Abstract:
A baby monitor including a receiver configured to receive a plurality of digital signals, each produced by a separate electrical unit and representing an audible acoustical signal. The baby monitor also including a speaker configured to output the sounds represented by the plurality of digital signals, a microphone configured to detect sound waves generated by a first user, a CODEC configured to convert the sound waves generated by the first user to a digital signal, and a transmitter. The transmitter operable in a first mode, in which the transmitter transmits the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the first user to less than all of the electrical units from which it has received digital signals.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/241,786 filed Sep. 11, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Baby monitors use wireless communication technology to monitor a baby in a remote area (i.e., a location away from a parent, guardian, babysitter, etc.). A baby monitor provides parents the freedom to move about the house while still being able to hear their baby. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Baby monitors typically include a parent unit (e.g., a receiver) and a baby unit (e.g., a transmitter) that monitor sounds generated by the baby. Some baby monitors also utilize video of the baby. The baby unit is positioned in the location where the baby is to be monitored while the parent unit is positioned in the location where the parent is and/or is worn or carried by the parent. The parent unit and the baby unit are capable of wirelessly communicating with each other via radio frequency signals. The baby unit has the capability of receiving acoustical audio signals generated by the baby, converting the acoustical audio signals to a radio frequency (RF) signal(s), and transmitting the RF signals to the parent unit. The parent unit has the capability of receiving the RF signals from the baby unit, processing and converting the RF signals to an acoustical audio signal, and outputting the acoustical audio signal to the parent. 
         [0004]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the baby monitor described herein can include one or more baby units and one or more parent units. There is no particular limit as to the number of baby units and parent units that can be used in a household or in any one system. The baby monitor is configured for two-way communications and three-way communications between the various units. The communications between the various units can include audio only, audio and video, or video only. Vibration as a form of communication also can be utilized in any one or more of the units. The baby monitor also can include coded encryption for security purposes and to allow for voice privacy. Accordingly, one or more of the parent units and baby units can include appropriate encryption and decryption circuitry. 
         [0005]    In some embodiments, the present invention provides a baby monitor comprising a receiver configured to receive a plurality of digital signals, each produced by a separate electrical unit, a speaker configured to output sound waves represented by the plurality of digital signals, a microphone configured to detect sound waves generated by a first user, a CODEC configured to convert the sound waves generated by the first user to a digital signal; and a transmitter. The transmitter is operable in a first mode, in which the transmitter transmits the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the first user to at least one of the electrical units from which the receiver has received a digital signal, and is operable in a second mode, in which the transmitter transmits the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the first user to a different one of the electrical units from which the receiver has received a digital signal. 
         [0006]    In other embodiments, the present invention provides a baby monitor a baby monitor comprising a receiver, a speaker, a microphone, a CODEC, and a transmitter. The receiver is configured to receive a first digital signal produced by a first unit representative of sound waves generated by a first user, and a second digital signal produced by a second unit representative of sound waves generated by a second user. The speaker is configured to output the sounds generated by the first user during the output of the sounds generated by the second user. The microphone is configured to detect sound waves generated by a third user. The CODEC is configured to convert the sound waves generated by the third user to a digital signal. The transmitter is operable in a first mode, in which the transmitter transmits the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the third user to one of the first unit and the second unit, and operable in a second mode, in which the transmitter transmits the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the third user to both the first unit and the second unit. 
         [0007]    In yet other embodiments, the present invention provides a baby monitor comprising a first unit, a second unit, and a third unit. The first unit includes a microphone configured to detect sound waves generated by first user, a CODEC configured to convert the sound waves to a digital signal, and a transmitter configured to transmit the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the first user. The second unit includes a receiver configured to receive the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the first user, a speaker configured to output the sounds generated by the first user as represented in the digital signal, a microphone configured to detect sound waves generated by a second user, a CODEC configured to convert the sound waves generated by the first adult to a digital signal, and a transmitter configured to transmit the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the second user. The third unit includes a receiver configured to receive the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the first user, a speaker configured to output the sounds generated by the first user as represented in the digital signal, a microphone configured to detect sound waves generated by a third user, a CODEC configured to convert the sound waves generated by the third user to a digital signal, and a transmitter configured to transmit the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the third user. Where the receiver of the second unit is further configured to receive the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the third user and the speaker of the second unit is further configured to output the sounds generated by the third user as represented in the digital signal, and where the receiver of the third unit is further configured to receive the digital signal representative of the sound waves generated by the second user and the speaker of the third unit is further configured to output the sounds generated by the second user as represented in the digital signal, such that the second unit outputs the sounds generated by the first user during the output of the sounds generated by the third user. 
         [0008]    Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  illustrates a plurality of views of a parent unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  illustrates a plurality of views of a child unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  illustrates a plurality of views of a parent unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  illustrates a plurality of views of a child unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  illustrates a plurality of views of a parent unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are a schematic diagram of a power supply module of the parent unit illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5 . 
           [0015]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are a schematic diagram of a communications module of the parent unit illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram of an audio CODEC module of the parent unit illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  5 . 
           [0017]      FIGS. 9A and 9B  are a schematic diagram of a power supply module of the child unit illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
           [0018]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  are a schematic diagram of a communications module of the child unit illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a schematic diagram of an audio CODEC module of the child unit illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. 
         [0021]    Although directional references, such as upper, lower, downward, upward, rearward, bottom, front, rear, etc., may be made herein in describing the drawings, these references are made relative to the drawings (as normally viewed) for convenience. These directions are not intended to be taken literally or limit the present invention in any form. In addition, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used herein for purposes of description and are not intended to indicate or imply relative importance or significance. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates a parent unit  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The parent unit  10  includes a housing  14  for supporting an electronics module (discussed below), a front panel  18 , and a rear panel  22 . The front panel  18  includes a user interface panel  26  having a plurality of indicators for a volume setting, battery life, and power. The user interface panel  26  can include other suitable indicators than the specific indicators illustrated. The user interface panel  26  also can include a screen for displaying video. The parent unit  10  also includes a power activation button  30  coupled to the housing  14  and a volume setting activation button  34  coupled to the housing  14 . The parent unit  10  also can include a port  38  in which to connect a head set. The parent unit  10  also can include a clip  42  coupled to the rear panel  22  that the parent can use to clip the unit to a belt or to another location and carry the unit while working or moving. The parent unit  10  also can include a port  46  to connect to an external power source. 
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates a child unit  50  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The child unit  50  includes a housing  54  for supporting an electronics module (discussed below), a top panel  58 , and a bottom panel  62 . The top panel  58  includes a user interface panel  66  having an indicator for power. The top panel  58  includes an indicator for battery life. The user interface panel  66  and the top panel  58  can include other suitable indicators than the indicators illustrated. The user interface panel  66  also can include a screen for displaying video. The child unit  50  also can include a video camera supported by the housing for acquiring video of the child. The child unit  50  also includes a power activation button  70  coupled to the housing  54 . The child unit  50  also can include a port  74  to connect to an external power source. 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates a parent unit  78  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The parent unit  78  includes a housing  82  for supporting an electronics module (discussed below). The housing  82  includes a front panel  86  and a rear panel  90 . The front panel  86  includes a user interface panel  94  having a plurality of indicators for a volume setting, battery life, and power. The user interface panel  94  can include other suitable indicators than the indicators illustrated. The parent unit  78  also includes a power activation button  98  coupled to the housing  82  and a volume setting activation button  102  coupled to the housing  82 . The parent unit  78  also can include a port  106  in which to connect a head set. The parent unit  78  also can include a clip  110  coupled to the rear panel  90  that the parent can use to clip the unit to a belt or to another location and carry the unit while working or moving. The parent unit  78  also can include a port  114  to connect to an external power source. The parent unit  78  also can include a talk activation button  118  that when activated allows one parent unit  78  to communicate with a second parent unit  78 . For example, the talk activation button  118  allows two parents or other users of the parent units  78  to talk and have a two-way conversation without the child hearing the conversation or being disturbed. The front panel  86  can include a symbol near the talk activation button  118  operable to illuminate when the talk activation button  118  is activated. The symbol on a second parent unit  78  can illuminate when it receives a signal from a first parent unit  78  when the first parent unit  78  is trying to communicate with the second parent unit  78 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates a child unit  122  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The child unit  122  includes a housing  126  for supporting an electronics module (discussed below), a top panel  130 , and a bottom panel  134 . The top panel  130  includes a user interface panel  138  having an indicator for power. The user interface panel  138  and the top panel  130  can include other suitable indicators than the indicators illustrated. The child unit  122  also includes a power activation button  142  coupled to the housing  126 . The child unit  122  also can include a port  146  to connect to an external power source. 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates a parent unit  150  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The parent unit  150  includes a housing  154  for supporting an electronics module (discussed below). The housing  154  includes a front panel  158  and a rear panel  162 . The front panel  158  includes a user interface panel  162  having a plurality of indicators for a volume setting, battery life, and power. The user interface panel  162  can include other suitable indicators than the indicators illustrated. The parent unit  150  also includes a power activation button  166  coupled to the housing  154  and a volume setting activation button  170  coupled to the housing  154 . The parent unit  150  also can include a port  174  in which to connect a head set. The parent unit  150  also can include a clip  178  coupled to the rear panel  162  that the parent can use to clip the unit to a belt or to another location and carry the unit while working or moving. The parent unit  150  also can include a port  182  to connect to an external power source. The parent unit  150  also can include a first talk activation button  186  that when activated allows one parent unit  150  to communicate with a second parent unit  150 . For example, the first talk activation button  186  allows two parents or other users of the parent units  150  to talk and have a two-way conversation without the child hearing the conversation or being disturbed. The front panel  158  can include a symbol near the first talk activation button  186  operable to illuminate when the talk activation button  186  is activated. The symbol on a second parent unit  150  can illuminate when it receives a signal from a first parent unit  150  when the first parent unit  150  is trying to communicate with the second parent unit  150 . The parent unit  150  also can include a second talk activation button  190  that when activated allows the parent unit  150  to communicate with a child unit  50  or  122 . In addition, if the second talk activation button  190  is activated on a second parent unit  150 , the first parent unit  150 , the second parent unit  150 , and the child unit  50  or  122  can communicate such that one or both parents can communicate with the child. The parent unit  150  also can include a vibration activation button  194  coupled to the rear panel  162  and operable to cause vibration when a RF signal is received from the child unit. 
         [0027]    As mentioned above, the parent units  10 ,  78 , and  150  include an electronics module  200 . The parent units  10 ,  78 ,  150  can include the same electronics module  200 , but with different features enabled. The electronics module  200  includes a power supply module  204  as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a communications module  208  as illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , and a CODEC module  212  as illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0028]    The power supply module  204  processes the incoming power whether from a battery or an AC power source such as household power when the power activation button  30 ,  98 ,  166  on the parent unit  10 ,  78 ,  150  is activated. The power supply module  204  provides power to the communications module  208  and the CODEC module  212 . 
         [0029]    The communications module  208  includes a controller  216  (such as a ZIC2410 available from California Eastern Laboratories; the datasheet of the ZIC2410 is incorporated herein by reference) compliant with ZigBee specifications and applications and an antenna  220  operable to receive a RF signal from multiple, individual units (e.g., the child unit or another parent unit) and to transmit a RF signal to select units (e.g., the child unit or another parent unit). The controller  216  includes a transceiver operable to receive a RF signal, process the RF signal (in conjunction with the CODEC module  212 ), and provide an acoustical audio output signal representative of the sounds generated by the baby or the parent (or user of the parent unit). The transceiver is also operable to transmit a RF signal. 
         [0030]    The CODEC module  212  includes a microphone  224  operable to detect acoustical audio signals generated by the parent (or user of the parent unit). The CODEC module  212  also includes a coder/decoder microchip  228  (such as WM8974 available from Wolfson Microelectronics; the datasheet of the WM8974 is incorporated herein by reference) operable to receive the RF signal from the transceiver and convert the RF signal, using an audio decoder, to an acoustical audio output signal representative of the sounds generated by the baby. The coder/decoder microchip  228  also is operable to receive an acoustical audio signals detected by the microphone  224  and to convert the analog acoustical audio signals into RF digital signals for transmission or storage. 
         [0031]    As mentioned above, the child units  50  and  122  include an electronics module  232 . The child units  50 ,  122  can include the same electronics module  232 , but with different features enabled. The electronics module  232  includes a power supply module  236  as illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a communications module  240  as illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , and a CODEC module  244  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0032]    The power supply module  236  processes the incoming power whether from a battery or an AC power source such as household power when the power activation button  70 ,  142  on the child unit  50 ,  122  is activated. The power supply module  236  provides power to the communications module  240  and the CODEC module  244 . 
         [0033]    The communications module  240  includes a controller  248  (such as a ZIC2410 available from California Eastern Laboratories) compliant with ZigBee specifications and applications and an antenna  252  operable to receive a RF signal from the parent unit and to transmit a RF signal to the parent unit. The controller  248  includes a transceiver operable to receive a RF signal from a parent unit, process the RF signal (in conjunction with the CODEC module  244 ), and provide an acoustical audio output signal representative of the sounds generated by the parent (or user of the parent unit). The transceiver is also operable to transmit a RF signal representative of the sounds generated by the baby. 
         [0034]    The CODEC module  244  includes a microphone  256  operable to detect acoustical audio signals generated by the baby or the parent (if the parent is near the child unit). The CODEC module  244  also includes a coder/decoder microchip  260  (such as WM8974 available from Wolfson Microelectronics) operable to receive the acoustical audio signals detected by the microphone  256 . The coder/decoder microchip  260 , using an audio coder, is operable to convert the analog acoustical audio signals into digital RF signals for transmission or storage. The coder/decoder microchip  260  also is operable to receive a RF signal from a parent unit and convert the RF signal, using an audio decoder, to an acoustical audio output signal representative of the sounds generated by the parent. 
         [0035]    In a standard operation mode, a child unit is positioned in an area where a baby is to be monitored and a parent unit is positioned with a parent or other user. The microphone  256  on the child unit detects an acoustic signal generated by the baby and the coder/decoder microchip  260  converts the acoustic signal into a digital RF signal for transmission by the controller  248 . The parent unit receives the digital RF signal. The coder/decoder microchip  228  decodes the digital RF signal to convert the RF signal back into an analog signal representative of the sounds generated by the baby. The controller  216  outputs the analog signal to be heard by the parent. 
         [0036]    In a first enhanced operation mode, a child unit is positioned in an area where a baby is to be monitored and a parent unit is positioned with a parent or other user. The microphone  256  on the child unit detects an acoustic signal generated by the baby and the coder/decoder microchip  260  converts the acoustic signal into a digital RF signal for transmission by the controller  248 . The parent unit receives the digital RF signal. The coder/decoder microchip  228  decodes the digital RF signal to convert the RF signal back into an analog signal representative of the sounds generated by the baby. The controller  216  outputs the analog signal to be heard by the parent. 
         [0037]    Additionally, in the first enhanced operation mode, a first parent unit can communicate with a second parent unit. In this scenario, the microphone  224  detects acoustic signals generated by one parent and the coder/decoder microchip  228  converts the acoustic signal into a digital RF signal for transmission by the controller  216 . The second parent unit receives the digital RF signal from the first parent unit. The coder/decoder microchip  228  decodes the digital RF signal to convert the RF signal back into an analog signal representative of the sounds generated by the parent. The controller  216  outputs the analog signal to the heard by the parent holding the second parent unit. Two-way communication can continue between the parents via the parent units. 
         [0038]    In a second enhanced operation mode, a child unit is positioned in an area where a baby is to be monitored and a parent unit is positioned with a parent or other user. The microphone  256  on the child unit detects an acoustic signal generated by the baby and the coder/decoder microchip  260  converts the acoustic signal into a digital RF signal for transmission by the controller  248 . The parent unit receives the digital RF signal. The coder/decoder microchip  228  decodes the digital RF signal to convert the RF signal back into an analog signal representative of the sounds generated by the baby. The controller  216  outputs the analog signal to be heard by the parent. 
         [0039]    Additionally, in the second enhanced operation mode, a first parent unit can communicate with a second parent unit. In this scenario, the microphone  224  detects acoustic signals generated by one parent and the coder/decoder microchip  228  converts the acoustic signal into a digital RF signal for transmission by the controller  216 . The second parent unit receives the digital RF signal from the first parent unit. The coder/decoder microchip  228  decodes the digital RF signal to convert the RF signal back into an analog signal representative of the sounds generated by the parent. The controller  216  outputs the analog signal to be heard by the parent holding the second parent unit. Two-way communication can continue between the parents via the parent units. 
         [0040]    Furthermore, in the second enhanced operation mode, a first and/or a second parent unit can communicate with the child unit to provide for three-way communication between one or more parents and the baby or a parent in the vicinity of the child unit. In this scenario, the microphone  224  detects acoustic signals generated by one or more of the parents and the coder/decoder microchip  228  converts the acoustic signal into a digital RF signal for transmission by the controller  216 . The child unit receives the digital RF signal from the first parent unit. At the child unit, the coder/decoder microchip  260  decodes the digital RF signal to convert the RF signal back into an analog signal representative of the sounds generated by the parent. The controller  248  outputs the analog signal to be heard by the child and/or a parent in the vicinity of the child unit. Similarly, the second parent unit can also receive the digital RF signal from the first parent unit. The coder/decoder microchip  228  decodes the digital RF signal to convert the RF signal back into an analog signal representative of the sounds generated by the parent. The controller  216  outputs the analog signal to be heard by the parent holding the second parent unit. 
         [0041]    Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.