Child monitoring device

• US 6,573,835 B2
• Filed: 09/13/2001
• Issued: 06/03/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/15/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hector Irizarry, Philip M. Anderson
• Original Assignee: Hector Irizarry, Philip M. Anderson
• Inventors: Irizarry, Hector, Anderson, Philip M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US09/950,496
• Publication Number:
  US 20020005783A1
• Time in Patent Office: 628 Days
• Field of Search: 340/573.4, 340/572.8, 340/572.7, 340/572.1, 340/572.2, 340/572.5, 340/505, 340/573.1, 340/10.1, 340/10.4
• US Class Current: 340/573.4
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2408 using ferromagnetic tags
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2431 Tag circuit details
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2434 Tag housing and attachment details
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2448 Tag with at least dual detection means, e.g. combined inductive and ferromagnetic tags, dual frequencies within a single technology, tampering detection or signalling means on the tag
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0227 System arrangements with a plurality of child units
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0288 Attachment of child unit to child/article

Abstract

An apparatus monitors the departure of a child from an exit. The apparatus comprises: a magnetomechanically actuated electronic article surveillance system having an alarm; and a tag worn by the child. A field generating means of the system is adapted to generate an electromagnetic field at the exit. The tag is operative in the presence of the electromagnetic field to transmit a signal, which upon being detected, triggers the alarm. When the child passes through the electromagnetic field and departs from the exit, the tag transmits a signal that activates the alarm, thereby providing information to relatives of the child and store personnel concerning the child'"'"'s whereabouts.

Claims

1. A tag for monitoring the departure of a child from an exit provided with a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system that radiates an alternating electromagnetic field at a frequency, comprising:

a. first magnetomechanical marker having a first elongated axis and a first preselected resonant frequency;

b. second magnetomechanical marker having a second elongated axis and a second preselected resonant frequency; and

c. said first elongated axis of said first magnetomechanical marker being substantially perpendicular to said second elongated axis of said second magnetomechanical marker and said frequency of said electromagnetic field being at said first and second preselected resonant frequencies.

2. An apparatus for monitoring the departure of a child from an exit, comprising:

a. a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system having an alarm and a field generating means for generating an alternating electromagnetic field at a frequency at said exit;

b. a tag worn by said child, said tag being responsive to said electromagnetic field to generate a signal which, upon being detected by said article surveillance system, triggers said alarm;

c. said tag comprising a first magnetomechanical marker having a first elongated axis and a first preselected resonant frequency, and a second magnetomechanical marker having a second elongated axis and a second preselected resonant frequency, the first elongated axis of said first magnetomechanical marker being substantially perpendicular to the second elongated axis of said second magnetomechanical marker and said frequency of said electromagnetic field being at said first and second preselected resonant frequencies;

whereby said alarm is triggered by said tag on departure of said child from said exit.

3. A method for monitoring a child departing from an exit, comprising the steps of:

a. placing at said exit a magnetomechanical electronic article surveillance system having an alarm and a field generating means for generating an alternating electromagnetic field at a frequency;

b. placing a tag on said child, said tag comprising a first magnetomechanical marker having a first elongated axis and a first preselected resonant frequency and a second magnetomechanical marker having a second elongated axis and a second preselected resonant frequency, said first elongated axis of said first magnetomechanical marker being substantially perpendicular to said second elongated axis of said second magnetomechanical marker, and said frequency of said electromagnetic field being at said first and second preselected resonant frequencies, and said tag being responsive to said electromagnetic field to generate a signal which, upon being detected by said article surveillance system, triggers said alarm; and

c. detecting the triggering of said alarm.