Infant calming/sleep-aid, sids prevention device, and method of use

Abstract

An infant calming/sleep-aid/SIDS detection device is provided that includes a main moving platform that moves in a variable manner with accompanying variable sound generation, the sound and motion adapted to calm a fussy baby, induce sleep, and maintain sleep under normal conditions. The device may also have a sensor for detection of pauses in breathing and/or detection of resultant biological changes related to breathing pauses and respond with appropriate stimuli to arouse the baby and allow breathing to recommence.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 providing an infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a platform for supporting an infant, a control system for receiving at least one input relating to the infant from a user and for generating at least one output that controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant, and a communication facility for linking the at least one input with the control system;   providing a plurality of selectable operational modes for the infant calming/sleep-aid device, each operational mode comprising at least one of a defined motion range of the platform and a sound range;   selecting an operational mode based at least in part on the user provided input; and   activating the operational mode based on the selection.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one selectable operational mode comprises a mode for activating an infant calming reflex. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further providing a user interface for providing user input to the control system. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the user interface is remote from the infant calming/sleep aid device. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the user interface is on one of a mobile device, a tablet device, and a smart phone device. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein selection of an operational mode is automatic and further based on signals provided by at least one of a sound sensor and a motion detection sensor monitoring the infant. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each operational mode controls an extent, direction, and frequency of motion of the platform. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each operational mode controls a type and loudness of generated sound directed to the infant. 
     
     
         9 . A method comprising:
 providing an infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a platform for supporting an infant, a control system for receiving at least one input and for generating at least one output that controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant, and at least one of an audio sensor and a motion sensor, and wherein each sensor provides a respective data signal input to the control system;   using the infant calming/sleep-aid device to continuously collect data from each sensor with respect to an infant within the infant calming/sleep aid device;   providing a plurality of selectable operational modes for the infant calming/sleep-aid device, each operational mode comprising at least one of a motion range and a sound range;   automatically selecting an operational mode based on a defined response to the continuously collected infant data; and   activating the operational mode based on the selection.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein at least one additional sensor, selected from the group including a physiological sensor associated with the infant, a camera, a pressure sensor, a distortion sensor, a breathing sensor, a diaper sensor, a temperature sensor, and a sleep sack attachment sensor, provides an additional respective data signal input to the control system and an operation mode is automatically selected based on a defined response to the continuously collected infant data, including data from the additional sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein each operational mode comprises a plurality of parameters relating to control of at least one of motion and sound. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein each operational mode comprises a plurality of parameters relating to control of both motion and sound. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein each operational mode further comprises a plurality of parameter ranges. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least one operational mode comprises activating an infant calming reflex. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 11 , further wherein a user is enabled to select a desired operational mode. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , further wherein the state of an infant is determined based on an infant data feedback algorithm; and the device is controlled based on the determination to activate an infant calming reflex of the infant using at least one of motion of the platform and sound directed to the infant. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 communicating with an external communication facility;   allowing a selection of a selectable operational mode based on the external communication facility's communications; and   activating the operational mode based on the selection.   
     
     
         18 . A method comprising:
 providing an infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a platform for supporting an infant, a control system for receiving at least one input and generating at least one output in response to the at least one input which controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant, a communication facility for linking the at one input with the control system, and an application programming interface wherein the application programming interface allows integration of the infant calming/sleep-aid device with at least one external device and system;   providing a plurality of selectable operational modes for the infant calming/sleep-aid device, the operational modes comprising a motion range and a sound range;   enabling selection of an operational mode based on a defined response to the least one input wherein the at least one input comprises an input from the at least one external device and system; and   activating the operational mode based on the selection.   
     
     
         19 . An infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising:
 a platform for supporting an infant;   a control system for receiving at least one input from at least one external device or system and generating at least one output in response to the at least one input and which controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant;   a communication facility for linking the at one input with the control system;   a motor in communication with the output of the control system; and   a user interface for providing at least one of control commands to the control system and information regarding the infant.   
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein the user interface is a component of the external device or system. 
     
     
         21 . The device of  claim 20 , wherein the external device is a mobile device with a mobile application and infant information is displayed on the mobile device. 
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 20 , further comprising an application programming interface for integration with the at least one external device or system. 
     
     
         23 . The infant calming/sleep-aid device of  claim 19  further comprising:
 an enclosure at least partially surrounding the platform, the enclosure having an inner fabric and an outer fabric. 
 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 23 , further including permanent or changeable ornamental features of the enclosure or platform. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 23 , further including a mattress on the platform within the enclosure. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 25 , further including a pad positioned to support the head of the infant. 
     
     
         27 . The infant calming/sleep-aid device of  claim 19 , further wherein the platform is a single support piece for supporting both the body of the infant and the head of the infant. 
     
     
         28 . The infant calming/sleep-aid device of  claim 19 , further wherein the platform comprises a main moving platform that is controlled to move in a reciprocating matter and a separate moving head platform that moves when the main moving platform moves. 
     
     
         29 . The infant calming/sleep-aid device of  claim 19 , further comprising a main support shaft for supporting the platform and which is affixed to a rigid base. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 19 , further comprising a plurality of removable support legs. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 19 , wherein each of the plurality of removable support legs has rotational and height adjustment capabilities. 
     
     
         32 . A sleep system comprising:
 an infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a crib device with a movable platform for supporting an infant and a control system that controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant; and   a sleep sack for the infant which is removably attachable to the crib device and comprises a crib attachment mechanism in data communication with the control system to detect when the sleep sack is not securely fastened to the crib device, and wherein motion of the platform is discontinued if the sleep sack is not securely fastened to the crib device.   
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 32 , wherein the sleep sack comprises at least one feature from the group including a hip flexion mechanism, an internal band, adjustable hand openings, a zipper, an adjustable back snuggling mechanism, and sleep sack wings removably attachable to the crib device. 
     
     
         34 . A method comprising:
 providing an infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a platform for supporting an infant, a control system for receiving at least one input and generating at least one output that controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant, wherein the at least one input comprises at least one of an infant state detection, an infant body part movement, an infant body part acceleration, duration of certain activity detected by a sensor, an infant's weight, an infant's age, a number of detected waking or crying incidents, detected noise from the device, infant, or ambient environment, and wherein the at least one output comprises a command to change at least one of a frequency of motion of the platform, an amplitude of motion of the platform, and a sound output, and a communication facility for linking the at one input with the control system;   providing a plurality of selectable operational modes for the infant calming/sleep-aid device, each operational mode comprising at least one output;   enabling selection of an operational mode based on a defined response to the at least one input; and   activating the operational mode based on the selection.   
     
     
         35 . A method comprising:
 providing an infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a platform for supporting an infant, a control system for receiving at least one input and generating at least one output that controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant, and a communication facility for linking the at one input with the control system;   providing a mobile device in data communication with the infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a mobile application and a user interface;   providing a plurality of selectable operational modes for the infant calming/sleep-aid device, each operational mode comprising a motion range and a sound range;   allowing the mobile application to monitor the status of the infant calming/sleep-aid device;   allowing the mobile application to select an operational mode based on a defined response to at least one input; and   activating the operational mode based on the selection.   
     
     
         36 . A method comprising:
 providing an infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a platform for supporting an infant, a control system for receiving at least one input and generating at least one output that controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant, wherein the at least one input comprises data from at least one physiological sensor, a communication facility for linking the at one input with the control system, and a device data monitoring system;   providing a plurality of selectable operational modes for the infant calming/sleep-aid device, the operational modes each comprising at least one output derived from the at least one input;   providing the monitored device data to a data storage facility;   enabling selection of an operational mode based on data stored in the data storage facility; and   activating the operational mode based on the selection.   
     
     
         37 . A method comprising:
 providing an infant calming/sleep-aid device comprising a platform for supporting an infant, a control system for receiving at least one input and generating at least one output in response to the at least one input which controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant, wherein the at least one input comprises data from at least one physiological sensor, a communication facility for linking the at one input with the control system; and a rules engine to determine an activation method for an infant calming reflex;   providing a plurality of selectable operational modes for the infant calming/sleep-aid device, the operational modes each comprising at least one output derived from the at least one input;   enabling selection of an operational mode based on the rules engine; and   activating the operational mode based on the selection.   
     
     
         38 . A method comprising:
 providing a sleep device comprising a platform for supporting an infant;   monitoring the infant with a sensor that generates a signal indicative of at least one of a motor status or a physiologic status of the infant;   receiving and analyzing, by a control system of the sleep device, the generated signal indicative of the motor status or the physiologic status of the infant;   generating, by the control system of the sleep device, at least one output that controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant if a distressed status of the infant is detected based on the analyzed signal; and   generating at least one of reciprocating motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant in response to the at least one output.   
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein a distressed status is detected if a motor or physiologic perturbation greater than an acceptable baseline is detected. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein a distressed status is detected if a pause in breathing greater than a predetermined duration is detected. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein a distressed status is detected if a heart rate of the infant falls below a predetermined threshold. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising generating, by the control system of the sleep device, an output to control an alarm directed to caregivers of the infant. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising initiating an emergency call in response to the at least one output. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein both vigorous reciprocating motion of the platform and a loud sound are generated in response to the at least one output. 
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the motion of the platform has a frequency that is greater than 0.5 Hz and an amplitude that is greater than 1 inch. 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the sound has an intensity of at least 65 dB. 
     
     
         47 . A method comprising:
 providing a sleep device comprising a platform for supporting an infant;   monitoring the infant with a sensor that generates a signal indicative of at least one of a respiration status or a cardiovascular status of the infant;   receiving and analyzing, by a control system of the sleep device, the generated signal indicative of the respiration or cardiovascular status of the infant;   generating, by the control system of the sleep device, at least one output that controls at least one of a motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant if a distressed status of the infant is detected based on the analyzed signal; and   generating at least one of reciprocating motion of the platform and a sound directed to the infant in response to the at least one output.