ADJUSTABLE MARKING TAPE APPLICATION DEVICE

Abstract

An adjustable marking tape application device comprises a frame 1 positioned on a ground surface, a touch interactive display panel 2 accessed by the user, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 captures images of the vicinity of the frame 1, a pair of handles 4 accessed by user to acquire grip, a laser emitter 5 emits beam of light, a motorized roller 6 rotates for unwrapping a tape coiled on the roller 6, a pair of motorized clamping units grips unwrapped tape, an angle sensor monitors angle of the tape, a motorized ball and socket joint provides angular movement to roller 6.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an adjustable marking tape application device that is capable of applying marking tape on a surface in accordance to user specification in an assistive manner in least time consumption. In addition, the device is capable of providing a guiding line over the surface in view of applying the tape in an effective manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Marking tape on a road surface serves to guide drivers on their lanes, these lines on the road are of different colors and shapes strategically placed to guide users to drive safely and follow the rules of the road. For instance, white lines typically separate lanes, while yellow lines may indicate no-passing zones or the center of the road. Moreover, marking tape on the road helps the drivers to navigate turns, intersections, and other road conditions, enhancing overall road safety and minimizing the risk of accidents.

[0003] Traditionally, users have marked tape on road surfaces manually using tools like paint brushes, rollers, or spray cans. However, these methods require significant manual effort and time to ensure precise application, which is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Moreover, achieving uniformity and consistency in the markings may be challenging, leading to uneven lines or faded markings over time. Furthermore, manual marking methods may result in inaccuracies or errors, potentially affecting road safety and traffic flow.

[0004] RU2110642C1 includes an invention that is a kind to marking tapes used for marking out surface of road pavements. Marking tape has base layer and upper layer. Base layer is made up of butadiene copolymer rubber and additionally contains at least one kind of resin selected from group including hydrogenated polycyclodiene resins and aliphatic hydrocarbon resins having softening temperature from 60 to 160 C.

[0005] CN112458866A discloses about an invention that is a kind of a road marking adhesive tape sticking machine which comprises an operation platform, an adhesive tape sticking device is installed on the left side of the operation platform, asensor is arranged on the right side of the operation platform and used for tracking a waterline to enable a trolley to move forwards along the waterline, and the adhesive tape sticking device is installed at the upper end of a chassis. Wheels are arranged at the four corners of the lower end of the chassis, a pasted label is installed on the left side of the adhesive tape pasting device, and theadhesive tape pasting device is internally provided with an inner wall. The road marking adhesive tape sticking machine can effectively solve the problem of low efficiency caused by manual measurement on a water line, can greatly improve the operation efficiency and the operation accuracy, and can enable the pigment to cover the adhesive tape instead of being stuck on the ground.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for adjustable marking tape application. However, these device fails to apply marking tape on a surface to user specification efficiently and with minimal time consumption. In addition, these existing device are unable to provide guiding line over the surface to assist in the effective application of the tape.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that apply marking tape on a surface according to user specification efficiently and with minimal time consumption. Additionally, the device provide guidance line over the surface to assist the user while applying the tape in an effective 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 applying marking tape on a surface in accordance to user specification in an assistive manner in least time consumption.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a guiding line over the surface in view of applying the tape in an effective manner.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is user friendly and reliable in nature.

[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 adjustable marking tape application device that is capable of applying marking tape on a surface according to user specification efficiently and with minimal time consumption. In addition, the proposed device provide guidance line over the surface to assist the user while applying the tape in an effective manner.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable marking tape application device comprises of a frame developed to be positioned on a ground surface and the frame is arranged with a touch interactive display panel that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding application of tape on the surface along with dimensions of the surface where the tape is to be applied, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine dimensions of the surface, a pair of handles arranged on upper portion of the frame that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip on the frame, a laser emitter is integrated on the frame to emit a beam of laser light on the evaluated line on the surface for guiding the user to position the frame on the projected line and a motorized roller arranged at lower portion of the frame to rotate for unwrapping a tape coiled on the roller.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a pair of motorized clamping units are integrated at lower portion of the frame to acquire a grip on the unwrapped tape and apply the tape over the projected line to apply the tape at the user-specified distance on the surface, an angle sensor integrated on the frame for monitoring angle of the tape with respect to the surface, a motorized ball and socket joint integrated in between the frame and roller to provide angular movement to the roller with respect to the surface in order to turn the tape while applying the tape on the surface, a motorized cutter is integrated at lower portion of the frame to cut a required length of the tape from the roller in order to discontinue the tape from the roller and a battery is configured with the frame for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered 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 an isometric view of an adjustable marking tape application 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 adjustable marking tape application device that is capable of applying marking tape on a surface according to user specification efficiently and with minimal time consumption. In addition, the proposed device provide guidance line over the surface to assist the user while applying the tape in an effective manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an adjustable marking tape application device is illustrated comprises of a frame 1 arranged with a touch interactive display panel 2, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the frame 1, a pair of handles 4 arranged on upper portion of the frame 1, a laser emitter 5 integrated on the frame 1, a motorized roller 6 arranged at lower portion of the frame 1, and a motorized cutter 7 integrated at lower portion of the frame 1.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a frame 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The frame 1 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 2 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding application of tape on the surface along with dimensions of the surface where the tape is to be applied. When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 2 to enter the input details of application of tape on the surface, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 2 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. Further, the touch interactive display panel 2 transmits the signal to a linked microcontroller.

[0024] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 2 in order to process the signal and determine the user selection and store the user response to a linked database.

[0025] Then, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on the frame 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 1, respectively. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 comprises of a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol and a camera which upon actuation captures multiple images in vicinity of the frame 1 for determining dimensions of the surface.

[0026] The camera of the imaging unit 3 comprised of a lens and a digital camera sensor of the imaging unit 3, wherein the camera lens takes all the light rays rebounding around and utilizes the lenses to transmit them to a single point for creating a sharp image. When all of those light rays rebound back and meet together on the digital camera sensor, creates a digital image and the processor performs various operations like pre-processing, feature extraction and classification which are then transmitted to the microcontroller for further processing. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the imaging unit 3 in order to determine dimensions of the surface.

[0027] Further, a pair of handles 4 are arranged on upper portion of the frame 1 that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip on the frame 1. Then, the microcontroller activates a laser emitter 5 integrated on the frame 1 to emit a beam of laser light on the evaluated line on the surface for guiding the user to position the frame 1 on the projected line.

[0028] The laser emitter 5, consists of a lasing medium, a stimulating energy source and an optical resonator. The lasing medium is in crystals form and the stimulating energy source is called as a 'pump' that supplies energy to the laser medium for amplification of the light. Furthermore, the optical resonator is a pair of mirrors facing each other and placed on either side of the pump. On activation of laser projection unit by the microcontroller, the stimulating energy source supplies energy that aids in interaction of incoming photons with an excited atomic electron resulting generation of optical amplified light. Further the amplified light travels through the lasing medium and bounces back/forth between the mirrors enhancing simulated emission within the pump, eventually being emitted through the partly reflective mirror to project the laser beam over the evaluated line on the surface for guiding the user to position the frame 1 on the projected line.

[0029] Then, a motorized roller 6 arranged at lower portion of the frame 1 that is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for unwrapping a tape coiled on the roller 6. The motorized roller 6 is integrated with a hub motor in its hub powered by a direct current (DC) motor that rotates the roller 6 for unwrapping the tape.

[0030] Thereafter, the microcontroller activates a pair of motorized clamping units are integrated at lower portion of the frame 1 to acquire a grip on the unwrapped tape and apply the tape over the projected line in order to apply the tape at the user-specified distance on the surface.

[0031] The clamping unit is a fastening equipment used to grip the unwrapped tape. Clamping unit comprises a pair of curved motorize clamps, which attached with motor to grip the unwrapped tape. A direct current (DC) motor is activated by the microcontroller to open/close the motorized clamp.

[0032] Then, the microcontroller activates an angle sensor integrated on the frame 1 and synced with the imaging unit 3 for monitoring angle of the tape with respect to the surface. The angle sensor used herein is preferably an optical angle sensor (not shown in figure) that use light beams and optical detectors to measure changes in light reflection or transmission caused by the angle of the tape with respect to the surface. As the angle changes, the amount of light reflected or transmitted varies, allowing the sensor to calculate the angle. The angle sensor provides an output signal that represents the detected angle of the tape with respect to the surface and transmits the signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the signal to monitor the inclination angle of the tape with respect to the surface.

[0033] Thereafter, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint integrated in between the frame 1 and roller 6 to provide angular movement to the roller 6 with respect to the surface in order to turn the tape while applying the tape on the surface.

[0034] The ball and socket joint provides a 360-degree rotation to the roller 6 for aiding the roller 6 to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the roller 6. The ball and socket joint is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the roller 6.

[0035] Furthermore, a motorized cutter 7 is integrated at lower portion of the frame 1 and that is actuated by the microcontroller to cut a required length of the tape from the roller 6 in order to discontinue the tape from the roller 6.

[0036] The microcontroller transmits electric signal to the motor of the cutter 7 and the electromotive force induced by the currents flow into the inductive coil of the motor of the cutter 7 rotates the output shaft onto which cutter 7 is connected. Thus, rotation of the output shaft of the motor cutter 7, rotates the connected cutter 7 by which cutter 7 cuts the tape when comes in contact with the tape.

[0037] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the frame 1 is be positioned on the ground surface and arranged with the touch interactive display panel 2 that the user accesses to provide input regarding application of tape on the surface along with dimensions of the surface where the tape is to be applied. No the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 captures multiple images in vicinity of the frame 1 and based on the captures images the microcontroller determines the dimensions of the surface and accordingly the microcontroller evaluates the line on the surface where tape is to be applied. Thereafter the pair of handles 4 are accessed by the user for acquiring the grip on the frame 1, wherein the laser emitter 5 emits the beam of laser light on the evaluated line on the surface for guiding the user to position the frame 1 on the projected line. Now the motorized roller 6 rotate for unwrapping the tape coiled on the roller 6 and upon completion the motorized clamping units acquires the grip on the unwrapped tape and apply the tape over the projected line in order to apply the tape at the user-specified distance on the surface. Further the angle sensor monitors the angle of the tape with respect to the surface and based on which the motorized ball and socket joint provide angular movement to the roller 6 with respect to the surface in order to turn the tape while applying the tape on the surface. Post application of the tape the motorized cutter 7 cuts the required length of the tape from the roller 6 in order to discontinue the tape from the roller 6.

[0039] 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 adjustable marking tape application device, comprising:

i) a frame 1 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein said frame 1 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 2 that is accessed by a user for providing input regarding application of tape on said surface along with dimensions of said surface where said tape is to be applied;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 3 installed on said frame 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 1, respectively to determine dimensions of said surface, in accordance to which an inbuilt microcontroller evaluates a line on said surface where tape is to be applied;
iii) a pair of handles 4 arranged on upper portion of said frame 1 that is accessed by a user for acquiring a grip on said frame 1, wherein a laser emitter 5 is integrated on said frame 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to emit a beam of laser light on said evaluated line on said surface for guiding said user to position said frame 1 on said projected line;
iv) a motorized roller 6 arranged at lower portion of said frame 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for unwrapping a tape coiled on said roller 6, wherein a pair of motorized clamping units are integrated at lower portion of said frame 1 that are actuated by said microcontroller to acquire a grip on said unwrapped tape and apply said tape over said projected line in order to apply said tape at said user-specified distance on said surface; and
v) an angle sensor integrated on said frame 1 and synced with said imaging unit 3 for monitoring angle of said tape with respect to said surface, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates a motorized ball and socket joint integrated in between said frame 1 and roller 6 to provide angular movement to said roller 6 with respect to said surface in order to turn said tape while applying said tape on said surface.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized cutter 7 is integrated at lower portion of said frame 1 that is actuated by said microcontroller to cut a required length of said tape from said roller 6 in order to discontinue said tape from said roller 6.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said frame 1 for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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