US20110130069A1

US20110130069A1 - Doll with alarm

Info

Publication number: US20110130069A1
Application number: US12/958,028
Authority: US
Inventors: Jill Rollin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-01
Filing date: 2010-12-01
Publication date: 2011-06-02

Abstract

A doll and a method of using the same is provided. The doll comprises a controller having a processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor and having an audio file and a preset time stored therein, and a timing module in communication with the processor. The doll further comprises a speaker in communication with the processor, wherein, when the timing module identifies that it is the preset time, the audio file is played using the speaker.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/265,672 filed on Dec. 1, 2009, entitled “Doll With Alarm”, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Getting children to wake up using an alarm clock not only assists parents but helps the child become more independent. However, many of the prior art alarm clocks use loud, grating alarms that can be startling to a small child. Many others are too complicated for small children to use properly and they can have difficulty turning them off. Both of these limitations results in non-compliance by the child. Thus, what is needed is an alarm clock that is easy for a child to use and which emits an alarm that is unlikely to startle the child.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the present invention, a doll is provided. The doll comprises a controller having a processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor and having an audio file and a preset time stored therein, and a timing module in communication with the processor. The doll further comprises a speaker in communication with the processor, wherein, when the timing module identifies that it is the preset time, the audio file is played using the speaker.
In another embodiment a method is presented. The method comprises providing a doll comprising a controller having a processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor, and a timing module in communication with the processor. The doll further comprises a speaker in communication with the processor. The method further comprises storing an audio file in the non-transitory computer readable medium, and setting the preset time, wherein the preset time is stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium, and wherein, when the timing module identifies that it is the preset time, the audio file is played using the speaker.
In yet another embodiment, a method of providing an alarm using a doll is provided. The doll comprises a controller having a processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor, and a timing module in communication with the processor, and a speaker in communication with the processor. The method comprises receiving an audio file, receiving a preset time, storing the audio file and the preset time in non-transitory computer readable medium, and when the timing module identifies that it is the preset time, playing the audio file using the speaker.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like elements bear like reference numerals.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of Applicant's doll;

FIG. 1B is a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of Applicant's doll;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart summarizing a first method using Applicant's doll; and

FIG. 3 is a flow chart summarizing a second method using Applicant's doll.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This invention is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
The described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are recited to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
The schematic flow chart diagrams included are generally set forth as logical flow-chart diagrams (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). As such, the depicted order and labeled steps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of the illustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed are provided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understood not to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flow-chart diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method (e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps of the depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps shown.
Many of the functional units described in this specification have been labeled as modules (e.g., modules 108, 110, and 128) in order to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module (e.g., modules 108, 110, and 128) may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom VLSI circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module (e.g., modules 108, 110, and 128) may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like.
Modules (e.g., modules 108, 110, and 128) may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of executable code may, for instance, comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function. Nevertheless, the executables of an identified module (e.g., modules 108, 110, and 128) need not be physically collocated, but may comprise disparate instructions stored in different locations which, when joined logically together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose for the module.
Indeed, a module of executable code (e.g., modules 108, 110, and 128) may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several non-transitory computer readable media. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including over different storage devices, and may exist, at least partially, merely as electronic signals on a system or network.
Applicant's invention includes a doll for children comprising an alarm feature. In certain embodiments, the alarm feature comprises a timing device. In certain embodiments, the alarm feature comprises a timing device in combination with a visual display device. In certain embodiments, the alarm feature comprises a timing device in combination with an encoded audio clip and an external speaker. In certain embodiments, Applicant's doll plays an audio clip to wake a child up. In certain embodiments, such an audio clip comprises music. In certain embodiments, such an audio clip comprises a recorded voice. In certain embodiments of Applicant's method, such an audio clip comprises a parent's recorded voice.
FIG. 1A presents a front view of an exemplary embodiment of Applicant's doll 100. A rear view of Applicant's doll 100 is presented in FIG. 1B. FIGS. 1A and 1B depict Applicant's doll as a girl. The illustrations of FIGS. 1A and 1B should not be taken as limiting. In certain embodiments, Applicant's doll is a boy. Furthermore, Applicant's doll can be of any race and can have any color of hair, eyes, and skin. In other embodiments, Applicant's doll is a non-humanoid doll. In such embodiments, Applicant's doll may be an alien, monster, animal, or any other creature. Furthermore, Applicant's doll may be made out of any material suitable for a child's doll, including but not limited to fabrics, molded plastics, and combinations thereof.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, Applicant's doll 100 comprises speaker 129 and input devices 122 and 124. In certain embodiments, input devices 122 and/or 124 comprises a pressure sensor. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, Applicant's doll 100 is depicted as having two pressure sensors. In other embodiments Applicant's doll may comprise any number of pressure sensors.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1A, speaker 129 is located on the chest of doll 100. In other embodiments, speaker 129 may be located anywhere on doll 100. In certain embodiments, doll 100 further comprises an articulating mandible 125, wherein that articulating mandible moves when music/voice is being emitted. In these embodiments, speaker 129 is located in the mouth of doll 100, thereby giving the impression that doll 100 is singing/speaking.
In certain embodiments, emitted audio can be turned off by squeezing pressure sensors 122 and/or 124. In certain embodiments, one or both of pressure sensors 122 and 124 act as a “snooze button,” whereby squeezing one or both of pressure sensors 122 and 124 cause an emitted audio to turn off for a specified length of time, and then resume playing again. Thus, a child awakened by an emitted audio clip may squeeze the foot or hand of doll 100 to either turn off, or to pause, the emitted audio. In other embodiments, Applicant's doll 100 may further comprise an input device, i.e. a switch, to turn off the audio.
Turning now to FIG. 1B, Applicant's doll 100 further comprises controller 106, data input device 118, visual display device 120, input/output port 126, motion detector 127, and microphone 130. Controller 106 comprises processor 102, non-transitory computer readable medium 104 interconnected with processor 102 via a communication link, timing module 128, optional VOIP module 110 interconnected with processor 102 via a communication link, optional “WI-FI” module 108 interconnected with processor 102 via a communication link, and optional microphone 130 interconnected with processor 102 via a communication link.
In certain embodiments, non-transitory computer readable medium 104 comprises non-volatile memory. In certain embodiments, non-transitory computer readable medium 104 comprises battery backed up RAM, a magnetic hard disk assembly, an optical disk assembly, and/or electronic memory. By “electronic memory,” Applicant means a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SMARTMEDIA, FLASHMEDIA, and the like.
Optional VOIP module 110 implements a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP is a general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP networks such as the Internet or other packet-switched networks. Internet telephony includes communications services, such as and without limitation voice, facsimile, and/or voice-messaging applications, that are transported via the Internet, rather than the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Optional WI-FI module 108 comprises a wireless network communication module. In certain embodiments, WI-FI module 108 implements one or more of the embodiments of IEEE Specification 802.11 (collectively the “IEEE Specification”). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the IEEE Specification comprises a family of specifications developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN technology.
The IEEE Specification specifies an over-the-air interface between a wireless client, such as for example doll 100, and a base station or between two wireless clients. The IEEE accepted the IEEE Specification in 1997. There are several specifications in the 802.11 family, including (i) specification 802.11 which applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band using either frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS); (ii) specification 802.11a which comprises an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANs and provides up to 54 Mbps in the 5 GHz band using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing encoding scheme rather than FHSS or DSSS; (iii) specification 802.11b, sometimes referred to as 802.11 High Rate or Wi-Fi, which comprises an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANS and provides up to about 11 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band; and/or (iv) specification 802.11g which applies to wireless LANs and provides 20+Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band.
In certain embodiments, WI-FI module 108 and VOIP module 110 comprise an integral assembly, wherein processor 102 can provide an encoded alert, such as alert 117 encoded in non-transitory computer readable medium 104, to a designated telephone number using WI-FI module 108 and/or VOIP module 110.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, computer readable program code 112, event log 113, music clip 114, voice clip 115, alert threshold 116, and alert message 117, are encoded in non-transitory computer readable medium 104. For the sale of clarity, FIG. 1B only shows one music clip, one voice clip, one alert threshold, and one alert message, encoded in non-transitory computer readable medium 104. In actual implementation, a plurality of music clips, a plurality of voice clips, a plurality of alert thresholds, and a plurality of alert messages, can be encoded in non-transitory computer readable medium 104.
Processor 102 uses computer readable program code 112 to operate controller 106, WI-FI module 108, VOIP module 110, timing module 128, motion detector 127, speaker 129, and microphone 130.
In certain embodiments, processor 102 is interconnected by a communication link to data input panel 118. In certain embodiments, data input panel comprises, without limitation, a key board, a touch screen, and the like. In such embodiments, a user may use input panel 118, by way of example and not limitation, to select music stored in non-transitory computer readable medium 104 to be played as an alarm, set a clock, or set an alarm. In certain embodiments, processor 102 is further interconnected by a communication link to visual display 120. In certain embodiments, visual display 120 comprises an LCD display.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1B, visual display 120 is disposed on the back of doll 100. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, infants generally cannot tell time nor read and understand a clock. Therefore in certain embodiments, visual display device is normally not activated. In these embodiments, visual display device 120 can be activated by, for example, and without limitation entering an activation code/sequence using data input device 118.
The location of visual display device 120 depicted in FIG. 1B should not be taken as limiting. In other embodiments, visual display device 120 is disposed on the front portion of doll 100. In certain embodiments, controller 106 causes display device 120 to visually display a current time. In such embodiments, display device 120 may display, by way of example and not limitation, a music video, a present time, or an alarm time.
In certain embodiments, processor 102 is interconnected by a communication link to data input/output port 126, wherein port 126 comprises, by way of example and not limitation, a FireWire port, USB port, or any other type of port used to interconnect a computing device and/or MP3 player.
FIG. 2 summarizes a first method implemented using Applicant's doll 100. Turning now to FIG. 2, in block 210 the method provides a doll comprising a timing device and a speaker. In certain embodiments, block 210 comprises providing Applicant's doll 100.
In block 220, a user selects music to be played as the alarm. In certain embodiments, block 220 involves using a web-enabled computing device to connect to the Internet and download music. In other embodiments, block 220 includes selecting music from a music collection encoded on a user's computer. In yet other embodiments, block 220 includes selecting music stored on an MP3 player. In yet other embodiments, block 220 includes selecting music from non-transitory computer readable medium 104 of doll 100.
In certain embodiments, the audio clip selected in block 220 comprises a prerecorded voice. In such embodiments, the voice may be that of a child's parent, grandparent, other family member, or friend. In other such embodiments, the voice may be of a television or movie character. In certain embodiments, block 220 includes encoding a voice clip in non-transitory computer readable medium 104 using microphone 130.
In the event an audio clip is not selected from non-transitory computer readable medium 104, then in block 230 a user downloads the selected audio clip to non-transitory computer readable medium 104. In certain embodiments, the audio clip is transferred from a computing device to Applicant's doll 100 via USB. In other embodiments, the audio clip is transferred via Firewire. In yet other embodiments, the audio clip is transferred via VOIP. In still other embodiments, the audio clip is transferred wirelessly via WI-FI.
In block 240, the method sets a clock time. In certain embodiments, in block 240 a user sets a clock time using data input panel 118. In certain embodiments, a clock time is set using a computing device interconnected with doll 100 via port 126. In certain embodiments, a clock time is wirelessly transferred to Applicant's doll 100 via RFID, WI-FI, VOIP or other communication method, or combination thereof.
In block 250, the method sets an alarm time. In certain embodiments, in block 250 a user sets an alarm time using data input panel 118. In certain embodiments, an alarm time is set using a computing device interconnected with doll 100 via port 126. In certain embodiments, an alarm time is wirelessly transferred to Applicant's doll 100 via RFID, WI-FI, VOIP or other communication method, or combination thereof.
In block 260, the method determines if the alarm time matches the clock time. In certain embodiments, block 260 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305.
If the method determines that the alarm time does not match the clock time, then the method continues to monitor the clock time and the alarm time. Alternatively, if the method determines that the alarm time matches the clock time, then the method transitions from block 260 to block 270 wherein the method emits the selected audio clip using the speaker of block 305.
The following example is presented to further illustrate to persons skilled in the art how to make and use the invention. This example is not intended as a limitation, however, upon the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the appended claims.

Example I

By way of example and not limitation, a mother may want to set an alarm to help her child wake up in the morning. Using a personal computer and microphone, the mother may make a recording of herself singing or talking for the alarm so that the child can wake up to her voice, regardless of whether she is in the room or not. Alternatively, the mother may connect to the internet to download one of her child's favorite songs, select a song from her MP3 player, or select music stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium of Applicant's doll.
After the mother has selected the music for the alarm, the mother may use her computer or MP3 player to wirelessly transfer and save the music in the non-transitory computer readable medium of Applicant's doll. Alternatively a USB, Firewire, or other type of data transfer protocol may be used to transfer the song.
The mother may then set a timing device disposed within Applicant's doll to a present time, and set an alarm time using either her personal computer or the data input device of Applicant's doll. In certain embodiments, visual display device 120 may display both the present time and that the alarm is set to sound at 8:00 am. The mother then places the doll next to her child's bed.
At 8:00 am Applicant's doll will play the audio clip selected by the mother. In embodiments where the hand or foot of Applicant's doll includes a pressure sensor, the child may squeeze the appropriate hand or foot to turn off the music when the child is awake. Alternatively, squeezing the hand or foot may pause the alarm, turning it off for a preset length of time such as, by way of example and not limitation, ten minutes. At the end of this preset length of time Applicant's doll will again emit the audio clip until the alarm is either turned off or paused.
FIG. 3 summarizes a second method implemented using Applicant's doll 100. Referring now to FIG. 3, in block 305 the method supplies a doll comprising a timing device, a microphone, a motion detector, and a non-transitory computer readable medium having encoded therein a plurality of encoded music clips, a plurality of encoded voice clips, a plurality of alarm conditions, a plurality of alarm thresholds, and a plurality of alarm messages. In certain embodiments, block 305 comprises supplying Applicant's doll 100.
In block 310, the method determines if the microphone detects one or more sounds. In certain embodiments, block 310 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305.
If the microphone does not detect one or more sounds, the method transitions from block 310 to block 340. Alternatively, if the microphone detects one or more sounds, then the method transitions from block 310 to block 315 wherein the method determines if the one or more detected sounds match an alarm condition of block 305. In certain embodiments, block 315 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305.
As an example and without limitation, the sounds of a baby crying comprise an alarm condition. As an example and without limitation, the sounds of a baby coughing comprise an alarm condition. As an example and without limitation, the sounds of a baby choking comprise an alarm condition.
If the one or more detected sounds do not match a recognized alarm condition, then the method transitions from block 315 to block 340. Alternatively, if the one or more detected sounds match a recognized alarm condition, then the method transitions from block 315 to block 320 wherein the method causes an audio clip associated with the recognized alarm condition to be emitted from a speaker disposed within the doll of block 305. In certain embodiments, block 320 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305. In certain embodiments, the audio clip of step 320 comprises a voice clip. In certain embodiments, the audio clip of step 320 comprises a music clip.
In block 325, the method logs in an event log, the date, time, and recognized alarm condition. In certain embodiments, block 325 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305.
In block 330, the method determines if the alarm condition of block 315 exceeds an associated alarm threshold. In certain embodiments, block 330 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305. As an example and without limitation, if the sounds of a baby coughing are detected in excess of a pre-determined time interval threshold of ten (10) minutes, then the method would determine in block 330 that the detected alarm condition exceeds an associated alarm threshold.
If the method determines in block 330 that the alarm condition of block 315 exceeds an associated alarm threshold, then the method transitions from block 330 to block 335 wherein the method transmits an associated alarm message using a WI-FI module disposed within the doll of block 305 and/or a VOIP module disposed within the doll of block 305. In certain embodiments, block 325 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305.
As an example and without limitation, if the method in block 330 determines that the sounds of a baby coughing have been detected in excess of an associated alarm threshold of 10 minutes, then in block 335 the method places a VOIP telephone call to a designated telephone number and provides an alarm message that a coughing baby alarm threshold has been exceeded.
The method transitions from block 335 to block 340 wherein the method determines if motion is detected by a motion detector disposed within the doll of block 305. If the method determines that motion has not been detected, then the method transitions from block 340 to block 310 and continues as described herein.
Alternatively if motion is detected in block 340, then the method transitions from block 340 to block 345 wherein the method emits an audio clip associated with a restlessness condition. In certain embodiments, block 345 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305. In certain embodiments, the audio clip of step 345 comprises a voice clip. In certain embodiments, the audio clip of step 345 comprises a music clip.
In block 350, the method logs in an event log, the date, time, and recognized alarm condition. In certain embodiments, block 350 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305.
In block 355, the method determines if the restlessness condition exceeds an associated threshold. In certain embodiments, block 355 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305.
If the method determines in block 355 that the restlessness condition exceeds an associated threshold, then the method transitions from block 355 to block 360 wherein the method transmits an associated alarm message using a WI-FI module disposed within the doll of block 305 and/or a VOIP module disposed within the doll of block 305. In certain embodiments, block 360 is performed by a controller disposed within the doll of block 305. The method transitions from block 360 to block 310 and continues as described herein.
In certain embodiments, individual steps recited in FIGS. 2 and/or 3 may be combined, eliminated, or reordered.
In certain embodiments, Applicants' invention includes computer readable program code, such as computer readable program code 832 (FIG. 8), residing in computer readable medium, such as for example computer readable medium 830 (FIG. 8), wherein those computer readable program code are executed by a processor, such as processor 822 (FIG. 8), to perform one or more of steps 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 185, and/or 190, recited in FIG. 1, and/or one or more of steps 910, 915, 920, 925, 930, 935, 940, 045, 950, 955, 960, 965, 970 and/or 980, recited in FIG. 9, and/or one or more of steps 1010, 1020, 1030, 1040, and/or 1050, recited in FIG. 10, and/or one or more of steps 1110, 1120, 1130, 1140, and/or 1150, recited in FIG. 11, and/or one or more of steps 1210, 1220, 1230, 1240, and/or 1250, recited in FIG. 12.
In other embodiments, Applicants' invention includes computer readable program code residing in any other computer program product, where that computer readable program code is executed by a computing device external to, or internal to, doll 100, to perform one or more of the steps recited in FIG. 2, and/or one or more of the steps recited in FIG. 3. In either case, the computer readable program code may be encoded in computer readable medium comprising, for example, a magnetic information storage medium, an optical information storage medium, an electronic information storage medium, and the like. By “electronic storage media,” Applicants mean, for example and without limitation, one or more devices, such as and without limitation, a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash PROM, compactflash, smartmedia, and the like.
While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A doll, comprising:

a controller comprising a processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor and having an audio file and a preset time stored therein; and

a timing module in communication with the processor; and

a speaker in communication with the processor;

wherein, when the timing module identifies that it is the preset time, the audio file is played using the speaker.

2. The doll of claim 1, further comprising a pressure sensor in communication with the processor, wherein when the audio file is being played, engaging the pressure sensor ceases the playing of the audio file.

3. The doll of claim 1, wherein the processor can communicate with an external non-transitory computer readable medium having a plurality of additional audio files stored thereon, wherein one of the plurality of additional audio files can be downloaded and stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein the one of the plurality of additional audio files can be played, using the speaker, at the preset time.

4. The doll of claim 3, further comprising a data input/output port in communication with the processor, wherein the processor can communicate with the external non-transitory computer readable medium via the data input/output port.

5. The doll of claim 3, further comprising a wireless communication module in communication with the processor, wherein the processor can communicate with the external non-transitory computer readable medium via the wireless communication module.

6. The doll of claim 1, further comprising a visual display device in communication with the processor, wherein the visual display device displays a time.

7. The doll of claim 1, further comprising a data input device in communication with the processor, wherein the data input device can be used to set the preset time.

8. The doll of claim 1, further comprising:

a motion detector in communication with the processor;

a threshold stored within the non-transitory computer readable medium; and

an alarm stored within the non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein when the motion detector detects a motion which exceeds the threshold, the alarm is played using the speaker.

9. The doll of claim 1, further comprising a microphone in communication with the processor.

10. The doll of claim 9, further comprising:

a threshold stored within the non-transitory computer readable medium; and

an alarm stored within the non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein when the microphone detects a sound which exceeds the threshold, an alarm is played using the speaker.

11. The doll of claim 1, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium further includes an alert threshold and an alert message stored thereon, wherein when the alert threshold is exceeded, the alert message is played using the speaker.

12. A doll comprising a speaker, a processor, a timing module, a non-transitory computer readable medium, the computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect:

storing an audio file in the non-transitory computer readable medium;

setting a preset time, wherein the preset time is stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium;

playing said audio file when the present time equals the preset time.

13. The doll of claim 12, further comprising a pressure sensor in communication with the processor, the computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect when the audio file is being played, engaging the pressure sensor to pause the playing of the audio file.

14. The doll of claim 13, further comprising a data input device in communication with the processor, the computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect setting said present time using the data input device.

15. The doll of claim 14, the computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect downloading a plurality of audio files from a data storage source external to said doll.

16. The doll of claim 15, further comprising a microphone, the computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect:

recording a second audio file using said microphone;

storing said second audio file in said non-transitory computer readable medium; and

playing said second audio file using said speaker when said present time equals said preset time.

17. The doll of claim 16 further comprising:

a motion detector in communication with the processor, a motion threshold stored within the non-transitory computer readable medium, and a motion alarm stored within the non-transitory computer readable medium;

the computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect, when the motion detector detects a motion which exceeds the motion threshold, playing the motion alarm using the speaker.

18. The doll of claim 17, further comprising:

a microphone in communication with the processor, a sound threshold stored within the non-transitory computer readable medium, and a sound alarm stored within the non-transitory computer readable medium;

the computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect, when the microphone detects a sound which exceeds the sound threshold, playing the sound alarm using the speaker.

19. A method of providing an alarm using a doll comprising a controller having a processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the processor, and a timing module in communication with the processor, and a speaker in communication with the processor, the method comprising:

receiving an audio file;

receiving a preset time;

storing the audio file and the preset time in non-transitory computer readable medium; and

when the timing module identifies that it is the preset time, playing the audio file using the speaker.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the doll further comprises a pressure sensor in communication with the processor, the method further comprising when the pressure sensor is engaged, ceasing the playing of the audio file.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein the doll further comprises a visual display device in communication with the processor, the method further comprises displaying the preset time using the visual display device.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein the processor can communicate with an external non-transitory computer readable medium having a plurality of additional audio files stored thereon, the method further comprising

downloading one of the plurality of additional audio files;

storing the one of the plurality of additional audio files in the non-transitory computer readable medium; and

when the when the timing module identifies that it is the preset time, playing the one of the plurality of additional audio files using the speaker.