording and data storage unit  102  can continue recording for a specified duration and then automatically begin a new recording cycle unless a user intervenes to stop the recording loop. A recording and data storage unit  102  can also have the capability of providing a time/date stamp for the recorded material. Other embodiments can have an additional switch that allows a user to switch between loop-recording and non-loop-recording modes. Some embodiments can also have a display screen  110  to allow a user to interface with a recording and data storage unit  102 . 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, an input device  106  can be a microphone or any other known and/or convenient device. An input device  106  can be removably coupled with a recording unit  102  via a jack, plug, or any other known and/or convenient device. In other embodiments, an input device  106  can be integrated with a recording unit  102 , such that they are permanently connected. Some embodiments can include an additional input device  106  capable of connecting to a computer or any other known and or convenient source of sound files, such as songs or soothing sounds. In these embodiments, the device can also playback recorded songs and sounds to entertain or soothe the child. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, an output device  108  can be a speaker, earphones, a connector port, or any other known and/or convenient device. In some embodiments, a speaker can be used to hear the recorded audio. In other embodiments, a connector port can allow a recording unit  102  to be connected to a personal computer so that the recorded audio can be downloaded for playback, processing, and storage on a computer. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, a manual switch  112  can turn the device off when not in use or when the user desires to stop the continuous playback loop. In some embodiments an additional sound-activated switch  114  can trigger a recording unit  102  to begin recording when the child begins making sounds. In such embodiments, a recording unit  102  can be turned on manually to operate on a continuous recording loop when triggered by a sound-activated switch  114 , which would also stop recording when sounds have stopped. The device would be on stand-by until a sound-activated switch  114  was again triggered. A user can then manually switch off the device after the desired sounds have been recorded to stop the recording loop. 
         [0016]    Other embodiments of the present device can further include devices to assist in monitoring the child&#39;s activity and location. A transmitter unit to transmit the baby&#39;s sounds to a receiver in a remote location can be combined with the recording and data storage unit  102 . A GPS tracking device can also be included in the present device to assist in locating a child who becomes lost. 
         [0017]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the present device can be an independent device that can attach to any of the aforementioned pieces of baby equipment either as a separate product or as a set. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the present device attaches to a child&#39;s clothing with an attaching member  202 . However, the present device can be attached by clips, hooks, snaps, buttons, hook-and-loop closures, or any other known and/or convenient device. In other embodiments, the present device can operate as a “stand-alone” device that can be placed in proximity to the child, rather than on the child. 
         [0018]    In other embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the present device can be integrated with a piece of baby equipment, such as a pacifier, bib, clothing, car seat, carrier, stroller, toy, bag, or any other known and/or convenient item.  FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of the present device integrated into a bib. A cutaway view shows an embodiment of the present device set inside the bib, with the switches  112 ,  114 , input device  106 , and output device  108  accessible from the outer surface of the bib. 
         [0019]    In use, the present device is placed either on the child&#39;s person or in close proximity to the child. In embodiments having both a manual switch  112  and a sound-activated switch  114 , present device is first turned on by a manual switch  112  to await activation by a sound-activated switch  114 . When the child makes a sound, a sound-activated switch  114  activates a recording unit  102 . Sounds enter a recording unit  102  via a microphone  106  and a recording unit  102  begins recording any sounds that the child makes for a specified time interval. If the child does speak her first word, or other desired utterance, during this interval, a user can then stop the recording loop by a manual switch  112  to capture the sounds. A user can then listen to the captured sounds via an output device  108 . In embodiments that have a playback feature and a speaker as an output device, a user can play the recording back and hear it immediately. In other embodiments that have a connector port by which the present device can be connected to a computer, a user can download the recorded material to a computer and listen to it, process it, or save it from there. 
         [0020]    In embodiments that include a recording from an outside source and playback capabilities, a user can download music or other soothing sounds to the present device. A user can use the playback mode of the present device so the child can then listen to the music or sounds. 
         [0021]    In embodiments that include a “baby monitor” feature, a user can set the present device to record and/or transmit the baby&#39;s sounds to a remote receiver. Since the present device can be positioned in close proximity to the baby, a user does not need to worry about if it is close enough to pick up the baby&#39;s sounds, as with conventional baby monitors that are positioned next to a crib or somewhere else in a room. Also, if a user needs to move the child to another location, the present device conveniently moves with the child. 
         [0022]    In embodiments that include a GPS monitoring system, the present device can emit a GPS signal that could be picked up by any known and/or convenient GPS monitoring device. Although a child of the age where he is just uttering his first words isn&#39;t likely to wander off and get lost, an older child using the present device could get separated from his parents or caretaker. In the event a child is lost, a GPS device can receive the signal from the present device and locate the child quickly and efficiently. 
         [0023]    Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention as described and hereinafter claimed is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.