REMOTE CONTROLLED SAFETY BABY WALKER

Abstract

The inventive aspect described in the specification can be embodied in a method for remotely monitoring and controlling the movements of a baby walker. The further inventive aspects can be embodied in a method wherein controlling movement of the baby walker includes restricting the movement of the baby walker within an area. The other inventive aspects can be embodied in a method for remotely controlling movements of a baby walker wherein controlling includes remotely controlling the baby walker via a smart device. Yet other inventive aspects may include sensing an elevation of the baby walker relative to a surrounding area.

Claims

1. A method for remotely monitoring movements of a baby walker, the method comprising: sensing an elevation of the baby walker in an area around the baby walker; controlling the movement of the baby walker based on the sensed elevation.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein controlling movement of the baby walker includes restricting the movement of the baby walker within an area.

3. A method for remotely monitoring movements of baby walker, the method comprising: sensing position, speed, acceleration and surface characteristics of the baby walker in an area around the baby walker; controlling the movement of baby walker based on at least one of the sensed position, speed, acceleration and the surface characteristics of the area baby walker is moving.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein controlling further Includes comparing at least one of the sensed position, speed, acceleration or surface characteristics of the baby walker with a threshold value.

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein the position is determined using a OPS attached to the baby walker.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein controlling include remotely controlling the baby walker via a smart device.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein controlling includes stopping the movement of the baby walker when the baby walker approaches a boundary.

8. The method according to claim 4, wherein controlling include sending a warning signal to a smart device when the baby walker crosses a boundary.

9. A system for controlling a baby walker, the system comprising, a plurality of sensors configured to sense data associated with the baby walker position and movement and communicate the sensed data to a remote device; a controller including a memory and processor wherein the memory includes computer-executable instructions stored therein that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to, receive control instructions from the remote device; and control the baby walker movement based on the received control signal.

10. The system for controlling fee baby walker according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of sensor's sense at least one of a position, speed, acceleration, and elevation of the baby walker.

11. The system for controlling the baby walker according to claim 10, wherein the control instructions include restricting the movement of the baby walker within an area.

12. The system for controlling the baby walker according to claim 10, wherein the control instructions include restricting the movement of the baby walker according to the elevation of the baby walker.

13. The system for controlling baby walker according to claim 10, wherein the control instructions include restricting the movement of the baby walker according to at least one of the sensed position, speed, acceleration and surface characteristics of the area the baby walker is moving.

14. The system for controlling baby walker according to claim 10, wherein the control instructions are generated by comparing at least one of the sensed position, speed, acceleration or surface characteristics of the area the baby walker is moving, with a threshold value.

15. The system for controlling the baby walker according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of sensor includes a GPS system.

16. The system for controlling the baby walker according to claim 10, wherein the remote device is a smart phone.

17. The system for controlling the baby walker according to claim 10, wherein the control signal is configured to stop the movement of the baby walker when the baby walker approaches a boundary.

18. The system for controlling the baby walker according to claim 10, wherein a warning signal is sent to the smart phone when the baby walker is about to cross a predetermined boundary.

19. The system for controlling the baby walker according to claim 16, wherein the remote device generates a visual guide using the sensed data, the visual guide prompting a direction or route to be used by a user.

20. The system for controlling the baby walker according to claim 19, wherein the visual guide is displayed on a touch sensitive interface of the remote device and is configured to generate the control signal in response to the user using the visual guide.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a system for tracking movement and position of a baby walker, according to an example embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a baby walker system including sensors having remote connectivity, according to an example embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a system for onboard computing, data receiving, decision making, and communication according to an example embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows mobile interface for a baby walker according to an example embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows baby walker system and mobile application to control baby walker according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] FIGS. 1-3 show a system for tracking movement and position for a baby walker, according to an example embodiment. At least one movement and/or position sensor may be positioned at the bottom of the walker (101). The movement sensor detects position, speed, surface characteristics or proximity data and transmits one or more of these detected data and characteristics to a smart phone, a mobile device, or an internet based application. In one example embodiment, the at least one sensor may determine a location of the baby walker (101) and determine whether the baby walker is within an acceptable zone (103), is projected to enter a forbidden zone, or has entered a forbidden zone (105). Further, the one or more characteristics from the sensor data may be integrated according to one or more algorithms before sending or upon receiving. In one embodiment, an application on the smart phone analyzes the data received and controls the walker based on the received data. Such control may be based on a change in movement data, surface characteristic data, or a combination thereof received from the sensor.

[0022] In one embodiment, a user nun program the baby walker using a smart phone app or internet based application to stay inside an area determined by the user. The at least one user may update one or more times the allowed zone by initiating a manual input on the mobile app. In one embodiment, the at least one walker may encounter the boundary of the allowed zone, which at least in part initiates the braking system to turn the walker. In one embodiment, the walker may be stopped entirely at the boundary of the allowed zone. In one embodiment, the braking and/or navigation system may be activated to avoid one or more objects within the allowed zone.

[0023] In one embodiment, at least one sensor determines an elevation based on a distance determination with the floor surface or ground. In one embodiment, there may be a change in elevation that is more than a configured deviation limit set-up in the sensor (e.g. approaching a staircase (105) or very near). The walker may also anticipate that a sudden change in elevation may take place if the walker follows a current path. The sensor sends a signal to the connected brake of the baby walker to stop.

[0024] FIG. 2 shows a system for a sensor having remote connectivity, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, a system, such as a baby walker (101), may include at least one sensor (203) having GPS connectivity. In one embodiment, a control mechanism is provided to restrict the movement of the walker based on its location (205). In another embodiment, a smart phone application (207) provides an ability to locate a position of the walker using a GPS capability in conjunction with a sensor. In one embodiment, a set-up mechanism may be used as part of the phone application to set the limit of movement of the walker based, on its location. This limit of movement location zone provides a boundary limit for the walker. Further, a user may control the boundary settings and/or response to at least one notification with a manual input (209).

[0025] In one embodiment, as the walker moves, out of a predefined boundary, the system triggers at least one signal based on surface characteristic data that is received by at least one sensor. The signal may subsequently trigger a control mechanism to activate at least one function of the walker, such as the braking system to stop the movement of the walker. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is coupled to the brakes of the walker, which are activated by the at least one signal based on surface characteristic data that is received by at least one sensor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the baby walker movement may be restricted within a predefined boundary. When the walker moves out of the boundary, system triggers at least one signal to alarm, the user via mobile device.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows a system for onboard computing, data recovering, sensing, and communication, according to an example embodiment. In one embodiment, a small onboard computer system may be attached under the walker. In one example embodiment, the computer system may include a processor (301), memory (303), and device specific software (305). Further, the system may include a wireless communication module (307) and a sensor data module (309). Each of the modules may communicate with one another. In one embodiment, the sensor data module (309) may provide information to one or more of the other modules including the device specific software (305), processor (301), and memory (303), which in turn may communicate with the wireless communication module (307) to send a signal to at least one mobile device and/or internet based application. The components of the computer system may be integrated or work separately. The computer system may be connected to the at least one brake and/or at least one sensor.

[0028] In one embodiment incoming information, such as from a smart phone control signal, may be received by the computer system from at least one of a GPS system, phone app, and/or sensors. Such incoming information may at least partially engage one or more brakes when necessary. In addition, the baby walker computer, sensors, GPS system, and control equipment may be powered using a rechargeable battery unit.

[0029] In one embodiment, the baby walker may include a system for controlling that includes comparing a sensed characteristic with a threshold value. In one embodiment, one or more parameters including at least one of a sensed position, speed, acceleration, or surface characteristics of the baby walker may be compared with a threshold value when controlling the movement of the baby walker. Thus, the one or more sensed characteristics may exceed a threshold value that has been previously determined or determined by a remote user who may have received a notification based on the sensed characteristic and then provides a determination of whether the sensed characteristic exceeds a threshold value. In one embodiment the method may include wherein the position and movement characteristics are determined using a GPS attached to the baby walker. Thus, the position and movement characteristics can be known and utilized for one or more threshold determinations in real time.

[0030] In one embodiment, the movements of the baby walker are controlled using a smart phone application. Thus, the movements of the walker can be tracked from the smartphone application via a GPS function that, is integrated with the sensor system of the walker. In one embodiment, the application can be downloaded to a smart phone and can include multiple control and monitoring functions. The application may also be updatable with new and improved functions as required or deemed appropriate. In one embodiment, a user may monitor more than one baby walker using a mobile app and/or internet based application. Thus, multiple children may be observed by a parent or adult, which reduces the difficulty of trying to track and monitor multiple children simultaneously.

[0031] In one embodiment, at least one user may observe, via a smart phone application, a situation in which the walker is required to change direction or stop entirely. This change or stoppage of movement of the walker may be activated using at least one manual input for the smart phone application. The at least one user may press at least one control button on a smart phone screen using the application to send a signal and subsequent command to the walker.

[0032] In one embodiment, the signal is transmitted from the smart phone to the walker-sensor, which may activate a control mechanism, such as to at least partially activate the brakes and/or stop the walker. This allows the movement of the walker to be controlled by the person operating the smart phone application. In one embodiment, the application may include a monitoring function which allows a parent or adult to observe the movement and/or play habits of the child remotely. Thus, the parent or adult may initiate a braking or moving command based on the playing habits of the child. For example, if the child is moving into a forbidden area the braking may be applied or if the child is moving into more appropriate or productive area, movement command may be applied.

[0033] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments not described explicitly are inherent and/or obvious to one of ordinary of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

[0034] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present disclosure have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.

[0035] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the disclosure.