Stand-off non-invasive acoustic baby monitor

Abstract

A stand-off, non-invasive acoustic detector for monitoring physical activity and/or breathing activity of children and infants. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a two-phase output oscillator coupled to an ultrasonic transmitter and microphone. A respective one of the outputs of the oscillator drives the ultrasonic transmitter, through a power amplifier, which sends out an ultrasound wave. The echo return is picked up by the microphone and thereafter band passed to isolate those frequencies falling within 33 to 40 kHz. Such signal is further adjusted for automatic gain control. The resultant echo return signal is compared to the respective other output of the oscillator, the latter also being adjusted for automatic gain control, which are then combined via a summing junction to produce a resultant signal, the latter being utilized to drive a phase comparator and an alarm timer. To the extent the resultant signal, which corresponds to continuous breathing activity or physical activity, deviates substantially from the signal produced by the comparator for a sufficient length of time, an alarm is activated to signal either abnormal breathing activity or a lack of breathing activity, the latter indicative of either a medical condition, such as SIDS, or the absence of the child from the monitored area.