초록 ▼

In one aspect of the invention, a dual-mode infrared/radio frequency (IR/RF) transmitter is secured within a wristband worn by the mother and within an ankle and/or wristband worn by the infant. In a matching mode of operation, IR signals are received by infrared receivers located within the various

In one aspect of the invention, a dual-mode infrared/radio frequency (IR/RF) transmitter is secured within a wristband worn by the mother and within an ankle and/or wristband worn by the infant. In a matching mode of operation, IR signals are received by infrared receivers located within the various rooms of the hospital to precisely and automatically determine by proximity that mother and infant are correctly united. In a presence detecting mode, RF signals from the infant's badge are detected by RF receivers located throughout the maternity ward of the hospital or throughout the hospital generally. In a security mode, RF receivers located proximate exits of either of the maternity ward and/or the hospital detect RF signals from the ankle and provide a signal to generate an alarm.

대표청구항 ▼

[We claim:] [1.]a first transmitter adapted to be secured to a newborn infant, the first transmitter including a first radiant energy transmitter and a second radiant energy transmitter, each of the first radiant energy transmitter and the second radiant energy transmitter being operable to transmit

[We claim:] [1.]a first transmitter adapted to be secured to a newborn infant, the first transmitter including a first radiant energy transmitter and a second radiant energy transmitter, each of the first radiant energy transmitter and the second radiant energy transmitter being operable to transmit an infant identification signal;a second transmitter adapted to be secured to a parent of the newborn infant, the second transmitter including at least one radiant energy transmitter, the at least one radiant energy transmitter being operable to transmit a parent identification signal;a plurality of receivers distributed at least within a maternity ward of a hospital, at least one of the plurality of receivers being operable to receive the infant identification signal and the parent identification signal, the at least one of the plurality of receivers being further operable to determine from the infant identification signal and the parent identification signal that the newborn infant is correctly matched with its parent; andwherein the plurality of receivers are arranged within the hospital to determine a continued presence of the infant within the maternity ward.