Sensory stimulation device for child

Abstract

The sensory stimulation device for a child is a crib-mounted system that provides aural, visual and olfactory stimulation for a child. The system includes a housing, which is adapted for mounting within the crib. A front wall of the housing has a screen mounted thereto, with the screen displaying a user-selectable image. The system further includes a microphone and at least one speaker in communication with a recording medium, allowing the user to selectively record and play back audio for the child. Further, the housing includes a scent chamber for receiving a scent producing material. The scent producing material generates scented air, which is pumped, under user control, through a port formed through the housing for delivery to the child. The system may further include a telephone interface, allowing for remote actuation and programming of the system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/791,898, filed Apr. 14, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electronic audio-visual devices, and particularly to a sensory stimulation device for a child, which is a crib-mounted system for providing aural, visual and olfactory stimulation for a child. Particularly, a sensory stimulation routine may be programmed by the user, and may be actuated remotely through a telephone line.

2. Description of the Related Art

Sensory stimulation devices for infants and children typically include a visual stimulus, often in the form of illuminated lights or multi-colored objects, or an audio stimulus, typically in the form of prerecorded audio clips. Such systems are typically preprogrammed and generate light patterns following a preprogrammed routine, or play audio clips or music repetitively. Infant-and child stimulation systems typically do not provide for user programmable audio or visual stimuli, thus preventing parents or other caregivers from controlling the particular stimulus delivered to the child. Further, children often respond in favorable ways to the voice of a parent, or other caregiver, due to the familiarity of the particular audio tones. Mass produced stimulation systems providing prerecorded audio clips are not capable of generating a similar reaction in a child or infant.

Further, such stimulation systems typically do not also include olfactory stimulation, which the parent or other caregiver may wish to provide to the child. It would be preferable to provide a child stimulation device capable of stimulating the child's senses beyond only audio and visual stimulation. Additionally, it would be preferable to provide a programmable stimulation system, allowing the user to control which types of stimulation the child receives, and further control the time and duration of the stimulation. Typical sensory stimulation systems are actuated by the child, through pressing of a button or the like, mounted on the system, and do not provide much programmable functionality or variety.

Additionally, conventional sensory stimulation systems typically include local interfaces, often in the form of a control panel mounted directly to the system housing. Such systems do not provide for remote actuation of the sensory stimulation device. Further, children and infants are often soothed and comforted by the voices of their parents. It would be desirable to provide a remotely actuated system that could further transmit a voice from the remotely located user to the crib-mounted system, in order to soothe the child.

In addition to sensory stimulation and association exercises, visual articles, such as mobiles, are often mounted above an infant's crib in order to lull the infant to sleep. However, such articles offer no association (visual, auditory or otherwise) between the child and the child's parents. When absent, parents may wish to further foster their child's association with themselves, which is not possible with typical crib-mounted visual articles.

Additionally, conventional infant stimulators, such as decorative mobiles, are limited in use to children of a particular age. It would be desirable to provide a multifunctional stimulation system, which can both receive visual and auditory media which is variable and dependent upon age and interest, and can further be mounted to support surfaces external to a crib environment.

When a child is placed in a crib, and the parents leave the room, the child may become restless and unable to sleep due to separation anxiety. The parent may have left the child with a babysitter, or may otherwise be unable to re-enter the room to comfort the child. A device that is capable of presenting a comforting or familiar image, together with the sound and scent of the parent, that is capable of remote access, and that can be mounted on the crib, may serve to stimulate and comfort the child sufficiently to quiet the child and induce the child to sleep. No such device is currently known. Thus, a sensory stimulation device for a child solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The sensory stimulation device for a child is a crib-mounted system that provides aural, visual and olfactory stimulation for a child. The system includes a housing, which is adapted for mounting within the crib. A support is mounted to a rear wall of the housing for supporting the housing on an upper horizontal rail of the crib. The housing may, alternatively, be mounted exterior to the crib on any suitable support surface.

A front wall of the housing has a screen mounted thereto, with the screen displaying a user-selectable image. Preferably, the screen is mounted within an opening formed through the front wall, and is pivotally mounted thereto, allowing the screen to selectively rock back and forth within the housing. The screen may include an imprinted image or, alternatively, may be a flat panel display screen capable of generating animated video. A light source may be provided for selectively illuminating the screen.

The system further includes a microphone and at least one speaker in communication with a recording medium, allowing the user to selectively record and play back audio for the child. Further, the housing includes a scent chamber for receiving a scent producing material. The scent producing material generates scented air, which is pumped, under user control, through a port formed through the housing for delivery to the child. The system may further include a telephone interface, allowing for remote actuation and programming of the system. The telephone interface and the audio, video and olfactory sub-systems are in electrical communication with a controller, which is selectively user-actuated and programmable.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective view of a sensory stimulation device for a child according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the sensory stimulation device for a child according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view in section of the sensory stimulation device for a child according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the sensory stimulation device for a child according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of an olfactory subsystem of the sensory stimulation device for a child according to the present invention.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed towards a sensory stimulation device 10, which provides a child or infant with user-controlled and programmable aural, visual and olfactory stimulation. As illustrated in FIG. 1, device 10 is adapted for mounting within crib 12 in a manner that will be described in greater detail below, with specific reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. It should be understood that device 10 may be mounted exterior to the crib, and may further be mounted on any suitable support surface, including, for example, the floor, a wall, on a table or the like. The lower wall of housing 36 may have an angled or beveled edge, allowing the housing 36 to be supported on a horizontal surface in a manner similar to a conventional picture frame when mounted exterior to the crib. A separate releasable support may further be provided for use in combination with housing 36, allowing housing 36 to be mounted on a horizontal surface, such as a tabletop. Housing 36 may further be provided with actuated buttons, baby toys, rattles, mirrors and other items to amuse an infant.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the device 10 includes a housing 36, having a front wall and a rear wall. At least one support 14 is mounted on the upper end of the rear wall of housing 36 for supporting the device 10 on the upper rail of a crib, as shown in FIG. 2. In the preferred embodiment, a pair of supports 14 are provided on either side of the rear wall, and each support 14 has a substantially L-shaped contour for engaging the crib rail 46, as shown. It should be understood that supports 14 may be dimensioned and configured as needed to accommodate the variation in thickness and contour of commercially available crib rails. Supports 14 may further be formed from a flexible yet resilient material, allowing for adaptability to varying dimensions of crib rails. Further, supports 14 may be adjustable, both horizontally and vertically, with respect to housing 36, allowing for customized and adjustable positioning of the system 10 on rail 46.

A secondary crib attachment mechanism may further be provided, shown in FIG. 3 as a large threaded bolt 40 projecting rearwardly from the rear wall of housing 36. The bolt 40 projects through and between a pair of adjacent vertical rails 44 of the crib 12, and a corresponding nut 42 engages the bolt 40 to releasably secure the housing 36 to the crib 12. It should be understood that any suitable releasable fastener may be utilized to releasably secure the housing 36 to crib 12 or to any other suitable support surface. Alternatively, the nut 42 may be in the form of a conical cap to cover the projecting end of bolt 40. Further, a separate protective cap may be provided for covering the end of bolt 40. Bolt 40 may be pivotally joined to the housing 36 so that bolt 40 may be folded against the rear wall or, alternatively, folded into a recess formed within the rear wall during storage and transport of device 10. Alternatively, housing 36 may be adapted for mounting on a wall surface, or to a portable surface, such as a car seat, for example.

Although shown as being sized and contoured for the mounting of system 10 on a child's crib, in the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that housing 36 may be dimensioned and configured for mounting on any suitable surface, and for functionality other than for crib-based sensory stimulation. As will be described in greater detail below, the system 10 includes a wide variety of sensory stimulation capability, including olfactory stimulation. Housing 36 may be sized to function as, or to replace, a plug-in type air freshener. Further, the system 10 may be adapted for use in a wide variety of environments, such as vehicles, with system 10 being powered by, for example, the vehicle's battery, through interconnection with the vehicle cigarette lighter. Alternatively, system 10 may be sized and adapted for usage as a handheld device.

Additionally, the upper portion, or rear wall, of the housing 36 may include recesses for receiving child-related articles, such as rattles and the like. Further, securement devices, such as hooks, may be mounted on housing 36 for holding the child-related articles, thus allowing rattles, pacifiers and the like to be securely kept near the child in an organized fashion.

Housing 36 includes opposing sidewalls with a projecting member 20 being formed on one sidewall and a corresponding recess 21 being formed in the other sidewall. Multiple devices 10 may be linked together through the releasable engagement of the projecting member 20 of a first device 10 with the recess 21 of an adjacent device 10. As will be described below, device 10 may be actuated manually, automatically or remotely by a user. When multiple devices 10 are linked together, each device 10 may be associated with, and actuated by, a particular user; i.e., a first device 10 may be associated with (and, alternatively, have imprinted thereon) “Mommy”, for example, and a second device may be associated with (and, alternatively, have imprinted thereon) “Daddy”, with the sensory stimulation being customized for each user. Alternatively, projecting members 20 may be slidably mounted on housing 36, allowing for selective height adjustment of each projecting member 20, so that devices 10 that are not vertically aligned may be releasably joined together.

An opening 38 is formed through the front wall of housing 36. Although shown as being substantially rectangular in contour in FIG. 2, it should be understood that opening 38 may have any desired shape or size. In the preferred embodiment, however, the opening 38 is substantially rectangular in contour, having a width of approximately eight inches and a height of approximately ten inches. A screen 22 is mounted to an interior surface of the front wall of housing 36 so that an image 24 printed on screen 22 is visible to the child through opening 38. FIG. 2 illustrates a static image 24 imprinted on screen 22. However, screen 22 may be a flat panel display screen, such as a liquid crystal display, for example, allowing for animated video display. Screen 22 may further be a touch screen, allowing for interactivity with system 10, in addition to the actuation of buttons 28 (to be described in further detail below). Additionally, in addition to screen 22, a visual projector may be provided on housing 36, allowing for the projection of visual images onto a suitable surface, such as the ceiling above the child's crib.

Although shown as having a cartoon-type image 24, it should be understood that any desired image may be imprinted on screen 22, and that multiple screens 22 may be utilized, with the user selectively choosing a desired such screen to be mounted on support 60. The parent, or other caregiver, may use images of himself or herself in order to greater improve the child's visual association with himself or herself, even when the parent or caregiver is absent. As will be described in greater detail below, the image of the parent or caregiver can be coupled with recorded audio messages, or with real-time telephone conversations with the parent or caregiver in order to provide a comforting presence to the child in the absence of the actual parent or caregiver. Standard photographs, such as typical 4″×6″ or 5″×7″ snapshot photographs, may be mounted on screen 22.

As best shown in FIG. 3, a window 58 is preferably mounted to the front wall within opening 38 to transparently cover screen 22. Window 58 may be formed of clear or tinted transparent plastic, and is preferably scratch-resistant. Window 58 may further cover wording or other indicia etched or otherwise imprinted on housing 36 adjacent the opening 38, the indicia preferably being associated with the particular image displayed on screen 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the screen 22 is mounted on a support 60. The support 60 is preferably mounted at its upper end to the front wall by a pivotal joint 56, as shown. Thus, the support 60 and screen 22 may be rocked back and forth (indicated by directional arrow 62) to provide additional visual stimulation to the child. Alternatively, a powered rotational drive system, such as a stepper motor, for example, may be added, allowing for driven rotation of the screen 22. The rotational drive system would be in electrical communication with controller 70 (to be described in greater detail below, with specific reference to FIG. 4). As will be described in greater detail below, the support 60 may also have speakers 30 and scent chamber 34 mounted to a lower end thereof, allowing for the selective rotation of the lower assembly of device 10. Thus, in addition to providing visual and tactile stimulation from the rocking of support 60, the support 60 may be angled to allow the child better visual, auditory and olfactory access to the sensory stimulation. Alternatively, support 60 may be provided with a pivotal interconnection formed along the lower end thereof, rather than along the upper edge. It should be understood that support 60 may further be locked into a desired angular position.

Support 60 preferably includes a recess for releasably securing the screen 22 therein. In the non-pivoted configuration, screen 22 is sandwiched between support 60 and window 58. Preferably, support 60 is formed from plastic or any other suitable material. If window 58 is formed from a tinted transparent plastic material, support 60 is also preferably formed from a dark material, thus enhancing contrast with the image printed on screen 22.

A light source 26, which may be at least one light bulb, light emitting diode, or the like, is mounted to the inner surface of the front wall of housing 36 adjacent the lower end of opening 38 as shown. The light source 26 selectively illuminates the screen 22 and is preferably in communication with controller 70 for manual user and programmable control thereof. Preferably, the light source 26 illuminates the entirety of screen 22. Preferably, light source 26 is positioned so that light from light source 26 will project through and along the plane of the window 58, thus providing enhanced visual effects, particularly along the outer perimeter of window 58. Alternatively, a separate light source, such as a night-light, may be mounted on the rear of housing 36, allowing the user to operate system 10 after the ambient room light has been extinguished, for example, after the child has been put to bed.

A pair of speakers 30 are mounted to the housing 36, preferably positioned below the opening 38, as shown. It should be understood, however, that speakers 30 may be mounted in any suitable location on or adjacent to housing 36. Although shown as having two speakers 30, it should be understood that any desired number of speakers may be added. As will be described in greater detail below, speakers 30 selectively play prerecorded or live, remotely transmitted audio clips and messages for the child.

A chamber 18 is formed in the upper portion of housing 36 and holds a microphone 54, which may further include a protective microphone cover 52. Microphone cover 52 may be a conventional microphone cover designed to filter ambient noise and improve the quality of the intended recorded audio signal. Microphone 54 is in electrical communication with controller 70, an audio controller 72 (including a recording medium, such as random access memory, for example), and speakers 30, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The user may record audio messages through use of microphone 54 for selective playback to the child through speakers 30. Further, the audio controller 72 may be coupled with other forms of audio storage and playback, such as cassette tape players and recorders, compact disc players, MP3 players and recorders, and CD-ROM storage devices. If screen 22 is replaced with a liquid crystal display, such as that described above, or any: other flat panel display, the audio content of prerecorded movies or other video clips may be played through speakers 30. Also, a radio receiver may be provided for receiving conventional radio content to be played to the child through speakers 30. Other wireless content, such as that generated by a parent in the household, may also be received by the unit.

An additional microphone may be provided in the lower portion of housing 36, allowing the user to better hear the sounds generated by the infant when the infant is lying in the crib. Further, openings may be formed through the front wall of housing 36 adjacent the microphones for providing enhanced sound transmission thereto.

A battery chamber 16 is formed within housing 36 adjacent the chamber 18, as shown, for receiving a battery 68 for powering device 10. Battery chamber 16 may receive conventional batteries, such as AAA batteries or, alternatively, device 10 may be connected to a standard household electrical power supply, or to any other suitable power supply. A door may be formed in housing 36, providing the user with selective access to chamber 16.

A scent chamber 34 is formed in the lower portion of housing 36, for housing the scent delivery subsystem, illustrated in FIG. 5. Housing 36 preferably has a door formed therein adjacent scent chamber 34, providing the user with access to the chamber 34. A scent source 110 is received within scent chamber 34 for producing scented air. Scent source 110 may be the garment of a parent or any other material that creates a pleasing scent for the infant. Alternatively, a cage may be provided either within the chamber, or positioned adjacent the chamber on the exterior of the housing, for receiving the scent source 110. The cage includes a door or other access, allowing the user to easily remove or replace the scent source 110 therein.

A diaphragm 98 is mounted to extend vertically between an upper rail 92 upon which the diaphragm 98 is slidably mounted and the floor of the chamber 34. Diaphragm 98 has an opening formed therethrough, allowing the passage of air therethrough, so that when the diaphragm 98 is moved back and forth in a horizontal direction, air is drawn from the environment through a port 100 formed in the rear wall of housing 36 and through the opening formed through the diaphragm 98. Forward motion of the diaphragm 98 forces scented air generated by scent source 110 through a forward port 32 formed through the front wall of housing 36.

The delivery of the scented air through forward port 32 to the child is under user control and, preferably, may be programmed through controller 70. Any suitable oscillating drive system may be utilized for the delivery of the scented air. However, in the preferred embodiment, an oscillator circuit 90 receiving power through line 66 drives an electromagnetic coil 88 to create an alternating magnetic field. Power may be provided to the electromagnetic coil 88 in direct response to audio input from the user, either through the microphone 54 or through the telephone 50. A sliding arm 96 is mounted below the rail 92, as shown, with the diaphragm 98 being mounted to arm 96, and extending downwardly therefrom, and a magnet 94 being further mounted thereon. The oscillating magnetic field generates an oscillating magnetic force on fixed magnet 94, thus driving the diaphragm 98 in oscillating horizontal directions.

Alternatively, a pre-packaged scent cartridge may be provided, allowing the user to select a particular scent for insertion into chamber 34. A reservoir may further be formed within scent chamber 34 for receiving a liquid scented material, such as perfume or the like. Also, a fan may be mounted to the housing 36 to aid in the delivery of the scented air to the child. Alternatively, housing 36 may be formed without an integral scent chamber 34. An auxiliary housing containing scent chamber 34 could be selectively added and removed from the housing 36.

It should be understood that any suitable scent delivery means may be utilized in system 10. For example, rather than the magnetically driven system described above, a passive scent diffusion system may be mounted within chamber 34. Alternatively, a fan or the like may be provided within chamber 34 for delivering the scented air to the child.

The chamber 18 further receives a telephone interface, which may be a conventional land telephone connection or, preferably, a port for interconnection with a cellular telephone 50, as shown in FIG. 3. Cellular telephone 50 is connected, via interface line 48 to controller 70 and to audio controller 72. A door may be formed in housing 36 adjacent chamber 18, providing the user with accessibility to the telephone 50 stored therein. As described above, the user may record audio messages through use of the microphone 54. Alternatively, the user may remotely access the device 10 through use of the telephone 50. The microphone 54 is in communication with the audio controller 70 via line 54, which feeds into the main control line 60. The telephone 50 is in communication with main control line 60 via interface 48 and may be utilized to generate real-time audio messages, generated by a remote user, to be played on speakers 30. Alternatively, the user may remotely record audio messages for later playback. Interface 48 preferably connects to telephone 50 through the cellular telephone's headphone port. Alternatively, the unit may have a built-in cellular telephone circuit or may be connected directly to a household telephone line, without the need for an additional telephone installed within the system.

Chamber 18 preferably prevents the telephone 50 from being seen by the infant, thus allowing the child to associate the voice or other audio signal with the image 24 or the scented air. Further, securing the telephone 50 from the infant's grasp prevents accidental dislodging and activation or deactivation of the telephone by the child, and further limits the exposure of the child to possibly dangerous levels of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation. Additionally, chamber 18 may be lined with metal walls, for example, in order to prevent leakage of potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation. Also, the combination of the microphone 54 and telephone 50 allows the user to remotely monitor the sounds generated by the infant in a manner similar to localized baby monitors.

Further, through the telephonic interface, the user may remotely control the playback of prerecorded audio messages, illuminate light source 26, or operate the scent subsystem 120 through the remote generation of control signals, which are received and interpreted by controller 70. Also, the user may converse with the child through microphone 54 and speakers 30 in a manner similar to a conventional speakerphone, or program a particular sequence of sensory stimulation for the child. Alternatively, control and programming of device 10 may be actuated through an interface, which may be in the form of buttons or controls 28 mounted on the housing 36. Button 28 may be actuated by the child for simple control of the system, such as turning the system on and off, with more complex control, such as programming of a sensory stimulation sequence or actuation of a particular sensory stimulation device, being controlled by the user. Further, pre-set routines or sequences of sensory stimulation may be actuated by the child through actuation of button 28 or the like. Controller 70 may include a learning subroutine, allowing for the system to record the child's preference and play back the child's preferred sensory routine or routines.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, controller 70, which may be a microprocessor, computer or any suitable programmable control system, may be coupled with timer circuits 86, 74, allowing for programming of a sequence of sensory stimulation to be actuated at a particular time or at particular time intervals. As will be described in further detail below, controller 70 may be interconnected with external computer devices, including hardware and peripherals. Preferably, controller 70 is a computer controller which is compatible with commercial operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows®, for example.

The left “record” path in the system diagram of FIG. 4 allows the user to record audio messages through either the microphone 54 or through the telephone 50, which are recorded in the memory of audio controller 72. Timer 86 allows the user to program either a specific time, or a specific time interval, for the playback of the audio message to the child. The central dashed line illustrates a direct connection between telephone 50 and the audio controller 72, allowing for real-time conversation with the child, as described above. The timer circuits may further be utilized for actuation of units 10, particularly when multiple systems 10 are provided. Individual ones of multiple systems 10 may be actuated according to a pre-set time sequence.

The right “play” path of the system diagram of FIG. 4 illustrates the controlled playback of either the audio message described above, or actuation of the light source 26 and the scent subsystem 120. As noted above, the screen 22 may alternatively be a flat panel display or the like. In this alternative embodiment, controller 70 controls the visual playback on the display. Timer 74, coupled with controller 70 and audio controller 72, allows for a user-programmed sequence of sensory stimulation to be actuated at a specific time, or at specific time intervals. Alternatively, the user may remotely activate one or more of the sensory stimulation subsystems by generating control signals, through use of telephone 50.

In addition to the button or control 28, shown within the grasp of the infant, a separate set of user interfaces may be mounted on the upper wall or rear wall of the housing, allowing the user to program and control device 10, out of reach of the child. Button 28 may activate a simple subsystem, such as the illumination of light source 26, with more complex functions being controlled by the user-accessible or remote interfaces. Alternatively, in addition to wireless actuation through cellular telephone 50, a separate remote control device may be utilized for actuation and programming of device 10.

Audio playback may be further customized, for example, including sounds simulating the sounds internal to a mother's womb, which would be particularly soothing to a newborn infant. A volume control may be further added, along with a variable intensity control, allowing the sound and light intensity to vary over time, either through manual control or following a programmed routine. Gradual dimming of light and lowering of volume may be utilized to aid in the inducement of sleep. Further, the system can be programmed to produce a light intensity proportional to a volume level of ambient sound recorded by microphone 54.

Further, the activation of light source 26 or of scent subsystem 120 may be responsive to speech, either through direct voice activation via sound pickup through microphone 54, or through transmitted speech, via telephone 50. Controller 70 may further be programmed with a set volume threshold, so that light source 26 and/or scent subsystem 120 are activated only when the ambient noise level, or the volume of speech directed at the system, reach a preset threshold.

Also, referring to FIG. 3, support 60 is shown as being pivotally joined to the housing 36, thus allowing the rotation of screen 22 therewith. Alternatively, light source 26, button 28, speakers 30 and scent chamber 34 may all be joined to the lower portion of support 60, thus allowing for the selective pivotal rotation of these components along with screen 22. This configuration would allow the child to push the lower portion of the system, including the speakers and scent chamber, to generate the rocking thereof. Thus, in this configuration, the visual, audio and olfactory stimulation would be coupled with tactile stimulation as well.

The remote actuation of system 10 allows for parents to maintain contact with, and engage in activities with, their children, even when the parents are at work, traveling or otherwise not physically available. Despite physical absence, system 10 allows the child to form sensory associations with the parent or other caregiver through remote actuation of the system, and through real-time communication through the telephone line. The system 10 may further be used as a telephone by the child, with actuation of the telephone being performed through actuation of one or more buttons 28.

Also, the selective actuation of device 10, as opposed to an automatic system, which is operative dependent upon hearing a baby's cry, for example, allows the parents or other caregivers to control the appropriate sensory stimulation, rather than having the child learn through Pavlovian techniques how to manipulate the actuation of the device.

Further, as noted above, screen 22 may be a flat panel display, capable of displaying movies, television, movie clips or other animated video. The system 10 may be coupled with a DVD player, television receiver, computer or other source of video signals. Further, the system may be used to selectively display digital photographs, which may be displayed according to a programmable routine. Selected video images may be programmed to be displayed along with related or accompanying selected audio and/or olfactory stimulation. The system may be provided with a universal serial bus (USB) port, or other standard port for connecting system 10 to a computer, digital camera or the like. In addition to visual playback and accompanying audio playback, the system 10 may further include a radio receiver, allowing the child to listen to radio transmissions through system 10.

A content filter may be provided with controller 70, allowing for parental control over the media content delivered to the child, such as the pornography and violence filters typically provided with both programmable television sets and Internet connections. Similarly, television-related hardware and/or programming could be provided with system 10 and interconnected with controller 70, such as, for example, digital recording devices or video game systems.

In addition to the connection of a digital camera or the like to the system 10 through the USB port (or similar interface), the digital camera or any other suitable video recording means may be interconnected with system 10 and controlled by controller 70 to record or transmit video images. Alternatively, cellular telephone 50 could be a camera-type cellular telephone, incorporating a digital camera. In addition to the recording and transmission of audio data, system 10 could record and transmit complementary video data to the user. A separate display screen may be mounted on the housing, and interconnected with the video source, allowing the user to aim and focus the video source.

System 10 may further be utilized as an educational toy. For example, animal imagery may be imprinted on one or more buttons 28, and by depressing the appropriate button, the audio subsystem will play a noise associated with the animal. The system 10, particularly when coupled with a flat panel display 22, could further be coupled with a computer and/or to the Internet, allowing the child limited educational exposure to computer networks and systems. Educational and other functional modules or kits could be produced and provided for a variety of topics and/or age groups. Interconnection with the Internet may be through the telephone connection or may be accomplished through use of a separate modem or router, or through use with a wireless router. Further, Internet features, such as instant and text messaging or Internet telephone communication, for example, may be provided, particularly for use by older children. The unit may include cost effective, or free, Internet communication technology, such as, for example, voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP), such that communication, both to and from the child, is cost effective or free, without requiring the child or parent to use the standard telephone line or the cellular telephone.

These kits or modules would be specialized for a particular age group or for a particular educational topic. The kits or modules would include memory interconnectable to controller 70, through the USB port or the like, allowing system 10 to be programmed for particular functionality, such as utilizing the display screen for a simulation of finger painting, for example, or adding a computer peripheral, such as an electronic instrument, to be coupled with the audio subsystem for musical educational purposes. Further, the buttons 28 may be customized, with removable indicia, for example, allowing the child to interact with customized programmable audio and/or video.

For example, images of animals could be provided for use with buttons 28, and the child would depress the particular button with an image of a chicken, for example, when the image of a chicken is displayed on screen 22, or when the audio system plays a reproduction of a chicken clucking. Additionally, non-educational programming instructions could be provided, allowing for set routines, as described above with regard to the user programming system 10, to be downloaded to controller 70. Alternatively, electronic textbooks or the like may be stored in the memory for display to the child, or for audio playback to the child through the audio subsystem.

The kits or modules may include removable memory devices, such as smart cards, for example, which may further be used for the transfer of data between system 10 and related computer hardware. Similarly, computer hardware and peripherals may be interconnected directly with system 10 through the USB port or other suitable interfaces. In addition to the USB or similar interface, a wireless interface may further be provided, allowing for interconnection with wireless peripherals, such as wireless keyboards, musical instruments and the like. Data may also be transmitted, through the wireless connection, to other data devices, such as personal digital assistants, for example.

Further, in addition to providing the user with audio and visual feedback, any suitable desired sensors may additionally be mounted to the housing. For example, a temperature sensor may be mounted to the housing, allowing the user to either locally or remotely monitor the environmental temperature in the child's locale. The local temperature and other data, such as the time or date, may further be displayed on screen 22 or on other suitable display devices.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A sensory stimulation device for a child, comprising:

a housing having a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall having an opening and a scent port formed therethrough;

a screen mounted to the housing and positioned within the opening formed through the front wall, the screen displaying a user-selectable image;

means for releasably securing the housing to a crib;

at least one microphone disposed in the housing;

a recording medium for storing user-selectable audio data, the recording medium being in electrical communication with the at least one microphone;

at least one speaker electrically connected with the recording medium for generating audio signals dependent upon the user-selectable audio data;

a scent chamber formed within the housing;

a scent producing material disposed within the scent chamber for producing scented air;

means for delivering the scented air to the child through the scent port;

means for delivering user-selective control signals to the means for delivering the scented air and to the recording medium; and

a user interface in electrical communication with the means for delivering user-selective control signals, the user interface allowing the user to actuate and program the means for delivering user-selected control signals.

2. The sensory stimulation device as recited in claim 1, wherein said user interface comprises a telephone interface adapted for connection to a telephone line, allowing the user to remotely actuate and program said means for delivering user-selected control signals.

3. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, wherein said screen has an upper end pivotally attached to said housing.

4. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, further comprising a light source for selectively illuminating said screen, the light source being electrically connected to said means for delivering user-selected control signals.

5. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for releasably securing the housing to the crib comprises a substantially L-shaped support member mounted to an upper portion of the rear wall of said housing, the L-shaped support member being adapted for releasable reception of a horizontal rail of the crib.

6. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in-claim 5, wherein said means for releasably securing the housing to the crib further comprises:

a bolt mounted to a central portion of the rear wall of the housing and projecting rearwardly therefrom, the bolt being adapted for insertion between a pair of adjacent vertical rails of the crib; and

a nut for releasably securing the bolt to the crib.

7. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, wherein said means for delivering the scented air to the child through the scent port comprises a diaphragm slidably mounted within said scent chamber, the diaphragm being selectively driven to force the scented air through the scent port.

8. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 7, further comprising at least one rail mounted to an upper wall of said scent chamber, the diaphragm having an upper end slidably mounted to the at least one rail.

9. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 8, further comprising:

a magnet mounted to the upper end of the diaphragm; and

an oscillating electromagnet mounted within said housing above the upper wall of said scent chamber for driving the diaphragm along an oscillating path, the oscillating electromagnet being in communication with said means for delivering user-selective control signals.

10. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, wherein said recording medium is further adapted for storing user-selectable video data, said screen being a display adapted for displaying the user-selectable video data.

11. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, further comprising a transparent window mounted in said housing, the window covering the opening formed through the front wall thereof.

12. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, further comprising a programmable timer in communication with said user interface.

13. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, wherein said user interface comprises at least one user-actuatable button mounted to the front wall of said housing.

14. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

a battery chamber formed within said housing; and

at least one battery received within the battery chamber for providing electrical power to the sensory stimulation device.

15. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 1, wherein said user interface comprises a telephone interface adapted for connection to a telephone line, allowing the user to remotely actuate and program said means for delivering user-selected control signals, said housing having a telephone chamber formed therein, the telephone interface being received within the telephone chamber.

16. The sensory stimulation device for a child as recited in claim 15, wherein the telephone interface comprises a cellular telephone.