Abstract: This invention provides a system for analyzing baby cries capable of diagnosing a cause of cry of a baby based on a cry from the baby. A microphone (1) picks up a cry from a baby as an audio signal. At a certain sampling frequency, an A/D converter (2) samples the audio signal received by the microphone (1) to A/D convert it. An audio analyzer (3) analyzes the audio signal samples by the A/D converter (2) and computes a characteristic quantity based on a frequency spectrum. A cause-of-cry assumption unit (4) assumes a cause of cry based on the characteristic quantity of the audio signal derived at the audio analyzer (3). Finally, an assumed result display (5) displays the assumed result from the cause-of-cry assumption unit (4).

Abstract: A system for supervision and control of objects or persons within a limited area, such as a building, comprising a plurality of electronic identification chips for placing on respective objects/persons to be supervised/controlled, each chip having stored therein a special ID code and being provided with respective transmitters and receivers for communication via ultrasound as well as audible sound, a plurality of stationary detectors which are interconnected in a network and arranged for both-way communication with the chips, and a central control unit in communication with the chips via the detectors. Each chip is continuously active in operation and is arranged to transmit its ID code at predetermined time intervals. At least one of the detectors or the control unit are being arranged to trigger an alarm unit if an incorrect code is received or an approved code is not received continuously at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: Reliable and efficient activation and deactivation control of a number of electronic products (P1, P2, P3) is effected by activation of one of said products by emission of an activation command specific to said product and controlling performance and/or functionality of said product by speech commands.

Abstract: An electronic key or other missing object locator device is responsive to the impulse characteristics of received sounds to distinguish expected impulse-like triggering sounds such as humanly produced hand claps from other impulse-like sounds such as speech or music or non-impulse-like sounds. Errors may be counted whenever the received sounds do not correspond to the expected characteristics of the expected impulse-like triggering sounds. Whenever the expected number of triggering sounds having the expected impulse characteristics have been discriminated and detected, an audible alert is sounded, provided that the errors are not too many. The device of the invention is thereby able to distinguish expected hand claps (or other humanly produced sounds) from non-intended music, speech or other impulse-like or non-impulse-like triggering sounds, rendering it operable even in noisy environments. False alarms from mechanical wave energy are prevented.

Abstract: A baby monitor that monitors an infant while keeping the infant in a safe sleeping position that consists of infant positioning blocks incorporating a battery powered audio pickup with a low power FM transmitter. Infant positioning blocks are popularly known as baby wedges.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fire extinguishing system for suppressing fires on cook stoves, fryers or other heating or heated devices with fire suppressant dispensed through nozzles is powered by batteries which provide current for both a detection circuit including a pair of heat sensors and control circuitry and current for a gas or electric house current shut-off. Preferably, the shut-off is operated acoustically upon sounding of an audible alarm which emits a signal to which the shut off is acoustically tuned. Preferably, the heat sensors are diodes but, in alterative embodiments may be thermistors or active temperature sensors. While a wireless link, such as an acoustical link, is preferred between the control circuitry and shut-off, a wired link may also be used. In order to facilitate mounting of both the heat sensors and nozzles, magnetic housings are utilized which retain studs extending from tees, 90 degree elbows or both.

Abstract: A lost article detector unit includes a microprocessor programmed to execute adaptive actuation signal recognition that discerns desired activation sounds from noise. Preferably the desired activation sounds include a sequence of four adjacent spaced-apart hand claps made by the same user. A transducer provides amplified sound signals to the microprocessor, which then analyzes and stores pattern information associated with the first clap-pair. Signals from a second clap-pair are then analyzed and compared with stored pattern information from the first clap-pair, using the algorithm. The adaptive use of such pattern information permits imposing timing tolerances that are sufficiently tight to reduce false triggering, without requiring the user to memorize a rigid sequence pattern of clapping. Upon microprocessor-recognition of desired activation sounds, the microprocessor causes the transducer to provide a locating signal that may be visual and/or audible.

Abstract: A crime prevention display device is disclosed which includes a casing (21) provided therein with a chuck mechanism (20) for gripping a wire (W) inserted therethrough, a crime prevention alarm circuit (3) connected to the casing and a load detection means (40, 66, 25) for detecting a variation in load applied from an exhibit to the device. The load detection means (40) detects that removal of the exhibit held on the display device causes the device to be unloaded, so that the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm, leading to warning of the abnormality. Also, the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm sound, which is then collected by a sound wave receiver, followed by inputting of the alarm sound to a centralized control equipment (13), so that it may positively exhibit a crime prevention alarm function without causing any malfunction.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fire extinguishing system for suppressing fi on cook stoves, fryers or other heating or heated devices with fire suppressant dispensed through nozzles is powered by batteries which provide current for both a detection circuit including a pair of heat sensors and control circuitry and current for a gas or electric house current shut-off. Preferably, the shut-off is operated acoustically upon sounding of an audible alarm which emits a signal to which the shut off is acoustically tuned. Preferably, the heat sensors are diodes but, in alterative embodiments may be thermistors or active temperature sensors. While a wireless link, such as an acoustical link, is preferred between the control circuitry and shut-off, a wired link may also be used. In order to facilitate mounting of both the heat sensors and nozzles, magnetic housings are utilized which retain studs extending from tees, 90 degree elbows or both.

Abstract: A remote controller for independently controlling a plurality of electric appliances includes a selector device for outputting a selected signal for controlling an electric appliance and a memory electrically connected to the selector device for storing a plurality of codes, such codes consisting of device codes, address codes, and function codes, wherein the device codes designate electric appliances of a particular type (such as TV's, VCR's audio sets, etc.), the address codes designate a specific appliance of the particular type (such as TV no.1, TV no. 2, ect.), and the function codes designate control of a function of the appliance (such as volume, picture contrast, color, etc.).

Abstract: A device is provided that responds in real time, as well as in a rhythmic fashion, through amplification and processing of an audio signal. The device also will change in intensity. The electronics work off of three DC power supplies derived from a single AC source. The DC power supplies supply DC sources to the lamp voltage, audio amplifier and darlington network. The circuit takes a line (low) level signal into a capacitively coupled audio amplifier IC. The amplified output is then fed through an isolation transformer into a full-wave bridge rectifier to become a pulsed DC to drive the darlington network. The darlington network, used for voltage gain, drives the bases of the lamp driver transistors which are staggered respectively, through diodes to produce the visual effect. The circuit is not limited to driving lamps of any particular wattage or to the housing of the visual display.

Abstract: An outdoor alerting device for smoke alarms including an alarm detecting and alerting device drive unit and an exterior alerting device including a loudspeaker installed within a housing and a light display unit attached to the housing and having a light bulb. The alarm detecting and alerting device drive unit includes an alarm detection circuit including a microphone having a microphone output in electrical connection with an amplifier circuit for converting the audible alarm into an amplified electrical microphone signal. The amplified electrical microphone signal is then passed through a band pass filter that is tuned to the main audible output frequency of the audible alarm of the smoke detector to produce a filtered microphone signal. The filtered microphone signal is the passed through a rectifier circuit to convert the filtered microphone signal into a DC microphone signal. The DC microphone signal is then output to the signal input of a comparator.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fire extinguishing system for suppressing fi on cook stoves, fryers or other heating or heated devices with fire suppressant dispensed through nozzles is powered by batteries which provide current for both a detection circuit including a pair of heat sensors and control circuitry and current for a gas or electric house current shut-off. Preferably, the shut-off is operated acoustically upon sounding of an audible alarm which emits a signal to which the shut off is acoustically tuned. Preferably, the heat sensors are diodes but, in alterative embodiments may be thermistors or active temperature sensors. While a wireless link, such as an acoustical link, is preferred between the control circuitry and shut-off, a wired link may also be used. In order to facilitate mounting of both the heat sensors and nozzles, magnetic housings are utilized which retain studs extending from tees, 90 degree elbows or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a plurality of objects including a plurality of receiver units. Each receiver includes a receiver housing with a first pile fastener secured to a bottom surface thereof for allowing coupling with a second pile fastener situated on an entity. A speaker is situated on the top surface of each receiver housing for transmitting an audio signal. Also included is a receiver mechanism situated within the receiver housing and connected to the speaker. Each receiver mechanism is adapted to transmit a unique audio signal via the speaker thereof upon the receipt of a unique activation signal. The second major component is a transmitter unit comprising a plurality of push button switches situated on the front face thereof. Finally, a transmitter mechanism is situated within the transmitter housing and coupled to the push button switches.

Abstract: A lost article detector unit includes a microprocessor programmed to execute adaptive actuation signal recognition that discerns desired activation sounds from noise. Preferably the desired activation sounds include a sequence of four adjacent spaced-apart hand claps made by the same user. A transducer provides amplified sound signals to the microprocessor, which then analyzes and stores pattern information associated with the first clap-pair. Signals from a second clap-pair are then analyzed and compared with stored pattern information from the first clap-pair, using the algorithm. The adaptive use of such pattern information permits imposing timing tolerances that are sufficiently tight to reduce false triggering, without requiring the user to memorize a rigid sequence pattern of clapping. Upon microprocessor-recognition of desired activation sounds, the microprocessor causes the transducer to audibly beep an activation sound.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle sound-actuated traffic controller including an intersection of at least two roads with a plurality of traffic lights for directing traffic therethrough. The traffic lights have a conventional control box for the controlling thereof. Further provided is a microphone adapted to receive audio signals and further adapted to convert the audio signals to electrical pulses. Finally, control circuitry is electrically connected to the microphone and includes a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a pair of contacts coupled to the control box. In operation, the switching mechanism has a first orientation with the contacts thereof open thereby allowing normal operation of the control box and the traffic lights and a second orientation with the contacts abutting each other thereby instructing the control box to direct all of the traffic lights to turn constant red.

Abstract: An acoustic communication system comprises: a voice processing circuit wh generates a first signal representing a voice message; a noise sensor channel which generates a second signal in response to detecting background noise in an environment; a microcomputer which receives the first and second signals, and provides a third signal to a selected one of first and second output ports of the microcomputer, where the amplitude of the third signal is functionally related to the value of the second signal; an ultrasonic output channel coupled to the first output port and which generates an ultrasonic output signal representing the voice message in response to receiving the third signal; a pubic address channel coupled to the second output port which generates an audible signal representing the voice message in response to receiving the third signal; and an ultrasonic receiving system which generates an audible output representing the voice message in response to receiving the ultrasonic output signal.

Abstract: A redundant alarm system including a central controller that interfaces with a first alarm, a second alarm, a visual indicator and an acoustic sensor. When an alarm condition exists, the controller activates the primary alarm causing the primary alarm to generate an audible first alarm signal. The audible first alarm signal is transmitted from the primary alarm to the acoustical sensor. The acoustical sensor detects the audible first alarm signal and transduces the audible first alarm signal into a first feedback signal that is relayed to the controller. If the controller does not receive the first feedback signal from the acoustical sensor within a predetermined time after activating the primary alarm, the controller activates the secondary alarm and the visual indicator.

Abstract: A crime prevention display device is disclosed which includes a casing (21) provided therein with a chuck mechanism (20) for gripping a wire (W) inserted therethrough, a crime prevention alarm circuit (3) connected to the casing and a load detection means (40, 66, 25) for detecting a variation in load applied from an exhibit to the device. The load detection means (40) detects that removal of the exhibit held on the display device causes the device to be unloaded, so that the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm, leading to warning of the abnormality. Also, the crime prevention alarm circuit (3) generates an alarm sound, which is then collected by a sound wave receiver, followed by inputting of the alarm sound to a centralized control equipment (13), so that it may positively exhibit a crime prevention alarm function without causing any malfunction.

Abstract: A locator system comprising a number of unique portable IR transmitter units, each having a unique identity address consisting of a 16 bit data stream with two start bits and a stop bit, a number of fixed IR receiver units, each having a unique identity, and a central data processing computer. The transmitter units transmit in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction simultaneously. Both the transmitter units and the receiver units contain programmable microprocessors, enabling the transmitter units to be addressed with one of up to 65,535 possible identities and enabling the receiver units to store multiple transmitter unit identities until polled by the data processing computer.

Abstract: A beeper controlled auto security system in which a vehicle disabling device such as an ignition kill switch is selectively activated either by a hand held rf transmitter unit or a beeper paging system satellite transmission initiated by a telephone call which may be at a very remote location from the vehicle. A vehicle motion detector is also activated which turns on a monitor transmitter if the vehicle is thereafter moved, enabling detection by a portable monitor receiver carried by the vehicle owner or police vehicles.

Abstract: A remote alert system includes an electrical signal transmitting unit located at a first location and a receiving unit located at a second location remote from the first location. The signal transmitting unit includes an electrical circuit either disposed in a module which fits between a light socket and a light bulb of a security light unit or integrated directly in the circuitry of the security light unit. The electrical circuit electrically interconnects the light socket with the light bulb so as to cause illumination of the light bulb in response to activation of the security light unit from an "off" to "on" condition. The electrical circuit also produces and broadcasts an electrical signal in response to such activation of the security light unit. The signal receiving unit includes a housing mountable at the second location and an electrical circuit disposed in the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand-held transmitter for the remote control of various vehicle systems with integrated normal key. A housing has electronics and the normal key connected to the said housing, and a sensor system which detects positions or movements of the normal key. Here, a code for the remote-controlled actuation of at least the lock system of the vehicle is emitted as a function of the signals of the sensor system.

Abstract: A beeper controlled auto security system in which a vehicle disabling device such as an ignition kill switch is selectively activated either by a hand held rf transmitter unit or a beeper paging system satellite transmission initiated by a telephone call which may be at a very remote location from the vehicle. A vehicle motion detector is also activated which turns on a monitor transmitter if the vehicle is thereafter moved, enabling detection by a portable monitor receiver carried by the vehicle owner or police vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for warning a motor vehicle operator of an approaching emergency motor vehicle having a sounding siren. The method comprehends selecting two frequencies A'-B' that fall within the siren frequency range and providing a microphone for detecting the sound signals including the siren signals and filtering out the electrical siren signals by a band pass filter. The selected A' and B' frequency signals are individually detected to provide output indications thereof representative of an A'-B' frequency transition. The output indications are processed for determining the preselected number of frequency transitions and producing a warning signal representative of the approaching emergency vehicle. The warning signal is utilized to give the motor vehicle operator an audible alarm and/or a visible alarm and deenergizing the motor vehicle's sound system.

Abstract: A smoke alarm activated device includes a sound receiver and signal converting device for receiving a sound wave analog signal emitted from a smoke alarm in response to the sensed presence of smoke. The signal is received and converted into a digital signal containing the informational characteristics contained within the transmitted sound wave. The digital signal is detected in a first time period which first time is identical to the time period in which the sound wave is generated. The absence of the digital signal in a second time period is detected, which second time period is identical to the time period in which the detected sound wave is absent. An output control signal is generated when the presence of the digital signal is detected in the first time period and the absence of the digital signal is detected in the second time period. A device is activated in response to the output control signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for the detection and recognition of pre-established sound patterns such as the various patterns produced by the sirens of emergency vehicles. The system includes a microprocessor which programmed with pre-established sequence detection algorithms corresponding to the different types of emergency vehicles sirens signal patterns which are to be recognized. A first omnidirectional microphone is coupled through a bandpass circuit to a trigger circuit to produce square wave signals representative of analog signals in the band of interest. At least two directional microphones are coupled through similar bandpass amplifier circuits to analog digital converters which produce a digital output representative of the strength of the signals received by the directional microphones. This directional information along with the output of the Schmitt trigger is supplied to the microprocessor which is used to control the signal lights at an intersection in response to the detected siren.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for determining the location of a member of a class of individual transmitter-receiver units distributed throughout a defined facility. A central station establishes a two-way communication channel with one or more relay stations and sends a coded message identifying a particular individual unit over the communication channel. The relay stations respond to the message by sending out wake-up signals and radiant energy inquiry signals. The individual unit identified in the inquiry signal responds with a radiant energy acknowledgment signal. Embodiments of the invention disclose the use of infrared energy or ultrasonic energy for the radiant energy. Ultrasonic signals are sent on a plurality of frequencies. The relay stations send identification signals to the central station which identify the sending relay station and indicate whether an acknowledgment signal was received.

Abstract: A monitoring arrangement for a gas turbine spark ignition system in which the spark discharge current oscillates at a known frequency includes a sonic sensor accoustically coupled to the spark igniter, a filter for passing only those signals from this sensor which have a frequency corresponding to that of the discharge current and indicating means responsive to the filter output for indicating that the spark igniter is operating. An additional optical sensor may provide a signal response to a spark gap in the ignition system, signals from both sensors being required to energize the indicating means.

Abstract: Apparatus for enhancing human hearing includes a pair of parallel-connected directional microphone elements responsive to frequencies ranging from below the audible frequency range to above the audible frequency range, the microphone elements facing in opposite directions and mounted in a parabolic reflector. The microphone element output signals are separated into infrasonic, sonic, and ultrasonic channels by filters. The infrasonic and ultrasonic channel signals are processed by a frequency heterodyning process to signals having frequencies within the range of human hearing. The channel signals are then selectively combined, amplified, and supplied to an earphone to render audible sounds outside the range of human hearing and aid in the detection, location, and classification of events of interest.

Abstract: A voice operated switch for use in noisy environments is described. The switch includes independent amplifiers for separately amplifying frequency band limited speech and noise signals. The independently amplified speech and noise signals are rectified, applied through time constant circuits, and are applied to a differential amplifier. Variations in the resulting signal are detected to determine the present or absence of speech, and control pulses are generated. The control pulses operate a switch device.

Abstract: A receiver to detect the audio tone emitted by an activated smoke alarm. The receiver employs an electret condenser microphone to monitor ambient sound. The output of the microphone is applied to an active band-pass filter and then to a PLL tone decoder. The PLL is tunable to provide maximum sensitivity to the frequency of the tone. The microphone is the gain controllable element in an AGC system that acts to keep received signals at a constant level. This insures that all devices operate linearly.

Abstract: An add-on alarm system for use in conjunction with an audio detector. The system includes an indoor unit that is audibly coupled to the detector and an outdoor unit containing an independent power supply that communicates with the indoor unit to provide an alert signal for directing rescue operations. The outdoor unit includes a relay which is energized by a signal from the indoor unit to close a contact in an alarm circuit and thus generate an alert signal. The relay is held energized by the outdoor power supply so that the alert signal persists in the event the detector or the indoor unit becomes disabled.

Abstract: A miniature, battery-operated electronic unit adapted to be attached to a common article such as keys or eyeglasses. The unit is responsive to a plurality of sounds for emitting audible tones to enable a misplaced article to be located. A sound detecting and indicating circuit provides the audible tones upon receipt of a sequence of sounds falling within predetermined frequency, time spacing and amplitude ranges. The correct sequence of sounds is generated by the user by clapping, whistling or making any other loud sounds, and no additional transmitting device is required. Improper sequences of sounds are prevented from producing false activation of the unit. Extremely low power consumption, resulting in part from CMOS technology, allows the unit to remain on continuously for a period of six to nine months using standard camera (button cell) batteries. Special battery-saver circuitry prolongs battery life.

Abstract: The personal acoustic alarm unit produces an audible alarm signal in the audio range to alert persons in the area of the signal transmitter. This audio alarm signal is formed by a plurality of simultaneously generated audio frequency sonic signals, each of which has a different audio frequency. Receiver units are turned to receive the audio frequency sonic signals from a specific transmitter or group of transmitters.

Abstract: A signalling system to indicate the position of a disconnect switch used in an electric transmission line. The switch has at least one moving contact and at least one fixed contact. The system comprises two transmitters associated with the moving and fixed contacts to transmit at least one ultrasonic signal indicating the position of the moving contact with relation to the fixed contact of the disconnect switch. A receiver assembly receives the ultrasonic signal transmitted by the transmitters and generates an output signal representative of the position of the moving and fixed contacts.