Abstract: A generic system for enabling resonant oscillations along multiple axes includes a load and an actuator. The load represents a mass or structure that is desired to be oscillated, and is subject to a restoring force by suitable mechanisms upon displacement of the load. The actuator is designed to rotate an eccentric mass about a first axis. Responsive to the rotation of the eccentric mass, the actuator is designed to cause the load to oscillate in the direction of each of a second axis and a third axis.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a sensor, a processing block and an alert generator. The sensor is used to generate images of an infant. The processing block processes one or more of the images and identifies a condition with respect to the infant. Then alert generator causes generation of an alert signal if the identified condition warrants external notification. In an embodiment, the sensor is a 3D camera, and the 3D camera, the processing block and the alert generator are part of a unit placed in the vicinity of the infant. The monitoring system further includes microphones and motion sensors to enable detection of sounds and movement.

Abstract: A generic system for enabling resonant oscillations along multiple axes includes a load and an actuator. The load represents a mass or structure that is desired to be oscillated, and is subject to a restoring force by suitable mechanisms upon displacement of the load. The actuator is designed to rotate an eccentric mass about a first axis. Responsive to the rotation of the eccentric mass, the actuator is designed to cause the load to oscillate in the direction of each of a second axis and a third axis.

Abstract: A cradle with a resonant, high efficiency mechanism for swinging (oscillating) the cradle with multiple swinging styles is described. Vertical and horizontal swinging are enabled with a single actuation mechanism. In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism consists of a motor with an eccentric load and a motor control system that can control the angular velocity and/or angular position of the motor. Use of the eccentric load enables actuation in the vertical and horizontal directions with the single actuation mechanism. For motion feedback, the control system uses a motion sensor. A spring system is used as the potential energy storage element for vertical resonant oscillations. For horizontal oscillations, the system acts like a pendulum and the potential energy due to gravity is used for energy storage. The spring system is designed to ensure that with change in mass of the baby, minimal change in oscillation frequency occurs.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a sensor, a processing block and an alert generator. The sensor is used to generate images of an infant. The processing block processes one or more of the images and identifies a condition with respect to the infant. Then alert generator causes generation of an alert signal if the identified condition warrants external notification. In an embodiment, the sensor is a 3D camera, and the 3D camera, the processing block and the alert generator are part of a unit placed in the vicinity of the infant. The monitoring system further includes microphones and motion sensors to enable detection of sounds and movement.

Abstract: A cradle with a resonant, high efficiency mechanism for swinging (oscillating) the cradle with multiple swinging styles is described. Vertical and horizontal swinging are enabled with a single actuation mechanism. In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism consists of a motor with an eccentric load and a motor control system that can control the angular velocity and/or angular position of the motor. Use of the eccentric load enables actuation in the vertical and horizontal directions with the single actuation mechanism. For motion feedback, the control system uses a motion sensor. A spring system is used as the potential energy storage element for vertical resonant oscillations. For horizontal oscillations, the system acts like a pendulum and the potential energy due to gravity is used for energy storage. The spring system is designed to ensure that with change in mass of the baby, minimal change in oscillation frequency occurs.