Patent Grant
10198929
Drowning remains a significant cause of accidental deaths, especially among children. Many children are non-swimmers and die as a result of falling into swimming pools; however, many children and adults who are swimmers die either from panic, exhaustion, cramps, seizures or a combination thereof. Children may drown despite being supervised while swimming. The parents or other adults supervising the child may have “just looked away for a second” only to find the child drowned on the bottom of the pool.
Several attempts have been made to address water safety with various degrees of success. One approach taken to prevent drowning is to place an alarm on the pool itself. Exemplary pool alarms are Poolguard® Models PGRM-2 and PGRM-SB available from PBM Industries, Inc. (North Vernon, Ind.). With such pool alarms, an audible alert sounds when a sensor detects entrance into the pool (e.g., due to movement of the water). Pool alarms may be useful if the pool is empty, but are not suited for use with a child who is allowed to play in the pool. Furthermore, the alarm is deactivated when swimming is allowed, and there is a risk that the user may forget or neglect to reactivate the alarm after the swimming session.
Monitoring systems that use wearable alarm devices can provide significant enhancements over pool alarms. For example, wearable swim monitors and drowning detection systems may track the swimmer in the water and identify possible drowning events. However, these systems may be limited in the sense that the swimmer or supervisor must proactively attach the wearable alarm device to the swimmer's body; if the device is not attached, the swimmer will not be protected.
According to some embodiments of the present invention, a system for reducing a risk of drowning in a pool is provided. The system includes a pool monitoring unit and a swim monitoring station. The pool monitoring unit is switchable between an activated state and a deactivated state. The pool monitoring unit is configured to detect entrance into the pool and/or movement in the pool and to output an alarm signal in response a detected entrance into the pool and/or movement in the pool when in the activated state. The swim monitoring station is configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more wearable alarm devices. The swim monitoring station is in wireless communication with the pool monitoring unit. The swim monitoring station is switchable between an off state and an on state. In the on state, the swim monitoring station is configured send a wireless signal to the pool monitoring unit to deactivate the pool monitoring unit.
The swim monitoring station may be configured to receive an input and, in response, switch to the on state. The swim monitoring station may include a user interface configured to receive the input from a user.
In some embodiments, the swim monitoring station is adapted to releasably hold the one or more wearable alarm devices. The swim monitoring station may be in the off state when each wearable alarm device is held by the monitoring station. In some embodiments, each wearable alarm device is configured to releasably connect to a user and, in response, send a connect signal to the swim monitoring station. The swim monitoring station may be configured to switch to the on state when one of the wearable alarm devices is removed from the swim monitoring station and sends the connect signal.
At least one of the pool monitoring unit and the swim monitoring station may be switchable to a safe mode. In some embodiments, in the safe mode, the swim monitoring station is not switchable to the on state and/or the pool monitoring unit is not switchable to the deactivated state.
In some embodiments, each one of the pool monitoring unit and the swim monitoring station is configured to receive a periodic signal from the other one of the pool monitoring unit and the swim monitoring station. The pool monitoring unit may not be switchable to the deactivated state when the periodic signal is not received at one of the pool monitoring unit and the swim monitoring station. The pool monitoring unit may automatically switch to the activated state when the periodic signal is not received at one of the pool monitoring unit and the swim monitoring station.
The system may include at least one camera at the pool. The camera may be configured to capture photographs and/or video. The camera or a controller associated therewith may be configured to send video feed signals and/or multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages to one or more outside devices. The one or more outside devices may include one or more video monitors and/or mobile communication devices.
In some embodiments, the camera or a controller associated therewith is configured to send video signals and/or MMS messages to the one or more outside devices when the pool monitor unit is in the activated state and an entrance into the pool and/or movement in the pool is detected. The camera or a controller associated therewith may be configured to send video signals and/or MMS messages to the one or more outside devices when the swim monitor station is in the on state. The camera or a controller associated therewith may be configured to send video signals and/or MMS messages to the one or more outside devices when the swim monitor station is in the on state and an alarm condition associated with one of the wearable alarm devices is detected.
The system may include at least one light source. The light source may be configured to illuminate the pool area while the camera captures photographs and/or video. The at least one camera and/or at least one light source may be positioned and configured to provide video and/or MMS messages from below a water surface of the pool. In some embodiments, the camera is configured to detect motion or movement around the pool and/or below a water surface of the pool, and the camera or a controller associated therewith is configured to send a signal to activate the pool monitoring unit when motion or movement is detected and then not detected for a predetermined period of time.
In some embodiments, at least one of the pool monitor unit and the swim monitor station is configured to send short message service (SMS) messages to one or more mobile communication devices. The SMS message(s) may be sent when the pool monitor unit is in the activated state and an entrance into the pool and/or movement in the pool is detected. The SMS message(s) may be sent when the swim monitor station is switched to the on state. The SMS message(s) may be sent when the swim monitor station is in the on state and an alarm condition associated with one of the wearable alarm devices is detected.
In some embodiments, at least one of the pool monitor unit and the swim monitor station is configured to autodial one or more telecommunication devices and play a prerecorded message.
In some embodiments, the pool monitor unit is configured to automatically switch to the activated state after the swim monitor station has switched to the on state and a predetermined period of time has elapsed without the swim monitoring station having received a wireless signal from one of the wearable alarm devices.
In some embodiments, the pool monitor unit is configured to detect a level of movement of water in the pool regardless of whether the pool monitor unit is in the activated or deactivated state. The pool monitor unit may be configured to automatically switch from the deactivated state to the activated state after a predetermined period of time has elapsed without detection the level of movement of the water in the pool. In some embodiments, the pool monitor unit is configured to detect a level of movement of water in the pool, and the pool monitor unit is configured to automatically switch to the activated state after the swim monitor station has switched to the on state and a predetermined period of time has elapsed without the swim monitor station having received a wireless signal from at least one of the wearable alarm devices indicating that the at least one wearable alarm devices is moving and/or wet.
According to some other embodiments of the present invention, a water safety monitoring system is provided. The system includes one or more wearable monitoring devices and a pool alarm unit. The pool alarm unit is configured to deactivate when at least one of the wearable monitoring devices is connected to a user.
According to some other embodiments of the present invention, a method includes providing a pool monitoring unit and a swim monitoring system at a swimming pool. The pool monitoring unit is switchable between an activated state and a deactivated state. The swim monitoring system is in wireless communication with the pool monitoring unit. The swim monitoring system is switchable between an on state and an off state. The method includes switching the swim monitoring system to the on state. The method includes automatically switching the pool monitoring unit to the deactivated state in response to switching the swim monitoring system to the on state.
In some embodiments, the method includes sensing for excessive water movement in the swimming pool using the pool monitoring unit. The method may include outputting an alarm signal using the pool monitoring unit when the pool monitoring unit is in the activated state and excessive water movement is sensed. The method may include automatically switching the pool monitoring unit to the activated state when the pool monitoring unit is in the deactivated state and excessive water movement is not sensed over a predetermined length of time.
In some embodiments, the step of switching the pool monitoring unit to the deactivated state in response to switching the swim monitoring system to the on state includes sending a deactivate signal from the swim monitoring system to the pool monitoring unit.
The method may include wirelessly sending an announcement to one or more outside devices using one of the pool monitoring unit and the swim monitoring system.
In some embodiments, the method includes streaming video captured by a camera at the swimming pool to a monitor that is situated away from the swimming pool.
It is noted that any one or more aspects or features described with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although not specifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be able to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present invention are explained in detail in the specification set forth below.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of the invention.
The present invention now will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, the thickness of certain lines, layers, components, elements or features may be exaggerated for clarity.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting,” etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on,” “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It will also be appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.
Spatially relative terms, such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of “over” and “under.” The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise.
It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a “first” element discussed below could also be termed a “second” element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. The sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the claims or figures unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations of computer-implemented methods, apparatus (systems and/or devices) and/or computer program products. It is understood that a block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are performed by one or more computer circuits. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor circuit of a general purpose computer circuit, special purpose computer circuit, and/or other programmable data processing circuit to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer and/or other programmable data processing apparatus, transform and control transistors, values stored in memory locations, and other hardware components within such circuitry to implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the functions/acts specified in the block diagrams and/or flowchart block or blocks.
The computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM) circuit, a read-only memory (ROM) circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) circuit, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and a portable digital video disc read-only memory (DVD/BlueRay). It should also be noted that in some alternate implementations, the functions/acts noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the flowcharts. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved. Moreover, the functionality of a given block of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be separated into multiple blocks and/or the functionality of two or more blocks of the flowcharts and/or block diagrams may be at least partially integrated.
Generally speaking, embodiments of the present invention integrate a pool monitoring system (e.g., swimming pool alarm) and a swim monitoring system that employs one or more wearable body monitors. The pool monitoring system and swim monitoring system cooperate to provide enhanced pool safety.
A water safety monitoring system 10 for use with a swimming pool 20 is illustrated in
The pool monitoring unit 100 has a wireless communication link 30 with the swim monitoring station 200. The swim monitoring station 200 is switchable between an off state and an on state. When switched to the on state, the swim monitoring station 200 is configured to send a wireless signal to the pool monitoring unit 100 to deactivate the pool monitoring unit 100, as will be described in more detail below.
As illustrated in
The user alarm device 300 may be configured as a necklace or other wearable device. Suitable alarm device configurations are discussed and illustrated in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/587,488 and Ser. No. 29/460,466 entitled “Monitoring Band” (allowed and pending issuance) as well as co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 7,554,453, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
The sensors 315 of the alarm device 300 may include sensors for detected environmental conditions of the alarm device 300. For example, the sensors 315 may include accelerometers, moisture/water sensors, temperature sensors, position sensors, inductive capacitance sensors, ultraviolet radiation sensors, depth gauges and the like for detecting whether the device 300 is wet, dry, moving, or still. In particular embodiments, a charging port may also be configured as a sensor 315 so that when the charging port having two electrical terminals is wet, the corresponding change in conductivity between the charging ports secondary to water and not air bridging the contacts is detected by the device 300. In some embodiments, the sensor 315 may provide data as a state (e.g., wet or dry, moving or still); however, a quantitative value may also be measured by the sensors 315 (e.g., velocity, location, distance from the monitoring device 200, and the like). The memory 330 may include data, such as sensor data 332, including information recorded by the sensors 315 regarding the environmental conditions of the alarm device 300.
As illustrated in
The pool monitoring unit 100 includes one or more sensors 170 and one or more alarm output devices 175. At least one sensor 170 may be in communication with or directed toward the water in the swimming pool 20 (
As noted above, when switched to the on state, the swim monitoring station 200 is configured to send a wireless signal to the pool monitoring unit 100 to deactivate the pool monitoring unit 100. For example, the swim monitoring station 200 may switch to the on state when one of the wearable alarm devices 300 is attached or connected to a user. The wearable alarm device 300 may send a connect signal to the swim monitoring station 200, which may in turn send a deactivate signal to the pool monitoring unit 100. Alternatively, the wearable alarm device 300 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the pool monitoring unit 100 and to send a connect/deactivate signal to the pool monitoring unit 100.
In some embodiments, and as illustrated in
In some embodiments, and as illustrated in
The swim monitoring station 200 may be configured to receive an input and, in response, switch to the on state. For example, the input may include sensing that one of the alarm devices 300 has been removed from the charging station 200c and/or receiving a connect signal from the wearable alarm device 300 indicating that the alarm device 300 has been attached or connected to a user's body. The user interface 210 of the swim monitoring station 200 may also be configured to receive a user input, with the input necessary to switch the swim monitoring station 200 to the on state. For example, the user interface 210 may include a touch sensitive display or a keypad configured to receive a passcode as the user input. The user interface 210 may also include instrumentation for fingerprint recognition, retinal recognition, voice recognition or the like to recognize authorized users as the user input. Other configurations are contemplated; for example, the user interface 210 may be configured to recognize a magnetic strip from an authorized user card, to recognize an authorized RFID tag and so forth.
In some embodiments, the swim monitoring station 200 may only be turned to the on state after an input is received at the user interface 210 and one of the wearable alarm devices 300 is connected to a user. In some embodiments, the user interface 210 is used to receive input and to allow time for a user to disconnect the wearable alarm device 300 and return it to the charging station 200c such that the pool monitoring unit 100 does not reactivate immediately upon the user disconnecting the wearable alarm device 300.
At least one of the pool monitoring unit 100 and the swim monitoring station 200 may be placed in a safe mode. In the safe mode, the pool monitoring unit 100 is not switchable to the deactivated state and/or the swim monitoring station 200 is not switchable to the on state. The user interface of the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may be used to place the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 in the safe mode. In some embodiments, the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may receive a signal from the outside device 50 such that the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may be remotely placed in the safe mode.
In some embodiments, one of the pool monitoring unit 100 and the swim monitoring station 200 is configured to receive a continuous or a periodic signal from the other one of the pool monitoring unit 100 and the swim monitoring station 200. If the signal is not received after a predetermined amount of time, the pool monitoring unit 100 may automatically switch to the activated state if in the deactivated state or may be prevented from being switched to the deactivated state if the in activated state. Loss of detection of the continuous or periodic signal may indicate a problem with one of the transceivers, may indicate that the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 is low on power, or may indicate some other issue that could compromise safety.
When the swim monitoring station 200 is switched to the on state and the pool monitoring unit 100 is deactivated, the swim monitoring station 200 is configured to monitor the wearable alarm devices 300 and select an alarm protocol in response to a triggering event, as described in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/587,488. In some embodiments, if the swim monitoring station 200 detects a triggering event and selects an alarm protocol, the swim monitoring station 200 may automatically send an activate signal to the pool monitoring unit 100 to thereby activate the pool monitoring unit 100. In this regard, were there to be a drowning or near-drowning event, the pool monitoring unit 100 would detect water motion and/or other movement and output an alarm signal to provide an extra layer of security and/or warning. In some embodiments, the swim monitoring station 200 may send an activate signal when the swim monitoring station 200 selects a drowning alarm indicating a higher risk of drowning, but perhaps not an alarm indicating a lower risk.
In some embodiments, the pool monitoring unit 100 may be configured to automatically switch to the activated state after the swim monitoring station 200 has switched to the on state and a predetermined amount of time has elapsed without the swim monitoring station 200 having received a signal from one of the wearable alarm devices 300.
In some embodiments, if one of the wearable alarm devices 300 that was previously connected to a user becomes disconnected, the wearable alarm device 300 may send a disconnect signal to the swim monitoring station 200. In response, the swim monitoring station 200 may send an activate signal to the pool monitoring unit 100. In some embodiments, upon disconnection of the wearable alarm device 300, the wearable alarm device 300 may directly send an activate signal to the pool monitoring unit 100.
As described above, the pool monitoring unit 100 may be configured to detect or sense movement of the pool water, for example movement beyond a threshold level. In some embodiments, the pool monitoring unit 100 is configured to detect or sense movement of the pool water regardless of whether the pool monitoring unit 100 is in the activated or deactivated state. The pool monitoring unit 100 may be configured to automatically switch from the deactivated state to the activated state after a predetermined period of time has elapsed without detection of significant movement of water (e.g., movement beyond a threshold level). This arrangement may allow for the pool monitoring unit 100 to automatically activate if, for example, the user forgot or neglected to activate pool monitoring unit 100 after a swimming session or if some other fault occurred.
In some embodiments, if the pool monitoring unit 100 detects or senses movement of the pool water while in the deactivated state but the swim monitoring station 200 does not receive a signal that one or more of the alarm devices 300 is moving and/or wet (e.g., for a threshold period of time), the pool monitoring unit 100 is configured to automatically switch from the deactivated state to the activated state (e.g., responsive to a signal from the swim monitoring station 200 that the one or more alarm devices 300 is not moving and/or wet). This arrangement may allow for the pool monitoring unit 100 to automatically activate if, for example, the user is in the pool but he or she is not wearing an alarm device 300, the user removes the alarm device 300 and/or the monitoring station 200 or the alarm device 300 has malfunctioned.
In some embodiments, upon disconnection of the wearable alarm device 300, the user or a supervisor may have a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 10 seconds) to perform a subsequent act to prevent the pool monitoring unit 100 from being activated right away. The act may include placing the wearable device 300 in the charging station 200c. The act may include “closing” the wearable device 300 such that it mimics the configuration when attached to a user. For example, the wearable device may have a latching mechanism that allows it to be connected around the user's neck. The user may unlatch the mechanism to disconnect the device 300 from his or her body and then latch the mechanism. The act may include a user input at the swim monitoring station 200 or the pool monitoring unit 100, for example the user inputs performed at the user interface 210 described above in reference to switching the swim monitoring station 200 to the on state. Other acts are contemplated, including a combination of one or more of the acts just described.
Further, it may be desirable to provide a time delay before the pool monitoring unit 100 is “fully” reactivated after the wearable device 300 is disconnected from the user and/or the subsequent act is performed. There may be substantial movement of water in the swimming pool immediately after a swimming session. The delay before reactivation or full reactivation of the pool monitoring unit 100 may reduce the chance of the pool monitoring unit 100 outputting an alarm signal due to the water movement even though no one is in danger in the pool (i.e., the time delay may allow the water to calm before the pool monitoring unit 100 is reactivated). The time delay may be a predetermined amount of time (e.g., 5 minutes) and may be user adjustable, for example via the user interface 110 and/or 210.
It is contemplated that the pool monitoring unit 100 may have a varying sensitivity to water movement beginning immediately after the wearable alarm device 300 is disconnected from the user and/or the subsequent act is performed. For example, immediately after the wearable alarm device 300 is disconnected from the user and/or the subsequent act is performed, the pool monitoring unit may tolerate relatively substantial water movement without outputting an alarm signal, and the tolerance for water movement may decay over time. This may allow for the pool monitoring unit 100 to be reactivated immediately, but also account for the water movement that will decrease over time after a swimming session. In some embodiments, motion or movement is detected around or in the pool (e.g., underwater) by the pool monitoring unit 100. In such embodiments, it may not be necessary to provide a time delay before reactivating the pool monitoring unit 100.
As noted above, the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may wirelessly communicate with one or more outside devices. As illustrated in
An informational announcement may be sent when the pool monitoring unit 100 has been deactivated. For example, the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may be configured to send a short message service (SMS) message or the like to the devices 50 stating something along the lines of “Pool alarm deactivated but all is safe.” The pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may send periodic informational announcements such as “Swim monitoring system is active and all is safe.”
An alert announcement may be sent when a more concerning event has occurred. For example, if the pool monitoring unit 100 outputs an alarm signal, the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may be configured to send a message to the devices 50 stating something like “Pool alarm signal detected!” If the swim monitoring station 200 detects a triggering event and selects an alarm protocol the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may be configured to send a message to the devices 50 stating something along the lines of “Swimmer in trouble!”
The pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may also be configured to “autodial” the outside devices 50 and provide a similar prerecorded message instead of or in addition to the text message. The pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 may also be configured to autodial various other parties to provide the alert announcement. The other parties may include neighbors, 911, EMS, the fire department, home alarm monitoring company and so forth. As such, the alert announcement to the outside devices 50 may state something along the lines of “Pool alarm signal detected! Your neighbor and emergency personnel have been contacted” or “Swimmer in trouble! Your neighbor and emergency personnel have been contacted.”
One or more cameras 301 may also be provided at or near the swimming pool 20. In some embodiments, and as shown in
The camera 301 may be used for a variety of purposes. For example, the camera 301 may be configured to take photographs that may be sent to the outside devices 50 and/or the other parties as part of the announcements described above. The camera 301 or controller associated therewith may be configured to generate multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages or the like that may be used to provide a snapshot of the pool area along with the associated announcement. At least one camera 301 may be positioned and configured to detect motion or movement under a water surface of the pool. In this regard, the camera(s) may detect underwater motion or movement for the pool monitoring unit 100.
Referring to
One or more light sources 302 (e.g., LED(s), light bulb(s) or other light sources) may be provided for nighttime photographs and/or video captured by the camera 301. The light source 302 may be integrated with the camera 301 or otherwise be in communication with the camera 301. In some embodiments, the camera 301 and the light source 302 are included as part of the pool monitoring unit 100. In some embodiments, when the pool monitoring unit 100 is in the activated state, the light source(s) 302 is always on to provide lighting for the camera(s) 301 or other sensor(s) 170 to detect underwater motion or movement.
At least one camera 301 and/or light source 302 may be positioned and configured such that photographs and/or video may be captured underwater (i.e., beneath the water surface of the pool). The least one camera 301 and/or light source 302 may be always on or may be on when the pool monitoring unit 100 is in the activated state.
The camera 301 may be configured to detect motion or movement around the pool and/or underwater. In some embodiments, the pool monitoring unit 100 may be configured to switch from the deactivated state to the activated state if motion or movement stops or is not detected for a threshold period of time. For example, the pool monitoring unit 100 may switch from the deactivated state to the activated state responsive to a signal from the camera 301 or a controller associated therewith that motion or movement has stopped or has not been detected for a threshold period of time.
Referring to
One or more indicator devices 80 may be provided in the house 70. The indicator devices 80 may provide audible and/or visual alerts or indications when a certain event has occurred regarding the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200. For example, the indicator device(s) 80 may illuminate and/or output an alarm when an alarm condition is detected from the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200. The indicator device(s) 80 may wirelessly communicate with the pool monitoring unit 100 and/or the swim monitoring station 200 in the same way as described above in connection with the outside devices 50, 60.
The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few exemplary embodiments of this invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.
The present application is a 35 U.S.C. § 371 national phase application of PCT International Application No. PCT/US2014/046133, filed Jul. 10, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/844,543, filed Jul. 10, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. PCT International Application No. PCT/US2014/046133 is published in English as PCT Publication No. WO 2015/006551.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2014/046133 | 7/10/2014 | WO | 00 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015/006551 | 1/15/2015 | WO | A |
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