AUTOMATED RIBBON WRAPPING DEVICE

Abstract

An automated ribbon wrapping device, comprising a housing 1 position over a fixed surface by means of plurality of suction cups 2 arranged beneath the housing 1, plurality of flaps 3 to segregate the housing 1 into multiple compartments that are accessed by a user to position a ribbon roll of specific color, a platform 4 hinged with the housing 1 and accessed by user to position an object over the platform 4 that is to be wrapped with a ribbon, a display panel 6 to provide input regrading wrapping of the object, an imaging unit 7 determines dimensions of object and evaluates appropriate length of ribbon required for wrapping object, a pair of robotic grippers 8 to grip free end of ribbon of the user-specified color and a robotic arm 11 to position a nozzle 12 to dispense the adhesive over joint.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated ribbon wrapping device that is capable of facilitating a user in wrapping the ribbon over an object in an automated manner thereby reducing manual efforts and enhancing precision. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of determining presence of name tag over the object and accordingly wrapping the ribbon in view of preventing the covering of the name tag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A long tradition in our society is the wrapping of gifts in special ways to enhance recognition and appearance. In general, wrapping paper incorporates design features pertinent to particular holidays and special events, lending a distinctive flavor to the gift or other presentation aspects of the gift and associated packaging. The use of decorative ribbons for such gift wrapping has been a staple of the gift wrapping industry for decades. The decorative ribbon industry is characterized by dependability, but often little innovation. While decorative ribbon is available in various materials, styles, colors and textures, the basic design approaches have not undergone significant change for many years.

[0003] Traditionally ribbon wrapping involves a simple handheld tool made of wood or metal with a slot or hole to hold the ribbon in place while wrapping but this method is slow and may require a steady hand to ensure the ribbon is wrapped neatly, Another Traditional method is a wooden or metal frame with pegs or slots to hold the ribbon in place while it is wrapped around a gift or object, however this method is cumbersome for larger or irregularly shaped items, additionally may not provide a consistent tension on the ribbon, resulting in uneven wrapping.

[0004] JP2000045159A discloses about invention that includes about a ribbon for wrapping capable of simply and beautifully tying ribbon without requiring any skill and reducing cost by applying a lengthwise ribbon from upside to the center of a specific ribbon part folded like a butterfly and tying the upper and lower parts of the lengthwise ribbon at the back of the butterfly part. SOLUTION: Lengthwise ribbon 1 is applied from upside to the center of a butterfly part 5 formed by folding the ribbon without forming a knot 4 at the center, and the upper and the lower parts of the lengthwise ribbon 1 are tied at the back. A wire 6a, a wire with beads, a metal wire inserted tape, a tape with seal cloth, a decorated wire having a decorating part such as hart or a flower or the like, a band type clamp or the like are preferably used in the tying that joins the upper and the lower parts of the lengthwise ribbon 1 at the back of the butterfly part 5.

[0005] WO1995003229A1 discloses about invention that includes about A decorative ribbon is shown including a controllable adhesive on the backside thereof for select placement on package material and select removal, if necessary, therefrom without damage to the package. The decorative ribbon according to the present invention may include incomplete die cutting to provide portions of the ribbon which may be selectively moved out of the plane of the ribbon but remain attached to the ribbon body. Furthermore, the incomplete die cuts may define ribbon portions which may be torn from the ribbon body whereby, by use of the controllable adhesive on the backside thereof, the ribbon elements may be selectively placed about a gift package according to user preference. A stretch ribbon includes alternating transverse die cuts directed inward from outside edges of the ribbon whereby upon application of longitudinal forces the ribbon stretches beyond its natural length and assumes a three dimensional character.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exists that are capable of facilitating a user in wrapping the ribbon over an object in an automated manner thereby reducing manual efforts and enhancing precision, but lacks in determining presence of name tag over the object.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that capable of wrapping user-specified color of ribbon in an appropriate manner in an automated manner thereby reducing manual efforts and enhancing precision as well as determining presence of name tag over the object and accordingly wrapping the ribbon in view of preventing the covering of the name tag.

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 facilitating a user in wrapping the ribbon over an object in an automated manner thereby reducing manual efforts and enhancing precision.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of wrapping user-specified color of ribbon in an appropriate manner.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining presence of name tag over the object and accordingly wrapping the ribbon in view of preventing the covering of the name tag.

[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 ribbon wrapping device that is capable of facilitating a user in wrapping the ribbon over an object in an automated manner thereby reducing manual efforts and enhancing precision. Additionally, the proposed device is capable of determining presence of name tag over the object and accordingly wrapping the ribbon in view of preventing the covering of the name tag.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated ribbon wrapping device comprises of a housing position over a fixed surface by means of plurality of suction cups arranged beneath the housing, plurality of flaps configured within the housing to segregate the housing into multiple compartments that are accessed by a user to position a ribbon roll of specific color in each of the compartment, a platform hinge with the housing and accessed by the user to position a object over the platform that is to be wrapped with a ribbon, a touch interactive display panel is installed over the housing to enable a user to provide input regarding wrapping of the object, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the housing and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the object, based on which the processor, determines dimensions of the object and accordingly evaluates an appropriate length of the ribbon required for wrapping the object, a color sensor installed over the housing and synced with the imaging unit to monitor color of the object based on which the ribbons that are to be wrapped and displays the information over the display panel to enable the user to select a specific color of the ribbon, a pair of robotic grippers installed over the housing and to grip free end of ribbon of the user-specified color and wrap over the object.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a motorized sliding unit is installed over the housing and to provide translation to a motorized cutter configured with the housing in order to cut the ribbon and generate another free end of the ribbon, a robotic arm installed over the platform and to position a nozzle configured with the arm, over joint of the free ends, a chamber stored with adhesive is arranged with the housing and linked with the nozzle to dispense the adhesive over the joint, thereby affixing the ends and wrapping the object, the imaging unit determines presence of an name tag over the object, the grippers to leave portion of the object over which the name tag is present by realigning the ribbon over the object, thereby preventing covering of the name tag, 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 ribbon wrapping 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 ribbon wrapping device that is that is capable of facilitating a user in wrapping the ribbon over an object in an automated manner thereby reducing manual efforts and enhancing precision as well as wrapping user-specified color of ribbon in an appropriate manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated ribbon wrapping device is illustrated, comprising a housing 1 position over a fixed surface by means of plurality of suction cups 2 arranged beneath the housing 1, plurality of flaps 3 configured within the housing 1 to segregate the housing 1 into multiple compartments, a platform 4 hinged 5 with the housing 1, a touch interactive display panel 6 is installed over the housing 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 7 installed over the housing 1, a pair of robotic grippers 8 installed over the housing 1, a motorized sliding unit 9 is installed over the housing 1, a motorized cutter 10 configured with the housing 1, a robotic arm 11 installed over the platform 4, a nozzle 12 configured with the arm and a chamber 13 stored with adhesive is arranged with the housing 1.

[0023] The device disclosed herein includes a housing 1 position over a fixed surface. The housing 1 is in a hollow cuboidal shape which offers a large storage capacity for several mechanical and electrical units to be placed within the housing 1. Also, the housing 1 is light in weight and is cast with highly durable materials which are easy to be carried from one place to another as per the requirement of the user. The outer surface of the housing 1 is coated with thin paint sheets which shield the housing 1 from dust and water buildup, as well as prevent the housing 1 from rusting if exposed to the outer atmosphere. The housing 1 is equipped with plurality of suction cups 2 arranged beneath the housing 1.

[0024] The suction cups 2 are made of elastic, flexible material and has a curved surface. When the centre of the suction cups 2 is pressed against the surface. The volume of the space between the suction cups 2 and the flat surface is reduced, that creates a negative pressure to adhere the surface crating a partial vacuum inside the cup. The pressure difference between the atmosphere on the outside of the cup and the low-pressure cavity on the inside of the cup keeps the cup adhered to the surface accurately.

[0025] Herein, multiple flaps 3 configured within the housing 1 to segregate the housing 1 into multiple compartments that are accessed by a user to position a ribbon roll of specific color in each of the compartment. Further, a platform 4 hinged 5 with the housing 1 and accessed by the user to position an object over the platform 4 that is to be wrapped with a ribbon.

[0026] The platform 4 is cast with highly durable materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboidal shape, offering a large space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. Also, the platform 4 is light in weight allowing the user to place the platform 4 from one site to another, as per the requirement of the user. The outer surface of the platform 4 is layered with thin paint sheets protecting the platform 4 from accumulating dust and any water buildup as well as preventing the platform 4 from rusting if exposed to the outer atmosphere.

[0027] Moreover, a touch interactive display panel 6 is installed over the housing 1 to enable a user to provide input regrading wrapping of the object. The touch interactive display panel 6 mapped herein consists of multiple tiny electrically active wires. When user touch the mapping illustrated over the panel, the wires are pressed together and circuit is completed. Which results in flow of voltages across the circuit. That voltage flow is detected by the microcontroller linked with the panel in form of electric signals. Further the signals are processed by the microcontroller to determine the user's input regarding wrapping of the object.

[0028] Upon processing of the input command, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 7 installed over the housing 1 in order to capture multiple images of the object for determining dimension of the object and accordingly evaluates an appropriate length of the ribbon required for wrapping the object. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 7 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. 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.

[0029] 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 dimensions of the object and accordingly evaluates an appropriate length of the ribbon required for wrapping the object. Also, an inbuilt microcontroller is pre-fed with the instructions required to control the operation of various components associated with the proposed device.

[0030] In addition, a color sensor is embedded over the housing 1 in synchronization with the imaging unit 7 to monitor color of the object. The color sensor consists of a visible light emitter which emits the visible light (VIBGYOR spectrum) over the surface of the object. When the visible light collides with the surface of the object, the rays of object's color will be reflected back to receiver and rest of the color will be absorbed. The received objects' light by the receiver is sent to the microcontroller in form of electric signal. The microcontroller further processes the signal and determine the color of the object.

[0031] Based on the detected color, the microcontroller evaluates suitable colors of the ribbons that are to be wrapped and displays the information over the display panel 6 to enable the user to select a specific color of the ribbon. After the user selects the color, the microcontroller actuates a pair of robotic grippers 8 installed over the housing 1 to grip free end of ribbon of the user-specified color and wrap over the object.

[0032] The robotic gripper 8 typically consists of two opposing arms or fingers
that mimic a human hand-gripping motion. These arms are usually made of durable materials like metal or plastic to provide strength and flexibility. The
robotic gripper 8 design incorporates springs to securely grip the free-end of ribbon of user-specified color and wrap over the object. Electric motors and servo motors are used to control the robotic gripper 8 's movement. These motors provide the necessary force and precision to manipulate and position the free-end of the ribbon. The motors are connected to the gripper 8 arms through an arrangement of gears and linkages, allowing for controlled gripping the free-end of ribbon of user-specified color and wrap over the object.

[0033] Furthermore, a motorized sliding unit 9 is installed over the housing 1 and actuated by the microcontroller to provide translation to a motorized cutter 10 configured with the housing 1 in order to cut the ribbon and generate another free end of the ribbon. The sliding unit 9 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. 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 9 results in the translation of the motorized cutter 10 for cutting the ribbon.

[0034] The motorized cutter 10 comprises of a pair of blades laid one on top of the other and fastened in the middle so as to allow them to be opened and closed for performing the cutting operation of the ribbon and generating another free end of the ribbon. Also, a robotic arm 11 integrated over the platform 4 and actuated by the microcontroller to position a nozzle 12 configured with the arm over joint of the free ends.

[0035] The robotic arm 11 is a type of mechanical arm which is usually available with similar function to a human arm. The segments of such a manipulator are connected by joints allowing either rotational motion or translational displacement. The robotic arm 11 contains several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. The robotic arm 11 contains several segments that are attached together by motorized joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic arm 11 to complete a specific motion in positioning the nozzle 12 over the free ends. Herein, a chamber 13 stored with adhesive is arranged with the housing 1 and linked with the nozzle 12 that is actuated by the microcontroller to dispense the adhesive over the joint, thereby affixing the ends and wrapping the object.

[0036] In addition, the imaging unit 7 synced with the microcontroller determines presence of a name tag over the object, the microcontroller directs the grippers 8 to leave portion of the object over which the name tag is present by realigning the ribbon over the object, thereby preventing covering of the name tag.

[0037] The device is associated with a battery 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 housing 1 position over fixed surface by means of plurality of suction cups 2 as disclosed in the proposed invention is fabricated with multiple flaps 3 to segregate into multiple compartments accessed by user to position ribbon roll of specific color in each compartment. Now, the platform 4 hinged 5 with housing 1 enable the user to position object over the platform 4 and the user provide input regarding wrapping of the object via touch interactive display panel 6. Then, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 7 captures multiple images of the object for determining dimensions of the object and accordingly evaluates appropriate length of the ribbon required for wrapping the object. Further, the color sensor monitor color of the object and accordingly evaluates suitable colors of the ribbons that are to be wrapped and displays the information over the display panel 6 to enable the user to select specific color of the ribbon. Also, the pair of robotic grippers 8 to grip free end of ribbon dimensions of the object and accordingly evaluates an appropriate length of the ribbon required for wrapping the object of the user-specified color and wrap over the object and the motorized sliding unit 9 to provide translation to motorized cutter 10 configured with the housing 1 in order to cut the ribbon and generate another free end of the ribbon. Now, the robotic arm 11 positions the nozzle 12 to dispense the adhesive over the joint for affixing the ends and wrapping the object.

[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 ribbon wrapping device, comprising:

i) a housing 1 position over a fixed surface by means of plurality of suction cups 2 arranged beneath said housing 1, wherein plurality of flaps 3 configured within said housing 1 to segregate said housing 1 into multiple compartments that are accessed by a user to position a ribbon roll of specific color in each of said compartment;
ii) a platform 4 hinged 5 with said housing 1 and accessed by said user to position a object over said platform 4 that is to be wrapped with a ribbon, wherein a touch interactive display panel 6 is installed over said housing 1 to enable a user to provide input regrading wrapping of said object;
iii) an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 7 installed over said housing 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of said object, based on which said microcontroller linked with said processor, determines dimensions of said object and accordingly evaluates an appropriate length of said ribbon required for wrapping said object;
iv) a color sensor installed over said housing 1 and synced with said imaging unit 7 to monitor color of said object based on which said microcontroller evaluates suitable colors of said ribbons that are to be wrapped and displays said information over said display panel 6 to enable said user to select a specific color of said ribbon;
v) a pair of robotic grippers 8 installed over said housing 1 and actuated by said microcontroller to grip free end of ribbon of said user-specified color and wrap over said object, wherein a motorized sliding unit 9 is installed over said housing 1 and actuated by said microcontroller to provide translation to a motorized cutter 10 configured with said housing 1 in order to cut said ribbon and generate another free end of said ribbon; and
vi) a robotic arm 11 installed over said platform 4 and actuated by said microcontroller to position a nozzle 12 configured with said arm, over joint of said free ends, wherein a chamber 13 stored with adhesive is arranged with said housing 1 and linked with said nozzle 12 that is actuated by said microcontroller to dispense said adhesive over said joint, thereby affixing said ends and wrapping said object.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said microcontroller by means of said imaging unit 7 determines presence of an name tag over said object, said microcontroller directs said grippers 8 to leave portion of said object over which said name tag is present by realigning said ribbon over said object, thereby preventing covering of said name tag.

3) 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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