Child monitoring system

• US 6,396,403 B1
• Filed: 04/14/2000
• Issued: 05/28/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 04/15/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lenora A. Haner
• Original Assignee: Lenora A. Haner
• Inventors: Haner, Lenora A.
• Primary Examiner(s): TRIEU, VAN THANH
• Application Number:
  US09/550,500
• Time in Patent Office: 774 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.1,573.3,573.4,573.7,825.06,825.49,539,425.5,426 342/357.06,357.13 42/1.09,1.1,1.11
• US Class Current: 340/573.4
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0288 Attachment of child unit to child/article
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0294 Display details on parent unit

Abstract

A child monitoring system including a combination bracelet and camera transmitting assembly, and a receiver for tracking and providing audible and visual contact with a child or object within a predetermined area or domain. The bracelet transmitting assembly is releasably attached to the wrist or ankle of a user, i.e. a child, and transmits signals for detection by a remote hand-held or belt worn monitor. The camera transmitting assembly is also attached to a user via a clothing article such as a button or pocket to obtain and transmit video signals to the monitor. For longer distance monitoring, GPS microminiaturized technology may be employed. The bracelet transmitting assembly includes a locking mechanism and circuitry for two way-speaker communication or monitoring. A plastic sleeve is also provided for the bracelet as a protective covering. The receiver includes a GPS switch, activated to display the latitude-longitude coordinates of the child, who wears a GPS receiver/transmitter and antenna.

Claims

1. A child monitoring system comprising:

a receiver configured to detect a predetermined plurality of signals for real-time monitoring of a child;

a first transmitting assembly including a bracelet transmitting assembly having a means for transmitting electronic signals to said receiver for electronically tracking the child; and

a second transmitting assembly including a camera assembly attached to an article of clothing of a child and having a camera, microphone, power source, transmitter and antenna, said second assembly configured to deliver both audible and video signals to said receiver.

2. The child monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said receiver is a portable hand-held receiver.

3. The child monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein said hand-held receiver further comprises a speaker means for transmitting and receiving audible signals, a video monitor, at least four directional indicators, an audible alarm, and a tracking adjusting means for adjusting tracking according to a predetermined distance.

4. The child monitoring system according to claim 3, wherein said receiver further comprises a switch means for activating and deactivating said receiver, and a power spectrum indicator for indicating a specific power level of said receiver.

5. The child monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said bracelet transmitting assembly further comprises a sleeve for covering and protecting said bracelet.

7. The child monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said bracelet transmitting assembly further comprises a locking mechanism for locking said bracelet upon being attached to a limb of the child.

8. The child monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein said receiver further comprises an attachment means for attaching said receiver to an article of clothing.

9. The child monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein there is further provided a GPS receiver for determining the latitude and longitude coordinates of the child, wired to said second transmitting assembly, said receiver being configured to provide a readout of the latitude and longitude coordinates determined by said GPS receiver.

10. The child monitoring system according to claim 9, wherein said receiver includes a screen and means for conveying GPS latitude and longitude information to said screen in visual, readable format.

11. The child monitoring system according to claim 10, further comprising means for providing distance-from-receiver data and feeding the same in readable format to said screen, there further being switch means for alternating distance-from-receiver data and GPS data feeds to said screen.

12. The child monitoring system according to claim 10, said receiver further including visual means indicating whether a visual band, audio band or GPS signal band is in an alarm state.

6. The child monitoring system according to claim 6, wherein said sleeve is made of a plastic material.

13. A child monitoring system comprising:

a receiver configured to detect a predetermined plurality of signals for real-time monitoring of a child;

a first transmitting assembly including a GPS transmitting assembly having a means for transmitting electronic signals to said receiver for electronically indicating the latitude and longitude coordinates locating a the child; and

a second transmitting assembly including a camera assembly attached to an article of clothing and having a camera, microphone, power source, transmitter and antenna, said second assembly configured to deliver both audible and video signals to the receiver.

14. The child monitoring system according to claim 13, wherein said receiver includes a screen and means for conveying GPS latitude and longitude information to said screen in visual, readable format.

15. The child monitoring system according to claim 14, further comprising means for providing distance-from-receiver data and feeding the same in readable format to said screen, there further being switch means for alternating distance-from-receiver data and GPS data feeds to said screen.

16. The child monitoring system according to claim 13, said receiver further including visual means indicating whether a visual band, audio band or GPS signal band is in an alarm state.