Video camera device and method to monitor a child in a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a system and methods of monitoring a child seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in a child's car seat employing a video camera which transmits a video signal to a video display receiver placed in the driver's frame of vision. The video camera as envisioned herein is placed within a child's stuffed toy, the camera signal being transmitted remotely to a separate video display monitor screen device, viewable to the parent driving the vehicle. The camera is adjustable in the number of positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment as well as the direction in which the camera is directed. To adjust the direction in which the camera is pointed, the invention includes a bendable, flexible and sturdy neck that interconnects the camera to a transmission unit, which provides the driver with a view of the child.

Claims

1. A system comprising: a video surveillance system for monitoring one or more children seated in the rearward compartment of a vehicle, the video surveillance system comprising a non-stationary video camera housed within a child's toy, wherein the camera further comprises an illumination source, the video camera configured within the head of the toy, wherein the video camera comprises a video camera cable that connects the non-stationary video camera with a power source and a video signal transmitter, wherein the flexible, rigid tubing and the camera cable are 6 inches in length and wherein the camera is fitted with night vision capable functionality: the toy further comprising arms that can be wrapped around items located in the rearward compartment of the vehicle in order to secure the toy in a desired location; a video display monitor wherein the display monitor is secured in an area within view of a driver of the vehicle, the video display monitor being linked remotely with the video camera, wherein the video camera is configured to transmit video images to the video display monitor; a flexible, rigid tubing within the neck of the toy that houses video cable wiring connecting the video camera to a power source wherein the flexible rigid tubing is adjustable so that the video camera can be manually or remotely directed in any desired direction within the vehicle compartment in order to view the one or more children wherein the video cable wiring provides an electrical connection between the camera and a power source, the power source being rechargeable, wherein a smart phone is linked to the camera by means of a Bluetooth or WiFi connection, wherein the smart phone comprises an app which allows a smart phone user to view images of the child transmitted from said camera by means of said Bluetooth or WiFi connection, wherein the app remotely adjusts the non-stationary video camera and flexible, rigid tubing so that the video camera can be directed in any desired direction within the vehicle compartment in order to view the one or more children, a portable, detachable mounting device, the portable, detachable mounting device consisting of a narrow 10 cm wide wedge secured to a desired area of the rearward compartment of the vehicle in close proximity to the one or more children to be viewed, wherein the wedge comprises a rigid material at the top half of the wedge and a flexible material at the bottom half of the wedge, the wedge further consisting of a wing nut at the base of the wedge that allows a user to adjust the height and position of the wedge, wherein the video surveillance system further comprises a means of mounting the toy with the detachable, portable mounting device in a desired location within the rear vehicle compartment, wherein the vehicle lacks a headrest on the rear seat, wherein the toy is mounted on the portable, detachable mounting device by fastening the toy's arms around the portable, detachable mounting device in a loop, the detachable, portable mounting device further comprising an upper portion which is adjustable by means of a spring which allows the detachable, portable mounting device to be secured to items of varying widths which are located in the rearward compartment of a vehicle.

2. The video surveillance system of claim 1 wherein the illumination source comprises one or more LED lights.

3. The video surveillance system of claim 1 wherein the detachable, portable mounting device comprises a device that is mounted in a vehicle equipped either with or without a headrest.

4. The video surveillance system of claim 1 wherein the battery-pack comprises a rechargeable battery.

5. A method of monitoring one or more children seated in a vehicle, the method comprising: capturing video images of the one or more children when the children are seated in the rearward compartment of a vehicle with a video surveillance system, the system comprising a non-stationary video camera configured within the head of a child's toy, wherein the video camera is fitted with illumination lighting and night vision capability, wherein a smart phone is linked to the camera by means of a Bluetooth or WiFi connection, wherein the smart phone comprises an app which allows a smart phone user to view images of the child transmitted from said camera by means of said Bluetooth or WiFi connection, wherein the app remotely adjusts the non-stationary video camera and flexible, rigid tubing so that the video camera can be directed in any desired direction within the vehicle compartment in order to view the one or more children, the toy further comprising toy arms, the system further comprising an adjustable, flexible rigid tubing within the neck of the toy the adjustable, wherein the flexible rigid tubing houses video cable wiring that connects the video camera to a power source; the video surveillance system further comprising a video display monitor wherein the display monitor is secured in an area within view of a driver of the vehicle; remotely linking the video display monitor with the video camera, wherein the video camera is configured to transmit video images to the video display monitor, wherein the video camera comprises a video camera cable that connects the non-stationary video camera with a power source and a video signal transmitter, wherein the flexible, rigid tubing and the camera cable are 6 inches in length wherein the camera is fitted with night vision capable functionality; securing a portable, detachable mounting device to a desired area of the rearward compartment of the vehicle, the portable, detachable mounting device consisting of a narrow 10 cm wide wedge wherein, the wedge comprises a rigid material at the top half of the wedge and a flexible material at the bottom half of the wedge, the wedge further consisting of a wing nut at the base of the wedge that allows a user to adjust the height and position of the wedge; wrapping the toy's arms around the portable, detachable mounting device by fastening the toy's arms in a loop around the mounting device so that the toy is secured to the mounting device; manually or remotely adjusting the toy's head and the flexible rigid tubing within the toy so that the non-stationary video camera is directed in any desired location within the vehicle compartment in order to view the child; viewing the one or more children so to ensure the safety of the one or more children during transit in the vehicle.

6. The method of claim 5 wherein the toy comprises a plush toy.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein the portable mounting device comprises a device that is mounted in a vehicle equipped either with or without a headrest.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 depicts the basic configuration of a plush toy of the invention that incorporates the video camera device and elements of the invention. As shown, the video camera lens is situated in the plush toy's nose and has Velcro clasping at each of the toy's hands.

(2) FIG. 2 depicts the basic configuration of the rear view of the plush toy. As shown, the plush toy is fitted with a Velcro opening to allow for placement of the video camera device therein.

(3) FIG. 3 depicts the basic configuration of a forward view of the plush toy with the toy's hands clasped with Velcro attachments. The video camera lens is placed in the toy's nose.

(4) FIG. 4 depicts an inside view of the plush toy. Specifically, a profile of the plush toy, which can be any animal or other figure type, is shown with a cavity inside the toy with a battery pack, video signal transmitter, camera cable and camera lens fitted therein.

(5) FIG. 5 depicts a side view of the camera lens as it is fitted into the head portion of the plush toy. As shown, the camera has an extension cable that leads to a battery or other electrical source of power.

(6) FIG. 6 depicts a forward facing view of the camera and camera lens.

(7) FIG. 7 depicts the claimed plush toy as it is fitted on the headrest of a vehicle. Specifically, the camera is placed facing the infant whom is placed in a rear facing infant child's seat.

(8) FIG. 8 depicts the camera video receiver that can be viewed by the driver of a vehicle fitted with the video camera device contained in the plush toy. As envisioned herein, the video receiver can be placed anywhere in the vehicle compartment which is viewable by the driver.

(9) FIG. 9 depicts a portable mounting device, or toy mount of the claimed invention in which the plush toy can be fastened in the absence of a vehicle headrest. As contemplated herein, the figure shows the embodiment that is fastened to an appropriate section of the rear seat upon which the toy can be fastened thereon.

(10) FIG. 10 depicts a profile view of the portable mounting device, or toy mount that is fastened to any appropriate area in the rear seating area of a vehicle. As shown, the toy mount is adjustable by use of a spring that is employed to allow the mount to flex in various directions.

(11) FIG. 11 depicts the portable mounting device, or toy mount of the invention and shows additional elements that allow fastening to various areas of the rear seat of a vehicle either with or without a headrest.

(12) FIG. 12 depicts the basic configuration the toy mount, the toy fitted with a video camera with the toy's hands clasped in the rear section of the invention with the use of Velcro.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(13) The present invention is directed to a system and methods of monitoring a child seated in the rear seat of a vehicle in a child's car seat employing an adjustable video camera which transmits a video signal to a video display receiver placed in the driver's frame of vision such as for example, on the vehicle dashboard. The video camera as envisioned herein is situated and hidden within a child's stuffed toy, the camera signal being transmitted remotely to a separate video display screen device, which is viewable to the parent driving the vehicle. The camera is adjustable both in the number of positions in which it is placed in the vehicle compartment as well as the direction in which the camera is pointed. To adjust the direction in which the camera is pointed, the invention provides a bendable, flexible and sturdy neck that interconnects the camera to a transmission unit, the transmission device transmitting the video signal to the video display receiver and providing the adult parent with a constant view of the child during times of traveling.

(14) The present invention is a wireless monitoring system that allows parents and caregivers to view an infant in a rear facing car seat while driving. To do so, the invention provides a video display receiving device that is placed in the center console area of the vehicle, while a stuffed child's toy with an integrated camera and transmitter is placed in the backseat, facing the infant car seat, to provide real-time video of the child. The invention therefore, eliminates the need for the driver to turn around to check on the child. It also allows the driver/parent/caregiver to have a clear, unobstructed view of the child at all times.

(15) In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides monitoring system for an infant in a rear facing car seat. The invention is comprised of a stuffed animal with a hook and loop fasteners on the hands that will fasten around a headrest of a seat or other appropriate apparatus located in the rear interior of the vehicle compartment. The stuffed animal's nose, or other area on the toy, provides a position for the video camera to be placed in a hidden manner so that the child is unaware that the camera is present. The camera will typically operate during the day and however, the invention further provides use at night through use of a night vision function which transmits a video signal in the dark. The stuffed toy is positioned to face the infant in the rear-facing seat during periods of travel.

(16) The video transmitted from the camera will then be displayed on a dash-mounted screen. The video display screen/receiver can also be placed anywhere on the interior of the vehicle compartment where desired. Preferred embodiments of the video display device include but are not limited to GPS capable devices (i.e., Garmin) or any smart phone capable of video display. In addition, the video display employed also includes factory, built-in video displays such as in-dash GPS navigation screens. In the event the vehicle does not possess headrests in the back seat area, the invention provides additional accessories to mount the stuffed animal accordingly.

(17) In vehicles without a headrest, the invention provides a portable and adjustable mount that can be fastened to various sections of the vehicle interior. The mount includes but is not limited to a narrow (i.e., 0.50 cm thick) 10 cm wide wedge made up of various materials that provide rigidity as well as flexibility to areas in which the camera/toy can be mounted. The wedge is manufactured with a sturdy material such as for example, plastic at the top half of the wedge, with a flexible material such as latex rubber or other appropriate material at the bottom half of the wedge. An optional securing belt is also provided in order to securely mount the camera/toy in a desired location within the vehicle compartment. A wing nut at the base of the wedge allows a user to adjust the height and position of the wedge so that the mount can be placed in any desired location.

(18) The mount is secured to any appropriately desired location within the vehicle compartment by means of a ball joint flexible mounting apparatus that can be secured to a desired location within the vehicle compartment. Other stuffed toys are envisioned herein including but not limited to tigers, giraffes, lions, pandas and other appropriately shaped toys. In a preferred embodiment, the hands of the stuffed toy are fitted with Velcro or other appropriate material so that the hands can be clasped together and the arms hung around the backseat vehicle headrest or optionally, the portable mount described herein.

(19) Another preferred embodiment of the invention includes a camera unit within the stuffed plush animal, such as for example, within the head of the animal, the camera being employed with a wireless external monitor. A gasket made of latex rubber or other appropriate material is fitted around the opening in the stuffed toy that fits the camera lens. Related to the preferred embodiment is a camera unit in the plush stuffed animal employed in conjunction with a smart phone which has installed on it an appropriate app, application using Bluetooth or WiFi which acts to connect the smart phone to the camera located within the stuffed toy. As envisioned herein, the smart phone connects to the camera via WiFi or Bluetooth with the app downloaded and installed on the smart phone. The app provides and shows the driver video images of the baby during times of travel. The app uses a warning disclaimer as the app is opened and an I Agree button is pressed in order to start the streaming. The app provides features to stream video, record streaming video, record still pictures, and also a caller ID bar that gives the option of accepting to answer or decline a call that is coming through.

(20) In a related embodiment, the invention provides a camera unit in a stuffed toy that is connected to the factory installed GPD or other monitor in dashboard via Bluetooth or WiFi connection. In yet another embodiment of the invention the camera unit is mounted in several areas within the vehicle compartment and links with factory in-dash monitors by use of Bluetooth or WiFi technology that connect the camera to the factory installed monitor in-dash.

(21) Specifications of the invention include but are not limited to wireless capability to 2.4 GHz with universal mounting for multiple positions. Monitor and camera units use lithium polymer battery that is rechargeable. Other aspects of the invention include but are not limited to wireless blue tooth and WiFi capable functionality to electronically link the camera unit with the video display monitor device.

(22) As envisioned herein, any appropriately shaped stuffed or other type of toy capable of holding a camera unit and accompanying battery pack can be employed in practicing the present invention. For example, any toy with stuffing that allows the placement of the camera within the toy out of sight of the child viewing the invention can be employed. An opening in the back of the stuffed toy allows placement of the camera unit inside the toy. The camera can also be fitted with night vision capability for instances in which the child is driving with a parent at night. An anti-glare lens is optional as well in order to minimize glare from sun entering the vehicle. Car adapter functionality is also envisioned herein in order to charge the video display and camera units when battery life is short. In order to save battery life, an auto-off feature is provided to minimize battery drain when the monitor to camera signal is cut off.

(23) The term linked, linked to and the like as used herein refers to the electronic connection between a transmitting video device and a video display receiver. Specifically, the term refers to such connections as they are established by means known in the art such as for example, Bluetooth, cell phone tower or WiFi signal connections. As used herein, the term refers to the ability of a camera device to transmit analog or digital video signals generated by a video camera and transmitted therefrom to a video display receiver. The term can also be used in reference to a connection between two devices by a hard wire cable or like device. The term link also refers to the connection between the camera and the battery-pack which are both situated within the toy and is generally referred herein as a linking cable between the camera and the battery/power-pack employed as the power source for the camera.

(24) In order to place the camera in a desired location, the camera is fitted with a bendable, flexible yet sturdy neck which is fitted through the stuffed toy's neck and which allows a user to adjust the direction to which the camera is pointed. As an added safety measure, and in order to minimize instances in which a child may inadvertently forgotten in the back seat, during instances in which the power or signal is cut off between the camera and the video display device, a 15 second audible alert will sound in order to inform the adult that the child is situated in the back seat.

(25) A preferred embodiment of the video display device includes a 3.5 video monitor that can be either a portable device or a factory installed GPS-type video display which has been linked with the camera unit via a Bluetooth or WiFi connection. A car-charging adapter is also provided for easy recharging of the lithium ion battery. Also, a USB capable connection is envisioned which allows the user to connect the camera and/or video display device to a computer for quick and easy recharging of the device. A secure digital (SD) memory card is also included in the video display device so to record the video for later review by parents if desired.

(26) The invention further provides a wireless embodiment so that the transmitting video camera can be conveniently placed at any distance from the video receiver within the interior of the vehicle with transmission of the video signal occurring wirelessly. The system further provides an added safety feature by producing an audible sound that beeps for 15 seconds after the signal from the monitor to the stuffed animal and transmitter is disconnected (when the car is turned off) so that the parent or guardian does not forget that the infant is in the car.

(27) Turning now to the substance of FIGS. 1 to 12 and the preferred embodiments of the system and methods of the present invention. FIG. 1 illustrates the plush toy of the invention 100 that incorporates use of a video camera 107 and camera lens 101 in the nose of the animal, which, as envisioned herein, can be any animal toy. Further illustrated is the toy's long arms 103a, 103b fitted with hands 104a, 104b that are fitted with Velcro 102a, 102b, in order to clasp when placed together.

(28) FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the animal 100, and depicts the area into which a video camera is placed. As shown, an opening and cavity 105 and flap, 106, is placed in the rear area of the toy and fitted with Velcro fasteners 106, 128 to allow closure of the cavity once the camera device is placed therein.

(29) FIG. 3 illustrates the plush toy as it is employed with hands 104a, 104b, clasped together and fastened with Velcro fittings 102a, 102b. As shown, the plush toy is in a position to be secured around any area in the rear seat, including the rear seat headrests, so that the video camera is focused on the child.

(30) FIG. 4 illustrates a profile view of the plush toy 100. Specifically, the video camera 107 and camera lens 101 is situated within a camera housing 115. The camera is also fitted with an IR LED 108, or other appropriate device so that light is provided and the child is therefore visible to the camera lens in nighttime driving situations. The camera is depicted with a long cable housing 109 that runs the span of the toy from the nose to the power source and video signal transmitter, 110, 111. As shown, the invention provides a battery and transmitter pack, which houses both a video signal transmitter as well as battery/power source therein 110, 111. Further, the illustration depicts a on/off switch 112 employed on the battery pack housing 110 that holds a battery 111 such as for example, a lithium ion battery. As envisioned herein, the battery pack is rechargeable via use of a USB connection and charging port 113.

(31) FIG. 5 illustrates the particular elements of the camera lens 101 and camera housing 115. Specifically, LED lamps 108 are situated around the camera lens 101 to provide light in dark or nighttime driving situations.

(32) FIG. 6 illustrates a close up view of the camera lens and housing 115 and elements related thereto. Specifically, the camera lens 101, is shown in the center surrounded by LED lights 108 that illuminate the video area. A night vision camera 114 is also envisioned herein for video taping in dark, non-illuminated environments.

(33) FIG. 7 illustrates a view of the plush toy 100 as it is situated in the rear seat 116 of a vehicle compartment. As shown, the toy is secured to a headrest 117 or other appropriate area in the vehicle and secured by extending the toy's arms 103a, 103b which are fastened to one another with Velcro clasps 102a, 102b on the toy's hands 104a, 104b. As illustrated the child 118 faces rearward in a child car seat 119 in view of the video camera 101 located within the plush toy 100.

(34) FIG. 8 illustrates the forward section of the vehicle compartment wherein the driver 121 can view the image of the child 129 on a video display receiver and monitor 120 that is mounted on the dashboard, windshield or other appropriate area in which the driver can view the video monitor display.

(35) FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the plush toy portable mounting device of the invention 122. As shown, the mount is configured with an upper portion 126 that enables a user to wrap the toy's arm and to secure the plush toy in the absence of a rear seat headrest. Also provided are slots 124 to allow the toy's arms to surround when secured to the mount. A plate 123 is also configured to provide support to the mount as it rests on the rear seat. The lower portion 127 acts as a clip to secure around an appropriate area on or near the rear seat.

(36) FIG. 10 illustrates a profile view of the toy mount 122. As shown, the upper portion 126 extends upwardly so that a user can wrap the toy's arms around during times of travel. Also provided is a spring mechanism 130 that allows flexibility of the mount so that it fits a variety of shapes and areas in the rear seat or rear compartment area. As the figure shows, the mount is configured with an extending clip 125 that can be fitted around the top portion of a seat 116 in order to secure the mount thereto. The lower portion of the mount 127 extends downwardly providing added security of the mount.

(37) FIG. 11 illustrates a rear view of the toy mount 122. The illustration depicts the upper portion 126 used to secure the toy's arms thereto, the slots 124 that can be used to wrap the toy's around, the plate 123 that is employed to rest upon the rear seat and the lower portion 127 that extends downwardly to secure the mount to the rear seat or other area in the rear section of the vehicle compartment. Also provided is the securing clip 125 that holds the mount securely to the seat.

(38) FIG. 12 illustrates the elements related to the plush toy 100 fitted with the video camera device 100. As shown, the toy is placed on the toy mount 122 on a rear seat 116 with the toy fitted with a camera and camera lens 101. The toy's arms 103a, 103b are wrapped around the mount 123, 124, 126 with support provided by the lower portion of the mount 127. As shown herein, the toy's arms are clasped at the toy's hands 104a, 104b.

(39) The present invention is directed to a system and methods that allow a user to monitor by visual display means a child placed in a backseat child safety seat eliminating the need for the user to have to turn his or her back during periods of driving.

(40) Advantages of the invention over that known in the art include the ability to adjust the direction in which the camera unit is pointed at the child, leaving the possibility of monitoring multiple children simultaneously. Still yet another advantage of the invention is that it allows a user to place the camera unit in multiple vantage points within the vehicle compartment by either securing the camera unit to a headrest or by employing use of the optional mounting device described herein. The optionally mounting device also provides additional flexibility to the user because the mount itself can be adjusted in a variety of ways such as vertically and horizontally by use of the optional adjustable belt strap. Further, the invention offers the advantage of allowing a user to record video, via a SD memory card, of the child at all times during travel.

(41) Although the invention has been described with reference to the above description, it will be understood that modifications and variations are encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is limited only by the following claims.