AUTOMATED BLACK BOARD CLEANING AND CHALKS MANAGEMENT DEVICE

Abstract

An automated black board cleaning and chalks management device, comprising a frame 101 installed with plurality of suction cups 102 to affix frame 101 with blackboard, a drawer arrangement 103 for increasing/decreasing dimensions of frame 101 to secure frame 101 with blackboard, motorized sliding unit 104 attached with a cuboidal body 105 to accommodate multiple chalks within the body 105 via plurality of openings 201, imaging unit 106 to detect presence and exact location of user present, voice recognition module to provide voice commands for accessing chalks, sliding unit 104 to translate body 105 towards user, pneumatic pin 202 for extending to lift chalk, motorized slider crank arrangement 107 providing linear reciprocatory movement to motorized roller 108 along the surface, multiple valves 109 to dispense water stored in a multi-sectioned chamber 110 stained onto a sponge fabricated on roller 108 resulting in cleaning of black board.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated black board cleaning and chalks management device capable of providing a means for detecting presence and exact location of user present in proximity to black board and automatically positions a chalk in proximity to the user, thereby allowing the user to access the chalk for writing over the black board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Many educational institutions and businesses still rely on blackboards due to their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use. However, one of the persistent challenges associated with blackboards is the maintenance and cleanliness of the surface, as well as the management of chalk dust. Traditionally,
blackboards have been a staple in classrooms, boardrooms, and various
educational settings for centuries. They provide a simple yet effective platform
for instructors to convey information and interact with their audience.

[0003] Major drawbacks faced by the traditional black board cleaning tools are they may not be suitable for all types of blackboard surfaces. Some blackboards may have unique textures or coatings that could be damaged by the cleaning solution or the brushes of the tool. And they requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes cleaning the vacuum system, replacing worn-out parts, and troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise. Thus there is need to develop a device that is capable of providing a means for detecting presence and precise location of user present in proximity to black board and positions a chalk in proximity to the user, thereby permitting the user to access the chalk for writing over the black board in a secure manner.

[0004] CN201362113Y discloses the utility model relates to a blackboard chalk dust collection device, which comprises a chalk rail, a chalk dust box below the chalk rail, and a rotary handle on the chalk rail, wherein the chalk rail serves as a cover of the chalk dust box. The blackboard chalk dust collection device has simple structure and convenient use, and can collect chalk dust on the chalk rail only by a user gently rotating the handle on the chalk rail, thereby preventing the chalk dust from dispersing in the air and polluting the environment to do harm to the health of teachers and students. In addition, the chalk dust in the chalk dust box can be cleaned at any time or after the chalk dust box is full.

[0005] US6944904B1 discloses the present invention discloses a chalkboard cleaning device that is mountable to a conventional chalkboard providing means for selectively cleaning parts thereof. The present invention is comprised of a rail mounted to the top edge of an existing chalkboard having the cleaning apparatus attached thereto and extending from the top to the bottom edge of the board. The present invention is comprised of an adjustable frame and sponge which is trimmed at the time of installation to fit the adjusted frame size. The frame has a tensioned rail engaging element for selectively moving the cleaning apparatus to a desired point to be cleaned. Once positioned the apparatus has a pump and fluid containing reservoir in communication with sponge whereby pressure applied to the pump button releases fluid into the body of the sponge where upon movement of the cleaning apparatus by means of the handle cleans the selected area. The fluid reservoir has a cap for refilling the reservoir on site or the reservoir can be dismounted for refilling and remounted. Additionally, the present invention provides for an alternate pump mechanism wherein the fluid spray is applied to the chalkboard adjacent the sponge.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of chalkboard cleaning in an effective manner however these devices fail in detecting presence and exact location of user present in proximity to black board and automatically positions a chalk in proximity to the user, thereby allowing the user to access the chalk for writing over the black board in a secure manner.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of detecting presence and exact location of user present in proximity to black board and automatically positions a chalk in proximity to the user, for permitting the user to access the chalk for writing over the black board in an efficient 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 detecting presence and exact location of user present in proximity to black board and automatically positions a chalk in proximity to the user, thereby allowing the user to access the chalk for writing over the black board.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of processing voice commands of a concerned person for accessing chalks and accordingly adjust to extend and lift a chalk to be further accessed by the concerned person.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting sharpness of accommodated chalks and accordingly adjust to rotate with a pre-defined speed to sharpen the accommodated chalks.

[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 automated black board cleaning and chalks management device capable of providing a means for detecting presence and exact location of user present in proximity to black board and positions a chalk in proximity to the user, thereby allowing the user to access the chalk for writing over the black board securely.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated black board cleaning and chalks management device comprising, a frame developed to be installed on a blackboard pre-installed on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups are arranged underneath the frame to affix the frame with outer periphery of the blackboard, an ultrasonic sensor installed on the frame to detect dimensions of the blackboard, an inbuilt microcontroller based on the detected dimensions actuates a motorized drawer arrangement integrated within the frame to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame in order to secure the frame with the blackboard, a motorized sliding unit configured with bottom portion of the frame and attached with a cuboidal body for allowing a user to accommodate multiple chalks within the body, plurality of openings crafted on the body, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit is configured on the frame and paired with a processor to detect presence and exact location of user present in proximity to the frame, a voice recognition module installed on the frame and linked with the microcontroller for enabling a concerned person to provide voice commands for accessing chalks from the body to detect authentication of the person, wherein upon successful authentication the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit to translate the body towards the user, followed by actuation of a pneumatic pin assembled inside the opening for extending to lift the chalk that is further equipped by the user.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises, a motorized slider crank arrangement assembled on the frame that is actuated by the microcontroller for providing linear reciprocatory movement to a motorized roller integrated on the arrangement along the surface, wherein the roller is integrated with multiple electronically controlled valves that are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense water stored in a multi-sectioned chamber configured with the frame, which is stained onto a sponge fabricated on the roller resulting in cleaning of the black board, only in case the user-specified voice commands corresponds to cleaning of the board, plate arranged on the frame, in proximity to the arrangement over which the roller rests, post ceasing of the reciprocatory movement, while the roller moves aside for covering other parts of the black board, wherein a pair of motorized ball and socket joints are integrated in between the roller and arrangement for diverting angle of the roller in sync with the imaging unit to properly clean the blackboard, plurality of motorized spherical rollers are installed on bottom portion of the body for facilitating in smooth movement of the body towards the user along the sliding unit, an infra-red (IR) sensor is positioned inside each of the openings for detecting sharpness of the accommodated chalks, and as soon as the detected sharpness corresponds to blunt edges, a motorized blade configured on bottom portion of each of the openings to rotate with a pre-defined speed for sharpening the accommodated chalks, 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 an isometric view of an automated black board cleaning and chalks management device.
Figure 2 illustrates an open view of a cuboidal body associated with the proposed 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 automated black board cleaning and chalks management device capable of providing a means for detecting presence and exact location of user present in proximity to black board and positions a chalk in proximity to the user, thereby allowing the user to access the chalk for writing over the black board efficiently.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of an automated black board cleaning and chalks management device and an open view of cuboidal body associated with the proposed device are illustrated, comprising frame 101 developed to be installed on a blackboard pre-installed on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath the frame 101, motorized drawer arrangement 103 integrated within the frame 101, motorized sliding unit 104 configured with bottom portion of the frame 101 and attached with a cuboidal body 105, plurality of openings 201 crafted on the body 105, artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is configured on the frame 101, a pneumatic pin 202 assembled inside the opening 201, motorized slider crank arrangement 107 assembled on the frame 101, motorized roller 108 integrated on the arrangement 107, multiple electronically controlled valves 109 integrated with the roller 108, multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured with the frame 101, plate 111 arranged on the frame 101 in proximity to the arrangement 107, motorized ball and socket joints 112 are integrated in between the roller 108 and arrangement 107, plurality of motorized spherical rollers 203 are installed on bottom portion of the body 105 and motorized blade 204 configured on bottom portion of each of the opening 201.

[0023] The proposed device includes a frame 101 developed to be installed on a blackboard pre-installed on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath the frame 101 to affix the frame 101 with outer periphery of the blackboard. The plurality of suction cups 102 used herein ranges from (2 to 4). The suction cups 102 works by atmospheric pressure, creating a partial vacuum, atmospheric pressure outside forces air into the cylinder, whence it is permitted to escape by an outlet valve to affix the frame 101 with outer periphery of the blackboard.

[0024] Moreover, an inbuilt microcontroller actuates an ultrasonic sensor installed on the frame 101 to detect dimensions of the blackboard. The ultrasonic sensor consists of an emitter that emits ultrasonic sound waves towards the blackboard. Further, the radiation strike to the blackboard and reflect back which are captured by the receiver. The signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the ultrasonic sensor and on the basis of time lapse in between the sent and received radiations, the microcontroller detects dimension of the blackboard. Based on the detected dimensions, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 103 integrated within the frame 101 to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 101 in order to secure the frame 101 with the blackboard.

[0025] The motorized drawer arrangement 103 includes a motor and guided rail. The microcontroller powers the motor to generate electrical current that drives the rails to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 101 in order to secure the frame 101 with the blackboard. Further, a motorized sliding unit 104 configured with bottom portion of the frame 101 and attached with a cuboidal body 105 for allowing a user to accommodate multiple chalks within the body 105, via plurality of openings 201 crafted on the body 105. The motorized sliding unit 104 consists of a motor, rails and a lead/belt screw. The motor actuated by the microcontroller generated electrical current that drives the shaft providing rotational movement to the lead/belt screw which further provides translation to the cuboidal body 105 for allowing the user to accommodate multiple chalks within the body 105, via plurality of openings 201 crafted on the body 105. The plurality of openings 201 used herein ranges from (2 to 4). Wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is configured on the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect presence and exact location of user present in proximity to the frame 101.

[0026] The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 106 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 106 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data and the microcontroller based on the processed images detect presence and exact location of user present in proximity to the frame 101.

[0027] Moreover, a voice recognition module installed on the frame 101 and linked with the microcontroller for enabling a concerned person to provide voice commands for accessing chalks from the body 105. The voice recognition module works by breaking down a speech recording into individual sounds. This technology then analyses each sound and uses an algorithm to find the most probable word fit for that sound. Finally, those sounds are transcribed into text for enabling the concerned person to provide voice commands for accessing chalks from the body 105. Accordingly, the microcontroller processes the commands to detect authentication of the person, wherein upon successful authentication the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 104 to translate the body 105 towards the user. Wherein plurality of motorized spherical rollers 203 are installed on bottom portion of the body 105 for facilitating in smooth movement of the body 105 towards the user along the sliding unit 104. The plurality of motorized spherical rollers 203 used herein ranges from (2 to 4).

[0028] The motorized spherical rollers 203 consists of a cylindrical member and a motor. The microcontroller actuates the motor to generate electrical current that drives the cylindrical member which further assists the rollers 203 to rotate on its axis for facilitating in smooth movement of the body 105 towards the user along the sliding unit 104. Followed by actuation of a pneumatic pin 202 assembled inside the opening 201 for extending to lift the chalk that is further equipped by the user.

[0029] The pneumatic pin 202 is powered by a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit includes air valves and piston attached with the telescopic rods. The piston is coupled to the telescopic rods penetrating the compressed air released from the compressor over the telescopic rods. The valves used herein, are air valves installed between the compressor and piston that upon actuation enables release of the compressed air through the piston for extending to lift the chalk that is further equipped by the user.

[0030] Further, a motorized slider crank arrangement 107 assembled on the frame 101 that is actuated by the microcontroller for providing linear reciprocator movement to a motorized roller 108 integrated on the arrangement along the surface. The motorized slider crank arrangement 107 consists of three main components that is a crank, connecting rod, and a slider, wherein the crank is powered by a DC (Direct Current) motor. The crank is a rotating shaft driven by a motor or other power source. The connecting rod is a linear link that connects the crank to the slider. The slider is a sliding element that moves back and forth along a straight line. As the crank rotates, it drives the connecting rod and slider through a series of pivot points, causing the slider to move back and forth that is in a reciprocating motion which is connected to the crank gear. The speed and distance of the slider movement can be controlled by adjusting the connecting rod length, the crank speed, or the pivot point's position. Thus, the slider crank arrangement 107 the converts the rotational motion to a reciprocating motion to the crank gear integrated in arrangement which in turn induces linear reciprocator movement to the motorized roller 108 integrated on the arrangement along the surface. Wherein the roller 108 is integrated with multiple electronically controlled valves 109 that are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense water stored in a multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured with the frame 101. The multiple electronically controlled valves 109 used herein ranges from (2 to 4).

[0031] The electronically controlled valves 109 are used to control fluid flow by varying the size of the flow passage as directed by a signal from a controller. This enables the direct control of flow rate and the consequential control of process quantities such as pressure, temperature, and liquid level to dispense water stored in a multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured with the frame 101, which is stained onto a sponge fabricated on the roller 108 resulting in cleaning of the black board, only in case the user-specified voice commands corresponds to cleaning of the board.

[0032] Further, a plate 111 arranged on said frame 101, in proximity to the arrangement over which the roller 108 rests, post ceasing of the reciprocator movement, while the roller 108 moves aside for covering other parts of the black board, wherein a pair of motorized ball and socket joints 112 are integrated in between the roller 108 and arrangement for diverting angle of the roller 108 in sync with the imaging unit 106 to properly clean the blackboard. The motorized ball and socket joints 112 includes a motor powered by the microcontroller generating electrical current, a ball shaped element and a socket. 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 diverting angle of the roller 108 in sync with the imaging unit 106 to properly clean the blackboard.

[0033] Moreover, an IR (Infra-red) sensor is positioned inside each of the openings 201 for detecting sharpness of the accommodated chalks. The infrared sensor emits infrared rays towards the accommodated chalks and receives the bounced back rays from the accommodated chalks and convert the detected data into an electric signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the infrared sensor for detecting sharpness of the accommodated chalks. As soon as the detected sharpness corresponds to blunt edges, the microcontroller actuates a motorized blade 204 configured on bottom portion of each of the openings 201 to rotate with a pre-defined speed for sharpening the accommodated chalks. The motorized blade 204 includes a motor as actuated by the microcontroller for generating electrical current and a sharp cutting blade 204. The microcontroller actuates the motor to drive the blade 204 to rotate with a pre-defined speed for sharpening the accommodated chalks.

[0034] Furthermore, the battery (not shown in fig.) is installed with the device to power all electrical and electronic component necessary for their operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate function.

[0035] The proposed device works best in the following manner, the proposed device includes the frame 101 developed to be installed on a blackboard pre-installed on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 affixes the frame 101 with outer periphery of the blackboard and the ultrasonic sensor installed on the frame 101 detects dimensions of the blackboard, wherein the inbuilt microcontroller based on the detected dimensions actuates the motorized drawer arrangement 103 to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of the frame 101 in order to secure the frame 101 with the blackboard. The motorized sliding unit 104 attached with the cuboidal body 105 allows the user to accommodate multiple chalks within the body 105 via plurality of openings 201 crafted on the body 105. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 paired with the processor captures and processes multiple images of surroundings to detect presence and exact location of user present in proximity to the frame 101. Wherein the voice recognition module linked with the microcontroller enables the concerned person to provide voice commands for accessing chalks from the body 105 and then the microcontroller processes the commands to detect authentication of the person. Upon successful authentication, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 104 to translate the body 105 towards the user, wherein the plurality of motorized spherical rollers 203 facilitates in smooth movement of the body 105 towards the user along the sliding unit 104 followed by actuation of the pneumatic pin 202 extends to lift the chalk that is further equipped by the user. The motorized slider crank arrangement 107 provides linear reciprocatory movement to the motorized roller 108 integrated on the arrangement along the surface, wherein the roller 108 is integrated with multiple electronically controlled valves 109 that are actuated by the microcontroller to dispense water stored in a multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured with the frame 101, which is further stained onto the sponge resulting in cleaning of the black board, in case the user-specified voice commands corresponds to cleaning of the board. The plate 111 arranged on the frame 101, in proximity to the arrangement over which the roller 108 rests, wherein post ceasing of the reciprocatory movement, while the roller 108 moves aside for covering other parts of the black board, the pair of motorized ball and socket joints 112 diverts angle of the roller 108 in sync with the imaging unit 106 to properly clean the blackboard, wherein an infra-red sensor detects sharpness of the accommodated chalks. As soon as the detected sharpness corresponds to blunt edges, the microcontroller actuates the motorized blade 204 configured on bottom portion of each of the openings 201 to rotate with a pre-defined speed for sharpening the accommodated chalks.

[0036] 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 individuals skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An automated black board cleaning and chalks management device, comprising:

i) a frame 101 developed to be installed on a blackboard pre-installed on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath said frame 101 to affix said frame 101 with outer periphery of said blackboard;

ii) an ultrasonic sensor installed on said frame 101 to detect dimensions of said blackboard, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller based on said detected dimensions actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 103 integrated within said frame 101 to extend/retract for increasing/decreasing dimensions of said frame 101 in order to secure said frame 101 with said blackboard;

iii) a motorized sliding unit 104 configured with bottom portion of said frame 101 and attached with a cuboidal body 105 for allowing a user to accommodate multiple chalks within said body 105, via plurality of openings 201 crafted on said body 105, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is configured on said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively to detect presence and exact location of user present in proximity to said frame 101;

iv) a voice recognition module installed on said frame 101 and linked with said microcontroller for enabling a concerned person to provide voice commands for accessing chalks from said body 105 and said microcontroller processes said commands to detect authentication of said person, wherein upon successful authentication said microcontroller actuates said sliding unit 104 to translate said body 105 towards said user, followed by actuation of a pneumatic pin 202 assembled inside said opening 201 for extending to lift said chalk that is further equipped by said user;

v) a motorized slider crank arrangement 107 assembled on said frame 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller for providing linear reciprocatory movement to a motorized roller 108 integrated on said arrangement along said surface, wherein said roller 108 is integrated with multiple electronically controlled valves 109 that are actuated by said microcontroller to dispense water stored in a multi-sectioned chamber 110 configured with said frame 101, which is stained onto a sponge fabricated on said roller 108 resulting in cleaning of said black board, only in case said user-specified voice commands corresponds to cleaning of said board; and

vi) plate 111 arranged on said frame 101, in proximity to said arrangement over which said roller 108 rests, post ceasing of said reciprocatory movement, while said roller 108 moves aside for covering other parts of said black board, wherein a pair of motorized ball and socket joints 112 are integrated in between said roller 108 and arrangement for diverting angle of said roller 108 in sync with said imaging unit 106 to properly clean said blackboard.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of motorized spherical rollers 203 are installed on bottom portion of said body 105 for facilitating in smooth movement of said body 105 towards said user along said sliding unit 104.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an infra-red (IR) sensor is positioned inside each of said openings 201 for detecting sharpness of said accommodated chalks, and as soon as said detected sharpness corresponds to blunt edges, said microcontroller actuates a motorized blade 204 configured on bottom portion of each of said openings 201 to rotate with a pre-defined speed for sharpening said accommodated chalks.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.

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