GB2391991A

GB2391991A - Child proximity detector and alarm

Info

Publication number: GB2391991A
Application number: GB0218967A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Andrew Hooper
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-08-15
Filing date: 2002-08-15
Publication date: 2004-02-18
Also published as: GB0218967D0

Abstract

Shock-proof and waterproof radio transceiver devices 2,7 are worn by a parent and up to four children. Each colour-coded child unit can have a selected straying distance assigned to it 6, increasing in increments of one metre to 100 metres. Should a child wander beyond the preset range, a vibrating audible alarm 5 is actuated, and coloured LED arrows 1,8 point in the direction of the parent unit. The parent unit also has a vibrating audible alarm and LED arrows pointing towards the corresponding child unit, and in addition has colour-coded LED rings 3 to identify which child unit has been triggered. The coloured rings match the wristbands 4 on the child units.

Description

239199 1

CHILD PROXIMITY DETECTOR

DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a device that will enable a parent, guardian or other care-

giver, to quickly and accurately locate a child or person in the immediate vicinity should they wander off or be taken away. Likewise the device will also enable a child to find it's parent or guardian should they get disorientated.

The device will enable children and parents to be afforded a higher level of safety and peace of mind. The parent will have the confidence of knowing that the child would not be able to wander away without the parent or guardian being able to quickly and accurately determine the child's location. Thus the parent would be able to relax and not feel that the child's location must be constantly monitored to assure that no harm befalls him or her.

This invention would mean that the parent or guardian could go about other activities, such as shopping in a mall, or relaxing in a park, with the assurance that should the child wander a bit to far away, the child could be located and retrieved without delay or the need for a frantic search.

To accomplish this, the "Child Proximity Detector" would consist of a minimum of two units: a transmitter unit to be worn by a small child or reliant person and a transceiver unit to be worn by the responsible adult, guardian or parent. The two units would be keyed to a matching radio/microwave frequency and the transceiver unit would be equipped with a means of setting the range of which the parent wishes the child or person to remain. Upto four child units can be monitored by each individual parent unit.

Should the child or person wearing the transmitter unit venture beyond the pre-set range within which the parent or care-giver wishes the child to remain, the unit would respond by sounding an audible alert, vibrate and display a coloured [LED] arrow indicator pointing to the proximity of the parent unit, This would show the child the way back to the parent unit, The unit worn by the parent or guardian would also show that the child has strayed beyond their pre-set range and indicate the direction of the child unit allowing quick location and identification of the child to be made. The monitoring unit worn by the parent or caregiver could accommodate upto four separate units worn by different children or dependent people. Each unit would be colour matched to a corresponding colour coded light emitting diode indicator on the parents main monitoring unit, so that should the system be activated the parent or guardian would know immediately which child or reliant person has wandered beyond the pre-set range.

Preferably the devices are made from shatterproof polycarbonate but could also be easily made from any resilient materials which are waterproof and shock resistant.

CHILD PROXIMITY DETECTOR

DESCRIPTION

FIGURE 1 Shows an artist impression of the overall view of the finished devices.

These are by no means working drawings or finite in their appearance. They merely serve to show the visual aspect and possibilities that may be encompassed within the finished design.

FIGURE 2 Shows the parent unit of the child proximity detector and the position of the light emitting diode [LED] direction indicators [1] around the perimeter of the face of the unit [2]. These LED indicators when triggered point to the location of the active child unit [Fig 3 in relation to the parent unit. The parent unit Fig 2 also has four coloured LED rings [3]. Each coloured ring corresponds to the same colour as the wristband Fig 3[4] on one of the child units enabling easy identification of the child should the alarm [5]19] be triggered. On the parent unit Fig 2 there are two stray distance setting buttons [6] to enable each of the child units to have a deferent stray distance from the main parent unit. When a unit is triggered the parent and child units vibrate as well as an audible alarm being sounded [5] [9] and LED direction indicators illuminating [8][1]showing the direction of the other unit.

FIGURE 3 Shows the face of the child unit [7] and light emitting diode direction indicators [8] and the vibrating signal alarm [9]. The LED's [8] constantly indicate the direction/location of the parent unit Fig 1 should the child get lost or disorientated.

FIGURE 4 Shows the child and parent units in section manufactured from an unbreakable plastic [10] although not exclusively so. They will be totally waterproof to a depth of 5 metres and incorporate a tamper proof locking mechanism [11].

Claims

( CLAIMS

1. The child proximity detector comprises of a main transceiver device that is worn by a parent or guardian, It sends and receives electronic signals to corresponding child units on the sanie frequency, the child units upto four child units can be monitored from 1 parent unit are coloured coded to match light emitting diode pointers on the parent unit, this enables quick identification and location of the child unit possible, the stray distance of each child unit is pre-set by the parent or guardian by means of two coloured coded buttons on the main parent unit, stray distances of 1 metre increments are possible upto a 100 metre range.

2. Should an alarm be triggered by any of the four child units straying beyond it's pre-set distance, the child's own unit emits a loud audible alarm and vibrates, in addition the child unit also has light emitting diode arrows set out as the points on a compass, which always point towards the parent unit.

3. When triggered, the parent control unit reacts in the same way as the child units by vibrating, emitting an audible alarm and pointing the direction to the triggered child's unit by means of coloured light emitting diode pointers.

[Figure 3]

4. The wrist worn devices will be made from shock resistant polycarbonate material or other mouldable plastic with similar properties. lFigure 1.2.3.4]

5. They will have a tamper proof locking mechanism and be totally waterproof, lightweight and very durable.[Figure 4]