Method for enhancing well-being of a small child or baby

Abstract

A method for enhancing a well-being of a small child or baby utilizes at least one TV camera positioned to observe one or more points on the child or an object associated with the child. Signals from the TV camera are outputted to a computer, which analyzes the output signals to determine a position or movement of the child or child associated object. The determined position or movement is then compared to pre-programmed criteria in the computer to determine a correlation or importance, and thereby to provide data to the child.

1 . A method for enhancing a well-being of a small child or baby, comprising the steps of:
 positioning at least one TV camera to observe one or more points on the child or an object associated with the child;   outputting signals from the TV camera to a computer;   analyzing the output signals of the TV camera with the computer to determine a position or movement of the child or child associated object;   comparing the determined position or movement to pre-programmed criteria in the computer to determine a correlation; and   providing data to the child based on the determined correlation.   
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1 , including the additional step of recording data of the position or movement of the child for subsequent analysis. 
   
   
       3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the recorded data is used to diagnose problems of the child. 
   
   
       4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein infra-red illumination of the child is used. 
   
   
       5 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the point is on the clothing or an article of play of the child. 
   
   
       6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the data provided to the child is audio data. 
   
   
       7 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the data provided to the child is visual data. 
   
   
       8 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the data provided to said child concerns one or more of the parents of the child. 
   
   
       9 . A method according to  claim 1 , including the additional step of providing high contrast datums on said child or object which may be more easily seen by said one or more TV cameras. 
   
   
       10 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the data is designed to elicit a response from the child which can be determined using the TV camera. 
   
   
       11 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the data is designed to improve an intelligence of the child. 
   
   
       12 . A method for enhancing a well-being of a small child or baby, comprising the steps of:
 positioning at least one TV camera to observe one or more points on the child or an object associated with the child;   outputting signals from the TV camera to a computer system;   analyzing the output signals of the TV camera with the computer system to determine position or movement data of the child or child associated object;   recording the position or movement data for analysis; and   using the recorded data, enhancing a well-being of the child.   
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the data is used to determine potential problems of the child. 
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the data is designed to elicit a response from the child which can be determined using the TV camera. 
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 12 , wherein the data is used to determine appropriate responses to the child. 
   
   
       16 . A method for enhancing a well-being of a small child or baby, comprising the steps of:
 positioning at least one TV camera to observe one or more points on the child or an object associated with the child;   outputting signals from the TV camera to a computer;   analyzing the output signals of the TV camera with the computer to determine a position or movement of the child or child associated object;   comparing the determined position or movement to pre-programmed criteria in the computer; and   if certain criteria are determined to have been met, transmitting an image of the child to a remote monitor for observation.   
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 16 , including the further step of transmitting other data relating to the child.