TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to lighting and audio apparatus and methods which are useful for altering the environment of a room. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, adapted to apparatus and methods for altering the environment of a darkened room in response to an audio input such as a child's voice for providing a sense of security to a child.

BACKGROUND ART Every parent has experienced the frustration of a young child who cannot sleep. This problem is especially acute when the child is moved from a crib to his or her own bed. To alter the environment of a darkened room and to provide a sense of security to the child, it is known to provide a night light apparatus which emits a soft or diffuse light in the child's room. Such night light apparatus are typically simple low intensity lighting fixtures adapted to be plugged into a standard wall socket. The lighting fixture may be in the shape of a figure such as a cartoon character that may be reassuring to a child. Alternately, the night light apparatus can be made in the form of a holdable doll figure such as shown in U.S. Patent No. 4,298,915 to Goldfarb et al.

i In the Goldfarb et al patent, the doll figure has a movable portion, such as an

² arm, in which a light is supported. When the arm is lifted, the light is activated.

³ Another prior art night light apparatus, U.S. Patent No. 4,670,820 to Eddins et al,

⁴ discloses an animated night light and music box combination. Yet, another night

⁵ light apparatus is manufactured by Mattel, Inc., of Hawthorne, California under

⁶ the trademark "Dreamtime Carousel™". This night light continuously projects

⁷ rotating pictures on the ceiling area adjacent to a child's bed and plays a tune.

⁸ Another night light apparatus manufactured by Kidstar, a division of Monogram

⁹ Models, Inc. (made in Korea), provides a cassette player that is manually switch

¹⁰ activated and a light that is also manually switch activated . This apparatus is

¹¹ formed fromplastic in the shape of "Mother Goose."

¹² While such night light apparatus have some benefits, they are not

¹³ completely effective in altering the environment of a darkened room enough to

¹⁴ provide a sense of security to the child. Since they are generally either static or

¹⁵ manually operable devices, they typically do not function in response to input

¹⁶ from the child to appreciably alter the environment of the room. A small child

¹ or baby may only be capable of a voice input such as by crying. Consequently,

¹⁸ the effect of these devices may be diminished over the course of time or over the

¹⁹ course of an evening. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a night light

²⁰ apparatus and method for altering the environment of a room to provide a sense

²¹ of security to a child that is responsive to voice input from the child. It is thus an

²² object of the present invention to provide a night light apparatus and method of ³ altering the environment of a room responsive to voice input from the child. ⁴ It is further object of the invention to provide a night light apparatus that ⁵ functions to alter the environment of a darkened room with a light output such as ⁶ a lit cartoon character and an audio output such as bedtime story. It is yet ⁷ another object of the invention to provide a night light apparatus that may ⁸ include a means for detecting fire or smoke and for instructing a child in a course ⁹ of action. 0 » BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION ² In accordance with the present invention, a night light apparatus and ³ method adapted to alter the environment of a darkened room in response to a child's voice input is provided. The apparatus and method of the invention simply stated, senses a predetermined audio level in the darkened room for a

predetermined period of time (Tl). If the audio level is then exceeded by the sounds of a child (i.e., crying) a signal is generated and an audio output and a light output are generated for another predetermined period of time (T2). The audio output and light output may be sounds and sights that are reassuring to a child such as a bedtime story and a lighted cartoon figure. After time period T2, the audio level in the room is then sensed again and the process is repeated throughout the night. Whenever the child wakes up and makes a sound, a signal is generated triggering a signal that generates the reassuring audio and light outputs. Additionally, the apparatus and method may be adapted to detect fire and smoke and provide audio information for instructing the child on a course of action. The night light apparatus of the invention is adapted to carry out the method of the invention. The night light apparatus simply stated includes a housing, with an audio output means such as an audio device and a light output means such as a lighted cartoon figure mounted thereon. Control means preferably electronic, are provided for continuously detecting a predetermined audio level in the room to generate a signal. This signal in turn generates the audio output and light output for a predetermined period of time (T2). In a preferred embodiment the light output means includes a surface portion formed on the housing and lit by one or more a fluorescent lights. The surface portion is preferably formed of a translucent material and may include a recognizable character such as a cartoon character. Alternately the housing may be formed in the shape of a familiar toy object such as a truck, boat, airplane, or the like. An audio output means may include one audio device supported in the housing for generating a prerecorded bedtime story. In a preferred embodiment, the electronic control means comprises a trigger for activating the audio devices to generate the audio output and for activating the lamps to light the surface portion of the housing. A retriggerable timer controls the time period (T2) during which the trigger is activated. The timer is controlled by a circuit that includes a start switch, audio and light detection means, and first and second gates. The audio detection means detects sound levels above a noise threshold, and the light detection means detects light levels below a light threshold for a predetermined time period designated as (Tl). The first gate is coupled to receive the outputs of the audio detection and the light detection means for generating an output when a detected sound level is

i above a noise threshold and a light level is below the light threshold (i.e., the

² room is darkened). The second gate has first and second inputs and an output

³ connected to the timer, the first input of the second gate is connected to receive

⁴ the output of the first gate and the second input is connected to receive the ^s output of the start switch. In operation, depression of the start switch activates

⁶ the timer and the figure is lit while a story is told. When the timer times-out, the

⁷ audio device and the lamp are turned off. Preferably, the level of the audio and

⁸ the intensity of the light may be reduced gradually or at least during the later

⁹ part of the predetermined period of time (T2). Thereafter, the audio detector

¹⁰ responds to noises above a predetermined threshold for retriggering the timer » for turning on the lamp and player device again.

¹² The night light apparatus may also include a second audio device for

¹³ generating an audio output simulating a mother's heartbeat. Additionally, the

¹⁴ night light apparatus may include a fire/smoke detector and means responsive to ⁵ the detection of fire or smoke for generating an audio output to the child. Such ⁶ audio output may include instructions for the child to take certain protective ⁷ actions due to the emergency. The night light apparatus may be programmed to ⁸ activate a means for warming an object such as a bottle of liquid and/or a means ⁹ for generating motion such as a crib or a childs' bed. The night light apparatus ⁰ may also be programmed to sense the number of times a predetermined audio ¹ level has been sensed within a predetermined period of time (T4) and to ² generate a signal in response to a predetermined number of times said ³ predetermined audio level has been sensed, followed by the generation of a signal to activate a transmitter for transmitting a signal to a remote location, and to receive at a remote location the signal generated by said transmitter. Finally, the night light apparatus may also include means for providing an image in the room and means for providing fiber optic means to convey the generated light to the image. A portion of the image may be formed, in part, by fiber optic means. Other objects, advantages, and capabilities of the present invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE J is a schematic diagram showing the steps involved with the method of the invention:

FIGURE 2 is a block diagram of the basic elements of the night light apparatus of the invention; FIGURE J is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a night light apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a face plate (surface portion) of a night light apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 5 is an electrical schematic for a night light apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention; and FIGURE 6 is an alternate embodiment of the invention showing a night light apparatus formed in the shape of a toy fire truck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGURE /, a method of altering the environment of a room in response to a child's voice input operable for providing a sense of security to a child in accordance with the invention is shown. The method of the invention broadly stated includes the steps of: sensing a predetermined audio level in a darkened room for a predetermined period of time (Tl) and generating a signal in response thereto, step A; activating a generator of an audio output and a light output responsive to the signal, step B; following activation of the generator, generating an audio output and a light output in the darkened room for a predetermined period of time (T2), step C; following generation of the audio output and light output for the predetermined period of time (T2) the predetermined audio level is sensed again and the process is repeated. An apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention ("best mode of carrying out the invention") is shown schematically in FIGURE 2 and broadly stated includes: audio sensing means for sensing a predetermined audio level in a darkened room for a predetermined period of time (Tl) and for generating a signal in response thereto, 10; generating means for generating an audio output and a light output in the darkened room. 12 ; and

i control means responsive to the generated signal for activating the

² generating means for generating an audio output and a light output for a

³ predetermined period of time (T2), 14.

⁴ Referring now to FIGURE 3, a perspective view of a preferred night light

⁵ apparatus is shown and generally designated as 16. The night light apparatus 16

⁶ is generally rectangular in shape and is adapted to be mounted on a wall adjacent

⁷ to a child's bed.

⁸ The night light apparatus includes a rigid housing 17 having a front side

⁹ 18, a back side 20, a top 22, a bottom 24, and sides 26, 28. The front side 18 of

¹⁰ the housing 17 is preferably formed with a surface portion or face plate 19 to » provide a light. The face plate 19 is clearly shown in FIGURE 4. With reference

¹² to FIGURE 4, the face plate 19 may be formed of translucent material such as ³ molded plastic and may include figures recognizable to a child. In the illustrative ⁴ embodiment, these figures are cartoon characters 18a and 18b. Alternately, ⁵ other forms of providing an image in a darkened room may also be utilized. ⁶ Additionally, surface portions other than the translucent face plate 18 may be ⁷ provided. For example, the ends of fiber optic means 21 may be used to outline ⁸ the image or a portion of the image 18a. In addition, the face plate 19 may ⁹ include the end of a plurality of fiber optic strands and an image may be ⁰ projected to the face plate 19 via the fiber optic strands. Moreover, it is ¹ contemplated that an image may be provided by projection onto a surface other ² than a face plate such as a wall of ceiling. ³ Referring back again to FIGURE 3, to light the faceplate 19 for the predetermined period of time (T2) suitable lighting means is supported in the housing 17. As an example, first and second fluorescent lamps 36 and 38 are supported in the sides 26 and 28 of the housing 16, respectively, using conventional mounting assemblies (not shown). The lighting means may alternatively include any incandescent, neon, or other conventional light, or an image generating means such as projector. Additionally, the lighting means may include a dimmer or other means for generating a light output having an intensity less than a predetermined amount. Referring back again to FIGURE J, the night light apparatus 16 also includes a means for providing an audio output including at least one audio device. In the preferred embodiment this may include a first tape player 30, an optional second player 34, and a speaker 32.

i In an illustrative embodiment, the first tape player 30 may produce an audio output such as a "bedtime" story prerecorded on a cassette tape for the

³ predetermined period of time (T2). The second tape player 34 may produce an audio output such as simulated heartbeat for a predetermined period of time

⁵ (T3). Of course, other aural programming material can be used. Although not

⁶ shown in detail, the tape players 30, 34 have suitable openings 31, 33 situated

⁷ along the top 22 of the housing to receive the cassette tape.

⁸ Alternatively, audio devices other than tape players may be provided.

⁹ This may include an information storage device selected from the group

⁰ consisting of a compact disk, a digitally recorded memory device, an integrated

¹ circuit chip, a three dimensional storage device, an electromagnetic device or an

² optical storage device.

³ The housing 17 also supports a control means including one or more printed circuit boards 40 (two of which are shown in FIGURE 3) which include

⁵ appropriate power supply and control circuitry for operating the night light

⁶ apparatus 16. The night light apparatus 16 may be line-powered or, alternatively,

⁷ battery powered. The housing 17 also supports components of the control means

⁸ including a start switch 42, a microphone 44, a photo sensor 61 and associate

⁹ photosensor switch 48, and a length of play selector 50 (T2). In addition a

²⁰ fire/smoke detector 52 may also be included in the night light apparatus 16.

²¹ Referring now to the schematic diagram in FIGURE 5, the details of one

²² preferred electronic control means 51 for the night light apparatus 16 is shown.

²³ As described above, the control means 51 can be used to manually and/or

²⁴ automatically activate the tape players 30, 34 and the lamps 36, 38 to provide an

²⁵ audio output and a light output in accordance with the method of the invention.

²⁶ The control means 51 includes a start switch or button 42, an audio

²⁷ background level adjustment and trigger circuit 56 connected to the microphone

²⁸ 44 for detecting sound levels above a noise threshold, and a light sensor circuit 60

²⁹ connected to a light sensor 61 for detecting light levels below a light threshold.

³⁰ Additionally, the control means 51 includes a first gate (an AND gate) 62

³¹ connected to receive the outputs of the background level adjustment and trigger

³² circuit 56 and the light detector circuit 60. The first gate 62 thus generates an

³³ "enable" output on line 59 when a sound level is above the noise threshold and a

³⁴ light level is below the light threshold. A second gate (an OR gate) 64 has first ⁵ 59 and second 63 inputs and an output 65 connected to a timer 54. The first input

¹ 59 of the second gate 64 is connected to receive the output of the first gate 62.

² The second input 63 is connected to receive the output of the start switch 42. Additionally, the control means 51 of the night light apparatus 16 includes

⁴ a trigger 53 for activating the tape player devices 30, 34 to generate an audio ^s output and for simultaneously activating the lamps 36, 38 to light the face plate

⁶ 19 to generate a light output. The trigger 53 is configured as a one shot

⁷ retriggerable timer by connection to the timer element 54. The trigger 53 is

⁸ activated to the "on" position by the timer 54 which thus controls the period (T2)

⁹ during which the trigger 53 is activated. Upon such activation, the tape players

¹⁰ 30, 34 and the lamps 36, 38 are connected to the power supply 55.

¹¹ With reference to FIGURE 5, the background level adjustment and

¹² trigger circuit 56 is shown. The function of the background level adjustment and

¹³ trigger 56 circuit is to sense a predetermined audio level in the darkened room

¹⁴ for a predetermined period of time (Tl). Input into the background level ⁵ adjustment and trigger circuit 56 is through microphone 44. A noise above a ⁶ predetermined level within this period of time (Tl) such as a child's voice, will ⁷ generate a signal. Additionally, the background level of noise is automatically ⁸ sensed by the background level and adjustment trigger 56. Such a circuit is ⁹ known in the art as a audio level detector commercially available as a single ⁰ component through Radio Shack. ¹ In addition to detecting a noise above a certain threshold, the control ² means 51 also includes a light detector circuit 60 and photosensor 61. The ³ purpose of the light detector circuit 60 and photosensor 61 is to accommodate a light being turned on in the darkened room such as by a parent. The photosensor 61 is thus set to detect light above a threshold intensity. If the light threshold is exceeded (i.e., room becomes Ht) the first gate 62 (and gate) cannot be enabled. On the other hand, if the light intensity is below the threshold, the first gate 62 can be enabled by an appropriate signal from the audio background level adjustment and trigger circuit 56. The control means 51 may also include a means 94 for sensing the number of times a predetermined audio level has been sensed within a predetermined period of time (T4) and generating a second signal in response to the predetermined number of times said predetermined audio level has been sensed. The means 94 includes a counter 96, a timer 98 and a trigger 100. For example, each time a predetermined audio level has been sensed, a signal is

i generated in line 65. This signal is sensed by the counter 96. When a

² predetermined number of signals has been sensed by the counter 96 within a predetermined period of time (T4) by the timer 98, a signal is transmitted to the trigger. In turn, the trigger 100 transmits a signal that, in turn, activates the transmitter 102. The transmitter then transmits a signal to a remote location such as to a receiver 104. Although the transmission shown in FIGURE 5 is by way of a radio signal, it would be understood that it could be accomplished in a number of other ways including the use of a line interconnecting the transmitter and the receiver, sound waves or the like. In operation of the circuit of FIGURE 5, manual depression of the start switch 42 generates an "enable" signal on line 63, thereby activating the trigger 53. This activates the lamps 36, 38 and the tape players 30, 34 to begin the bedtime story. When the timer 54 times-out (i.e., T2), the trigger 53 is deactivated, thereby turning off the lamp(s) 36, 38 and the tape players 30, 34. If desired, a delay circuit can be provided to delay the turning off of the lamps 36, 38. Thereafter, the background level adjustment and trigger circuit 56 is self adjusting to the ambient noise level in the room. If the child wakes up or otherwise cries out, a signal is generated by background level adjustment and trigger circuit 56. At the same time however, the light detector threshold must also be below a preset level as sensed by photosensor 61. If these two conditions are met, an enable signal is generated on line 59 and gates through the second gate 64 to again activate the trigger 54. Thus, retriggerable operation is provided. The period of time (T2) for activation of the trigger 53 and thus the lamps 36, 38 and tape players 30, 34 is adjustable by adjusting length of play (T2) on the timer 54. If the room becomes lit such as by a parent turning on a light in the room, this is detected by photosensor circuit 61 and gate 62 will not generate an output to activate gate 64 that in turn will activate the trigger 54. Automatic generation of an audio output and a light output is thus circumvented. In addition to activating the lamps 36, 38 and the tape players 30, 34 to provide a light output and an audio output respectively, the trigger 53 may also activate an object warming means 66 such as a liquid warming means. This may be useful for warming a bottle of milk or other liquid for a baby or small child. If desired, a predetermined time interval (i.e., several hours) may be provided for enablement of the liquid warming means 66. Additionally, the trigger may activate a motion generating means 92 rocking a crib or bed of the child.

¹ Additionally, a suitable electrical component such as a time delay dimmer

² switch 67 may be electrically connected to the lamps 36, 38 in order to gradually

³ dim the lamps. As an example, this may be done during the later portion of time

⁴ period (T2) to generate a light output having a light intensity less than a

⁵ predetermined amount. In a like manner a suitable electrical component or

⁶ circuit 68 may be provided to gradually reduce the level of output of the tape

⁷ players 30, 34 at least during the latter part of time period (T2).

⁸ As also seen in FIGURE 5, the night light apparatus 16 may also include

⁹ the fire/smoke detector 52 connected to a fire detection circuit 70. The fire ⁰ detection circuit 70 is preferably a microphone alarm circuit that has a ¹ programmable read-only memory card 72 associated therewith. The card 72 includes prerecorded messages such as instructions for helping the child take some preventive actions in the event of an emergency. The messages are recorded in a digital format and converted to analog form in conventional manner before being provided to the audio amplifier 74. Simultaneously therewith, audio output from the tape players 30, 34 is deactivated. Although not shown in detail, the fire detection circuit 70 can be connected to a home security system of a remote monitoring system. Referring now to FIGURE 6, all or part of the night light apparatus may be provided in a predetermined three-dimensional shape such as a fire truck 80. In this way, the bedtime story can be associated with a predetermined toy object. As seen in FIGURE 6. the fire truck 80 includes audio output speakers 82 conveniently located in the wheels of the truck. A lighted surface portion 84 may be located along the front of the truck cab. A microphone 86 may be located within one of the horns and a fire/smoke detector 88 may be located on the upper deck. One or more tape players may be located in the rear portion 90 of the truck. The placement of these devices is, of course, exemplary and not to be taken by way of limitation. Thus, the present invention provides significant advantages over prior art night light apparatus. In particular, the night light apparatus is responsive to voice input from a child to alter the environment of a room with light and audio outputs. This may be useful in providing a sense of security to the child. Moreover, the intensity of light output as well as audio output may be gradually decreased. Through the use of the night light, bedtime can become more peaceful and positive experience for the child as well as the parents. A child will

look forward to hearing his or her favorite stories. If the child is frightened in the night, any cries or other noises will retrigger the bedtime story and the lights to soothe the child. In this manner, the child will soon learn that he or she is in control of the sleeping situation and will thus develop necessary confidence. The fire/smoke detector also provides an additional degree of safety for the child.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the specific embodiments disclosed above may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It will be understood that the method and apparatus of this invention provides a unique system for controlling the environment of a room such as a child's bedroom and, ,also, the ability to determine whether a child is awake without the necessity of physically going to the room. In addition,it will provide an increased sense of security to a child left in a room alone such that with the passage of time, the child will accept more readily the fact that it is time for sleep. It is believed that the use of this method and apparatus will enable a child to overcome his/her fear of the dark or being left alone in a room. Where sound waves or radio waves are transmitted to the receiver, the receiver may be easily and quickly moved from one room to another or, alternatively, a number of receivers may be utilized, each being positioned in a different room or even outdoors. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.