ADAPTABLE SITTING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

An adaptable sitting assistive device comprises of plurality of T-shaped members 2 are inserted over the shaft 1 to orient and utilize the members, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 installed over the shaft 1 for capturing and processing images of surroundings, a proximity sensor 4 installed overs the shaft 1 to determine distance of the user(s) from the shaft 1, plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 installed in the cavity to provide rotation to the members, a rain sensor 6 installed over the shaft 1 to monitor presence of rain, a telescopic rod 7 installed with the shaft 1 to extend and position plurality of bars, plurality of weight sensors 9 installed over the shaft 1 to monitor weight of the user(s), a speaker 10 installed over the shaft 1 to produce a voice command to notify the user(s) regarding the exceeded weight.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adaptable sitting assistive device that provides an assistive mean to the user for seating as well as provides space to accommodate the belongings of the user along with preventing the user(s) from the rain and monitors the weight of the user and notifies regarding the exceeded weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In our fast-paced modern lifestyle, carving out time for relaxation is quite challenging. Resting solutions, such as convertible chairs, play a crucial role in addressing this need. These versatile seating options offer required support and comfort, accommodating a range of activities including lounging, reading, resting, or working in a relaxed posture. They provide special advantageous for individuals with specific comfort preferences or medical conditions. What sets these chairs apart is their multi functionality, seamlessly transitioning between different modes to meet diverse user needs. This integration of various functions not only maximizes comfort but also optimizes space utilization, making them ideal for compact living areas.

[0003] Conventionally convertible resting devices lacks in offering users comfort in order to provide flexibility in transforming furniture to transform various needs. Typically, these chairs utilize adjustable hinges, modular designs to convert into loungers or other configurations. However, uses frequently experience discomfort during prolonged use due to the design compromises necessary for transformation. Additionally, the user experience dissatisfaction due to discomfort and the need for frequent maintenance, undermining the overall usability and convenience of conventional convertible resting devices.

[0004] EP1145668A2 includes an invention that is a kind of convertible seating device comprising a support base for resting on the ground formed by four uprights, the top end of which is joined to a horizontal surface , a beam being joined at each lateral edge of the said surface , extending in a longitudinal direction , and having, joined to it, an upright column forming the support element for a backrest, said beam being formed by a first part fixed to the seat and by a second part which is hinged with the first part by corresponding hinging means so as to allow rotation of the movable part of the beam from a substantially horizontal position into a substantially vertical position.

[0005] US3584890A discloses about an invention that is a kind of a wheelchair having removable arm rests capable of being fitted to the chair to extend forwardly thereof and provided with extensible and retractable supports engageable with the floor, thereby enabling the chair to be converted to a structure which may be utilized to assist a patient in rising from and returning to the chair. The supports may be provided with friction means or ground engaging wheels so as to permit it to be used as parallel bars, a pickup walker or a wheeled walker. A stabilizing bar interconnects the arm rests when they are in their forwardly extended positions so as to stabilize them.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of convertible resting devices. However, these devices are unable to automatically provide detecting the presence of any object carried by the user and provides an area to the user to accommodate the object in a secure manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that providing an assistive mean to the user for seating as well as provides space to accommodate the belongings of the user. Additionally, the device is capable of preventing the user(s) from the rain in a secure manner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing an assistive mean to the user for seating as well as provides space to accommodate the belongings of the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of preventing the user(s) from the rain.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the weight of the user and notify the user(s) regarding the exceeded weight.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an adaptable sitting assistive device that detects the presence of any object carried by the user and provides an area to the user to accommodate the object as well as prevents the users from the rain and monitors the weight of the user and notifies the users regarding the exceeded weight securely.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adaptable sitting assistive device, comprises of an elongated shaft positioned over a ground surface by means of a pair of inverted U-shaped links, wherein plurality of T-shaped members are inserted over the shaft by means of a cavity crafted in each of the members that are accessed by a user(s) to orient and utilize the members as a seating space, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the shaft and integrated with a processor determines presence of the user(s) present in proximity and accordingly actuates a proximity sensor installed overs the shaft to determine distance of the user(s) from the shaft, plurality of motorized pop out balls installed in the cavity and actuated by the microcontroller only in case the monitored distance recedes a threshold distance to provide rotation to the members in a manner to provide seating space to the user(s), wherein in case the microcontroller by means of the imaging unit determines presence of any object carried by the user, the microcontroller directs a specific number of the balls to orient a particular number of the members in a manner to provide an area to the user to accommodate the object, a rain sensor installed over the shaft to monitor presence of rain in surroundings, wherein in case of detection of rain, the microcontroller actuates a telescopic rod installed with the shaft to extend and position plurality of bars equipped with a water proof sheet and configured with apex portion of the rods by means of a motorized hinge joint that are actuated by the microcontroller to orient the bars at a pre-defined angle to deploy the sheet over the members to form a canopy in order to prevent the user(s) from the rain, plurality of weight sensors installed over the shaft to monitor weight of the user(s), wherein in case the monitored weight exceeds a threshold value.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises, a speaker installed over the shaft to produce a voice command to notify the user(s) regarding the exceeded weight, a computing unit is accessed by the user(s) to provide input regarding an orientation in which the members are to deployed based on which the microcontroller directs the motorized pop out balls to orient the members in accordance to the user-specified orientation, a communication module is integrated with the microcontroller to establish a wireless connection between the microcontroller and computing unit, a motorized ball and socket joint is installed between the each of the links and shaft and actuated by the microcontroller only in case the user via the computing unit provides command regrading swaying of the user, to provide swaying motion to the members, a moisture sensor is installed over each of the members to monitor presence of moisture over the members, and in case of detection of the moisture, the microcontroller actuates an air blower installed with each of the members to blow air to dry the detected moisture, a UV (Ultra violet) light is installed with each of the members that are actuated by the microcontroller to emit UV light to disinfect the members after every use, plurality of solar panels are installed over each of the members to convert solar radiation into electricity that is stored in a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an adaptable sitting assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises," and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having" and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an adaptable sitting assistive device that is capable providing an assistive mean to the user for seating as well as provides space to accommodate the belongings of the user as well as preventing the user(s) from the rain and monitoring the weight of the user and notify regarding the exceeded weight.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of an illustrated adaptable sitting assistive device comprises of an elongated shaft 1 positioned over a ground surface, plurality of T-shaped members 2 are inserted over the shaft 1, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 installed over the shaft 1, a proximity sensor 4 installed overs the shaft 1, plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 installed in the cavity, a rain sensor 6 installed over the shaft 1, a telescopic rod 7 installed with the shaft 1 by means of a motorized hinge joint 8, plurality of weight sensors 9 installed over the shaft 1, a speaker 10 installed over the shaft 1, a moisture sensor 11 is installed over each of the members.

[0023] The device disclosed here comprises of an elongated shaft 1 positioned over a ground surface by means of a pair of inverted U-shaped links. A motorized ball and socket joint is installed between the each of the links and shaft 1 and actuated by the microcontroller, to provide swaying motion to the members. The motorized ball and socket joint includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket.

[0024] The ball move freely within the socket. The motor rotates the ball in various directions that is controlled by the microcontroller that further commands the motor to position the ball precisely. The microcontroller further actuates the motor to generate electrical current to rotate in the joint for providing swaying motion to the members. Further plurality of T-shaped members 2 are inserted over the shaft 1 by means of a cavity crafted in each of the members that are accessed by a user(s) to orient and utilize the members as a seating space.

[0025] Further an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 installed over the shaft 1 captures and processes images of surroundings to determine presence of the user(s) present in proximity. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the surroundings and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to determine presence of the user(s).

[0026] Upon determining presence of the user(s), the microcontroller accordingly actuates a proximity sensor 4 installed overs the shaft 1 to determine distance of the user(s) from the shaft 1. The proximity sensor 4 detects the user in proximity. The proximity sensor 4 consists of a transducer and a receiver, where the transducer emits ultrasonic waves such that upon hitting the user(s) body, the waves are reflected back. The reflected waves are received by the receiver of the sensor. The received waves are converted into an analog value which is further converted into an electrical signal and is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the received signal and thereby determines the distance of the user(s) from the shaft 1.

[0027] Upon determines the distance of the user(s) from the shaft 1, plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 installed in the cavity are actuated by the microcontroller in case the monitored distance recedes a threshold distance to provide rotation to the members in a manner to provide seating space to the user(s). The motorized pop out balls 5 ranging from 4 to 6 in numbers installed in the cavity. The pop-out ball works on a simple mechanism that are powered by motor that is activated by the microcontroller, producing rotational motion. This force is then transmitted to a mechanism that forces the ball out of its compartment, to provide rotation to the members in a manner to provide seating space to the user(s). Upon provide rotation to the members in a manner to provide seating space to the user(s) the microcontroller by means of the imaging unit 3 determines presence of any object carried by the user, the microcontroller directs a specific number of the balls to orient a particular number of the members in a manner to provide an area to the user to accommodate the object.

[0028] Further a computing unit is accessed by the user(s) to provide input regarding an orientation, in which the members are to deployed based on which the microcontroller directs the motorized pop out balls 5 to orient the members in accordance to the user-specified orientation. The computing unit includes a user interface for enabling the user to input commands regarding the orientation of the members. The user-interactive provides a series of questions regarding orientation of the member. The user either selects from a list of options provided on the display or manually enters the details, wherein the user is required to enter details. The computing unit is linked with the microcontroller embedded within the housing via an integrated communication module that includes but is not limited to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit to provide input regarding orientation.

[0029] Further, a rain sensor 6 installed over the shaft 1 monitors the presence of rain in surroundings. The rain sensor 6 comprises of two modules, a rain-board module that detects rain and a control module, which compares the analog value and converts it into a digital value. The rain-board module comprises of copper tracks that serves as a variable resistor, wherein the resistance of the track varies with respect to the wetness on the rain-board. The analog value of the varying resistance is then converted into the digital value by the control module, wherein the digital value is digitally sent to the microcontroller to monitor presence of rain in surroundings.

[0030] Further in case of detection of rain, the microcontroller actuates a telescopic rod 7 installed with the shaft 1 to extend and position plurality of bars equipped with a water proof sheet. The telescopic rod 7 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the rod and due to applied pressure the rod extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically rod by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the rod in order to position plurality of bars equipped with the water proof sheet.

[0031] Further the proof sheet is configured with apex portion of the rods by means of a motorized hinge joint 8 that are to orient the bars at a pre-defined angle to deploy the sheet over the members to form a canopy in order to prevent the user(s) from the rain. The motorized hinge joint 8 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the motorized rod. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft 1 coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft 1 in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the motorized rod to orient the bars at a pre-defined angle to deploy the sheet over the members to form a canopy in order to prevent the user(s) from the rain.

[0032] Further a moisture sensor 11 is installed over each of the members to monitor presence of moisture over the members. The moisture sensor 11 measures the moisture content by using properties such as electrical resistance, dielectric constant or interaction with neutrons as a proxy for the moisture content. The measured data is then converted into an analogue value which is further converted into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is sent to the microcontroller. Thus, the microcontroller processes the received signal and determines the moisture level.

[0033] In case the moisture level recedes a threshold level then the microcontroller activates an air blower installed with each of the members to blow air to dry the detected moisture. The air blower comprises of a vortex, heater, impeller and an outlet duct. The blower increases the pressure of the air drawn for the surrounding of the member by a series of vortex motions formed by the centrifugal movement of the impeller. Upon actuation of the blower by the microcontroller, the impeller is rotating wherein the channels in the impeller push the drawn air from the surrounding forward through a heating unit, that increase the temperature of the absorbed air by creating the centrifugal movement that generates a helical movement of the air. During this centrifugal movement, the absorbed air is continuously compressed along the channel and the pressure increases linearly. The pressurized air is transferred from the outlet duct of the blower to the surface of the member in order to blow air to dry the detected moisture.

[0034] Upon drying the detected moisture, plurality of weight sensors 9 installed over the shaft 1 monitors the weight of the user(s). The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of user(s) over the shaft 1, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of user(s) and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller. In case the monitored weight exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 10 installed over the shaft 1 to produce a voice command to notify the user(s) regarding the exceeded weight. The speaker 10 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding the exceeded weight. Further, a UV (Ultra violet) light installed with each of the members are actuated by the microcontroller to emit UV light to disinfect the members after every use.

[0035] Plurality of solar panels are installed over each of the members to convert solar radiation into electricity that is stored in a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device. Solar panels are made out of photovoltaic cells that convert the sun's heat energy into electrical energy. Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi-conducting materials ideally silicon. Each layer of silicon has different electronic properties that gets energized when hit by photon particles absorbed from the sunlight, to create an electric field and generates a photoelectric effect. This photoelectric effect creates the current needed to produce electricity. The Solar panels generate a direct current of electricity that gets passed through an inverter to convert it into an alternating current.

[0036] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning.

[0037] The present invention works best in the following manner. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 captures and processing images of surroundings, wherein based on the captured images, the microcontroller, determines presence of the user(s) present in proximity and accordingly actuates a proximity sensor 4 to determine distance of the user(s) from the shaft 1. Further, plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 are actuated by the microcontroller in case the monitored distance recedes a threshold distance to provide rotation to the members in a manner to provide seating space to the user(s). Further in case the microcontroller determines the presence of any object carried by the user, the microcontroller directs a specific number of the balls to orient a particular number of the members in a manner to provide an area to the user to accommodate the object. Upon accommodating the object, the rain sensor 6 monitor presence of rain in surroundings, in case of detection of rain, the microcontroller actuates the telescopic rod 7 to extend and position plurality of bars equipped with a water proof sheet by means of a motorized hinge joint 8 to orient the bars at a pre-defined angle to deploy the sheet over the members to form a canopy in order to prevent the user(s) from the rain. Further the moisture sensor 11 monitors presence of moisture over the members, and in case of detection of the moisture, the microcontroller actuates an air blower to blow air to dry the detected moisture. Further plurality of weight sensors 9 monitors weight of the user(s), in case the monitored weight exceeds a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 10 to produce a voice command to notify the user(s) regarding the exceeded weight. At the end the UV (Ultra violet) light are actuated by the microcontroller to emit UV light to disinfect the members after every use.

[0038] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An adaptable sitting assistive device, comprising:

i) an elongated shaft 1 positioned over a ground surface by means of a pair of inverted U-shaped links, wherein plurality of T-shaped members 2 are inserted over said shaft 1 by means of a cavity crafted in each of said members that are accessed by a user(s) to orient and utilize said members as a seating space;
ii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 3 installed over said shaft 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of surroundings, wherein based on said captured images, a microcontroller linked with said processor, determines presence of said user(s) present in proximity and accordingly actuates a proximity sensor 4 installed overs said shaft 1 to determine distance of said user(s) from said shaft 1;
iii) plurality of motorized pop out balls 5 installed in said cavity and actuated by said microcontroller only in case said monitored distance recedes a threshold distance to provide rotation to said members in a manner to provide seating space to said user(s), wherein in case said microcontroller by means of said imaging unit 3 determines presence of any object carried by said user, said microcontroller directs a specific number of said balls to orient a particular number of said members in a manner to provide an area to said user to accommodate said object;
iv) a rain sensor 6 installed over said shaft 1 to monitor presence of rain in surroundings, wherein in case of detection of rain, said microcontroller actuates a telescopic rod 7 installed with said shaft 1 to extend and position plurality of bars equipped with a water proof sheet and configured with apex portion of said rods by means of a motorized hinge joint 8 that are actuated by said microcontroller to orient said bars at a pre-defined angle to deploy said sheet over said members to form a canopy in order to prevent said user(s) from said rain; and
v) plurality of weight sensors 9 installed over said shaft 1 to monitor weight of said user(s), wherein in case said monitored weight exceeds a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 10 installed over said shaft 1 to produce a voice command to notify said user(s) regarding said exceeded weight.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a computing unit is accessed by said user(s) to provide input regarding an orientation in which said members are to deployed based on which said microcontroller directs said motorized pop out balls 5 to orient said members in accordance to said user-specified orientation.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein a communication module is integrated with said microcontroller to establish a wireless connection between said microcontroller and computing unit.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint is installed between said each of said links and shaft 1 and actuated by said microcontroller only in case said user via said computing unit provides command regrading swaying of said user, to provide swaying motion to said members.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a moisture sensor 11 is installed over each of said members to monitor presence of moisture over said members, and in case of detection of said moisture, said microcontroller actuates an air blower installed with each of said members to blow air to dry said detected moisture.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a UV (Ultra violet) light is installed with each of said members that are actuated by said microcontroller to emit UV light to disinfect said members after every use.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopic rod 7 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said rod.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of solar panels are installed over each of said members to convert solar radiation into electricity that is stored in a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

Documents