The present invention relates to a monitor, particularly for use by a carer to monitor an individual, such as an infant. A method of monitoring an individual, particularly in a sleep environment is also disclosed.

Introduction

Electronic monitors are used to remotely monitor individuals whilst in their sleep environment. Audio and video monitors are very common. Known monitors also enable monitoring of an individual by detecting movement, facial recognition and even biometrics. Monitoring may be undertaken either remotely or from within the location where the individual is sleeping, for example within a cot or bed, or by attachment to the individual or their clothing.

Monitors such as those described above are particularly useful for carers or parents to monitor sleeping infants. It is a common concern to get the best, least disturbed sleep possible. Furthermore, parents and carers of infants often worry about whether their child is sleeping properly. Compared to adults and older children, infants have shorter sleep cycles, lighter sleep and different types of sleep within a particular sleep cycle. Even at an early age, infant sleep-wake patterns may be influenced by the environment they are in.

Known monitors for infants typically include an arrangement including first and second units or devices with a suitable communication therebetween. A first device, often known as an infant unit, a nursery unit or a transmitting unit, is placed in the infant’s sleep environment, for example the bedroom. The transmitting unit transmits an audio and I or video output to a second device, often known as a parent unit, a base unit or a receiving unit. The receiving unit includes a speaker and a monitor or screen sic that the receiving unit is able to receive and play the audio and video output remote to the transmitting unit. Thus, a carer with the receiving unit can hear the infant crying or observe their movement remotely and without confusing or stimulating the infant by entering their sleep environment unnecessarily.

Certain monitors provide a one-way feed of output, typically audio and/or video. Other, two-way monitors provide a carer with the further ability to respond to the infant remotely. Known examples allow the carer to, for example, play an audio or turn on a night light within the infant’s environment without entering the room themselves. In both one-way and two-way monitors the communication between the transmitting unit and the receiving unit may enable audio and video output to be transmitted directly to the receiving unit. The communication may be wireless, using common electronic communication means. Examples are also known in which the transmitting unit may be connected indirectly to a receiving unit, for example relying on an internet or wireless network for communication. In this way, a carer’s computer, tablet or smartphone device can be used as the receiving unit and receive and play output from the transmitting unit. Networked connections allow the carer to monitor the infant even more remotely, for example when not in the same building.

One of the drawbacks of the solutions according to the prior art is that while it provides an audio and video output to the carer via the receiving unit, it does not provide feedback on the infant’s state, that is whether they are asleep or awake. In particular, the monitor relies on the carer to remain aware of the output. Thus, a carer must actively view or listen to the output and decide whether it warrants further action. In this way, the carer’s own rest may be interrupted, for example, by constant audio output received by the receiving unit even when the infant is asleep. Alternatively, the carer may deactivate the audio output in order to rest, but is thereby isolated from the infant and may be unaware if they are awake or crying.

A further drawback of known monitors is that they provide no distinction between different noises received by the transmitting unit. The receiving unit therefore plays all audio received from the transmitting unit including background noise. Thus, again, the carer must actively and continuously pay attention to the audio output or consider deactivating it.

Certain known monitors use light indicators to alert the user to a noise in the infant’s environment without playing the audio signal on the receiving unit. However, again they provide no distinction between sounds and the carer must actively and continuously pay attention to the light indicator.

A further drawback of known monitors is that the audio output may be impacted by background sound in the environment of the individual being monitored. Thus, a transmitting unit may transmit a constant stream of background noise to the receiving unit which make it difficult for the carer to distinguish sound made by the infant.

Another drawback of certain monitors is that they provide a multitude of data about the individual’s environment without providing useful information. Thus, although a carer may be made aware of environment information in addition to the audio or video output, they must use their own judgement as to its significance, if any, in disturbing an individual.

Accordingly, it would be useful to provide an improved monitor, or an improved method of monitoring, which enables a carer to monitor an individual remotely. It would particularly be useful to provided monitor, or an improved method of monitoring a sleeping individual in a sleeping environment.

It would also be useful to provide a monitor which is capable of distinguishing between the sources of a noise in the individual’s environment. It would be particularly useful to determine if a noise is generated by an individual, for example by an infant crying, or is an environmental noise.

It would be useful if a monitor activated an alarm signal. It would also be useful if a monitor activated an alarm signal in response to any one of: a predetermined characteristic of a noise signal, a noise signal from a predetermined source, or emanating from a predetermined direction. That is, it would be useful to provide a monitor which activates an alarm signal in specific or limited circumstances so as to selectively alert to the user.

Furthermore, it would be useful to provide a monitor which can be selectively adapted to activate an alarm signal according a carer’s requirements. It would also be useful to provide a monitor which can be adapted to reliably monitor an individual in a range of different environments. That is, it would be useful for a monitor to be adaptable when the transmitting unit is used in an environment with varying conditions, so as to adapt to, for example, varying background noise, or increased or decreased temperature, humidity or light levels.

Summary of the Invention

The invention is set out in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a transmitting unit for an infant monitor. The transmitting unit may include a first receiver or detector for receiving or detecting a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters or properties and a second receiver or detector for receiving or detecting a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters or properties. The first receiver or detector may be configured to receive the sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters or properties. Additionally or alternatively, the second receiver or detector may be configured to receive the sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters or properties. The first receiver or detector may be spaced apart from the second receiver or detector. The transmitting unit may also include a processor. The processor may be operably connected or coupled to the first receiver or detector and/or the second receiver or detector. The processor may be configured to process the sound signal received by the first receiver, for example to measure a first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the first receiver. The processor may also be configured to process the sound signal received by the second receiver, for example to measure the first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the second receiver.

As used herein, where the processor is operably connected or coupled to the first receiver or detector and/or the second receiver or detector, then this is intended to include arrangements where the processor is provided in the same physical object as a receiver or detector and where the processor is provided in a remote object to the receiver or detector. In this way, the processor may be configured to process a sound signal received by a first receiver or a second receiver to measure a first characteristic parameter of the sound signal regardless of its physical location relative to the receivers. In this way, the processor may be configured to process a signal indicative of one or more environmental parameters received by a third receiver regardless of its physical location relative to the receiver.

An example where the processor is provided in the same physical object as a receiver or detector is where the processor and one or more receivers or detectors are all provided within an infant monitor transmitting unit. In this example the processor may be operably connected to a receiver so that a sound signal or an environmental signal is processed within the infant monitor transmitting unit.

An example where the processor is provided in a remote object to the receiver or detector is where one or more receivers or detectors are provided within an infant monitor transmitting unit and the processor is provided in a device in communication, either wired or wirelessly, with the infant monitor transmitting unit. In this example, the processor may be operably connected so that a sound signal or an environmental signal is processed in any of: an infant monitor receiving unit, a networked computing device - typically a mobile phone or computer- , a cloud-based computing device, or any other suitable device or apparatus capable of being operably connected. In this way an operable connection between a processor and one or more receivers may be include indirect connections in which one or more other devices or computer networks are interposed therebetween.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an infant monitor transmitting unit, the transmitting unit including: a first receiver configured to receive a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters; a second receiver configured to receive a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters; and a processor operably connected to the first receiver and to the second receiver; wherein the first receiver is positioned at a first location on the transmitting unit and the second receiver is positioned at a second location on the transmitting unit, the first location being spaced apart from the second location; and wherein the processor is configured to process the sound signal received by the first receiver to measure a first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the first receiver and is configured to process the sound signal received by the second receiver to measure the first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the second receiver.

Aptly, the transmitting unit may include a front portion and an opposing rear portion, wherein the first location is at or adjacent to one of the front portion and the rear portion, and the second location is at or adjacent to the other of the front portion and the rear portion.

Aptly, the infant monitor may be configured so that, in use, the transmitting unit is positioned a predetermined distance from the infant being monitored. Preferably, the predetermined distance ensures the transmitting unit directly receives sound signals from within the infant’s environment while being safely positioned out of the infant’s reach.

Aptly, the transmitting unit is positioned with the first receiver directed towards the infant. That is, the transmitting unit is positioned with the front portion arranged towards the infant. Aptly, the transmitting unit is positioned with the second receiver directed away from the infant. That is, the transmitting unit is positioned with the rear portion arranged away from the infant. Stated differently, the transmitting unit is positioned so that a first receiver is oriented to receive sound signals directly from an infant, and a second receiver is oriented to receive sound signals indirectly from an infant. In this way, the second receiver substantially receives sound signals from the infant that have been reflected towards the second receiver. Thus, the processor will measure a difference between the acoustic intensity for the first sound signal as received at the first receiver compared to the acoustic intensity for the first sound signal as received at the second receiver. If the difference between the acoustic intensities is greater than a threshold the processor may activate a warning signal. Aptly, the transmitting unit may include a mounting portion for mounting the transmitting unit and a body portion. In such examples, the first location may be provided on one of the mounting portion and the body portion, and the second location may be provided on the other of the mounting portion and the body portion.

Aptly, the transmitting unit may be configured so that the position and/or the orientation of the body portion is adjustable relative to the mounting portion.

Aptly, the transmitting unit may include a body portion and a support portion operably coupled to the body portion. In such examples, the support portion may be positionable independently of the body portion, for example such that the first location is provided on one of the support portion and the body portion, and the second location is provided on the other of the support portion and the body portion.

Aptly, the processor may be configured to activate a warning signal, for example an alarm or an alert, for example an audible alarm or alert or a visual alarm or alert, when the measured first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the first receiver differs from the measured first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the second receiver by a predetermined threshold.

Aptly, the processor may be configured to process the sound signal received by at least one of the first receiver and the second receiver to measure a second characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the at least one of the first receiver and the second receiver.

Aptly, the predetermined threshold may be a first predetermined threshold and the processor may be configured to activate the warning signal, for example an alarm or an alert, for example an audible alarm or alert or a visual alarm or alert, if the measured second characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the at least one of the first receiver and the second receiver is less than or greater than a second predetermined threshold. Aptly, the first characteristic parameter or the second characteristic parameter may include a duration, an acoustic intensity, or a frequency or pitch of a sound signal received by a first receiver or by second receiver. An acoustic intensity may also be referred to as a loudness or volume of a sound signal.

Aptly, the processor may determine whether the measured first acoustic intensity of the sound signal received by the first receiver differs from the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received by the second receiver by a predetermined threshold. The processor thus activates a warning signal when the difference between the measured acoustic intensities at the first and the second locations is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Aptly, the processor measures acoustic intensity at the first and second locations in decibels (dB). The processor thus activates a warning signal if the difference between the acoustic intensity at the first and second location is greater than 1 dB. Alternatively, the processor may activate the warning signal if the difference is greater than 2dB, is greater than 5dB or is greater than 10dB. The warning signal thus informs the carer that a noise received by the transmitting unit is from the individual being monitored.

Aptly, the threshold may be configured to be selectively adjustable. In this way, the threshold, that is the magnitude of the difference between acoustic intensity at the first and second locations which causes the warning signal to be activated, may be adjustable by the carer. Thus, the monitor can be adapted to provide the carer with a warning signal in varying environments.

Aptly, if a difference between the measured acoustic intensities at the first and the second locations is less than a predetermined threshold then the processor may activate an alternative, second warning signal. The second warning signal informs the carer that a noise received by the transmitting unit is not from the individual being monitored. Thus, the monitor provides the carer with different warning signals depending upon the source of the sound signal in the environment being monitored.

Aptly, the processor may measure the duration of a first sound signal so as to distinguish between an intermittent sound and a continuous sound. A crying infant cannot make a continuous sound due to the need to take regular breaths. Thus, the second threshold may be set so that the duration of the first sound signal is less than ten seconds. In this way, the warning signal may be activated only if the first sound signal includes a pause or break within ten seconds. Optionally, the carer may selectively adjust the duration of the second threshold so that the warning signal may be activated only if the first sound signal includes a pause or break within a longer or shorter time. That is, the carer may selectively adjust the duration of the second threshold so as to allow for a crying infant which takes breaths at shorter or longer intervals

Aptly, the transmitting unit further may include a third receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of one or more environmental parameters, for example wherein the one or more environmental parameters includes one or more of a temperature, a humidity, or a light level in the vicinity of the transmitting unit.

Aptly, the processor may be configured to process the signal received by the third receiver to measure the one or more environmental parameters.

Aptly, the processor may be configured to activate a warning signal, for example an alarm or an alert, for example an audible alarm or alert or a visual alarm or alert, if the measured environmental parameter is less than or greater than a predetermined environmental threshold. The warning signal may be activated by the processor regardless of its physical location relative to the transmitting unit. Thus, the processor may be provided remotely to one or more of the first receiver, the second receiver, and the third receiver. In this way, the processor may be operably connected to a receiver so that a sound signal or an environmental signal is processed in one or more of: an infant monitor receiving unit, a networked computing device, or a cloud-based computing device. The warning signal may provided to the user at one or more of the transmitting unit, the receiving unit or a networked computing device, such as a mobile phone or personal computing device.

Aptly, the warning signal may be a first warning signal, alarm or alert and the processor may be configured to activate a second warning signal when the measured first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the first receiver differs from the measured first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the second receiver by less than the first predetermined threshold.

Aptly, one or more of the first and the second predetermined thresholds may be selectively and/or independently adjustable.

Aptly, the transmitting unit may include a transmitter for transmitting to an infant monitor receiving unit one or more of: the measured first characteristic parameter or the measured second characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the first receiver; the measured first characteristic parameter or the measured second characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the second receiver; the first warning signal; and the second warning signal.

Aptly, the infant monitor may include a receiving unit, wherein the receiving unit is configured to receive one or more of: the measured first characteristic parameter or the measured second characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the first receiver; the measured first characteristic parameter or the measured second characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the second receiver; the first warning signal; or the second warning signal.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for monitoring sound in an infant’s sleeping environment, the method including: providing an infant monitor transmitting unit having a first receiver, a second receiver and a processor operably connected to the first receiver and to the second receiver, wherein the first receiver is spaced apart from the second receiver; receiving a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters at the first receiver; receiving the sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters at the second receiver; processing the received sound signals to measure a first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received at the first receiver and to measure the first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received at the second receiver.

Aptly, the method may include the step of activating a warning signal, for example an alarm or an alert, for example an audible alarm or alert or a visual alarm or alert, when the measured first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received at the first receiver differs from the measured first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received at the second receiver by a predetermined threshold.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an infant monitor including a transmitting unit as well as any other components or units as described herein. That is, an infant monitor may be provided including a transmitting unit as described with reference to any of the examples given herein. In this way, a processor of an infant monitor that is configured to be operably connected to one or more receivers may be provided in the transmitting unit, or may be provided in a different unit to the transmitting unit. The processor any such infant monitor may be operably connected to the receivers of the infant monitor so that a sound signal or an environmental signal is processed in one or more of: an infant monitor receiving unit, a networked computing device - typically a mobile phone or a personal computing device- , or a cloud-based computing device.

According to yet further aspect of the invention, there is provided an infant monitor including: a transmitting unit having a first receiver, configured to receive a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters, and a second receiver, configured to receive a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameters; the infant monitor also including a processor operably connected to the first receiver and to the second receiver; wherein the first receiver is positioned at a first location on the transmitting unit and the second receiver is positioned at a second location on the transmitting unit, the first location being spaced apart from the second location; and wherein the processor is configured to process the sound signal received by the first receiver to measure a first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the first receiver and is configured to process the sound signal received by the second receiver to measure the first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the second receiver.

Aptly, the infant monitor includes a third receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of one or more environmental parameters.

Aptly, the processor is provided remotely to any one of the first receiver, the second receiver, or the third receiver.

Aptly, the processor is operably connected so that a sound signal or an environmental signal is processed in one or more of: an infant monitor receiving unit, a locally- networked computing device, or a cloud-based computing device.

Certain examples provide an apparatus or method which provides an alarm signal only when a sound is detected from a predetermined direction. In particular, an alarm signal is provided only when a sound is detected from the individual being monitored. That is, the source of sound in an environment is determined so that the alarm signal is activated in selective circumstances, for example only if the sound source is a crying infant. Certain examples provide an apparatus or method which determines if a sound in an environment is a background sound, thereby an alarm signal is not provided to the carer. In this way, the monitor selectively filters out any alarm signals that could otherwise be activated in response to background sound.

Certain examples provide an apparatus or method which alerts a carer only if a sound in an environment is from the individual being monitored. Thus, the individual is effectively monitored constantly without requiring active and continuous attention of the carer.

Certain examples increase the distance between the first location and the second location, that is increase the distance between the first receiver and the second receiver. In this way, the measured difference between the characteristic parameter received at the first and second receivers is increased. In this way, a carer is provided with increased certainty that a warning signal is in response to an infant.

Certain examples provide an apparatus or method which may be adapted according to the environment or the individual being monitored.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are now described, by way of example only, hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic layout of a transmitting unit of an example monitor;

Figure 2 shows a schematic layout a further example monitor arranged to monitor an infant;

Figure 3 shows a schematic layout of the monitor of Figure 2 receiving a first sound signal;

Figure 4 shows a schematic layout of the monitor of Figure 2 receiving a second sound signal;

Figure 5 shows a schematic layout of a further example monitor arranged to monitor an infant;

Figure 6 shows a schematic layout of another example monitor arranged to monitor an infant;

Figure 7 shows (a) a lower isometric view and (b) an upper isometric view of an example transmitting unit; Figure 8 shows an upper isometric view of an example receiving unit suitable for communicating with the transmitting unit of Figure 7; and

Figure 9 shows a schematic view of an example method of monitoring an infant.

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Detailed Description

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words ‘lower’, ‘upper’, ‘front’, and Tear’ designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made and are with respect to the described component when assembled and mounted. The words ‘inner’, ‘inwardly ¹ and ‘outer’, ‘outwardly’ refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, a designated centreline or a geometric centre of an element being described (e.g. central axis), the particular meaning being readily apparent from the context of the description.

Further, as used herein, the terms ‘connected', ‘attached’, ‘coupled’, ‘mounted’ are intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween, as well as indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Further, unless otherwise specified, the use of ordinal adjectives, such as, ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’ etc. merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner.

Referring now to Figure 1 , there is shown a schematic layout of a transmitting unit 110 of an example infant monitor. The transmitting unit includes a first receiver or detector 112, for example a sound sensor such as a microphone, configured to receive a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameter and a second receiver or detector 114, for example a sound sensor such as a microphone, also configured to receive the sound signal. The first receiver 112 is positioned at a first location on the transmitting unit 110 and the second receiver 114 is positioned at a second location on the transmitting unit 110.

A processor 116 is operably connected to the first receiver 112 and to the second receiver 114. The processor 116 is configured to process the sound signal received by the first receiver 112 to measure a first characteristic parameter or property of the sound signal received by the first receiver 112 and is configured to process the sound signal received by the second receiver 114 to measure the first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by the second receiver 114.

The transmitting unit 110 includes a front portion 121 and a rear portion 122. In this way, the first receiver 112 is positioned at the front portion 121 and the second receiver 114 is positioned at the rear portion 122.

The rear portion 122 is opposingly arranged to the front portion 121 on the transmitting unit 110. The first receiver 112 is positioned at the front portion 121 and the second receiver 114 is positioned at the opposing rear portion 122.

The sound signal received by each of the first and second receivers 112, 114 has one or more characteristic parameters or properties. That is, the sound signal may have one or more characteristic and/or measurable parameters or properties including a duration, an acoustic intensity or a frequency of the sound signal.

The processor 116 is configured to process the sound signals received by the first and second receivers 112, 114 so as to measure one or more of the characteristic parameters. In the example shown, the processor 116 is configured to measure the acoustic intensity, that is the loudness, of the sound signal at the locations of each of the first and second receivers, 112, 114.

Optionally, the processor 116 may be configured to also measure the duration or a frequency of the sound signal at one or more of the locations of the first and second receivers 112, 114.

The processor 116 is also configured to compare one or more of the measured characteristic parameters of the sound signal received by the first and second receiver 114s. The processor 116 is thereby configured to determine if the measured acoustic intensity of the of the sound signal received by the first receiver 112 differs from the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received by the second receiver.

Optionally, the processor 116 may determine whether the measured first acoustic intensity of the sound signal received by the first receiver 112 differs from the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received by the second receiver by a predetermined threshold. The processor 116 thus activates a warning signal when the difference between the measured acoustic intensities at the first and the second locations is greater than the predetermined threshold. In the example shown, the processor 116 measures acoustic intensity at the first and second locations in decibels (dB). The processor 116 thus activates a warning signal if the difference between the acoustic intensity at the first and second location is greater than 1dB. Alternatively, the processor 116 may activate the warning signal if the difference is greater than 2dB, greater than 5dB or greater than 10dB, or more. The warning signal thus informs the carer that a noise received by the transmitting unit 110 is from the individual being monitored.

Further alternatively, the threshold may be configured to be selectively adjustable. In this way, the threshold, that is the magnitude of the difference between acoustic intensity at the first and second locations which causes the warning signal to be activated, may be adjustable by the carer. Thus, the monitor can be adapted to provide the carer with a warning signal in varying environments.

In certain examples, if the difference between the measured acoustic intensities at the first and the second locations is less than a predetermined threshold then the processor 116 may activate an alternative, second warning signal. The second warning signal informs the carer that a noise received by the transmitting unit is not from the individual being monitored. Thus, the monitor provides the carerwith different warning signals depending upon the source of the sound signal in the environment being monitored.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a schematic layout of an example monitor 200 arranged in use so as to monitor an infant 299. Where the features are the same as a previous example, the reference numbers are the same, other than the initial digit is a “2”.

The monitor includes a transmitting unit 210 and a receiving unit 230. The receiving unit 230 includes a receiver 232 and a display unit 234.

The transmitting unit 210 includes a first receiver 212, a second receiver 214 and a processor 216. The transmitting unit 210 also includes a transmitter 218 for transmitting information from the transmitting unit 210 to the receiving unit 230. Information transmitted by the transmitter 218 may include a measured characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by transmitting unit 210, or a warning signal.

Optionally, information transmitted by the transmitter 218 may include an audio or video output. The receiver of the receiving unit 230 is configured to receive information transmitted from the transmitter 218 of the transmitting unit 210. The receiver thereby is configured to receive a measured characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by transmitting unit 210, or a warning signal activated by the processor 216.

Optionally, the receiver may be configured to receive an audio or video output of the transmitting unit 210 from the transmitter 218.

The display unit 234 is adapted to display information to the carer in suitable format. The display unit 234 thus may display one or more of a measured characteristic parameter of the sound signal received by transmitting unit 210, or a warning signal as activated by the processor 216. Additionally, or alternatively, the display unit 234 may provide a suitable audio or visual alert to the carer when the processor 216 activates a first or second warning signal.

Optionally, the display unit 234 may be configured to play an audio or video output of the transmitting unit 210.

To use the monitor 200, the transmitting unit 210 is positioned a distance from the infant 299 so as to readily receive sound signals in the infant’s environment while being safely positioned out of the infant’s reach.

The transmitting unit 210 is positioned with the first receiver 212 directed towards the infant 299. That is, the transmitting unit 210 is positioned with the front portion arranged towards the infant 299.

The transmitting unit 210 is positioned with the second receiver 214 directed away from the infant 299. That is, the transmitting unit 210 is positioned with the rear portion arranged away from the infant 299.

The receiving unit 230 is operably connected to transmitting unit 210 so that the transmitter 218 of the transmitting unit 210 and receiver of the receiving unit 230 are in communication.

Referring now to Figure 3, the monitor of Figure 2 is shown receiving a first sound signal 271. The first sound signal 271 represent a sound from the infant 299 being monitored.

Due to the positioning of the transmitting unit 210 relative to the infant 299, the first receiver212 is positioned towards the first sound signal 271. The second receiver214 is positioned away from the first sound signal 271. Stated differently, the transmitting unit 210 is positioned so that the first receiver 212 is oriented to receive sound signals directly from the infant 299, and the second receiver 214 is oriented to receive sound signals indirectly from the infant 299. Consequently, the processor 216 will measure a difference between the acoustic intensity for the first sound signal 271 as received at the first receiver 212 compared to the acoustic intensity for the first sound signal 271 as received at the second receiver 214.

In the example shown, if the difference between the acoustic intensities is greater than a threshold the processor 216 activates a warning signal. Thus, in response to the infant crying, the processor 216 activates a warning signal. The warning signal will be transmitted from the transmitter 218 of the transmitting unit 210 to the receiver of the receiving unit 230. Consequently, the receiving unit 230 will display the warning signal to the carer to inform the carer that the infant is crying.

Optionally, the processor 216 may be further configured to process the first sound signal 271 received by at least one of the first and second receiver 212, 214 to measure a second characteristic parameter of the first sound signal 271 . The second characteristic parameter may be a duration or a frequency of the first sound signal 271. In this way, processor 216 may be configured to activate the warning signal if the measured second characteristic parameter of the first sound signal 271 is less than or greater than a second predetermined threshold.

In the example shown, the processor 216 may measure the duration of the first sound signal 271 so as to distinguish between an intermittent sound and a continuous sound. A crying infant 299 cannot make a continuous sound due to the need to take regular breaths. Thus, the second threshold may be set so that the duration of the first sound signal 271 is less than ten seconds. In this way, the warning signal may be activated only if the first sound signal 271 includes a pause or break within ten seconds.

Optionally, the carer may selectively adjust the duration of the second threshold so that the warning signal may be activated only if the first sound signal 271 includes a pause or break within a longer or shorter time. That is, the carer may selectively adjust the duration of the second threshold so as to allow for a crying infant 299 which takes breaths at shorter or longer intervals.

Referring now to Figure 4, the monitor of Figure 2 is shown receiving a second sound signal 272. The second sound signal 272 represents a noise from the environment around the infant 299. Due to the positioning of the transmitting unit 210 relative to the infant 299, neither of the first and second receivers 212, 214 are positioned towards the second sound signal 272. Consequently, the processor 216 will measure no difference between the acoustic intensity for the second sound signal 272 as received at the first receiver compared with the acoustic intensity for the second sound signal 272 as received at the second receiver. In the absence of a difference between the acoustic intensities the processor 216 will not activate a warning.

As will be apparent, the direction of the second sound signal 272 may vary considerably depending upon the source of the noise in the infant’s environment. Nevertheless, due to the positioning of the first receiver 212 towards the infant 299, any difference between the acoustic intensity for the second sound signal 272 as received at the first receiver 212 compared with the acoustic intensity for the second sound signal 272 as received at the second receiver 214 will be below the threshold for the processor 216 to activate a warning.

Optionally if the difference between the acoustic intensities is less than the threshold, then the processor 216 may activate a second warning signal. The second warning signal will be transmitted from the transmitter 218 of the transmitting unit 210 to the receiver 232 of the receiving unit 230. Consequently, the receiving unit 230 will display the second warning signal to the carer, for example to inform the user that an environmental noise has been detected.

Thus, as will be apparent from the example sound signals described in reference to Figures 3 and 4, the carer is provided with distinctive warning signal depending on if the detected sound signal is from the infant 299 being monitored. The monitor provides effective and constant monitoring the infant 299 without requiring active and continuous attention of the carer.

Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a schematic layout of a further example monitor 300 arranged in use so as to monitor an infant 399. Where the features are the same as a previous example, the reference numbers are the same, other than the initial digit is a “3”.

The monitor 300 includes a transmitting unit 310 and a receiving unit 330.

The transmitting unit 310 also includes a third receiver 315. The third receiver 315 is configured to receive a signal indicative of one or more environmental parameters. In the example shown, the environmental parameter is a temperature in the vicinity of the transmitting unit.

The processor 316 is configured to process the signal received by the third receiver 315 to the measure the environmental parameter. Consequently, the processor 316 activates the first warning signal if the temperature is less than a predetermined environmental threshold. In the example shown, the first warning signal may be activated if the environmental threshold, that is the temperature around the infant 399, is less than 16 degrees Celsius. Optionally, the environmental threshold may be selectively adjustable.

In further examples, the environmental parameter may be a humidity or a light level in the vicinity of the transmitting unit 310.

In yet further examples, the transmitting unit may comprise a plurality of receivers, each receiver configured to receive a signal indicative of one or more environmental parameters. Each environmental parameter may have a respective environmental threshold. Each environmental threshold may be selectively adjustable.

In this way, a processor 316 may measure a plurality of environmental parameter so as to activate the waning signal in response one more characteristic parameter or one or more environmental parameter.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a schematic layout of a further example monitor 400 arranged in use to monitor an infant 499. Where the features are the same as a previous example, the reference numbers are the same, other than the initial digit is a “4”.

The transmitting unit 410 includes a body portion 426 and a support portion 428 operably coupled to the body portion 426. The support portion 428 is positionable independent to the body portion 426. Stated differently, when the body portion 426 is positioned in a first location relative to the infant 499, the support portion 428 can be positioned in a second location relative to the infant 499. The first location is spaced apart from the second location.

The second receiver 414 is provided on the body portion 426. As with the examples described above, the body portion 426 of the transmitting unit 410 is positioned a significant distance from the infant 499 so as to readily receive sound signals in the infant’s environment.

The processor 416 is provided on the body portion 426. The first receiver 412 is provided on the support portion 428. The support portion 428 may be operably coupled to the body portion 426 by any suitable means to facilitate communication between the first receiver 412 and the processor 416. For example, using a wired or wireless connection. The support portion 428 may be provided with a wireless connection or a wired connection to the body portion 426.

The support portion 428 is positionable independent to the body portion 426 such that the first receiver 412 may be provided closer to the infant 499 than the second receiver 414. For example, the support portion 428 may be positioned significantly closer to the infant 499, while still out of reach. In certain examples, the support portion 428 may be attached to the infant’s cot or bed. In certain examples including a wireless connection between the support portion 428 and the body portion 426, the support portion 428 may be provided on the infant’s clothing or bedding.

In this way, the transmitting unit 410 may be adapted to increase the distance between the first location and the second location, that is to increase the distance between the first receiver 412 and the second receiver 414. Thus, any measured difference in the characteristic parameter received at the first and second receivers is increased so that the processor 416 reliably distinguishes a sound made by the infant 499 from a sound in the environment. In other words, by providing greater flexibility in the relative positioning of the first and second receivers the transmitting unit 410 may be arranged so as to increase the measured difference in the characteristic parameter. Consequently, the warning signal will be activated with more reliability that the detected noise is an infant 499 noise. The carer will thus have increased confidence that a warning signal is alerting correctly.

Referring now to Figure 7(a) and 7(b), there is shown a transmitting unit 510 of another example monitor. Where the features are the same as a previous example, the reference numbers are the same, other than the initial digit is a “5”.

The transmitting unit 510 includes a body portion 526 and a mounting portion 529 for mounting the transmitting unit 510, and body portion 526. The mounting portion 529 may include any suitable means for mounting the transmitting unit 510 to a surface. Example means may include a suction cup for engaging a surface, or one or more openings adapted to receive a screw to mount the transmitting unit 510 to a surface.

The first location is provided on the mounting portion 529 and the second location is provided on the body portion 526. In this way, first receiver 512 is provided on the mounting portion 529 and the second receiver is provided on the body portion 526. In alternative examples, the first location and second locations may be reversed, so that the first location is provided on the body portion 526 and the second location is provided on the mounting portion 529.

Optionally, the example shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b) may be modified so that the transmitting unit 510 is configured so that the body portion 526 is adjustable relative to the mounting portion 529. That is, the transmitting unit 510 may be configured so that the position and I or orientation of the body portion 526 is adjustable relative to the mounting portion 529. Stated differently, the transmitting unit 510 may be configured so that the body portion 526 can be adjustably articulated relative to the mounting portion 529. For example, the body portion 526 may rotate relative to the mounting portion 529, or the body portion 526 may be angled relative to the mounting portion 529, or again the body portion 526 may be moved towards or away from the mounting portion 529.

By providing relative adjustability between the body portion 526 and the mounting portion 529, the transmitting unit 510 may be adapted to optimise the spacing and I or orientation between the first location and the second location, that is to optimise the spacing and I or orientation between the distance between the first receiver 512 and the second receiver. Thus, the body portion 526, and thereby the first receiver 512, may be positioned more accurately towards or more directly in line with the infant. Additionally, or alternatively, the mounting portion 529, and thereby the second receiver, may be positioned further away from the infant.

The relative adjustability between the body portion 526 and the mounting portion 529 provides an increase in the measured difference in the characteristic parameter received at the first and second receivers so that the transmitting unit 510 reliably distinguishes between a sound made by the infant from a sound in the environment. In other words, by providing relative adjustability of the first and second receivers the transmitting unit 510 may be arranged so as to increase the measured difference in the characteristic parameter. Consequently, the warning signal will be activated with more reliability that the detected noise is an infant noise. The carer will thus have increased confidence that a warning signal is alerting them correctly.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a receiving unit 530 suitable for communicating with the transmitting unit 510 described in reference to Figure 7. Where the features are the same as a previous example, the reference numbers are the same, other than the initial digit is a “5”. The receiving unit 530 includes a receiver for receiving information transmitted from the transmitter of the transmitting unit, as set out above with reference to earlier examples.

The receiving unit includes a display unit 534. The display unit 534 has a first display portion 535 and second display portion 536. Each display portion 535, 536 is configured to be selectively illuminated. Each display portion 535, 536 is configured to be illuminated independently.

The display unit 534 is configured to respond to a warning signal received by the receiving unit 530 from the transmitting unit 510. When the receiving unit 530 activates a first warning signal, forexamplewhen the difference between the acoustic intensities of the sound signal is greater than a threshold, the first warning signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit 510 to the receiving unit 530. The display unit illuminates both the first and second display portions 535, 536 in response.

When the receiving unit 530 activates a second warning signal, for example when the difference between the acoustic intensities of the sound signal is less than the threshold, the second warning signal is transmitted from the transmitting unit to the receiving unit. The display unit illuminates only the first display portion 535 in response.

In this way, the display unit 534 provides a simple visual alert to the carer to distinguish between a sound which may require the carer’s intervention, such as an infant crying, and an environmental sound. As described herein, the display unit 534 may optionally provide a range of indicators or alerts to the carer. The display portion 534 may include audio or visual indicators to the carer, or may appear on a screen of an electronic device.

Referring now to Figure 9, there is shown a method 600 of monitoring an infant. The method 600 may be carried out on any suitable apparatus, such as the example transmitting units described herein. Thus, the method 600 may be carried out using a transmitting unit having a first receiver, a second receiver and a processor operably connected to the first receiver and the second receiver. The first receiver is spaced apart from the second receiver, for example by providing the receivers at first and second locations as described herein. The method 600 begins by providing the transmitting unit. In the first step 610, a sound signal having one or more characteristic parameter is received at the first receiver and the same sound signal is received at the second receiver.

In a second step 620, the received sound signals are processed to measure a first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received at the first receiver and to measure the first characteristic parameter of the sound signal received at the second receiver. In the example shown, the first characteristic parameter is the acoustic intensity of the sound signal.

If the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the first receiver differs from the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the second receiver by, for example, more than 5dB, then a warning signal is activated 630. The warning signal provides the carer with an indication that an infant sound has been detected. Thus, if the difference between the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the first receiver and the measured acoustic intensity parameter of the sound signal received at the second receiver is greater than, for example, 5dB then the warning signal is activated 630.

Alternatively, if the difference between the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the first receiver and the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the second receiver is less than 5dB then no warning signal is activated 640.

Optionally, if the difference in acoustic intensity is less than, for example, 2dB or 5dB or 10dB, the method 600 may include a third step 650. Thus, if the difference is less than, for example, 2dB, 5dB or 10dB, and the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at either the first or the second receiver is above a second threshold, for example above 60dB, then a second warning signal is activated 660. The second warning signal provides the carer with an indication that an environmental sound has been detected.

If, at the third step 650, the measured acoustic intensity of sound signal received at both the first and the second receiver is below the second threshold, then no warning signal is activated 640.

A fourth step 670 or a fifth step 680 may optionally be provided in the method 600. That is the method 600 may be adapted to include a fourth step 670, include a fifth step 680 or include both the fourth step 670 and the fifth step 680. The fourth step 670 optionally follows the second step described above. That is, if the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the first receiver differs from the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the second receiver by more than 5dB then the fourth step 670 may be carried out.

In the fourth step, if the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at either the first or the second receiver is above a third threshold, for example above 80dB, then the first warning signal is activated 630.

If, in the fourth step 670, the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at both the first and the second receiver is below the third threshold, then no warning signal is activated 640.

The fifth step 680 optionally follows the second step or the fourth step described above. That is, if the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the first receiver differs from the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at the second receiver by more than 5dB then the fifth step 680 may be carried out. Optionally, if the measured acoustic intensity of the sound signal received at either the first or the second receiver is above the third threshold then the fifth step 680 may be carried out.

In the fifth step 680, the received sound signals are processed to measure a second characteristic parameter of the sound signal received at the first receiver and to measure the second characteristic parameter of the sound signal received at the second receiver. In the example shown, the second characteristic parameter is the duration of the sound signal. If the measured duration the sound signal received at either the first or the second receiver is less than a third threshold, for example less than 10 seconds, then the first warning signal is activated 630.

If, in the fifth step 680, the duration of sound signal received at one or both of the first and the second receiver is below the third threshold, that is less than 10 seconds, then no warning signal is activated 640.

As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the first characteristic parameter of the respective method steps may be any characteristic parameter measured from the sound signal as received by the first and second receivers. Examples include acoustic intensity, duration and frequency.

Each threshold of example method may be adjusted. Each threshold of the example method may be selectively adjusted, for example by the carer. In this way, the method may be adapted according the environment in which the infant is situated. Thus, for example, an acoustic intensity threshold may be increased or decreased depending on whether the environment is generally quiet or generally noisy. Or, for example, a duration threshold may be increased or decreased depending on the timing of intervals in an infant’s crying.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the above detailed examples have been described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense, and that various alterations and modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Various modifications to the detailed examples described above are possible, for example, variations may exist in the characteristic parameter and environmental parameter received by the various receivers. Various modifications may also exist in the thresholds and the type of alarm signal actuated by the processor or the device on which the alarm signal is actuated for alerting the carer. Although certain examples refer to monitoring infants, the apparatus and methods may also be useful in monitoring older individuals.

In the examples described, the infant monitor includes a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, for example a receiving unit including a receiver and a display unit. It will be understood that in other examples of the invention, the infant monitor may not include a receiving unit. In such examples, the output of the transmitting unit may be transmitted via a Bluetooth® or other wireless connection to a user’s smartphone, tablet or computer. The user may be able to monitor the output of the transmitting unit via a web page or an app.