Infant simulator

• US 6,604,980 B1
• Filed: 07/24/2000
• Issued: 08/12/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/04/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Realityworks, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Realityworks, Inc.
• Inventors: Jones, Douglas B., Blackledge, Larry P., Oium, Sheila Rae, Jurmain, Mary M., Jurmain, Richard N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ackun, Jacob K.
• Application Number:
  US09/555,840
• Time in Patent Office: 1,114 Days
• Field of Search: 446/295, 446/296, 446/297, 446/298, 446/299, 446/300, 446/301, 446/304, 446/305, 434/169, 434/238, 434/262, 434/267, 434/266
• US Class Current: 446/296
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 2200/00 Computerized interactive toys, e.g. dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/001 simulating physiological processes, e.g. heartbeat, breathing or fever with fluid ingestion or emission A63H3/24
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/24 Drinking dolls; Dolls producing tears; Wetting dolls
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 3/28 Arrangements of sound-producing means in dolls; Means in dolls for producing sounds
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/28 for medicine
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 23/281 for pregnancy, birth or obstetrics G09B23/286 takes precedence

Abstract

An infant simulator (5) is capable of emulating the care requirements of an infant, recording the quality of care, responsiveness of a person caring for the infant simulator (5), and/or signaling the person caring for the infant simulator (5) when care is required. The infant simulator (5) is capable of sensing the unacceptable environmental conditions of abusive impact, abusive compression, improper positioning, exposure to loud noises, over-stimulation, exposure to smoke, exposure to direct sunlight, exposure to temperature extremes to which the infant simulator (5) is subjected, and periodically demanding that the student change the diaper, feed, burp the infant, rest the infant, and rock the infant.

Claims

1. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin;

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal; and

(2) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for arresting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal;

(c) a means effective for transmitting the satisfaction signal to the demand signal arresting means and arresting the demand signal by interacting with the mannequin in a specified manner; and

(d) a system within the mannequin for effecting self-directed expressions, including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible self-directed expression; and

(2) a self-directed expression interval timer in communication with the self-directed expression generating means for initiating generation of the self-directed expression at intervals measured independently from the initiation or arresting of a demand event.

2. The infant simulator of claim 1 further comprising a demand interval timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for initiating generation of the demand signal at intervals.

3. The infant simulator of claim 1 further comprising a student identification system within the mannequin including at least (i) a means for receiving an identification signal, and (ii) a means in communication with the identification-signal receiving means and the demand system effective for preventing arresting of the demand signal until the identification signal is received by the identification-signal receiving means.

4. The infant simulator of claim 3 wherein (i) the identification-signal receiving means comprises a keyhole effective for transmitting the identification signal upon insertion of an identification key, and (ii) the infant simulator further comprises (A) an identification key effective for transmitting the identification signal when inserted into the keyhole, and (B) a means for attaching the identification key to a selected student capable of indicating detachment of the identification key from the selected student.

5. The infant simulator of claim 1 or 2 further comprising a means effective for measuring and recording the duration of each demand episode.

6. The infant simulator of claim 1 further comprising a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for escalating the intensity of the demand signal as the duration of the demand episode increases.

7. The infant simulator of claim 1 wherein the mannequin has an approximate shape and weight of an infant.

8. The infant simulator of claim 1 further comprising an energy source retained within the mannequin for supplying the energy requirements of the demand and self-directed expression systems, and a means for indicating that the energy source has been accessed.

9. The infant simulator of claim 1 wherein the perceptible demand signal is expressed as an audible signal.

10. The infant simulator of claim 1 wherein the demand signal arresting means is only effective for inhibiting the demand signal in response to receipt of the satisfaction signal, and the infant simulator further comprises a demand duration timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for terminating generation of the demand signal at the end of a demand period.

11. The infant simulator of claim 10 further comprising a means for adjusting the potential duration of a demand period at the beginning of an assignment period.

12. The infant simulator of claim 10 further comprising a means for adjusting the duration of the demand period at the beginning of an assignment period.

14. The infant simulator of claim 12 further comprising a means for adjusting the duration of the demand time interval at the beginning of an assignment period, whereby the number of demand signals generated by the demand system during an assignment period is correspondingly increased or decreased.

15. The infant simulator of claim 10 wherein the satisfaction signal transmitting means is repositionable relative to the mannequin, and the demand signal arresting means is effective for inhibiting the demand signal during the demand period only so long as the satisfaction signal transmitting means is continuously held in a communicative position relative to the mannequin by a student.

16. The infant simulator of claim 1 wherein the time interval between the generation of sequential self-directed expressions is between 1 and 48 hours.

17. The infant simulator of claim 1 wherein the time interval between the generation of sequential self-directed expressions is a minimum of 1 to 4 hours and a maximum of 8 to 48 hours, with a statistical preference for a time interval between approximately 8 and approximately 24 hours.

13. The infant simulator of 11 further comprising a means for adjusting the potential duration of the demand time interval at the beginning of an assignment period, whereby the potential number of demand signals generated by the demand system during an assignment period is correspondingly increased or decreased.

18. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin; and

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a demand interval timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for initiating generation of the demand signal at intervals;

(3) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for arresting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal; and

(4) a means in communication with the demand interval timer for adjusting the actual duration or statistically probable duration of the time intervals between the generation of sequential demand signals, based upon the duration of at least one demand episode measured from initial generation of the perceptible demand signal to receipt of the satisfaction signal by the satisfaction signal receiving means.

20. The infant simulator of claim 18 or 19 wherein the demand interval duration-adjustment means is effective for adjusting the demand time interval duration to one of at least three time interval options of short duration, average duration and long duration, wherein the demand time interval duration can be increased based upon the duration of at least one demand episode exceeding a threshold maximum value, or decreased based upon at least one demand episode of shorter duration than a threshold minimum.

21. The infant simulator of claim 18 or 19 wherein the demand interval timer randomly generates sequential demand signals within a predetermined interval time range.

22. The infant simulator of claim 18 or 19 wherein the demand interval timer generates sequential demand signals on an fixed schedule selected from a plurality of fixed schedules.

23. The infant simulator of claim 18 or 19 wherein the time intervals between the generation of sequential demand signals remains adjusted for about 1 to 12 hours.

19. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin; and

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a demand interval timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for initiating generation of the demand signal at intervals;

(3) a means for receiving a satisfaction signal;

(4) a means for measuring and recording the duration of each demand episode measured from initial generation of the perceptible demand signal to receipt of the satisfaction signal by the satisfaction signal receiving means; and

(5) a means in communication with the demand interval timer for adjusting the actual duration or statistically probable duration of the time intervals between the generation of sequential demand signals based upon the duration of at least one demand episode.

24. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin;

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for inhibiting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal;

(3) a demand duration timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for terminating generation of the demand signal at the end of a demand period; and

(4) a means in communication with the demand duration timer for adjusting the actual duration or statistically probable duration of the demand period, based upon the duration of at least one demand episode measured from initial generation of the perceptible demand signal to receipt of the satisfaction signal by the satisfaction signal receiving means.

26. The infant simulator of claim 24 or 25 wherein the demand period duration-adjustment means is effective for adjusting the demand period duration to one of at least three time interval options of short duration, average duration and long duration, wherein the demand period duration can be increased based upon the duration of at least one demand episode exceeding a threshold maximum value, or decreased based upon at least one demand episode of shorter duration than a threshold minimum.

27. The infant simulator of claim 24 or 25 wherein the demand interval timer randomly generates sequential demand signals within a predetermined interval time range.

28. The infant simulator of claim 24 or 25 wherein the demand interval timer generates sequential demand signals on an fixed schedule selected from a plurality of fixed schedules.

29. The infant simulator of claim 24 or 25 wherein the duration of the demand period remains adjusted for about 1 to 12 hours.

25. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin;

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for inhibiting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal;

(3) a means for measuring and recording the duration of a demand episode measured from initial generation of the perceptible demand signal to receipt of the satisfaction signal by the satisfaction signal receiving means;

(4) a demand event duration timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for terminating generation of the demand signal at the end of a demand period; and

(5) a means in communication with the demand event duration timer for adjusting the actual duration or statistically probable duration of the demand period, based upon the duration of at least one demand episode.

30. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin;

(b) a system within the mannequin for periodically effecting demand events of timed duration having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal; and

(2) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for arresting the demand signal in response to receipt of a demand satisfaction signal;

(c) a means effective for transmitting the demand satisfaction signal to the demand signal arresting means when placed in communicative proximity to the mannequin;

(d) a system within the mannequin for effecting a medical attention event of timed duration in response to at least one unsatisfied demand event, including at least;

(1) a means for arresting any further demand events,

(2) a means for generating a medical attention signal, and

(3) a means in communication with the medical attention signal generating means for arresting the medical attention signal and continuing the generation of further periodic demand events in response to receipt of a medical attention satisfaction signal;

(e) a means effective for transmitting the medical attention satisfaction signal to the medical attention signal arresting means; and

(f) a system within the mannequin for effecting death of the infant simulator in response to an unsatisfied medical attention event, including at least a means for terminating the generation of any further demand events.

31. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin;

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal; and

(2) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for arresting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal;

(c) a means effective for transmitting the satisfaction signal to the demand signal arresting means and arresting the demand signal by interacting with the mannequin in a specified manner; and

(d) a sound recorder in communication with the demand signal generating means for commencing the recording of sounds for a limited time period upon commencement of generation of the perceptible demand signal.

32. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin; and

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a demand interval timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for initiating generation of the demand signal at intervals; and

(3) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for arresting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal; and

(c) a system within the mannequin in communication with the demand interval timer for commencing a sick period during which the actual duration or statistically probable duration of time intervals between the generation of sequential demand signals is decreased.

33. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin; and

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a demand interval timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for initiating generation of the demand signal at intervals;

(3) a means for receiving a satisfaction signal;

(4) a means for measuring and recording the duration of each demand episode measured from initial generation of the perceptible demand signal to receipt of the satisfaction signal by the satisfaction signal receiving means; and

(c) a system within the mannequin in communication with the demand interval timer for commencing a sick period during which the actual duration or statistically probable duration of time intervals between the generation of sequential demand signals is decreased.

34. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin;

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for inhibiting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal;

(3) a demand duration timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for terminating generation of the demand signal at the end of a demand period; and

(4) a means in communication with the demand duration timer for adjusting the actual duration or statistically probable duration of the demand period, and

(c) a system within the mannequin in communication with the demand duration timer for commencing a sick period during which the actual duration or statistically probable duration of demand periods is increased.

35. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin; and

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a demand interval timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for initiating generation of the demand signal at intervals; and

(3) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for arresting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal;

(c) a clock within the mannequin for keeping the time of day; and

(d) a system within the mannequin in communication with the clock and the demand interval timer for increasing the actual duration or statistically probable duration of time intervals between the generation of sequential demand signals during night time hours.

38. The infant simulator of claim 35 or 36 wherein the demand interval timer randomly generates sequential demand signals within a predetermined interval time range.

39. The infant simulator of claim 35 or 36 wherein the demand interval timer generates sequential demand signals on an fixed schedule selected from a plurality of fixed schedules.

40. The infant simulator of claim 35 or 36 wherein the simulator further comprises a means for generating a perceptible day signal during the daytime period or a perceptible night signal during the night time period.

41. The infant simulator of claim 40 wherein the perceptible day signal and night signal are visual signals generated continuously throughout the corresponding period.

36. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin; and

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a demand interval timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for initiating generation of the demand signal at intervals;

(3) a means for receiving a satisfaction signal;

(4) a means for measuring and recording the duration of each demand episode measured from initial generation of the perceptible demand signal to receipt of the satisfaction signal by the satisfaction signal receiving means;

(c) a clock within the mannequin for keeping the time of day; and

(d) a system within the mannequin in communication with the clock and the demand interval timer for (i) commencing a night time period during which the actual duration or statistically probable duration of time intervals between the generation of sequential demand signals is increased, wherein the night time period is commenced between the hours of 4;

00 p.m. and 12;

00 p.m., and (ii) commencing a daytime period during which the actual duration or statistically probable duration of time intervals between the generation of sequential demand signals is decreased, wherein the daytime period is commenced between the hours of 4;

00 a.m. and 10;

00 a.m.

37. The infant simulator of claim 36 wherein the night time period is commenced between the hours of 8:

00 p.m. and 10;

00 p.m. and the daytime period is commenced between the hours of 6;

00 a.m. and 8;

00 a.m.

42. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin; and

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a means in communication with the demand signal generating means for inhibiting the demand signal in response to receipt of a satisfaction signal;

(3) a demand duration timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for terminating generation of the demand signal at the end of a demand period; and

(4) a means in communication with the demand duration timer for adjusting the actual duration or statistically probable duration of the demand period,

(c) a clock within the mannequin for keeping the time of day; and

(d) a system within the mannequin in communication with the clock and the demand duration timer for decreasing the actual duration or statistically probable duration of demand periods during night time hours.

45. The infant simulator of claim 42 or 43 wherein the demand duration timer establishes the duration of a demand period as a random variable within a predetermined duration time range.

46. The infant simulator of claim 42 or 43 wherein the demand duration timer establishes the duration of a demand period as a predetermined value.

47. The infant simulator of claim 42 or 43 wherein the simulator further comprises a means for generating a perceptible day signal during the daytime period or a perceptible night signal during the night time period.

48. The infant simulator of claim 47 wherein the perceptible day signal and night signal are visual signals generated continuously throughout the corresponding period.

43. An infant simulator, comprising:

(a) a mannequin; and

(b) a system within the mannequin for effecting a demand event having a demand episode, the demand system including at least;

(1) a means for Generating a perceptible demand signal;

(2) a means for receiving a satisfaction signal;

(3) a means for measuring and recording the duration of each demand episode measured from initial generation of the perceptible demand signal to receipt of the satisfaction signal by the satisfaction signal receiving means;

(4) a demand duration timer in communication with the demand signal generating means for terminating generation of the demand signal at the end of a demand period; and

(5) a means in communication with the demand duration timer for adjusting the actual duration or statistically probable duration of the demand period,

(c) a clock within the mannequin for keeping the time of day; and

(d) a system within the mannequin in communication with the clock and the demand interval timer for (i) commencing a night time period during which the actual duration or statistically probable duration of demand periods is decreased, wherein the night time period is commenced between the hours of 4;

00 p.m. and 12;

00 p.m., and (ii) commencing a daytime period during which the actual duration or statistically probable duration of demand periods is increased, wherein the daytime period is commenced between the hours of 4;

00 a.m. and 10;

00 a.m.

44. The infant simulator of claim 43 wherein the night time period is commenced between the hours of 8:

00 p.m. and 10;

00 p.m., and the daytime period is commenced between the hours of 6;

00 a.m. and 8;

00 a.m.