Abstract: A baby monitor system with a parent unit communicable with a baby unit a soothing unit is provided. In an embodiment for the baby monitor system of the present invention, the baby unit is responsive to receiving a signal representative of an audible sound transmitted from the parent unit and the parent unit is responsive to receiving a signal representative of an audible sound transmitted from the baby unit. In an embodiment for a method of the present invention, a method for monitoring a baby is provided.

Abstract: A device usage monitoring and control system for accomplishing parental monitoring and control of devices connected to a home network includes a permissions module receiving and storing control commands from a parent defining permissions with respect to one or more children. The permissions specify levels of access to devices connected to a home network and/or classifications of media content consumable via the devices. A control module grants a child access to the devices and/or media content via the devices based on the levels of access. A monitoring module monitors the child's usage of the devices and/or the child's consumption of media content via the devices, stores a related usage history, and communicates the usage history to the parent.

Abstract: A monitoring and locating device includes one or more remote child units and a parent unit in communication with each of the child units. The parent unit is adapted to assign and transmit an individual identifier to each child unit. The parent unit is constructed and arranged to continuously monitor each of the child units by transmitting and receiving signals to each of the child units using the individual identifiers assigned thereto. The monitoring and locating device may be used in a method for monitoring and tracking a living entity that includes acquiring the plurality of child units using the parent unit based at least in part on user input. Monitoring each of the plurality of child units individually with the parent unit. Tracking the location of each child unit with the parent unit and locating a selected child unit of the plurality of child units with the parent unit based upon the tracked location thereof.

Abstract: A system for containing a child within a defined area, for communicating with the child, and for locating the child if the child leaves the defined area is disclosed. The containment capability of the system is provided by a presently existing electronic pet containment system. The child wears a monitoring module that produces a signal that is transmitted back to a control unit in the possession of the parent, thus warning the parent if the child approaches or crosses the wire defining the boundary of the defined area. The parent can use the control unit transceiver to communicate with the child and the child can communicate with the parent using the transceiver within the monitoring module. If the child leaves the defined area, the control unit has locating capabilities that provide the parent with an indication as to the direction in which the child is moving and the distance between the child and the control unit.

Abstract: A system and a method for monitoring objects including infants. The system and method having a first transmitter attached to the object to be monitored, the first transmitter transmits an ID corresponding to the first transmitter. A transceiver associates transmitters by storing in memory IDs of respective transmitters. The transceiver receives the ID corresponding to the first transmitter and compares the received ID with the stored IDs. An alarm is activated upon failure of a preset condition based on signals received by the transceiver.

Abstract: A collar to be worn on an object or a large or small animal has been designed incorporating (D)GPS technology. The operation of the device includes programming the three dimensional boundary into the memory of the device and simply installing the collar on the animal. As the animal approaches the preprogrammed boundary, a first alarm sounds when the subject is within an arbitrary user defined distance, and a second more drastic alarm such as a shock correction is applied when the subject approaches a second position closer to the boundary. Means to easily program the device are also included in the system. The device has the capability to call or transmit important information such as location, speed, identity, and medical parameters etc to a station automatically or when polled. All necessary analog and digital circuitry, microprocessor, programming, communications hardware are integrated into the collar.

Abstract: An electronic personal monitoring device that informs the user, i.e. tutor or guardian, when an unauthorized person has come too close to the protected person, i.e. target person, or when the target person moves or has been moved outside a calculated tutor monitoring range wherein the device continually monitors, i.e. self-monitoring, so long as the alarm system is enabled and produces an alarm signal when triggered, which may be a silent or vibration alarm, audible alarm or visual alarm.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring a direction of a monitored device when the monitored device is positioned further than a predetermined distance from a monitoring device. The monitoring device receives a locator signal from the monitored device and produces a direction indication that indicates the direction of the received locator signal. If the monitoring device no longer receives the locator signal, the direction indication indicates the direction of the last received locator signal.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the location of individuals, such as parolees, includes a wearable device worn by the individual and a portable device operatively coupled to the wearable device. The portable device is operatively coupled to a monitoring system through a wireless telephone network. The portable device transmits periodically encrypted location information as well as status information across the wireless network to the monitoring system. The monitoring system tracks the location of the individual and alerts the appropriate authorities when the individual violates a rule, such as a condition for parole. The portable device increases the time between transmissions when the individual is within a specified home location and reduces the time between transmissions when outside the specified location.

Abstract: A child monitoring system for allowing an adult to be alerted when a child moved beyond a specific range from the adult. The child monitoring system includes an adult assembly transmitting a monitoring signal over freespace. The adult assembly is designed for being worn by the adult. At least one child assembly receiving the monitoring signal whereby the child assembly produces an alarm sound when the child assembly detects that the monitoring signal is traveling over a distance greater than a pre-determined safe distance. The child assembly is designed for being worn by the child whereby the alarm sound emitted by the child assembly alerts others that the child has ventured to far away from the supervising adult.

Abstract: An attachable alarm system for strollers for alerting parents and bystanders that a child is potentially being abducted. The system includes an alarm receiver having a housing, having an upper wall, and a speaker system for broadcasting an audible alarm. The alarm receiver includes a first reset mechanism and a second reset mechanism. A clamp mechanism extends upwardly from the upper wall of the housing of the alarm receiver. The clamp mechanism is fixedly securable to a handle of a baby stroller. A transmitter is in communication with the alarm receiver. The transmitter includes activation and deactivation buttons.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatus for a security system. In one embodiment, the system includes capabilities to aid in locating an item that is being monitored when the item's location is unknown. The embodiment also includes capabilities for sounding an alarm when the item is believed to be missing.

Abstract: An infant monitoring system contains a removable ear insert. The ear insert receives an audible parameter from an infant in an infant's room and provides the parameter to a parent monitoring device in a parents' room. The parent monitoring device comprises the removable ear insert, whereby only the wearer of the insert is alerted to the audible parameter, without disturbing others nearby the wearer. Individuals near the wearer are not exposed to, or otherwise made aware of, the audible parameter, thereby providing an audio stimulus that is personal to the wearer of the insert. Preferably, the ear insert is comfortably inserted into and worn within the ear of the wearer for use in conjunction with the infant monitoring system, whereby non-wearers of the ear insert remain undisturbed.

Abstract: An article identification system relies upon correlating or “bonding” a detecting object with an identifying object on an auto-identification basis. Identification data is provided on an automated, high-reliability basis, without human control over the precise identification data that is transferred. On this basis a nursery infant-parent identifier system is provided whereby, when a detecting baby bracelet is brought into the presence of an identifying parent's tag, a reliable indication is provided as to whether the bracelet and tag have been previously bonded.

Abstract: A surveillance and remote alarm system for persons subject to limitation of freedom of movement includes a fixed unit placed in the area within which the person can move and a personal bracelet element attached to the person subject to limitation of freedom of movement. The fixed unit is arranged to establish an electromagnetic connection with the personal element and a connection via a telephone line to an operations center. The fixed unit is equipped with a CPU associated with a fingerprint reader and a radio receiver arranged to interact with a similar radio transmitter fitted in the personal element together with a CPU that controls its operation. A sensor is provided to detect any interruption and/or anomalies in the connection between the fixed unit and the personal element and to send an alarm to the operations center.

Abstract: An asset securing and tracking system (30) operates in conjunction with a wireless communication network (65) for tracking a portable asset (35). The system (30) includes a tracking device (31) adapted to be attached to the portable asset (35) and communicate with the wireless communication network (65). The tracking device (31) determines the location of the asset (35) using signals from GPS satellites (55) and the terrestrial wireless communication network (65). A monitoring station (32) receives and processes a location signal regarding the geographic location of the portable asset (35) from tracking device (31) via the wireless communication network (65).

Abstract: A system for improved monitoring of changes in the location and conditions surrounding people and property, utilizing fixed and moveable logic processors, which communicate with each other as well as receivers. Non-continuous signaling may be used to provide for reduced power consumption, and network coupling may be used to provided for exporting information to anywhere in the world.

Abstract: A pet tracking collar comprises a length of clear flexible tubing having a fastener adapted to fasten around the pet. Hermetically sealed within the tubing is an electrical ribbon cable extending through the length thereof. A plurality of light-emitting diodes, visible through the clear tubing, are wirelessly connected at spaced intervals to the cable. The tracking collar also includes an antenna within the electrical ribbon cable, and a radio transmitter secured to the cable adapted to transmit a radio frequency signal. The cable is secured within the flexible tubing such that strain along the length of the tubing is not transmitted to the cable therein. The collar's battery compartment has sufficient clearance between the battery and walls of the battery compartment to shed water after the collar is wetted. A radio frequency signal receiver determines direction or distance of the collar with respect to the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system, method, and computer program product for tracking at least one item. The method on a device includes determining a location of the device and determining whether the location of the device is within a predefined area. The method further includes determining whether the at least one item is within a range. If the at least one item is not within the range and if the location of the device is not within the predefined area, the location of the device is stored. If the device is operating in active mode, an alarm is sounded indicating that the at least one item is not within the range.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for monitoring the location of a person, pet, or inanimate object relative to the location of a monitoring device. If the person, pet, or inanimate object (“monitored object”) travels from or is taken from a specified monitoring perimeter, for example 50 meters, an alarm is activated at the monitoring device to notify the guardian of the monitored object that the monitored object has moved beyond the specified perimeter. A signaling device is attached to the monitored object for signaling its location to the base station. A device for establishing the precise location of the signaling device relative to the base station are provided. If the monitored object becomes lost from the control of the guardian, devices are provided for identifying the monitored object from information stored in a distributed computing network, and devices are provided for contacting the guardian of the monitored object at the monitoring device.

Abstract: A fashion accessory provides a visual alert for the presence of a mobile communication signal from a nearby but not physically connected communication device. The accessory includes a signaling assembly for providing a visual signal when a mobile communication signal is detected within a defined distance, an antenna connected to the signaling assembly and extending from it, and an elongated member configured for attaching the fashion accessory to a body part or personal article. The signaling assembly may include a circuit module with an LED providing a visible signal when an adjacent mobile communication device is transmitting a signal within the defined distance. The defined distance is selected so as to make the fashion accessory responsive only to signals from a mobile device within a user's personal space.

Abstract: A locating system comprising a control unit, a first integrated circuit, a first actuator and a transceiver. The control unit is configured with a program mode and a locate mode. The first actuator and the transceiver are coupled to the first integrated circuit and configured such that when the control unit is in program mode and the first actuator is activated, the control unit transmits a first signal indicating that the control unit is in program mode and identifies the first actuator.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for providing an automatic announcement to a person seeking a particular portal in a facility that any particular portal is the one sought. The method comprises the steps of providing the person with a wireless, electronic transmitting and/or receiving device bearing a particular code, providing the portal with a corresponding wireless, electronic transmitting and/or receiving device bearing the particular code, identifying when the code of the device of the person which has been received by the portal device is the same as the code of the portal device and announcing when the personal code and the portal code have been identified as being the same to the person that this portal is the one sought.

Abstract: A patient identification system is disclosed that solves several problems associated with current ID bands such as easy removal, loss and inefficient patient identification. The patient identification system comprises an identification bracelet that is difficult to remove and has a lock and an identification mechanism. Further, the identification bracelet may require a separate unlocking device to unlock the lock. The unlocking device may also have a means to track how long the bracelet has been unlocked, an alarm system, and a display screen.

Abstract: A child locating system for detecting if a person, such as a child, is outside of a predetermined radius from a receiving point and for determining the longitudinal position and latitudinal position of such person by utilizing global positioning satellites. The system includes an implantable transceiver that is insertable within the person for receiving a positioning signal from a plurality of global positioning satellites, and a mobile receiver for detecting a location signal from the implantable transceiver.

Abstract: An anti-abduction system and method is disclosed which utilizes a radio frequency transceiver attached to a slave to communicate with a corresponding master transceiver to detect and prevent abductions, which may be advantageously applied to situations in which child abduction is a possibility. The disclosed system and method utilizes communication protocols to notify the master of the proximal locality of the slave unit and any spatial deviation of the slave from the master. Utilization of varying strength transceiver signaling between the master and slave permits the distance between the master and slave to be approximated. Additionally, the slave may contain an optional heartbeat monitor to detect and report situations in which the device is removed from the potential abduction victim.

Abstract: A method of generating a warning signal for a walkie-talkie includes: providing a detector and a timer; using the timer to count time; using the detector to determine whether the strength of a radio frequency (RF) signal which includes a standard CTCSS tone received by the walkie-talkie is larger than a predetermined value; using the detector to determine whether the strength of a RF signal which includes a non-standard CTCSS tone received by the walkie-talkie is larger than the predetermined value; if so, resetting the timer; and issuing a warning signal when the time counted by timer reaches a predetermined time.

Abstract: A pacifier locator system for locating a pacifier for a child.

Abstract: The invention discloses a locator unit contained within footwear providing a method for GPS position determination and transmission of said location determination data to a central monitoring station which disseminates the data through the use of proprietary software, wireless communications, land based wire systems and the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method use a wireless tether comprising a transmitter and a receiver to alert a caregiver that an object has been left unattended. A detector senses the presence of the object, usually a child, located in a position such as a safety seat. The detector is operatively coupled to the transmitter, which is located near the object. The transmitter transmits at least one wireless signal when the object is in the position. The receiver, which is remotely located from the transmitter, senses the at least one signal as long as the receiver is within a prescribed range of transmission. By performing a timing function, the receiver monitors the proximity of the caregiver, who maintains possession of the receiver, to the transmitter. The system communicates an alarm to the caregiver when the caregiver ventures outside the range of transmission without having removed the object from the position.

Abstract: An electronic baby soothing device with wireless remote monitor, which is capable of being automatically activated by baby's crying sound, to responsively generate user prerecorded voice of the baby's mother/father/nanny, manufacturer/user prerecorded soothing sounds and flashing-light effects to soothe the crying baby, and wireless transmitting sound in the vicinity of baby to a portable same wireless frequency's wireless remote receiving device, which is capable of being automatically receiving the sounds in the vicinity of baby and generate vibration, flashing-light alert effects, to alert the baby's caretaker the condition of baby being crying, allowing the baby's caretaker wireless remotely to monitor the sleeping baby anytime.

Abstract: A crib gate position indicator for use with a baby crib having a movable gate that can be placed into an open or a closed position. The crib gate position indicator includes a first portion that is mounted to the moveable gate and a second portion that is mounted to the frame of the crib. One of these two portions wirelessly detects the presence of the other when the moveable gate is closed. When the moveable gate is opened, the non-detection of the other member activates an indicator, visual or audible, at one of those members to alert a nearby caretaker that the crib gate is open. Alternatively, this indicator can be remotely-located and may even include a speaker for also conveying both a crib gate open condition as well as the sounds of the baby in the crib. Several alternatives of non-contact detection are disclosed for these first and second portions. Also, the crib gate position indicator can be applied for use with hospital beds, or doors and gates in general.

Abstract: A searching system employs a global positioning system (GPS) and a wireless communication system to enable a second transceiver to trace the distance and the directions of a plurality of first transceivers. The first transceiver can automatically call the second transceiver user when the user of the first transceiver is at rest in excess of a predetermined interval or has a body temperature lower than a critical value. The user of the first transceiver can push an emergency button on the first transceiver to call the user of the second transceiver for help.

Abstract: A signal device for generating audio and visual signals in response to a signal. The device includes a sensor which sends a signal generated near the sensor. The device further includes an announcer to receive the signal from the sensor. An indicator associated with the sensor visually displays information relating to signal while another indicator associated with the announcer visually displays information relating to the signal.

Abstract: A gate sensor for use with a baby crib having a displaceable gate that can be moved into an open or a closed position. The gate sensor detects the open condition of the displaceable gate and transmits a wireless signal to a remotely-located indicator. The gate sensor includes a first portion that contains a transmitter and which can be coupled to the crib or the crib gate. The gate sensor also includes a second portion that is coupled to the displaceable gate, or to the crib accordingly, for interacting with the first portion when the displaceable gate is moved into the open position to cause the first portion to transmit the wireless signal.

Abstract: A system for providing vehicle location information or confirmation of remote entry system operation to a user. In one embodiment, a vehicle transceiver receives a wireless vehicle device function signal, and a vehicle controller generates a vehicle device control signal for use in operating a vehicle device in response. The vehicle controller also confirms operation of the vehicle device, and the vehicle transceiver transmits a wireless vehicle device function confirmation signal. A remote unit includes a transceiver for operation by the user for transmitting the vehicle device function signal and for receiving the vehicle device function confirmation signal. The remote unit also includes an indicator for providing an indication to the user confirming operation of the vehicle device, and a storage device for storing retrievable data representing the indication confirming operation of the vehicle device.

Abstract: A monitor of a body parameter of an infant, comprises at least one monitoring station having at least one sensor arranged to sense a body parameter of an infant, a controller responsive to the sensing of the body parameter of the infant by the at least one sensor to generate a signal that is either indicative of the sensed body parameter or indicative of a result from a comparison of the sensed body parameter with at least one value, and a transceiver arranged to transmit the signal in response to direction from the controller and at least one companion station having a further transceiver and having an output device and being spaced from the at least one monitoring station, the further transceiver being responsive to receipt of the signal to transmit the signal to the output device.

Abstract: A two-way, parent-child communication system includes a parent unit and at least one child unit. The parent and child units are capable of both sending and receiving signals to and from the corresponding unit to cause any number of alerts or messages to be communicated to the parent, child and/or guardian. Each unit may include a number of different alert mechanisms, including an audible alert, a visual alert, a vibratory alert or voice messages.

Abstract: A proximity signaling system and method are disclosed in which first and second transmitters are disposed on first and second mobile objects. The first and second transmitters generate first and second RF signals with first and second receiver addresses, respectively. A receiver is disposed remotely from the first and second transmitters. The receiver has a first and second microcontroller decoders for recognizing the first and second RF signals, respectively. The receiver has a gradual proximity display, such as a bar graph display, for indicating signal strength. The receiver also has first and second proximity alerts, such as lights, beepers, or voice chips, for signaling proximity of the first and second objects, respectively. In use, the first microcontroller decoder filters signals received by the receiver and passes only signals having the first receiver address along to the display and alerts.