AUTOMATED CURSOR KEY OPERATING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated cursor key operating device, comprising a rectangular extendable frame 101 positioned over cursor keys of a keyboard operated in hands-free manner, an imaging unit 102 for determining dimension of the cursor keys, a motorized drawer arrangement 103 in the frame 101 to provide extension to frame 101, a suction unit 104 beneath the frame 101 to affix frame 101 with keyboard, an extendable sliding unit 105 to provide translation to an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 106 for positioning in proximity of the keys, a microphone 108 to receive voice command of user regarding pressing of a particular cursor keys along with number of times the particular key is to be pressed, an infra-red based counter to count number of times the user-specified particular key is pressed and a Kinect sensor to monitor hand gestures of the user.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated cursor key operating device that is capable of automatically operating the curser keyboards for operating the computer, as per the command given by the user. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of monitoring hardness of keys and accordingly applies an optimum amount of effort while operating the keys to ensure no damage to the keyboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Keyboards plays an integral part in providing input to the computer system by pressing buttons or keys in a repetitive manner. Keyboards are considered as the primary input device for entering text or command in the computer. They typically have a set of character engraved on printed on them. However, one common issue that arise due to prolonged key presses is ghosting or key rollover which usually happen when the keyboard is inefficient of registering multiple simultaneous key presses incorrectly. Cursor keys are one such fundamental components of keyboards that play a pivotal role in enhancing using interaction with the digital interface. These keys are essential for several reasons and playing game is one amongst them where they are designated to move the cursor in a specified direction. During gameplay, cursor keys have significant importances as they minimize the reliance on the mouse, thereby streamlining workflow and enhancing productivity during gaming.

[0003] Conventionally, some ways were used by people for operating cursor keys. People usually use ergonomic keyboards for operating cursor keys as these keyboards may feature dedicated cursor keys with larger or differently shaped keys for easier navigation. However, these kinds of keyboards are hard to find in the market as well as are quite costly. People also use trackball or joystick as the equipment may be used as a pointing equipment to control the cursor's movement on the screen. The equipment allow person to manipulate the cursor
in any direction by rolling the trackball or moving the joystick accordingly.
But trackball or joystick offer less precise cursor control compared to other
traditional equipment's, particularly for fine movements.

[0004] JPH1091332A discloses about an invention which is a device for operating cursor keys of a keyboard with a lever, and improved in operability and not large in height. The device for operating the cursor keys of the keyboard which is arrayed in a T shape with the lever 20 is provided. The operating device has a housing 12, from which the lever 20 projects. The housing 12 is fitted with operating mechanisms 32 and 40 to 52, etc., and coupled with the lever 20. The operating mechanisms 32 and 48 to 52, etc., are so constituted that the lever 20 for moving the four cursor keys is nearly equal in swing. Although, JP'332 discloses about an invention that aids the user in operating the cursor keys of the keyboard. However, the cited invention lacks in determining the pressure over the keys by detecting the hardness of the keyboard in an appropriate manner.

[0005] CN101504587A discloses about an invention that relates to a cursor operating system, a mobile phone and a computer manipulator. The cursor operating system comprises a one-dimensional cursor moving device and at least two enter keys. The enter keys have a corresponding relation with a row or a list of a cursor operating object. An operating method comprises the following steps: using the one-dimensional cursor moving device to transversely move a cursor to the list where the cursor operating object is positioned, and pressing the enter key corresponding to the row wherein the cursor operating object is positioned to enter to realize one operation. The mobile phone and the computer manipulator comprise the cursor operating system. All functions of a computer keyboard and a mouse can be easily acquired by using a cursor roller and a handful of the enter keys, then the keyboard and the mouse are integrated into a whole, and only thumbs of a left hand and a right hand are used to operate so as to create the operating system which has strong functions and convenient operation and is particularly applicable to the mobile phone and the computer manipulator; moreover, the mobile phone is convenient to play games. Although, CN'587 discloses about an invention that is capable of operating the cursor keys for performing strong functions and convenient operations. However, the cited invention lacks in detecting the presence of moisture over the cursor keys and accordingly blowing off the moisture.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available in the market that aids the user in operating the cursor keys in a secured manner. However, the devices are incapable in detecting the pressure applied on the keyboard cursor's keys and accordingly evaluates an optimum pressure that is to be applied on the keyboard. Also, the devices are not equipped to monitor the presence of moisture over the keyboard along with drying the detected moisture.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing a means to a user in operating cursor keys of keyboard in order to operate computer in an autonomous manner as per the commands given by the user. In addition, the proposed device is capable of determining the hardness of the keyboard keys and accordingly apply an optimum pressure on the keys.

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 operating the curser key of keyboard for operating computer in an automated manner, as per the command given by the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the moisture on the keyboard, and further dry the keys as per the detected moisture.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining hardness of keys and accordingly applies an optimum amount of effort while operating the keys to ensure no damage to the keyboard.

[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 cursor key operating device that is capable of facilitating a user in operating the cursor keys of the keyboard for operating computer in an automated manner based on the user's input. In addition, the proposed device is capable of determining the hardness of the keyboard for efficiently using the keys by applying an optimum pressure on the keys.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated cursor key operating device, comprises of a rectangular extendable frame positioned over cursor keys of a keyboard that are to be operated in a hands free manner, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the frame for capturing images of the cursor keys in order to determine dimension of the cursor keys, a motorized drawer arrangement installed in the frame to provide extension to the frame in view of accommodating the cursor keys within the frame, a suction unit is installed with each corner of the frame to create a negative pressure to affix the frame with the keyboard, an extendable sliding unit installed over inner periphery of each side of the frame and actuated by the microcontroller to provide translation to an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod configured with each of the sliding unit to position the rods in proximity to each of the keys.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a microphone installed over the frame to receive voice command of a user regrading pressing of a particular the cursor keys along with number of times the particular key is to be pressed, a specific rod positioned over the user-specified particular cursor key to extend and retract to press the key via the plate, an Infra-Red based counter installed over the frame to count number of times the user-specified particular cursor key is pressed by means of the plate, a tactile sensor is installed with the frame to monitor hardness of the keyboard, a pressure sensor is installed over each of the plate to monitor pressure applied by the plates over the keys and a pressure sensor is installed over each of the plate to monitor pressure applied by the plates over the keys.

[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 cursor key operating 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 cursor key operating device that is capable of automatically operating the cursor keys in a user-specified manner as per the instructions given by the user for operating computer. Also, the proposed device is capable of identifying the presence of the moisture over the keyboard keys and accordingly dries out the detected moisture for efficient working of the keyboard keys.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated cursor key operating device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular extendable frame 101 positioned over cursor keys of a keyboard, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 installed over the frame 101, a motorized drawer arrangement 103 installed in the frame 101, a suction unit 104 is installed with each corner of the frame 101, an extendable sliding unit 105 installed over inner periphery of each side of the frame 101, an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 106 configured with each of the sliding unit 105, a plate 107 configured with each of the rod 106 over each of the cursor keys and a microphone 108 installed over the frame 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein includes a rectangular extendable frame 101 that is designed to be placed over cursor keys of a keyboard in order to be operated in a hands-free manner. The frame 101 is light in weight and compatible in nature allowing the user to use the frame 101 as per the requirement. The frame 101 is equipped with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 in view of capturing multiple images of the cursor keys in a proper manner for monitoring the dimensions of the keys.

[0024] The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 102 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. The AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images or videos captured by the camera, enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision- making. The camera captures images or records videos by the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals.

[0025] The captured data is pre-processed to enhance its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, images stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data such as identification of dimension of the cursor keys. Also, an inbuilt microcontroller is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device.

[0026] Based on the detected dimension, the microcontroller actuates a motorized drawer arrangement 103 integrated in the frame 101 in order to provide extension to the frame 101 for accommodating the cursor keys within the frame 101. The drawer arrangement 103 includes sliding racks and rails, such that the frame 101 is mounted over the racks that are electronically operated by the microcontroller for moving over the rails. Such that the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement 103 . The drawer arrangement 103 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the racks to provide sliding movement to the frame 101 for extending/retracting as required for accommodating the cursor keys in the frame 101 in an appropriate manner.

[0027] Upon extension of the cursor keys for securely placing the keys in the frame 101, the microcontroller directs a suction unit 104 configured with each corner of the frame 101 in view of generating negative pressure for affixing the frame 101 with the keyboard. The suction unit 104 employed herein involves utilizing suction force to securely attach the frame 101 to the keyboard surface. The suction unit 104 typically consists of a suction cup or multiple suction cups attached to the frame 101. When the suction cups come in contact with the keyboard surface, the air is expelled from the space between the suction cup and the surface, thereby creating a vacuum. This vacuum generates suction force that holds the frame 101 firmly in place on the keyboard.

[0028] A vacuum pump integrated in suction unit 104 comprises of an impeller configured with multiple vanes and which is directly coupled with the shaft of a motor to rotate the impeller. Further, the motor is capable of converting current into mechanical work by following the principle of Lorentz Law which states that, the current carrying conduction when placed in magnetic or electrical field experiences a force known as Lorentz force. Such that the motor converts the electrical current derived from an external source into a mechanical torque for providing the required rotational power to the impeller. The impeller vanes are designed in such a way that on rotation the impeller creates the negative pressure in the units and that results in adhering of the frame 101 with the keyboard appropriately.

[0029] After adhering of the frame 101 on the keyboard in a secured manner, an extendable sliding unit 105 mounted provided on the inner periphery of the frame 101 gets actuated by the microcontroller in order to provide translation to an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 106 installed with each of the sliding unit 105 in view of situating the rod 106 in adjacency of the keys. The sliding unit 105 mentioned herein consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of the sliding rails is positioned that is connected with a bi-directional motor by means of a shaft. Then, the microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 105 results in the translation of the inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 106 in vicinity to each of the keys.

[0030] After the placement of the rod 106, the microcontroller directs the rods 106 to extend and place a plate 107 attached with each of the rod 106 over each of the cursor keys. Herein, the microcontroller activates a microphone 108 that is configured over the frame 101 in such a manner to receive voice command from a user for pressing of particular keys alongside with the number of times the particular key is to be pressed. The microphone 108 used herein is a type of transducer that converts the sound into an electrical signal. The magnetic field created due to current in the voice coil interacts with the magnetic field of the microphone 108 's magnet, which forces the coil to move back and forth, this movement of the coil is detected by the microcontroller in the form of electrical signal, this way the microcontroller receives the command of the user for pressing the particular keys along with number of times the particular key is to be pressed and based on the fed voice command, the microcontroller actuates a facial recognition module integrated in the imaging unit 102 for capturing the facial features of the user and creates a profile of the user for verification.

[0031] Furthermore, a pressure sensor is embedded over each of the plate 107 in view of monitoring the pressure applied by the plates 107 over the keys while pressing them as per the user's instructions. The pressure sensor consists of a measuring coil which measures the strain generated due to pressure applied on the keys and converts the measured strain into electrical pulse. Further, the microcontroller processes the electric pulse in order to detect the amplitude of the pulse for detecting the pressure applied by the plate 107 over the keys. Herein, in case if the monitored pressure exceeds or recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller commands the rod 106 to regulate extension and retraction of the rods 106 for applying the evaluated pressure.

[0032] Based on the input provided by the user through microphone 108 , the microcontroller directs a specific rod 106 to extend and retract in reciprocatory manner for pressing the keys by means of the plate 107. Further, an Infra-Red based counter embedded over the frame 101 for counting the number of times the user-specified cursor is being pressed by means of the plate 107 . The IR counter includes an IR emitter and a corresponding receiver placed opposite each other, creating a beam path. Infrared beams are emitted across the cursor keys where the infrared beams travel freely from the emitter to the receiver. However, when the plate 107 attached with the rod 106 is present in the beam path, it interrupts the flow of infrared light. The receiver detects the interruption in light caused by the plate 107 and this interruption is translated into an electrical signal. The electrical signal triggers a counting mechanism, integrated in the microcontroller for decrementing the count each time the cursor key is pressed. Based on the detected counting, when the counted number matches a threshold number, the microcontroller de-activates the specific rod 106 upon matching the count.

[0033] Furthermore, a Kinect sensor is embedded over the frame 101 in synchronization with the imaging unit 102 to monitor hand gestures of the user based on which the microcontroller commands the specific rod 106 positioned over the user-specified particular cursor key to extend and retract in a reciprocatory manner to press the key via plate 107. The Kinect sensor employed herein uses camera and combination infrared sensors, microphone 108 to track the movements/gesture of the handicapped person. The Kinect sensor uses an infrared (IR) emitter and an IR camera to project a grid of invisible infrared light onto the person sitting in front of it. When the light hits the person's body, it bounces back to the sensor. The Kinect sensor captures the reflected infrared light and measures the time of taken by light to travel to the user's body and back to the sensor. By using the known speed of the light, the microcontroller calculates the distance between itself and each point of the person's body in the field of view and thus a depth map is created, which is essentially a three-dimensional representation of the scene, where each pixel corresponds to a specific distance from the sensor. Further, with the depth map the microcontroller identifies and track the positions of various parts of on the person's body, such as the head and hands based on which the gesture of the person is recognized.

[0034] Moreover, a tactile sensor is mapped on the frame 101 in view of determining the hardness of the keyboard for evaluating the optimum amount of pressure that is to be applied over the keyboard and the cursor keys while using them. The tactile sensor employed herein is an electronic sensor that detects the hardness through touch arising from physical interaction with its environment. The sensor comprises of two parallel conductors with an insulator arranged between them and a transducer. When the keyboard comes in contact with the conductors, leading to an increase in capacitance. The change in capacitance is detected by the transducer for determining the hardness of the keyboard. The transducer further converts the obtained data into an electric signal that is received by the microcontroller for analyzing the pressure that is to be applied over the keyboard.

[0035] In addition, a non-contact moisture sensor is mounted over the frame 101 for determining the presence of the moisture over the cursor keys. The non-contact moisture sensor comprises of an infrared emitter and a receiver. On actuation the emitter emits infrared light on the cursor keys and when the light collides with the cursor keys, a part of beam is refracted due to moisture and rest of beam is reflected back to a receiver in form of electrical signal and based on which the microcontroller measures the absorbance and reflectance of light to determine the moisture levels on cursor keys. The more light is absorbed/refracted, the higher the moisture content.

[0036] Further, if the moisture exceeds the threshold value, then the microcontroller actuates an air blower mounted over the frame 101 to blow air over the cursor keys to remove the detected moisture appropriately. The air blower consists of a motor and a blade which is directly coupled with the shaft of the motor, the blade is designed in such a ways that on rotation generate air swirl, which result in blowing of the air on the cursor keys in view of eliminating the monitored moisture from the cursor keys.

[0037] The device is associated with a battery (not shown in fig.) integrated with the device for supplying a continuous DC (direct current) voltage to the components such as motors, microcontrollers and various other components that are associated with it. The battery used in the invention is preferably Lithium-ion battery that is rechargeable once again after getting drained out for proper functioning of the components.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular extendable frame 101 is positioned over the cursor keys as disclosed in the proposed invention is fabricated with artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 to capture multiple images of the cursor keys for detecting the dimension of the cursor keys. Now, based on the dimension of the cursor keys, the motorized drawer arrangement 103 provide extension to the frame 101 for properly accommodating the cursor keys after which the suction unit 104 creates the negative pressure for affixing the frame 101 properly with the keyboard. Then, the extendable sliding unit 105 provide translation to the inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 106 to extend and position the plate 107 over the cursor keys. After the placement of the plate 107 over the cursor keys, the microphone 108 receives voice commands for pressing the particular keys with the number of times the particular is to be pressed and the specific rod 106 to extend and retract in reciprocatory manner for pressing the key by means of the plate 107 . Also, the tactile sensor determines the hardness of the keyboard and accordingly evaluates the optimum amount of pressure that is to be applied over the keyboards and the cursor keys.

[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 automated cursor key operating device, comprising:

i) a rectangular extendable frame 101 positioned over cursor keys of a keyboard that are to be operated in a hands-free manner, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 installed over said frame 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said cursor keys, based on which a microcontroller linked with said processor, determines dimensions of said cursor keys;

ii) a motorized drawer arrangement 103 installed in said frame 101 and actuated by said microcontroller to provide extension to said frame 101 in view of accommodating said cursor keys within said frame 101, wherein a suction unit 104 is installed with each corner of said frame 101 and actuated by said microcontroller upon extension of said frame 101, to create a negative pressure to affix said frame 101 with said keyboard;

iii) an extendable sliding unit 105 installed over inner periphery of each side of said frame 101 and actuated by said microcontroller to provide translation to an inverted L-shaped hydraulic rod 106 configured with each of said sliding unit 105 in a manner to position said rods 106 in proximity to each of said keys, wherein upon positioning of said rods 106 , said microcontroller actuates said rods 106 to extend and position a plate 107 configured with each of said rod 106 over each of said cursor keys;

iv) a microphone 108 installed over said frame 101 to receive voice command of a user regrading pressing of a particular said cursor keys along with number of times said particular key is to be pressed, wherein based on user-input, said microcontroller actuates a specific rod 106 positioned over said user-specified particular cursor key to extend and retract in a reciprocatory manner to press said key via said plate 107 ; and

v) an Infra-Red based counter installed over said frame 101 to count number of times said user-specified particular cursor key is pressed via said plate 107 , wherein as soon as said monitored count matches said user-specified number, said microcontroller de-activates said specific rod 106 .

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tactile sensor is installed with said frame 101 to monitor hardness of said keyboard based on which said microcontroller evaluates an appropriate pressure to be applied over said keyboard and cursor keys.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pressure sensor is installed over each of said plate 107 to monitor pressure applied by said plate 107 s over said keys and in case said monitored pressure exceeds or recedes said evaluated pressure, said microcontroller directs said rod 106 to regulate extension and retraction of said rods 106 to apply said evaluated pressure.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a non-moisture sensor is installed over said frame 101 to determine presence of moisture over said cursor keys and in case of detection of said moisture, said microcontroller actuates an air blower installed over said frame 101 to blow air over said cursor keys to remove said detected moisture.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Kinect sensor is installed over said frame 101 and synced with said imaging unit 102 to monitor hand gestures of said user based on which said microcontroller commands said specific rod 106 positioned over said user-specified particular cursor key to extend and retract in a reciprocatory manner to press said key via said plate 107.

6) 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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