Sensory stimulation device for child

Abstract

The sensory stimulation device for a child is a crib-mounted system that provides aural, visual and olfactory stimulation for a child. The system includes a housing, which is adapted for mounting within the crib. A front wall of the housing has a screen mounted thereto, with the screen displaying a user-selectable image. The system further includes a microphone and at least one speaker in communication with a recording medium, allowing the user to selectively record and play back audio for the child. Further, the housing includes a scent chamber for receiving a scent producing material. The scent producing material generates scented air, which is pumped, under user control, through a port formed through the housing for delivery to the child. The system may further include a telephone interface, allowing for remote actuation and programming of the system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 791,898, filed Apr. 14, 2006.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to electronic audio-visual devices, and particularly to a sensory stimulation device for a child, which is a crib-mounted system for providing aural, visual and olfactory stimulation for a child. Particularly, a sensory stimulation routine may be programmed by the user, and may be actuated remotely through a telephone line.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Sensory stimulation devices for infants and children typically include a visual stimulus, often in the form of illuminated lights or multi-colored objects, or an audio stimulus, typically in the form of prerecorded audio clips. Such systems are typically preprogrammed and generate light patterns following a preprogrammed routine, or play audio clips or music repetitively...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]The system further includes a microphone and at least one speaker in communication with a recording medium, allowing the user to selectively record and play back audio for the child. Further, the housing includes a scent chamber for receiving a scent producing material. The scent producing material generates scented air, which is pumped, under user control, through a port formed through the housing for delivery to the child. T

Problems solved by technology

Infant-and child stimulation systems typically do not provide for user programmable audio or visual stimuli, thus preventing parents or other caregivers from controlling the particular stimulus delivered to the child.

Mass produced stimulation systems providing prerecorded audio clips are not capable of generating a similar reaction in a child or infant.

Further, such stimulation systems typically do not also include olfactory stimulation, which the parent or other caregiver may wish to provide to the child.

Typical sensory stimulation systems are actuated by the child, through pressing of a button or the like, mounted on the system, and do not provide much programmable functionality or variety.

Such systems do not provide for remote actuation of the sensory stimulation device.

However, such articles offer no association (visual, auditory or otherwise) between the child and the child's parents.

When absent, parents may wish to further foster their child's association with themselves, which is not possible with typical crib-mounted visual articles.

Additionally, conventional infant stimulators, such as decorative mobiles, are limited in use to children of a particular age.

When a child is placed in a crib, and the parents leave the room, the child may become restless and unable to sleep due to separation anxiety.

The parent may have left the child with a babysitter, or may otherwise be unable to re-enter the room to comfort the child.

No such device is currently known.

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