Infant care apparatus

Abstract

An infant care device comprising: an infant support; a multi-drive-axis drive section coupled to the infant support and having a plurality of motors configured to produce actions and movements of the infant support; a biometric sensor configured to observe at least one characteristic of the infant; and a learning controller arranged to learn how to soothe the infant and configured to use a neural network or a state machine communicatively coupled to the biometric sensor and the multi-drive-axis drive section, wherein the learning controller records sensor data from the biometric sensor and effects changes in the actions and movements of the infant support through the neural network or the state machine, which effects soothing and calming of a state of the infant within the infant support, wherein the learning controller is configured to learn, based on biometric sensor input over time, a reaction of the infant to a change in one or more of the actions and movements of the infant support in order to adjust a subsequent application of the change.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with application number 202080080221.8, application date September 21, 2020, entitled "Infant Care Equipment".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications This application is a non-provisional application filed on September 19, 2019, with U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 902,770, and claims priority thereto, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. background 1. Field The disclosed embodiments generally relate to infant care devices, and more specifically to infant care devices having an occupant area movable by a drive mechanism.

[0003] 2. Description of related technologies For years, baby swings, bouncy seats, cradles, and strollers have been used to support, soothe, and play with infants and toddlers. Existing bouncy seats are typically constructed with a wire frame containing deformation resistance less than or equal to the weight of the child in the seat. Therefore, when a child is placed in the seat, his or her weight causes a slight and temporary deformation of the wire structure, which is resisted by the deformation resistance of the wire frame. The end result is a slight up-and-down movement of the child relative to the floor. This movement can be applied to the seat by a caregiver to play with or soothe the child.

[0004] Baby swings generally function similarly to swings for older children; however, baby swings typically have an automatic power-assisted mechanism that propels the swing to continue its swinging motion, just as parents would push an older child on the swing to keep them swinging at a certain height off the ground.

[0005] Some recently marketed products do not easily fall into the categories of flex or oscillation. One such product includes a motorized movement capable of laterally moving the infant, but it has only a single degree of freedom of movement and is therefore limited to the possible motion profiles. While the seat can rotate to allow the infant to move back and forth in different orientations, only one possible motion profile exists.

[0006] As toddlers or infants occupy baby swings, bouncy seats, cradles, and strollers, their moods can change (e.g., from calm to crying). In other aspects, their state can change (e.g., from asleep to awake, or vice versa). Generally, changes in a toddler's or infant's mood or state are directly monitored by the caregiver or through an infant monitoring device, which typically includes a camera and microphone that transmits only video and audio of the toddler or infant to a remotely accessible monitoring device. As a toddler's mood or state changes, the caregiver must physically approach the toddler or infant to soothe them.

[0007] There is a need for a motorized infant support capable of moving simultaneously or independently in at least two directions and reproducing a large number of motion profiles using these two directions. There is also a need for a responsive infant support capable of adjusting its motion / movement characteristics based on the mood or state of the toddler or infant. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of various aspects of an infant care device according to the disclosed embodiments; Figure 1A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 A side view of a part of an infant care device; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of various aspects of an infant care device according to the disclosed embodiments; Figure 2A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 2 Side view of baby care equipment; Figure 3A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exemplary control loop for an infant care device; Figure 3B Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic block diagram of a part of an infant care device; Figure 3C This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary state machine according to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments; Figure 3D This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary neural network according to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments; Figure 4 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility; Figure 5Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility; Figures 6A-6F Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a portion of an infant care device; Figure 7 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility; Figure 8A and Figure 8B Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility; Figure 9A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A side view of a part of an infant care device; Figure 9B Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A front perspective view of a part of an infant care device; Figure 9C Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility; Figure 10A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Bottom perspective view of a part of the baby care equipment; Figure 10B Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A side view of a part of an infant care device; Figure 10C Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Bottom perspective view of a part of the baby care equipment; Figure 11 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility; Figure 12 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 12 A perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment; Figure 13 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of this part of the baby care equipment; Figure 13A Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 12 A front view of a part of an infant care facility; Figure 14 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an infant care facility; Figure 15 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 14 A perspective view of a portion of this part of the baby care equipment; Figure 16 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 15 A perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment; Figure 17 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 15 A top view of this section of the baby care equipment; Figure 18 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 15 Main view of this part of the baby care equipment; Figure 19 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 15 A side view of this part of the baby care equipment; Figure 20 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 14 A partial perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment; Figure 21 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 14 A partial perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment; Figure 22 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 14 A partial perspective view of this part of the baby care equipment; Figures 23A-23E It is a schematic diagram of representative motion profiles of various aspects according to the disclosed embodiments; Figure 24 Based on various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary control system for an infant care device; Figure 25 It is intended for use in various aspects according to the disclosed embodiments. Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Methods of applying movement to infant care equipment; and Figure 26 It is used to implement aspects according to the disclosed embodiments. Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Methods of changing one or more of the movements and motions of infant care equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0009] For the purposes described below, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and their derivatives shall be used in relation to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments, as oriented as shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that alternative variations and sequences of steps may be employed for various aspects of the disclosed embodiments unless expressly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific apparatus and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following description are simple examples of various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical features relating to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments are not to be considered limiting.

[0010] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A , Figure 2 and Figure 2A The accompanying drawings illustrate an infant care device 1 according to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Although various aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms. Furthermore, any suitable size, shape, or type of element or material can be used.

[0011] According to various aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the infant care device 1 generally includes a base 3, an infant support 2, and an infant support connector 200 arranged to releasably connect the infant support 2 to the base 3. The infant support 2 includes a mating support member 8 configured to engage the infant support connector 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0012] On one hand, the baby support 2 can be a crib 6, such as a stroller or cradle (e.g. Figure 1 (As shown). In other respects, the infant support 2 can be any suitable support, such as a car seat (see...). Figure 2The crib 6 includes a bottom panel 20 and continuous sidewalls 21 having a top edge 22. In one aspect, the crib 6 may include mating support members 8 attached to the bottom surface of the bottom panel 20; in other aspects, the bottom panel may be attached substantially directly (as described herein) or in any other suitable manner to the base. The continuous sidewalls 21 extend around the perimeter of the bottom panel 20 and are attached to the bottom panel 20 to define an enclosed space 23 for placing an infant or toddler. The sidewalls 21 may be constructed of any suitable material such as solid fabric / cloth, mesh fabric, etc. Although the crib 6 is shown as having an oval shape, it may also be any other suitable shape, such as square, rectangular, circular, etc.

[0013] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 and Figure 2A As shown, the infant support 2 can be the infant seat 7 mentioned above. Suitable examples of infant seats can be found in U.S. Patent No. 10,231,555, issued March 19, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Although the infant seat 7 is shown as having an oval shape, it can also be any other suitable shape, such as a square, rectangle, circle, etc.

[0014] In some aspects, both the crib 6 and the infant seat 7 include a cooperating support member 8 configured to support at least the weight of an infant or toddler. In some aspects, the crib 6 and the infant seat 7 include any suitable movable element 19 (shown as being attached to the infant seat 7 but may be attached to the crib 6 in a substantially similar manner), which may be fixedly or releasably attached in any suitable manner to the top edge 22 of the crib 6, the upper end of the infant seat 7, or any other suitable location of the crib 6 and / or the infant seat 7.

[0015] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1A , Figure 2 and Figure 2A The base 3 of the baby care device 1 includes a bottom support housing 4, a top cover 5 positioned on and at least partially covering the bottom support housing 4, a housing 280 including a cover 280C and a skirt 280S, and a housing base 281. In one aspect, the housing 280 is configured to accommodate a baby support connector 200. The baby support connector 200 is disposed within the housing such that the housing cover 280C at least partially covers the baby support connector 200, and the skirt 280S extends from the housing cover 280C to surround or enclose at least a portion of a movable stage 10 extending through the surface 5A of the top cover 5. The housing base 281 is configured to connect the baby support connector 200 to the movable stage 10. Figure 14As will be further described herein, the top cover 5 includes a surface 5A that at least partially covers an opening through which the movable stage 10, supported on the bottom support housing 4, extends, as will be further described herein. Surface 5A may be a hinged surface configured such that the opening formed therein moves with the movable stage 10.

[0016] In one aspect, the base 3 may have fixed or detachable legs 9. In another aspect, the legs 9 may be adjustable to raise or lower the baby care device 1, for example, relative to the floor surface or countertop on which the baby care device 1 is placed. The legs 9 include feet 9A, whose profile is formed or otherwise shaped and sized to allow the legs 9 to slide easily over the floor surface. For example, feet 9A may have curved edges to substantially prevent feet 9A from getting stuck on the floor surface when the baby care device 1 slides over the floor surface under the influence of external kinetic forces. In one aspect, the base 3 may further include a storage basket 18 provided for storing baby or toddler equipment, accessories, etc. The storage basket 18 may be attached to the legs 9 of the baby care device 1 or any other suitable part. In one aspect, the base 3 may include a portable music player 55 with a speaker 56 and an input jack 57 for playing music or other pre-recorded sounds.

[0017] Now for reference Figure 1A , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 6A-6F and Figure 7 The cooperating support member 8 of the baby support 2 is configured to be releasably connected to the base 3. This document describes the connection of the baby support 2 with respect to the crib 6; however, it should be understood that in some respects, the baby seat 7 can be used... Figure 2 and Figure 2A The mating support member 8 shown is attached to the base 3 in a substantially similar manner. As described above, the infant care device 1 includes an infant support connector 200, which is arranged to releasably connect the mating support member 8 of the infant support 2 to the base 3. The infant support connector 200 includes a movable support member 210 and gripping members 220, 225, such as those that are automatically actuated when the crib 6 is placed on the infant support connector 200. In other aspects, the infant support connector 200 may have any suitable configuration, such as that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 025,674, filed September 18, 2020, which has Attorney General's File No. 1252P015822-US (PAR) and is entitled "Infant Care Apparatus," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0018] For specific references Figure 4 and Figure 5 The movable support 210 is movably connected to the base 3 in any suitable manner for movement in direction D2. The movable support 210 is configured to form a support seat 211, which engages and supports the mating support member 8 of the infant support 2. The movable support 210 includes a rib 214 connected to the base 3. The rib 214 includes a slotted hole 215 through which a pin 299 is inserted to constrain the movement of the movable support 210 in direction D2. The slotted hole 215 has an elongated shape such that the movable support 210 can be in a first raised position 1150 in direction D2. Figure 6F ) and the second lowering position 1160 ( Figure 6B The movable support 210 further includes a cam mechanism 212 having a cam surface 213 (see at least...). Figure 6A The cam surface 213 is configured to interface with automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 so as to be in the clamping or closed position 240 ( Figure 6A ) and unclamped or open position 230 ( Figure 6F The gripping components 220 and 225 are automatically actuated between each other.

[0019] refer to Figure 1A , Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figures 6A-6F , Figure 7 , Figures 8A-8B and Figures 9A-9C The automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 each include a base 231 and 235 with orifices 232 and 236 (corresponding pins 299 extending through orifices 232 and 236) and cam follower surfaces 222 and 227. Gripping arms 233 and 237 extend from the bases 231 and 235 and include gripping surfaces 234 and 238. The automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 are coupled to the corresponding pins 299 so that they can rotate relative to both the movable support 210 and the base 3 between an open position 230 and a closed position 240 (as...). Figures 6A-6F (As best shown). On one hand, the automatically actuating gripping members 220, 225 are connected to their respective pins 299 for free rotation relative to the pins 299; on the other hand, the automatically actuating gripping members 220, 225 and their respective pins 299 can rotate as a unit relative to the slotted hole 215 and the movable support member 210. The automatically actuating gripping members 220, 225 are configured relative to the baby support 2 to grip the baby support 2 using the gripping surfaces 234, 238 when the baby support 2 is positioned on the support base 211. Figure 9BThe automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225, which are actuated between the open position 230 and the closed position 240, grasp and release the cooperating support member 8 of the baby support 2. Through the movement of the movable support member 210, the automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 are automatically actuated between the open and closed positions 230 and 240.

[0020] For example, also refer to Figures 10A-10C The infant care device 1 may further include at least one toggle mechanism 250. In one aspect, the at least one toggle mechanism 250 may form an indicator to indicate the position of the movable support 210. For example, the at least one toggle mechanism 250 may emit an audible or tactile signal to indicate the position. In another aspect, the movable support 210 may be supported on the at least one toggle mechanism 250, which is configured to toggle the movable support 210 between a first raised position 1150 and a second lowered position 1160. The at least one toggle mechanism 250 utilizes a helical cam 251 and a spring 252 to toggle between the first raised position 1150 and the second lowered position 1160. For example, when the movable support 210 is lowered in direction D4 (… Figures 6A-6F and Figure 10B (For example, when the baby support 2 is being attached to the base 3), the at least one toggle mechanism 250 is compressed and the helical cam 251 rotates in direction R1. In this position, the spring 252 in the at least one toggle mechanism 250 is loaded into a compressed and locked position by the helical cam 251. In this position, both the at least one toggle mechanism 250 and the movable support 210 supported thereon are in a lowered state. When the movable support 210 moves again in direction D5 ( Figures 6A-6F and Figure 10B (For example, when the baby support 2 is removed), the at least one toggle mechanism 250 is compressed, which causes the helical cam 251 to rotate in direction R1, thereby unlocking the at least one toggle mechanism 250 and allowing the spring 252 of the at least one toggle mechanism 250 to cause the movable support 210 to move in direction D5. Figures 6A-6F and Figure 10B ).

[0021] With at least one toggle mechanism 250 (and therefore the movable support 210) in the raised position 1150, the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 are in and held in the open position 230 through the interaction between the cam mechanism 212 and the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 of the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225. With the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 in the open position 230, the mating support member 8 of the baby support 2 is freely removed or placed into the support seat 211 of the movable support 210 to mount the baby support 2 to the base 3. To bias the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 in the open position 230, the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 of the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 are configured to interface with the cam surface 213 of the cam mechanism 212. For example, when the baby support 2 is not present on the support seat 211, the movable support 210 is in the first raised position 1150, such that the cam surface 213 of the cam mechanism 212 engages with the cam follower surfaces 222 and 227 of the gripping members 220 and 225 and, against the biasing force of the torsion spring 260, biases the cam follower surfaces 222 and 227 of the automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 to the open position 230 in directions T5 and T6, respectively. As the baby support 2 and its supporting member 8 are placed on the movable support 210 by the user, and the movable support 210 moves to the second lowered position 1160 in direction D4, the cam surface 213 of the cam mechanism 212 disengages from the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 (i.e., the cam follower surfaces 222, 227 of the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 follow or slide along the cam surface 213 of the cam mechanism 212 in directions D6 and D7, respectively). The torsion springs 260 of the corresponding automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 enable rotation of the corresponding automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 in directions T1 and T2. The corresponding torsion spring 260 biases the automatically actuated gripping member 220 in direction T1 and the automatically actuated gripping member 225 in direction T2 about the corresponding pivot axes 221 and 226 so as to place the automatically actuated gripping members 220 and 225 in the closed position 240.

[0022] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 8A-8B On one hand, the infant support connector 200 includes a first tilt lock 31 and a second tilt lock 33, each including a locking pad 35. The locking pad 35 is configured to engage with the support member 8 to lock the position of the support member 8 relative to the base 3 and to set an angle θ. Figure 1A and Figure 2 As can be perceived, the angle θ is... Figure 1A The value is shown as essentially zero, but it can be increased or decreased such that the crib 6 is essentially level (e.g., the baby support surface of the crib 6 is substantially in a plane parallel to the horizontal plane) to compensate for any tilt of the surface on which the baby care equipment 1 is placed. The first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 are substantially similar to the locking mechanism described previously by reference to U.S. Patent No. 10,231,555, which is incorporated herein by reference. The locking pad 35 can be made of rubber or any other suitable material. The first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 are configured such that the locking pad 35 removably engages the mating support member 8 positioned within the support base 211 by movement of the Z-link (not shown). Movement of the Z-link causes movement of both the first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 in direction D12, thereby locking and releasing the mating support member 8 relative to the base 3. For example, to lock the engagement support member 8 relative to the base 3, the Z-link actuates the first tilt lock 31 in direction D9 and the second tilt lock 33 in direction D8, such that the first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 move toward the centerline CL of the baby support connector 200. When the Z-link is actuated to drive the first tilt lock 31 in direction D8 and the second tilt lock 33 in direction D9 away from the centerline CL of the baby support connector 200, the engagement support member 8 is released. The first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 may include a locking member 36 to lock the automatically actuated gripping members 220, 225 into place. The locking member 36 is configured to move along with the first tilt lock 31 and the second tilt lock 33 in direction D3. For example, when the second tilt lock 33 moves in direction D8 to lock the engagement support member 8 relative to the base 3, the locking member 36 also moves in direction D8 and is positioned below the automatically actuated gripping member 225. The automatically actuated gripping member 225 includes a locking surface 36A. Figure 8B The interface is connected to the locking member 36 and "locks" the automatically actuated gripping member 225 (i.e., prevents the automatic actuated gripping member 225 from rotating). The locking member 36 is connected to the motion linkage of the tilt locks 31, 33 so as to move between the locked and unlocked positions in accordance with the engagement and disengagement of the tilt locks 31, 33.

[0023] Now for reference Figures 11-13According to another aspect of the disclosed embodiment, an infant support connector 200' is shown. Except as mentioned below, the infant support connector 200' is substantially similar to the infant support connector 200. In this respect, the infant support connector 200' includes automatically actuated gripping members 220', 225', and the outer cover 280C of the outer casing 280 serves as the movable support member 210 as described above. Here, the outer cover 280C is movably coupled to the base 3 in any suitable manner, such as via the outer casing base 281, such that the outer cover 280C moves in direction D2 relative to the outer casing base 281, which is fixedly mounted to the base 3. Note that the skirt 280S is coupled to the outer casing base 281 independently of the outer cover 280C, such that the outer cover 280C moves in direction D2 relative to the skirt 280S. The skirt 280S extends from the housing base 281 (or relative to the baby support connector 200') to surround or enclose at least a portion of the movable stage 10 extending through the surface 5A. The housing cover 280C includes a cam mechanism 283 with a cam surface 284 to enable automatic actuation of the automatically actuated gripping members 220', 225', as described below.

[0024] The automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' each include bases 231' and 235' with orifices 232' and 236' (with corresponding pins 299' extending through said orifices 232' and 236') and cam followers 222' and 227' extending from the bases 231' and 235'. Gripping arms 233' and 237' extend from the bases 231' and 235' and include gripping surfaces 234' and 238'. The automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' are coupled to the corresponding pins 299' to rotate relative to the housing cover 280C (and base 3) between an open position 230 and a closed position 240. Here, when the outer cover 280C is lowered in direction D4, the cam surface 284 of the cam mechanism 283 is engaged with the cam followers 222' and 227' of the gripping members 220' and 225', biasing the cam followers 222' and 227' of the automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' into the open position 230. As the cooperating support member 8 of the baby support 2 is placed on the movable support 210 by the user and the movable support 210 is lowered to the second position in direction D4, the cam surface 284 of the cam mechanism 283 is lowered in direction D4, causing the cam followers 222' and 227' of the automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' to rotate in the corresponding directions T5 and T6, which forces the automatically actuated gripping members 220' and 225' into the open position 230. When the cam mechanism 283 disengages (i.e., the housing cover 280C is moved to the raised position), the torsion springs integrated into the self-actuating gripping members 220', 225' cause the self-actuating gripping members 220', 225' to rotate in corresponding directions T3 and T4, thereby forcing them to the closed position 240. The baby support connector 200' may further include a shock absorber tower 288 to absorb any impacts and maintain the stability of the baby support connector 200'.

[0025] Now for reference Figures 14-19 In one aspect, the infant care device 1 may include a drive mechanism 60 coupled to a base 3, a vibration mechanism 90, a movable stage 10 movably mounted to the base 3, and a control system 50 (including a controller 51) communicatively coupled to each of the drive mechanism 60 and the vibration mechanism 90. In another aspect, the movable stage 10 includes a first (here rigid) platform 70 and a support platform 99. A lifting motion assembly 65 (here, for example, a double-scissor mechanism 94 having a first scissor mechanism 95 operatively coupled to a second scissor mechanism 97, though any other lifting motion assembly may be provided) (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 15The support platform 99 and the first platform 70 are movably connected. The support platform 99 is configured to connect the housing base 281 and / or substantially directly connect the infant support connector 200 in any suitable manner, such as using mechanical fasteners, chemical fasteners, or combinations thereof. A suitable example of a double scissor mechanism 94 can be seen in U.S. Patent No. 10,231,555, which is previously incorporated herein by reference. The first platform 70 includes at least one wheel 76 suitably disposed thereon, such that the first platform 70 is rollingly supported by said at least one wheel 76. A rail 78 is fixedly attached to the bottom support housing 4 of the base 3. The rail 78 is configured to receive and support said at least one wheel 76 of the first platform 70, such that the movable stage 10 is configured to reciprocate along the rail 78 in a first direction D1 (such as a horizontal direction). In one aspect, said at least one wheel 76 may be a flanged wheel 77, the flange of which rides along the respective rail 78 within a corresponding groove in the rail 78, so as to linearly guide the movable stage 10 along the rail 78. On one hand, the movable stage 10 can reciprocate along the rail 78 for about three inches, while on the other hand, the movable stage 10 can reciprocate along the rail 78 for any suitable distance, such as more or less than about three inches.

[0026] The lifting motion assembly 65 (here, the first scissor mechanism 95 and the second scissor mechanism 97) is attached between the first platform 70 and the support platform 99 to connect the first platform 70 to the support platform 99. Here, the first scissor mechanism 95 includes a first pair of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101' and a second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103'. The second scissor mechanism 97 includes a third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105' and a fourth pair of spaced-apart parallel members 107, 107'. The lower ends 101L, 101L' of the first pair of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101' and the lower ends 107L, 107L' of the fourth pair of spaced-apart parallel members 107, 107' are rotatably pinned to each other about axis 93 and to the first platform 70. Figure 18 Similarly, the upper ends 103U, 103U' of the second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103' and the upper ends 105U, 105U' of the third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105' are rotatably pinned to each other about axis 96 and to support platform 99. Figure 18The first pair of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101' are pivotally secured at their central portions to the second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103' via horizontal pivot pins or similar elements. Correspondingly, the third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105' are pivotally secured at their respective central portions to the fourth pair of spaced-apart parallel members 107, 107' via horizontal pivot pins or similar elements. When the support platform 99 is displaced, for example in the second direction D2 (such as the vertical direction), as will be described in more detail later, the first scissor mechanism 95 and the second scissor mechanism 97 move in a cross manner relative to the pivot pins, such that the double scissor mechanism 94 extends between the first platform 70 and the upwardly displaced support platform 99. Although the lifting motion assembly 65 connected to the movable stage 10 shown and described herein includes the double scissor mechanism 94, in other respects, the movable stage 10 may have any suitable configuration for providing reciprocating motion in the second direction D2.

[0027] Still referencing Figures 14-19 On one hand, another moving component 61 (laterally) is operatively connected to the movable stage 10. Suitable examples include providing first and second horizontal bars 71, 72, wherein the first horizontal bar 71 extends laterally between the lower ends 103L, 103L' of a second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103', and the second horizontal bar 72 extends between the lower ends 105L, 105L' of a third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105', to provide structural stability. Furthermore, the first and second horizontal bars 71, 72 may further include support wheels 75 at their ends, which interface with the travel surface 87 of the first platform 70 of the movable stage 10 for supporting the double scissor mechanism 94 and the support platform 99. A third and fourth horizontal bar 73, 74 are provided, wherein the third horizontal bar 73 extends laterally between the upper ends 101U, 101U' of the first pair of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101', and the fourth horizontal bar 74 extends between the upper ends 107U, 107U' of the fourth pair of spaced-apart parallel members 107, 107'. The third and fourth horizontal bars 73, 74 may include support wheels 79 at their ends for engaging and supporting the baby support 2 (as described above) attached to the baby support connector 200. Alternatively, the support platform 99 may be extended such that the support wheels 79 engage and support the baby support 2, as described above. Figure 18 As shown by the dashed line in the image.

[0028] On one hand, the movable stage 10 may be provided with at least one elastic element 98, such as a tension spring, which is fixedly attached to two or more of the pairs of spaced-apart parallel members 101, 101', 103, 103', 105, 105', 107, 107'. One or more resistive mechanical elements 98 may be provided and configured to assist the lifting motion assembly 65 (described below) in extending or retracting the double scissor mechanism 94 in the second direction D2. For example, the resistive mechanical element 98 may be coupled to the lower ends 103L, 103L' of the second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103' and the lower ends 105L, 105L' of the third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105'. Figures 14-16 In this configuration, the elastic element 98 applies tension to the second pair of spaced-apart parallel members 103, 103' and the third pair of spaced-apart parallel members 105, 105' and pulls the relevant portions toward each other, thereby, for example, assisting the upward vertical movement of the lifting motion assembly 65. In another example, the elastic element 98' ( Figure 18 The elastic elements 98 and 98' can be compression springs positioned to apply an expansion force to the double scissor mechanism 94, thereby pushing the relevant parts apart, for example, to assist in the upward vertical movement of the lifting motion assembly 65. The positions of the elastic elements 98 and 98' as described above should not be configured to restrict the precise attachment of the elastic elements 98 and 98' to the double scissor mechanism 94 and can be varied according to similar results. The elastic elements 98 and 98' also have the benefit of counteracting or amplifying the effects of gravity by acting to reduce or increase downward movement.

[0029] refer to Figures 20-22 And continue to refer to Figures 14-19 As described above, the infant care device 1 includes a drive mechanism 60, which is coupled to and supported by the bottom support housing 4 of the base 3. The drive mechanism 60 includes a lateral motion component 61 that applies a first cyclic movement (e.g., providing lateral movement) to the movable stage 10 in a first direction D1 and a lifting motion component 65 that applies a second cyclic movement (e.g., providing lifting movement) to the movable stage 10 in a second direction D2. As can be appreciated, the corresponding first and second cyclic movements applied by the corresponding motion components 61, 65 are directed in orthogonal directions and are therefore kinematically independent of each other.

[0030] The lateral motion assembly 61 includes: a drive portion having a first motor 62, the first motor having a drive shaft 63 and suspended in the base 3; and a sliding crank assembly 80 mounted to the bottom support housing 4 of the base 3. The first motor 62 is configured to apply a first cyclic motion in a first direction D1 to the movable stage 10. The sliding crank assembly 80 includes a transmission assembly 86 having a set of first gears 81 operatively coupled to the drive shaft 63 of the first motor 62 and a second gear 82 operatively coupled to the set of first gears 81. A crank member 83 having a first end 84 and a second end 85 connects the second gear 82 to the first platform 70 to apply the first cyclic motion provided by the first motor 62 to the first platform 70 of the movable stage 10. For example, the first end 84 of the crank member 83 may be rotatably coupled to a point on the outer circumference of the second gear 82, and the second end 85 of the crank member 83 may be rotatably coupled to the first platform 70.

[0031] In operation, actuation of the first motor 62 causes rotation of the first gear 81, which in turn causes rotation of the second gear 82. The rotational drive of the second gear 82 is coupled to a crank member 83 on the outer circumference of the second gear 82. As the first end 84 of the crank member 83 rotates about the second gear 82, the first platform 70 is pushed and pulled in a first direction D1 by the second end 85 of the crank member 83. This operation achieves reciprocating motion of the driven portion of the motion assembly 61, which is coupled to the movable stage 10 and thus applies lateral motion to the movable stage 10 in the first direction, for example, along the rail 78. Therefore, the lateral motion assembly 61 is configured such that a single motor (i.e., the first motor 62) causes the first platform 70 to move in the first direction (e.g., horizontally), and wherein the first motor 62 operates only in a single direction, thereby eliminating system backlash. The control system for controlling the lateral motion assembly 61 to achieve the desired motion profile will be discussed in more detail below.

[0032] Still referencing Figures 14-22A lifting motion assembly 65 is disposed on a first platform 70 of the movable stage 10 and configured to apply a second cyclic motion in a second direction D2 to at least a portion of the movable stage 10, independent of the first cyclic motion applied in a first direction by the lateral motion assembly 61. The lifting motion assembly 65 includes a second motor 66 disposed on the first platform 70, separate from and distinct from the first motor 62. The second motor 66 includes a drive shaft 67 operatively coupled to a worm gear drive assembly 120. The worm gear drive assembly 120 converts rotation of the drive shaft 67 into rotational motion of the output member 121 perpendicular to the rotation of the drive shaft 67. A vertical yoke 122 is rotatably attached to the output member 121 at its first end 123 in such a way that the attachment member 125, attached to the second end 124 of the vertical yoke 122, extends along... Figure 21 The direction D2 is vertically reciprocating. The attachment member 125 is configured to connect to and drive / support the support platform 99 (and the wheel 79). Therefore, the lifting motion assembly 65 is configured such that a single motor (i.e., the second motor 66) causes the support platform 99 to move in the second direction D2 (e.g., vertically), and wherein the second motor 66 operates only in a single direction, thereby eliminating system backlash. The control system for controlling the lifting motion assembly 65 to achieve the desired motion profile will be discussed in more detail below. Note that the motion assistance provided by the elastic elements 98, 98' can be used to deploy a smaller torque motor compared to omitting the elastic elements 98, 98'.

[0033] Because both the lateral motion assembly 61 and the lifting motion assembly 65 include a first motor 62 and a second motor 66 that are separate and distinct from each other, the lateral motion assembly 61 can be controlled independently of the lifting motion assembly 65. Independent control of the first motor 62 and the second motor 66 allows for the selection of a wide variety of variable motion profiles, including cyclic motion in a first direction, a second direction, or both.

[0034] Also refer to Figures 23A-23EThe control system 50 is configured to realize the movement of the drive mechanism 60 on at least one motion profile, such as, as examples, pre-programmed selectively variable motion profiles: Car Ride 201, Kangaroo 202, Ocean Wave 204, Tree Swing 206, and Rock-A-Bye 208. These selectively variable motion profiles are obtained by independently controlling the horizontal movement provided by the lateral motion component 61 and the vertical movement provided by the lifting motion component 65, and then coordinating the horizontal and vertical movements to obtain visually unique motion profiles. However, these motion profiles are used for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting, as any motion profile including horizontal and / or vertical movement can be utilized. In one aspect, different selectively variable motion profiles are qualitatively defined by the selectively variable speed characteristics of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components 61, 65 and the selectively variable speed characteristics of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components 61, 65. On one hand, the controller 51 uses a common selection input to the control system 50 to select a selectable variable speed characteristic of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components 61, 65 and a selectable variable speed characteristic of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components 61, 65.

[0035] Refer again Figures 14-22On one hand, the vibration mechanism 90 is coupled to the base 3. On the other hand, the vibration mechanism 90 is coupled to the movable stage 10 or any other suitable part of the baby care device 1 (here the vibration mechanism is mounted to the first platform 70 and positioned to reduce the vibration pulses applied to the motors 62, 66 of the motion components 61, 65). The vibration mechanism 90 includes a vibration motor 91 that is separate from and distinct from the first and second motors of the drive mechanism 60. The vibration motor 91 is configured to cause the movable stage 10 to vibrate. The vibration motor can be any suitable vibration mechanism, such as a motor having an eccentric counterweight on the output shaft that rotates about the output shaft to achieve vibration. In other aspects, the vibration motor can be any suitable oscillating linear motor or rotary motor. The vibration motor 91 achieves vibrations of different patterns and intensities to form vibration modes that can be selectively applied to the movable stage 10, which will be discussed in more detail below. On one hand, the vibration profile is superimposed on the cyclic motion of the first and / or second motion components 61, 65. The vibration profile can be superimposed on the lateral motion assembly 61 independently of the lifting motion assembly 65. For example, the vibration mechanism 90 can be mounted to any stage of the movable stage 10, such as the first platform 70 and / or the support platform 99, to achieve the desired vibration superposition. Alternatively, the vibration mechanism 90 can be mounted to any portion of the corresponding driven portion of the lateral motion assembly and / or the lifting motion assembly. The stage of the motion assembly to which the vibration mechanism 90 is attached can be freely selected without considering the effect of the connection on the corresponding reciprocating motion of the respective motion assemblies 61, 65. Note that the drive mechanism 60, the lifting motion assembly 65, and the vibration mechanism 90 can be collectively referred to as the drive section of the baby care device 1.

[0036] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figures 14-22 and Figure 24 The control system 50 can be mounted in the base 3 and is provided for realizing different selectable variable motion profiles applied by the driven mechanism 60 to the movable stage 10 and various vibration modes for each different variable motion profile via the vibration mechanism 90. The control system 50 may include any suitable controller 51, such as a microprocessor, a rheostat, a potentiometer, or any other suitable control mechanism for controlling the movement of the driven mechanism 60. In one or more aspects, the controller 51 (described in more detail below) is configured using artificial intelligence and includes a state machine 51SM (… Figure 3C ), neural network 51NN ( Figure 3D ) or any other suitable form of artificial intelligence used to operate the baby care device 1 in the manner described herein ( Figure 3AOne or more of the following. In one or more aspects, the control system 50 includes a remote controller, such as a replaceable mobile device 351 ( Figure 3A and Figure 3B It is communicatively connected to the controller 51 via any suitable wired connection 380 or wireless connection 381. Figure 3B In other aspects, the replaceable mobile device 351 presents one or more processing capabilities of the controller 51 such that a portion of the processing capabilities of the control system 50 onboard on the base is supplemented or fully presented by the replaceable mobile device 351. The mobile device 51 is configured to: display the operating status of the infant care device 1; display changes in the operating status of the infant care device 1; display (e.g., using one or more peripheral devices 360) sensed active characteristics of the infant within the crib 6 or infant seat 7 (collectively referred to herein as an infant support); provide control to adjust the operating status of the infant care device 1; and / or provide any other suitable operating functions of the infant care device 1 in a remotely operated manner. The controller 51, having the one or more peripheral devices 360, forms a closed-loop control system coupled to the drive section of the infant care device 1 and configured to adjust the action and / or movement of the infant care device 1 to soothe and comfort the infant 390 within the crib 6 (or infant seat 7).

[0037] As described above, controller 51 is communicatively connected to drive mechanism 60 and vibration mechanism 90. Controller 51 is configured to achieve movement of baby support 2 using a selectable variable motion profile with selectable vibration modes selected by the controller from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable different vibration modes for each of the different selectable variable motion profiles.

[0038] The control system 50 may further include a control panel 52 for observing and controlling the speed and movement of the drive mechanism 60, one or more control switches or knobs 54 for actuating the drive mechanism 60, and various inputs and outputs operatively coupled to the controller 51. For example, the control system 50 may include a horizontal encoder 130 coupled to the output shaft 131 of the first motor 62. Figure 20 The horizontal encoder 130 may include an infrared (IR) sensor 132 and a disk 133 having a single hole or slot 134 positioned thereon (see...). Figure 20 The horizontal encoder 130 is configured such that the controller 51 can determine the rotational speed and quantity of the first motor 62. The vertical encoder 135 (… Figure 22 The vertical encoder 135 can be provided and coupled to the rear shaft 136 of the second motor 66. The vertical encoder 135 may include an IR sensor 137 and a disc 138 having a single hole or slot 139 positioned thereon (see [reference needed]). Figure 22The vertical encoder 135 is configured such that the controller 51 can determine the rotational speed and number of the second motor 66. The position of the vibration mechanism 90 can be selected, as previously described, to avoid noise that generates position signals for the encoders 130 and 135.

[0039] Furthermore, although the horizontal encoder 130 and the vertical encoder 135 have been described above, they are not to be construed as being limited to magnetic encoders, as other types of encoders known in the art may also be used. It may also be desirable to provide a device in which two or more control switches associated with the respective motor are actuated to achieve speed control in the desired direction. Moreover, although the horizontal encoder 130 and the vertical encoder 135 have been described as including only a single slot, this should not be construed as limiting, as encoders with multiple slots may be utilized.

[0040] On one hand, the control system 50 may further include horizontal and vertical limit switches 165, 167. Figure 14 This provides input to controller 51. For example, horizontal and vertical limit switches 165, 167 can be configured to indicate to controller 51 that the first platform 70 or support platform 99 has reached the end of its stroke. Vertical limit switch 167 can be configured to indicate when the support platform 99 is in its lowest and / or highest vertical position relative to base 3. Horizontal limit switch 165 can be configured to indicate when the first platform 70 is at its furthest point from the center position relative to base 3, to the right and / or to the left. Horizontal and vertical limit switches 165, 167 are configured such that control system 50 can determine the initial positions of lateral motion component 61 and lifting motion component 65 and adjust drive mechanism 60 accordingly. In one aspect, limit switches 165, 167 can be optical switches or any other suitable switches. The position of the vibration mechanism can be selected, as described above, to avoid noise that generates position signals for limit switches 165, 167 (to prevent errors from overdrive motors).

[0041] The control panel 52 may also have a display 53 to provide information to the user, such as, for example, motion profiles, the volume of music played through the speaker 56, and the speed of reciprocating motion. In one aspect, the control panel 52 may be a touchscreen control panel, a capacitive control panel, or any suitable user interface configured to receive common selection input from the user to select different selectable variable motion profiles. Control switches 54 (which may be capacitive switches, areas of a touchscreen, toggle switches, buttons, etc.) may include user input switches such as power switches, start / stop switches, motion increment switches, motion decrement switches, speed increment switches, speed decrement push-button switches, and the like. In one or more aspects, at least a portion of the functionality of the control panel 52 described herein is provided on the mobile device 360, such that the baby care device 1 can be remotely controlled and / or remotely monitored via the mobile device 360. The controller 51 of the control system 50 may also include various outputs. These outputs include, but are not limited to, pulse width modulation (PWM) for the first motor 62, PWM for the second motor 66, and display backlighting.

[0042] The following explanation provides an understanding of an exemplary control system 50 of the infant care device 1. Based on the physical constraints of the first motor 62 and the second motor 66 of the lateral motion component 61 and the lifting motion component 65, the maximum speed of the first motor 62 can be approximately a four-second cycle and the maximum speed of the second motor 66 can be approximately a two-second cycle. Based on these constraints, the following relationships can be established: Table 1 taking a bus kangaroo Tree Swing obediently rock waves The number of vertical loops (n) in each horizontal loop. 2 4 2 2 1 Phase shift ( ) 90 degrees 0 degrees 180 degrees 0 degrees 90 degrees Horizontal period at minimum speed 8 seconds 12 seconds 8 seconds 8 seconds 8 seconds Horizontal speed at maximum speed 4 seconds 8 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds

[0043] The speed of the first motor 62 is independently set to one cycle, and a feedback control loop is used to ensure that the first motor 62 remains at a constant speed regardless of the dynamics of the components of the baby care device 1. As described above, the output of the control system 50 is the PWM signal of the first motor 62. One possible input to the control system is the speed of the first motor 62, which can be observed through the horizontal encoder 130. However, to avoid computationally intensive calculations, it can operate in the frequency domain and use the processor time base between the time bases (ticks) of the horizontal encoder 130 as the input variable. This allows the computational load of the controller 51 to be limited to integers rather than manipulating floating points. The vibration mechanism 90 generates vibrations of different modes, which are superimposed on each variable selectable motion profile as described in the control.

[0044] The physical drive mechanism for the lateral motion assembly 61 is a sliding crank assembly 80, which is configured such that the first motor 62 reciprocates the first platform 70 back and forth without changing direction. Because the first motor 62 only needs to operate in one direction, the recoil effect in the system is eliminated, thereby removing the problems associated with the horizontal encoder 130 on the rear axle 131 of the first motor 62.

[0045] It is known that the natural, gentle movements used to soothe infants are a combination of at least two movements, both of which are reciprocating motions with gentle acceleration and deceleration, such that the movement reaches its limit by slowly stopping before reversing and is fastest in the middle of the motion. This movement is the same as the sinusoidal motion produced by the combination of the sliding crank assembly 80 and the worm gear drive assembly 120. The sliding crank assembly 80 and the worm gear drive assembly 120 are configured to cause the drive motor to operate at a constant rotational speed, while the output motion supplied to the infant seat 7 slows down and accelerates, thus simulating the movements of a person soothing a child. These components are also configured to cause the drive motor to operate in one direction.

[0046] refer to Figure 14 and Figure 20 The torque on the first motor 62 depends on the friction of the entire system (which depends on weight) and the angle of the crank assembly 83. The torque of the first motor 62 is controlled by setting the PWM to a predetermined value based on a user-defined desired speed. The controller 51 may include feedforward compensation to control the speed of the first motor 62.

[0047] Figures 14-22 Any of the components shown can be set to zero. For example, reasonable accuracy can be achieved by using only the proportional and integral terms (where the constants Kp and Ki depend on the input speed) while ignoring the feedforward and derivative terms.

[0048] Based on feedback from the horizontal encoder 130 and the horizontal limit switch 165, the accurate position (labeled "hPos") of the first platform 70 can be determined at any point within its range of motion. Similarly, based on feedback from the vertical encoder 135 and the vertical limit switch 167, the accurate position (labeled "vPos") of the support platform 99 can be determined at any point within its range of motion.

[0049] Although the first platform 70 is controlled entirely based on velocity, the support platform 99 can also be controlled based on both position and velocity. For a given horizontal position (hPos) and a given motion (which indicates the number of vertical cycles (n) and phase offset for each horizontal cycle as shown in Table 1),... The desired vPos can be calculated as follows: Desired_ v Pos= h Pos× v 2 h _ratio× n+Φ (Equation 1) in v2h_ratio This is a constant defined by dividing the number of vertical encoder time bases per cycle by the number of horizontal encoder time bases per cycle. Based on the actual vertical position, the amount of error can be calculated as follows: posErr= v Pos− Desired_vPos (Equation 2) This error term must be correctly scaled to + / - 2 times the vertical encoder time base per cycle.

[0050] On the other hand, if the directions of motion of wave 204 and vehicle 201 are unrelated, then each value of hPos, Desired_vPos, has two possibilities and can make the vertical error term posErr based on the closer of the two.

[0051] The position error term posErr must then be incorporated into the velocity-based feedback control loop. Logically, if the vertical axis is behind (posErr < 0), the velocity should be increased proportionally to the error, while if the vertical axis is in front (posErr > 0), the velocity should be decreased proportionally to the error, as follows: vSP = posErr × K VP + vBase (Equation 3) in vBasw = hSP / n × h 2v_ratio (Equation 4) Furthermore, h2v_ratio is defined as the horizontal time base per cycle / the vertical time base per cycle.

[0052] The above description is for illustrative purposes only, as any suitable control scheme can be used. As previously stated, the different vibration modes generated by the vibration mechanism 90 are superimposed on each variable optional motion profile controlled as described above.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the infant care device 1 is configured such that the seat reciprocates with a vertical displacement of approximately 1.5 inches and a horizontal displacement of approximately 3.0 inches, wherein the vertical displacement frequency ranges between approximately 10 and 40 cycles per minute and the horizontal displacement frequency ranges between approximately 10 and 40 cycles per minute. In another example, the infant care device 1 is configured such that the seat reciprocates with a vertical displacement greater than or less than approximately 1.5 inches and a horizontal displacement greater than or less than approximately 3.0 inches, wherein the vertical displacement frequency ranges between approximately 10 and 40 cycles per minute and the horizontal displacement frequency ranges between approximately 10 and 40 cycles per minute.

[0054] On the other hand, at least a third reciprocating means (not shown) can be added so that the seat can reciprocate in a direction different from the first and second directions applied by the first and second motion components 61, 65 mentioned herein.

[0055] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figures 14-22 and Figure 25 This illustrates a method 2000 for applying movement to an infant support 2. The method includes providing a base 3 of the infant care device 1. Figure 25 (Frame 2001). A drive mechanism 60 having a lateral motion component 61 and a lifting motion component 65 is provided to be coupled to the base 3 ( Figure 25 (See frame 2002), wherein the lateral motion assembly 61 has a first motor 62 suspended on the base 3 and the lifting motion assembly 65 has a second motor 66 separate from and different from the first motor 62. A vibration mechanism 90 is provided, connected to the base 3, having a vibration motor 91 separate from and different from the first and second motors 62, 66 of the drive mechanism 60. Figure 25 (Frame 2003). A movable stage 10 is provided, which can be movably mounted to the base 3. Figure 25 (See frame 2004). The movable stage 10 is operatively coupled to the lateral motion assembly 61 such that the first motor 62 applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction D1 to the movable stage 10 via the lateral motion assembly 61, and to the lifting motion assembly 65, such that the second motor 66 applies a second cyclic motion in a second direction D2 to at least a portion of the movable stage 10 independently of the first cyclic motion applied in the first direction D1 by the lifting motion assembly 65, and to the vibration mechanism 90 such that the vibration motor 91 causes the movable stage 10 to vibrate. Figure 25 (Frame 2005). The baby support 2 is provided to be connected to the movable level 10 ( Figure 25(See frame 2006), such that a second cyclic motion and a first cyclic motion are applied to the infant support 2, and the infant support is configured to cyclically move relative to the base 3 in both a first direction D1 and a second direction D2. A controller 51 is communicatively coupled to a drive mechanism 60 to move the infant support 2 using a selectable variable motion profile selected by the controller 51 from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable different vibration modes for each of the different selectable variable motion profiles. Figure 25 (Frame 2007).

[0056] Refer again Figure 3A and Figure 3B As described above, the control system 50 includes one or more peripheral devices 360 communicatively connected to the controller 51 via any suitable wired connection 380 or wireless connection 381. The one or more peripheral devices 360 are configured to observe at least one characteristic of the infant within the crib 6 (or infant seat 7). The one or more peripheral devices 360 may be integrated with the infant care device 1 (e.g., integrated into the crib 6 or base 3) or remotely connected to the infant care device 1 to form a remote accessory device of the infant care device 1.

[0057] Data from the one or more peripheral devices 360 is recorded by the controller 51 (or by the mobile device 351 for influencing via the controller 51) and used to provide stimulation to the infant to soothe and calm the infant's mood (e.g., to stop the infant from crying) or state (e.g., to induce / help the infant to fall asleep and / or reduce the infant's restlessness). For example, data from the one or more peripheral devices can be used by the controller 51 (as will be described herein) to initiate one or more predetermined movements of the crib 6 (as described herein), initiate one or more sounds (and select an appropriate sound volume), activate a light, and / or initiate vibration of the crib 6 (as described herein). The predetermined movements, sounds, changes in sound volume, lights, and vibrations can be activated individually or in parallel by the controller 51 to superimpose stimulation on the infant. As described above, the controller 51 in one or more aspects includes artificial intelligence 51A, wherein the controller 51 is configured to change and adjust the type and intensity of stimuli provided to the infant based on (e.g., as determined by feedback from peripheral devices) the effects of selected stimuli, such that over time, the controller 51 becomes more effective in soothing (or learning how to soothe) and meeting the needs of the infant within the crib 6. It should be noted that while the control system 50 is described herein with respect to the crib 6, the infant seat 7 can be controlled in a similar manner.

[0058] As a non-limiting example of the one or more peripheral devices 360, the one or more peripheral devices 360 include one or more optical sensors 361, one or more thermal sensors 362, one or more sound sensors 363, one or more motion sensors 364, one or more biometric sensors 365, and / or any other suitable one or more sensors configured to observe (or otherwise monitor) at least one characteristic of the infant. The one or more optical sensors 361 are any suitable optical sensors, including but not limited to one or more of CCD and CMOS cameras. The one or more thermal sensors 362 can be any suitable thermal sensor, including but not limited to any suitable thermoelectric sensor, such as an infrared sensor. Optical sensor 361 and thermal sensor 362 are used by controller 51 (and / or motion device 351) to monitor and measure one or more of the following in conjunction with controller 51: changes in the infant's position within crib 6 (e.g., where the infant's position in a series of video frames is compared to determine infant movement); infant facial expressions; and / or the infant's blood oxygen level and pulse, such as through image recognition using video of the infant's skin tone / color.

[0059] One or more sound sensors 363 are any suitable sensors, including but not limited to any suitable microphone, for detecting and / or otherwise measuring sound waves. One or more sound sensors 363 are used by controller 51 (and / or mobile device 351) to measure or otherwise detect changes in sound relative to nominal background noise (i.e., ambient noise of the environment in which the baby care device 1 is located). One or more sound sensors 363 are also used by controller 51 (and / or mobile device 351) to measure or otherwise detect the type of noise emanating from the baby within crib 6, wherein baby noise includes, but is not limited to, crying, cooing, and babbling.

[0060] One or more motion sensors 364 are any suitable sensors used to detect and / or otherwise measure the movement / movement of an infant within crib 6. One or more motion sensors 364 include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: a camera (e.g., detecting motion by frame comparison and image recognition); an accelerometer; a gyroscope; an inertial measurement unit (IMU); a piezoelectric sensor; a barometric pressure sensor; an electromotive force (EMF) sensor; or any other suitable motion sensor. One or more motion sensors 364 are used by controller 51 (and / or motion device 351) to measure or otherwise detect the movement of an infant within crib 6, wherein the motion sensors are located on or worn by the infant and / or located adjacent to the infant within crib 6 (but not worn by or not on the infant).

[0061] One or more biometric sensors 365 are any suitable sensors for detecting and / or otherwise measuring the biometrics of an infant within the crib 6. One or more biometric sensors 365 include, but are not limited to, blood pressure monitors, heart rate monitors, thermometers, skin conductance sensors, pulse oximeters, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, inertial measurement units (IMUs)) and / or any other suitable biometric sensors. In one or more aspects, one or more biometric sensors 265 are wearable health devices 365W ( Figure 3B (For example, and may be referred to as "smart" clothing), such as cuffs, wristbands, hats, trousers, shirts, anklets, socks, underwear, diapers, etc., including one or more of the aforementioned biometric sensors 365. The biometric sensors are, on the one hand, removable from the smart wearable and / or replaceable from one smart wearable to another to facilitate washing or disposal (e.g., when using disposable "smart" diapers); on the other hand, the biometric sensors are non-removable and substantially environmentally friendly (also facilitating washing the smart wearable). One or more biometric sensors are used by the controller 51 (and / or the mobile device 351) to measure or otherwise detect biometric characteristics, such as, for example, blood oxygen levels, pulse rate, body temperature, and skin conductivity.

[0062] In addition to or replacing one or more of the peripheral devices 360 mentioned above, the infant care device 1 includes a position sensor 330 (such as the encoder shown above) and / or a current draw sensor 331. The current draw sensor 331 is communicatively coupled to a drive system motor (such as at least motors 62, 66) and is configured to monitor the current used by the driven system's motor(s). The controller 51 (or the movement device 351) is configured to determine the state (e.g., restlessness) of the infant in the crib 6 by comparing the current and position information of the crib 6 (or infant seat 7) in which an active infant resides with the current and position information of the crib 6 (or infant seat 7) in which an inactive infant resides.

[0063] As mentioned above, data from one or more peripheral devices 360 is recorded by controller 51 (or recorded by motion device 351 for influencing via controller 51) and used by controller 51 to implement changes in one or more of the movements (e.g., auditory stimuli (sounds, music, etc.) and visual stimuli (lights, moving parts 19, etc.)) and motions (vibrations and motion profiles) of crib 6. These changes in one or more of the movements and motions of crib 6 provide stimulation to the infant to soothe and comfort the infant's mood or state. Each of the peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331 (collectively referred to herein as sensors) mentioned above is configured to generate sensor signals 399 that implement at least one characteristic of the infant within crib 6, including those measured by peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331. The at least one characteristic is the infant 390's motor characteristics (e.g., crying, cooing, babbling, and / or other auditory movements) and / or kinematic characteristics (e.g., kicking, rolling, and / or other movements). Note that in one or more aspects, the sensor communicates directly with the controller 51, while in other aspects, the sensor communicates indirectly with the controller 51, such as through the mobile device 351 (see...). Figure 3B The controller 51 is configured to send one or more commands to the drive section to activate or drive motors 62, 66 (and / or vibration mechanism 90) in a predetermined sequence based on sensor data of at least one feature sensed by peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331. In one or more aspects, the one or more commands are responsive changes (generated by the controller 51) in the movements and motions of the crib 6 based on changes in one or more of the infant's motion and movement characteristics, said features being sensed by peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331.

[0064] As mentioned above and also refer to Figure 3C and Figure 3DIn one or more aspects, controller 51 includes artificial intelligence 51A. Artificial intelligence 51A is configured (i.e., via sensors coupled to controller 51) to monitor and respond to the actions and movements of the infant 390, resulting in responsive changes in the controller. Artificial intelligence 51A also monitors (e.g., via sensors coupled to controller 51, such as biometric sensors of a smart wearable device or other suitable sensors as described herein) the infant 390's responses to responsive changes, such that over time, controller 51 learns how the infant 390 responds to responsive changes in order to better (i.e., more effectively) soothe and comfort the infant 390. In one or more aspects, artificial intelligence 51A is configured to predict the type of changing events that trigger changes in the infant's biometrics (e.g., causes leading to irritability, anger, etc., where the changing events include hunger, soiled diapers / clothes (e.g., urination or defecation events), environmental conditions, illness, etc.) by using active learning (as described herein) and inputs from one or more sensors described herein.

[0065] Figure 3C A simple example of a finite state machine 51SM is shown, but it should be understood that the state machine used for real-time control of the baby care device 1 can be more complex, having more features than... Figure 3C More states and transitions are shown. The state machine 51SM includes any suitable number of states, such as a first state 5102, a second state 5104, and a third state 5106. A state, for example, represents the state of an infant 390 within a baby support (i.e., crying, cooing, babbling, asleep, awake, restless, temperature, fever, chilled, or any other suitable state). Each change from one state to another occurs through a transition such as a first transition 5110. Note that each state can have more than one transition into or out of that state. Although in Figure 3C The diagram illustrates a simple finite state machine, 51SM; however, a state machine can be any suitable state machine, including but not limited to those fully represented by a state table, where the state table tabularly associates states and conditions. Furthermore, the 51MS state machine uses any suitable model for state transitions. For example, some state machine models constrain the binary conditions of transitions, while others allow for the use of more general expressions to evaluate state changes (e.g., a Moore state machine has an output that depends only on the current state, while a Mealy state machine has an output that depends on both the input and the state). Other suitable state machines include algorithmic state machines, Unified Modeling Language state graphs, directed graphs, etc.

[0066] State machine 51SM includes or otherwise forms a discriminator 5120 that discriminates between different inputs from peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331, and further discriminates the strength of such inputs in one or more respects, such that state machine 51SM provides an output 5106 corresponding to the input and in some respects corresponding to the input strength. For example, the state machine discriminates input strength by applying one or more thresholds to an input or combination of inputs from peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331. Examples of thresholds used to construct the discriminator include, but are not limited to, time thresholds, intensity thresholds, and input combination thresholds.

[0067] One example of a time threshold imposed by state machine 51SM is the duration of infant activity before state machine 51SM provides an output that modifies one or more of the actions and movements of the infant care device 1. As an example, in the case where infant 390 is crying and the movement of the stroller device is set to riding movement 201, discriminator 5120 determines whether the crying has stopped for any suitable predetermined time before the state machine provides an output 5156P that modifies or stops the movement of the infant care device 1.

[0068] One example of an intensity threshold applied by state machine 51SM is that a threshold is applied to the infant's heart rate (e.g., according to the infant's age) to adjust one or more of the actions and movements of the infant care device. For example, discriminator 5120 discriminates the intensity of the infant's heartbeat with respect to one or more thresholds. A first or upper threshold may indicate high restlessness in the infant 390. A second or intermediate threshold may indicate moderate restlessness. A heartbeat below the second threshold may indicate essentially no restlessness. If the discriminator determines that the infant 390's heartbeat is above the first threshold, state machine 51SM outputs a command, for example, to the drive system, causing the infant support to move at a first speed corresponding to the first threshold in one of the movement patterns described herein (which may also be determined by the discriminator). If the discriminator determines that the infant 390's heartbeat is above the second threshold but below the first threshold, state machine 51SM outputs a command, for example, to the drive system, causing the infant support to move at a second speed corresponding to the second threshold in one of the movement patterns described herein (which may also be determined by the discriminator). If the discriminator determines that the infant 390's heart rate will fall below a second threshold, state machine 51SM outputs a command, for example, to the drive system, causing the infant support to move at a third speed in one of the motion patterns described herein (which can also be determined by the discriminator). Here, the first speed is greater than / faster than the second speed, and the second speed is greater than / faster than the third speed. Note that the third speed can be zero, in which case the infant support remains essentially stationary.

[0069] One example of an input combination threshold is that a predetermined combination of multiple inputs triggers a change in one or more of the actions and movements of the infant support. For example, if the discriminator 5120 determines, via peripheral device / sensor data, that the infant's heart rate has increased but no other inputs are available (e.g., data from other peripheral devices / sensors is empty or nominal), the state machine 51SM may output that the infant support's actions or movements have not changed. However, if the discriminator 5120 determines, via peripheral device / sensor data, that the infant's heart rate has increased and the infant is crying, the state machine 5120 may output that one or more of the actions and movements have changed. For example, the output of the state machine could be to activate a drive segment such that the infant support moves in one of the predetermined movement patterns described herein. The predetermined combination of multiple inputs is adaptive, changing from a first predetermined combination to an adaptive predetermined combination based on a record of changes in sensed features. For example, the controller may apply various heuristics and / or neural networks to the data history of biometric sensor data to identify corresponding feature combinations and / or thresholds for one or more states and modify or change the predetermined combination to an adaptive predetermined combination.

[0070] Although the movement of the baby support has been described above in response to inputs to state machine 51SM, the response generated by state machine 51SM is not limited to the movement of the baby support. For example, the state machine may output commands (one or more) to initiate one or any suitable combination of audible sound (e.g., music, white noise, etc.), movement of the baby support in a predetermined pattern, and vibration of the baby support.

[0071] Figure 3D The general neural network 51NN is shown for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that the size and depth of the neural network 51NN used to control the baby care device 1 may differ. Figure 3DThe size and depth of the neural network are shown. For illustrative purposes only, the neural network may include, for example, a two-layer network of object 5502 in an intermediate layer 5155 of the neural network 51NN. Input 5154P may be applied to object 5502 at input layer 5154 of the neural network 51NN, and output 5156P may be generated at output layer 5156. Each object 5502 in the exemplary neural network 51NN contains any number of artificial neurons and objects. The neural network is trained using any suitable criteria, such as training data obtained from any number of infants in an infant support such as those described herein, or training data obtained from any other source, such as clinically known infant biometrics. The neural network is configured to learn specific characteristics of the infant (e.g., the end user) over time, such that the output of the neural network 51NN improves over time in soothing the infant in the infant support. The neural network may output one or more commands that initiate one or any suitable combination of auditory sounds (e.g., music, white noise, etc.) of any suitable intensity determined by the neural network, movement of the infant support in a predetermined pattern, and vibration of the infant support. As described above, in one or more aspects, the neural network is configured to predict events of change leading to changes in the infant's biometrics by using active learning and input from one or more sensors described herein. Here, the neural network can be trained using any suitable training data indicative of the one or more events of change described above to predict the future occurrence of said one or more events of change. In one or more aspects, the neural network may also receive feedback from the infant's parents or guardians (such as via mobile device 351, control panel 52, or any other suitable user interface communicating with controller 51 and its neural network) after the occurrence of one or more events of change to facilitate active learning by the neural network. Notifications of the type of events of change that have occurred or are occurring, as well as notifications of biometric changes, may be presented on any suitable display of the mobile device and / or control panel (or any other suitable user interface communicating with controller 51 and its neural network).

[0072] Still referencing Figure 1 , Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe control panel 52 includes any suitable display (such as display 53) configured to provide any suitable marker 353A to the user (e.g., caregiver) of the infant care device 1. In one or more aspects, the mobility device 351 also includes any suitable display 353 configured to provide the marker 353A to the user of the infant care device 1, rather than observing the marker on the control panel 52. The controller 51 is configured to generate the marker 353A (or cause the marker to be illuminated or displayed) to recognize responsive changes in one or more of the motions (e.g., auditory and visual stimuli) and movements (e.g., vibrations and motion profiles) of the infant seat 6. For illustrative purposes only, in the event that the controller 51 activates the vibration mechanism 90 or changes the motion profile of the crib 6 in response to sensing characteristics of the infant 390, the marker 353A presented to the user indicates that the vibration mechanism 90 has been activated (i.e., the vibration mechanism has been turned on) or the motion profile has been changed (i.e., the motion profile has been changed to "riding"). In one or more aspects, the marking indicates a previous state (i.e., a "from" state) and a current state (i.e., a "to" state) of an action and / or movement, such as, for illustrative purposes only, a change in the motion profile from "riding in a vehicle" to "swinging on a tree" or a change in the sound emitted from speaker 56 from "music" to "white noise." Marking 353A is, in one aspect, a visual marking presented on display 53, and in other aspects, an auditory marking (e.g., spoken language or other suitable auditory tone or speech) through any suitable speaker, such as speaker 56 of a baby care device or speaker 356 of mobile device 351. In yet another aspect, marking 353A is presented as both an auditory and visual marking.

[0073] In one or more aspects, controller 51 is configured to generate a marker 353A (or cause a marker to be illuminated or displayed), wherein marker 353A indicates a change in one or more of the motion characteristics and movement characteristics of the infant 390 sensed by sensors (e.g., peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331). For illustrative purposes only, when controller 51 receives a sensor signal 399 reflecting a change in the sensed characteristics of the infant 390, marker 353A presented to the user indicates that the sensed characteristics have changed. For example, the sensed characteristic could be a movement characteristic that changes from restless movement to essentially stillness (e.g., asleep). Here, controller 51 generates a marker to indicate that the movement characteristic has changed to essentially stillness. As another example, the sensed characteristic is the temperature of the infant 390, where the temperature increases from 98.6℉ (37°C) to 100℉ (37.8°C). Here, controller 51 generates a marker to indicate that the temperature of the infant 390 has increased (and in some aspects, the marker includes a digital temperature). In one or more aspects, the marking indicates a previous state (i.e., "from" state) and a current state (i.e., "to" state) of the infant's actions and / or motor characteristics, wherein, for illustrative purposes only, the infant's temperature changes from 98.6℉ (37°C) to 100℉ (37.8°C). As described above, the marking 353A is, in one aspect, a visual marking presented on the display 53, and in other aspects, an auditory marking (e.g., spoken language or other suitable auditory tone or speech) transmitted through any suitable speaker, such as the speaker 56 of the infant care device or the speaker 356 of the mobile device 351. In yet another aspect, the marking 353A is presented as both an auditory and visual marking.

[0074] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 26 An exemplary method for operating the infant care device 1 will be described. According to this method, an infant support (such as a crib 6 or an infant seat 7) is provided. Figure 26 (Box 2600). A drive section (as described above, comprising a drive mechanism 60, a lifting motion assembly 65, and a vibration mechanism 90) is provided. Figure 26 (Box 2605), wherein the drive section is coupled to the infant support and has a motor (e.g., one or more of motors 62, 66 and vibration mechanism 90) configured to generate one or more of the action and movement of the infant support. At least one feature of the infant 390 is observed using sensors (e.g., peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331). Figure 26(Box 2610). Controller 51 records sensor data from the sensors and implements changes in one or more of the baby support's movements and motions. Figure 26 (See box 2615). As described above, based on sensor data of at least one feature sensed by peripheral devices 360, 361-365 and sensors 330, 331, controller 51 sends one or more commands to motors (e.g., one or more of motors 62, 66 and vibration mechanism 90). Also as described above, controller 51 generates auditory and / or visual markers to identify one or more of the sensor-sensed motion characteristics of infant 390, sensor-sensed movement characteristics of infant 390, sensor-sensed changes in motion characteristics of infant 390, and sensor-sensed changes in movement characteristics of infant 390.

[0075] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant device with an infant support is provided. The infant device includes a base and an infant support coupling arranged to releasably couple the infant support to the base. The infant support coupling includes: a movable support movably connected to the base and configured to form a support seat that engages and supports the infant support on the base when the movable support is in a first position (relative to the base); and an actuable gripping member configured to be actuated between a closed position and an open position to capture the infant support to the base and release the infant support from the base, wherein the actuable gripping member is automatically actuated between the closed and open positions by the movement of the movable support to the first position.

[0076] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an actuable gripping member is provided relative to the infant support to achieve gripping.

[0077] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the baby support has no gripping elements.

[0078] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the movable support has a cam that causes the gripping member to move from a closed position to an open position / from an open position to a closed position.

[0079] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant care device is provided. The infant care device includes: a base; a drive mechanism coupled to the base and having a first motion component and a second motion component, wherein the first motion component has a first motor suspended in the base and the second motion component has a second motor separate from and distinct from the first motor; a vibration mechanism coupled to the base, the vibration mechanism having a vibration motor separate from and distinct from the first and second motors of the drive mechanism; a movable stage movably mounted to the base and operatively coupled to the first motion component such that the first motor applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction to the movable stage via the first motion component, and to the second motion component, such that the second motor, via the second motion component, independently of the first motion component, applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction. The cyclic motion applies a second cyclic motion to at least a portion of the movable stage in the second direction and to the vibration mechanism such that the vibration motor causes the movable stage to vibrate; an infant support, which is coupled to the movable stage such that the second cyclic motion and the first cyclic motion are applied to the infant support, and the infant support is configured to cyclically move relative to the base in both the first and second directions; and a controller, which is communicatively coupled to the drive mechanism and configured to move the infant support using the controller from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable variable motion profiles with selectable vibration modes selected from each of the different selectable variable motion profiles.

[0080] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to move the infant support using separate forces applied individually to the infant support in both a first cyclic motion and a second cyclic motion driven by a first motor and a second motor, respectively, in both a first direction and a second direction, to selectively vary the motion profile.

[0081] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to select a selectable variable motion profile by selecting a selectable variable motion profile based on the individual differences in motion characteristics of separate corresponding first and second cyclic motions determined according to a common selection input to the controller.

[0082] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, at least a portion of the movable stage isolates the drive mechanism from the base.

[0083] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, each of different optional variable motion profiles is definitively defined by the optional variable speed characteristics of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic motions of the first and second motion components and the optional variable speed characteristics of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic motions of the first and second motion components.

[0084] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a controller is used to select a selectable variable speed feature of at least one of the first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components from a common selection input to the controller.

[0085] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, each of the different alternatively variable motion profiles includes at least one of horizontal and vertical motion.

[0086] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the first motion component includes a first motor having a drive shaft and a sliding crank assembly, the sliding crank assembly including a transmission assembly coupled to the drive shaft of the first motor and a crank member coupled to the transmission assembly and a movable stage, wherein operation of the first motor causes rotation of the sliding crank assembly, thereby applying the first cyclic motion to the movable stage.

[0087] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the second motion component includes a second motor having a drive shaft, a worm gear assembly coupled to the output of the drive shaft, and a vertical yoke having a first end coupled to the output shaft of the worm gear assembly, wherein operation of the second motor causes rotation of the vertical yoke, thereby applying the second cyclic motion to the baby support.

[0088] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the second motion component further includes a double scissor mechanism coupled to a second end of a vertical yoke configured to support an infant support.

[0089] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a first encoder having a single slot is coupled to a first drive shaft of a first motor, and a second encoder having a single slot is coupled to a second drive shaft of a second motor.

[0090] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller determines the position information of the baby support based at least in part on information from the first encoder and the second encoder.

[0091] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a method is provided. The method includes: providing a base of an infant care device; providing a drive mechanism coupled to the base, the drive mechanism having a first motion component and a second motion component, wherein the first motion component has a first motor suspended from the base and the second motion component has a second motor separate from and distinct from the first motor; providing a vibration mechanism coupled to the base, the vibration mechanism having a vibration motor separate from and distinct from the first and second motors of the drive mechanism; providing a movable stage movably mounted to the base and operatively coupled to the first motion component such that the first motor applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction to the movable stage via the first motion component, and to the second motion component, such that the second motor, via the second motion component, independently of the motion applied by the first motion component in the first direction... The first cyclic motion on the movable stage applies a second cyclic motion to at least a portion of the movable stage in the second direction, and to the vibration mechanism such that the vibration motor causes the movable stage to vibrate; a baby support is provided, the baby support being coupled to the movable stage such that the second cyclic motion and the first cyclic motion are applied to the baby support, and the baby support is configured to reciprocate relative to the base in both the first and second directions; and a controller communicatively coupled to the drive mechanism is used to move the baby support by using the controller to select a selectable cyclic motion profile with selectable vibration modes selected from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable different vibration modes for each of the different selectable variable motion profiles.

[0092] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a first encoder is coupled to a first drive shaft of a first motor, and a second encoder is coupled to a second drive shaft of a second motor.

[0093] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, both the first encoder and the second encoder include only one slot.

[0094] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is used to determine the position information of the baby support based at least in part on information from the first encoder and the second encoder.

[0095] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, each of different selectable variable motion profiles is predetermined, and the method further includes selecting one of the selectable variable motion profiles by a user.

[0096] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant care device includes: an infant support; a drive section coupled to the infant support and having a motor configured to generate one or more of the actions and movements of the infant support; a biometric sensor configured to observe at least one feature of an infant within the infant support; and a controller configured to use a neural network or state machine communicatively coupled to the biometric sensor and the drive section, wherein the controller records sensor data from the biometric sensor and implements changes in one or more of the actions and movements of the infant support via the neural network or state machine.

[0097] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the biometric sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal embodying at least one characteristic of an infant, wherein the at least one characteristic is one or more of the infant's motor characteristics and infant's motion characteristics.

[0098] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to send commands to the motor based on sensor data of the at least one feature sensed by the sensor.

[0099] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller generates responsive changes in one or more of the infant scaffold's movements and motions based on changes in one or more of the infant's action characteristics and movement characteristics sensed by biometric sensors.

[0100] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to generate markers to identify responsive changes in one or more of the infant scaffold's movements and motions.

[0101] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the mark is one or more of an auditory mark and a visual mark.

[0102] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to generate tags to identify changes in one or more of the infant's motion characteristics and motor characteristics sensed by biometric sensors.

[0103] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the mark is one or more of an auditory mark and a visual mark.

[0104] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the biometric sensor includes one or more of a visual sensor, a thermally based sensor, a sound sensor, a motion sensor, and a biometric sensor.

[0105] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the bioassay sensor includes a wearable health device.

[0106] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the drive section is configured to provide more than one degree of freedom of movement to the infant support.

[0107] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a method of infant care using an infant care device includes: providing an infant support; providing a drive section coupled to the infant support and having a motor configured to generate one or more of the actions and movements of the infant support; observing at least one characteristic of an infant within the infant support using biometric sensors; and using a controller configured to employ a neural network or state machine to record sensor data from the sensors and to implement changes in the one or more of the actions and movements of the infant support using the neural network or state machine.

[0108] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the biometric sensor generates a sensor signal embodying at least one characteristic of the infant, wherein the at least one characteristic is one or more of the infant's motor characteristics and infant's motion characteristics.

[0109] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller sends commands to the motor based on sensor data of the at least one feature sensed by the biometric sensor.

[0110] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller generates responsive changes in one or more of the infant scaffold's movements and motions based on changes in one or more of the infant's action characteristics and movement characteristics sensed by biometric sensors.

[0111] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller generates tags to identify responsive changes in one or more of the baby support's movements and motions.

[0112] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to generate tags to identify changes in one or more of the infant's motion characteristics and motor characteristics sensed by biometric sensors.

[0113] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the biometric sensor includes one or more of a visual sensor, a thermally based sensor, a sound sensor, a motion sensor, and a biometric sensor.

[0114] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the bioassay sensor includes a wearable health device.

[0115] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the drive section provides more than one degree of freedom of movement to the infant support.

[0116] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, an infant care device includes: an infant support; a drive section coupled to the infant support, the drive section including a motor configured to generate one or more of the actions and movements of the infant support; a closed-loop control system communicatively coupled to the drive section, the closed-loop control system including at least one biometric sensor configured to observe activity characteristics of an infant within the infant support; and a controller configured to use a neural network or state machine communicatively coupled to the at least one biometric sensor and the drive section, the controller being configured to record changes in the infant's activity characteristics sensed by the at least one biometric sensor, and to generate responsive changes in one or more of the actions and movements of the infant support via the neural network or state machine based on the changes in the infant's activity characteristics.

[0117] According to one or more aspects of the disclosed embodiments, the controller is configured to generate tags to identify changes in one or more of the infant's motion characteristics and infant's movement characteristics sensed by the at least one biometric sensor.

[0118] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative of various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Various alternatives and modifications can be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, the aspects of the disclosed embodiments are intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations falling within the scope of any of the appended claims. Furthermore, the fact that different features are recited in mutually different dependent or independent claims does not imply that combinations of these features cannot be advantageously used, such combinations still remain within the scope of the aspects of the disclosed embodiments.

Claims

1. An infant care device, comprising: Baby support; A multi-drive axis drive section is connected to the baby support and has multiple motors configured to generate motion and movement of the baby support, the motion being a multi-degree-of-freedom motion, wherein at least one axis of the motion is a Z-axis motion. A bioassay sensor configured to observe at least one feature of the infant within the infant scaffold; as well as A learning controller, arranged to learn how to soothe the infant within the infant support and configured to use a neural network or state machine communicatively coupled to the biometric sensors and the drive segments of the multi-drive axes, wherein the learning controller records sensor data from the biometric sensors and implements changes in the movement and motion of the infant support via the neural network or state machine, the changes achieving soothing and comforting of the infant within the infant support, wherein the learning controller is configured to learn the infant's response to changes in one or more of the movement and motion of the infant support based on biometric sensor inputs over time, in order to adjust the subsequent application of one or more of the changes in the movement and motion of the infant support.

2. The infant care device of claim 1, wherein the biometric sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal reflecting at least one characteristic of the infant, wherein the at least one characteristic is one or more of the infant's motor characteristics and the infant's motion characteristics.

3. The infant care device of claim 1, wherein the learning controller is configured to send commands to the plurality of motors based on sensor data of the at least one feature sensed by the sensor.

4. The infant care device of claim 1, wherein the learning controller generates responsive changes in one or more of the infant's movements and motions based on changes in one or more of the infant's motion characteristics and movement characteristics sensed by the biometric sensor.

5. The infant care device of claim 4, wherein the learning controller is configured to generate markers to identify responsive changes in one or more of the movements and motions of the infant support.

6. The infant care device of claim 5, wherein the marker is one or more of an auditory marker and a visual marker.

7. The infant care device of claim 4, wherein the learning controller is configured to generate markers to identify changes in one or more of the infant's motor characteristics and the infant's motion characteristics sensed by the biometric sensor.

8. The infant care device of claim 7, wherein the marker is one or more of an auditory marker and a visual marker.

9. The infant care device of claim 1, wherein the biometric sensor comprises one or more of a visual sensor, a thermal sensor, a sound sensor, a motion sensor, and a biometric sensor.

10. The infant care device of claim 1, wherein the biometric sensor comprises a wearable health device.

11. The infant care device of claim 1, wherein the drive section of the multi-drive axis is configured to provide more than one degree of freedom of movement to the infant support.

12. A baby device with a baby support, the baby device comprising: Base; as well as An infant support connector is provided, the infant support connector being arranged to releasably connect an infant support to a base, the infant support connector including a movable support and an actuable gripping member, the movable support being movably connected to the base and configured to form a support seat, the support seat engaging and supporting the infant support on the base, wherein the movable support is in a first position, and the actuable gripping member is configured to actuate between a closed position and an open position to capture the infant support to and release the infant support from the base, the actuable gripping member being automatically actuated between the closed position and the open position by an action of the movable support moving to the first position.

13. The infant device according to claim 12, wherein, An actuable gripping member is provided relative to the infant support to achieve gripping.

14. The infant device according to claim 12, wherein, The baby support has no gripping parts.

15. The infant device according to claim 12, wherein, The movable support has a cam that causes the gripping member to move from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position.

16. An infant care device, comprising: base A drive mechanism, which is coupled to the base and has a first motion component and a second motion component, wherein the first motion component has a first motor suspended from the base, and the second motion component has a second motor separate from and different from the first motor. A vibration mechanism, which is connected to the base, has a vibration motor that is separate from and different from the first and second motors of the drive mechanism. A movable stage, which is movably mounted to the base and operatively coupled to the first motion assembly, such that the first motor applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction to the movable stage via the first motion assembly, and to the second motion assembly, such that the second motor applies a second cyclic motion in a second direction to at least a portion of the movable stage via the second motion assembly, independent of the first cyclic motion applied in the first direction by the first motion assembly, and to the vibration mechanism such that the vibration motor causes the movable stage to vibrate; An infant support is coupled to a movable stage such that a second cyclic movement and a first cyclic movement are applied to the infant support, and the infant support is configured to cyclically move relative to the base in both the first and second directions. as well as A controller, communicatively coupled to the drive mechanism, is configured to move the infant support using the controller from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable variable motion profiles with selectable vibration modes selected for each of the different selectable variable motion profiles.

17. The baby device according to claim 16, wherein, The controller is configured to move the baby support by applying separate power, driven by the first motor and the second motor respectively, in both a first direction and a second direction, individually to the baby support to selectively vary the motion profile.

18. The infant device of claim 17, wherein the controller is configured to select a selectable variable motion profile by selecting a selectable variable motion profile based on the individual differences in motion characteristics of separate corresponding first and second cyclic motions determined according to a common selection input to the controller.

19. The baby device according to claim 18, wherein, At least a portion of the movable stage isolates the drive mechanism from the base.

20. The infant device of claim 19, wherein each of the different optional variable motion profiles is definitively defined by a selectively variable speed characteristic of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components and the selectively variable speed characteristic of at least one of the corresponding first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components.

21. The infant device according to claim 20, wherein, The controller uses a common selection input to select a selectable variable speed feature of at least one of the first and second cyclic movements of the first and second motion components.

22. The infant device of claim 16, wherein each of the different alternatively variable motion profiles includes at least one of horizontal and vertical motion.

23. The baby device according to claim 16, wherein, The first motion assembly includes a first motor having a drive shaft and a sliding crank assembly, the sliding crank assembly including a transmission assembly coupled to the drive shaft of the first motor and a crank member coupled to the transmission assembly and the movable stage, wherein operation of the first motor causes rotation of the sliding crank assembly, thereby applying the first cyclic motion to the movable stage.

24. The baby device of claim 23, wherein the second motion component comprises a second motor having a drive shaft, a worm gear assembly coupled to an output of the drive shaft, and a vertical yoke having a first end coupled to an output shaft of the worm gear assembly, wherein operation of the second motor causes rotation of the vertical yoke, thereby applying the second cyclic motion to the baby support.

25. The infant device of claim 24, wherein the second motion component further comprises a double scissor mechanism coupled to a second end of a vertical yoke configured to support an infant support.

26. The baby device according to claim 16, wherein, A first encoder with a single slot is connected to a first drive shaft of the first motor, and a second encoder with a single slot is connected to a second drive shaft of the second motor.

27. The infant device according to claim 16, wherein, The controller determines the position information of the baby support based at least in part on information from the first encoder and the second encoder.

28. A method comprising: Provides the base of baby care equipment; A drive mechanism is provided to be coupled to the base, the drive mechanism having a first motion component and a second motion component, wherein the first motion component has a first motor suspended in the base and the second motion component has a second motor that is separate from and different from the first motor; A vibration mechanism is provided that is coupled to the base, the vibration mechanism having a vibration motor that is separate from and different from the first motor and the second motor of the drive mechanism; A movable stage is provided, which is movably mounted to a base and operatively coupled to the first motion assembly such that the first motor applies a first cyclic motion in a first direction to the movable stage via the first motion assembly, and applies it to the second motion assembly such that the second motor applies a second cyclic motion in a second direction to at least a portion of the movable stage via the second motion assembly, independent of the first cyclic motion applied in the first direction by the first motion assembly, and applies it to the vibration mechanism such that the vibration motor causes the movable stage to vibrate. An infant support is provided, the infant support being coupled to the movable stage such that a second cyclic motion and a first cyclic motion are applied to the infant support, and the infant support is configured to reciprocate relative to the base in both the first direction and the second direction; as well as The infant support is moved using a controller communicatively connected to the drive mechanism by means of the controller selecting from different selectable variable motion profiles and selectable variable motion profiles with selectable vibration modes for each of the different selectable variable motion profiles.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The first encoder is connected to the first drive shaft of the first motor, and the second encoder is connected to the second drive shaft of the second motor.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein both the first encoder and the second encoder comprise only one slot.

31. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The controller is used to determine the position information of the baby support based at least in part on information from the first encoder and the second encoder.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein each of the different selectable variable motion profiles is predetermined, the method further comprising allowing a user to select one of the selectable variable motion profiles.

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