AUTOMATED SHOES CUSTOMIZATION DEVICE

Abstract

An automated shoes customization device, comprising a platform 101 configured with a square-shaped body 102 and mapped with a holding plate 103 allowing a user to accommodate a shoes over the plate 103, telescopically operated rod 104 to stabilize the platform 101 over the surface, artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 to capture images of surroundings for detecting dimension of the accommodated shoe, motorized roller 107 to unwrap a plastic sheet, motorized clippers 108 to grip free-ends of the unwrapped sheet, motorized slider 109 for covering mouth of the body 102 with the sheet, L-shaped bar 110 to extend for positioning the frame 111 over the sheet, heating units 112 for heating the sheet, robotic arm 113 positions motorized cutting unit 114 over the shoe for removing extra sheet and a robotic link 115 attached with a motorized scrubbing unit 116 scrubs the sheets for providing a shine to the shoe.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated shoes customization device capable of providing a means for detecting dimensions of an accommodated shoe and accordingly adjust to securely accommodate the shoe in order to precisely wrap the shoe with a plastic sheet thereby customizing the shoe as per user requirement.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Shoes customization has gained popularity as consumers seek unique and personalized footwear that reflects their individual style preferences. Traditionally, customization involved manual methods such as painting, dyeing, or adding embellishments, which required artistic skill and creativity. Conventionally, some ways were used by people for carrying out customization of shoes. People use to perform the operation via using some handled tools like paint brush and dyeing brush.

[0003] Major drawbacks faced by the traditional shoe customization tools are may still have limitations in terms of available colours, patterns, or design elements. This can restrict users' creativity and limit their ability to create truly unique designs. And may impose design constraints due to manufacturing limitations or technical restrictions. Users may find themselves unable to realize certain design ideas or implement intricate details due to these constraints. Thus there is a need to develop a device that is capable of detecting dimensions of an accommodated shoe and accordingly adjust to securely accommodate the shoe in order to precisely wrap the shoe with a plastic sheet thereby customizing the shoe as per user requirement.

[0004] CN105590238A discloses about an invention that includes a method of customizing shoes, comprising selecting a customized sample or model, identifying a coupling shoe assembly assembling product, rendering and color matching and preserving or submitting a customized product. The invention also discloses a system of customizing shoes, comprising a sample or model module, a shoe assembly module, a retrieval identification module, a product generation module and a display module. The method and system can rapidly customize customized products, solve the homogenization problem of online products, and meet increasingly increasing demands of users; meanwhile, the method and system solve the inventory problem of a traditional shoemaking enterprise, realize zero inventory management, stimulate capital circulation, increase production efficiency, and reduce management costs and storage costs.

[0005] WO2008070537A2 methods of making custom footwear. A multi-level customization process is employed in the system of the invention. First, shoe last is customized according to the biometric features of the foot. Secondly, the components of the footwear are fine-tuned through a set of interactive measurements for the wearer' needs, while the appearance of the footwear is custom-designed according to the taste of the wearer. Major components of the custom footwear include a custom upper that best-fits the shape of wearer's foot, a multi-layered custom insole with its surface conforming to the plantar surface of the foot, and a custom sole that sandwiching a heel pad with custom height.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable customizing shoe however these devices fail in detecting material of the accommodated shoes and accordingly adjust to produce ideal amount of heat for applying the sheet over the shoes in an self-sufficient 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 dimensions of an accommodated shoe and accordingly adjust to securely accommodate the shoe in order to precisely wrap the shoe with a plastic sheet. Additionally the device should be potent enough of devices fail in detecting material of the accommodated shoes and accordingly adjust to produce ideal amount of heat for applying the sheet over the shoes 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 detecting dimensions of an accommodated shoe and accordingly adjust to securely accommodate the shoe in order to precisely wrap the shoe with a plastic sheet thereby customizing the shoe as per user requirement.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting any unevenness over the shoe and accordingly adjust to remove extra sheet over the shoe in order to customize the shoe with the sheet as per user requirement.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting material of the accommodated shoes and accordingly adjust to produce optimum amount of heat for applying the sheet over the shoes as per user requirement.

[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 shoes customization device that is capable of detecting dimensions of an accommodated shoe and accordingly adjust to securely accommodate the shoe in order to precisely wrap the shoe with a plastic sheet thereby customizing the shoe as per user requirement.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated shoes customization device comprising, a platform configured with a square-shaped body and mapped a holding plate for allowing a user to accommodate a shoes over the plate, a laser-based sensor is installed over the platform to determine level of the surface and sends acquired data to a microcontroller linked with the laser-based sensor that in turn activates a telescopically operated rod attached underneath the platform to stabilize the platform over the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted over the platform to capture multiple images of surroundings for detecting dimension of the accommodated shoe, a hydraulic actuator configured in between the holding plate and bottom of the body to retract towards bottom portion of the frame, a motorized roller configured on upper section of the body to unwrap a plastic sheet wrapped around the roller, a pair of motorized clippers are arranged on the body that are actuated by the microcontroller to grip free-ends of the unwrapped sheet, followed by actuation of a motorized slider configured in between upper section of the body and clippers for providing linear movement to clippers in view of covering mouth of the body with the sheet.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, further comprises, a L-shaped bar attached with the platform and integrated with a rectangular frame, wherein upon successful covering of mouth portion of the body with the sheet, the bar to extend for positioning the frame over the sheet, followed by actuation of plurality of heating units configured within the frame to provide an optimum amount of heat over the sheet in view of heating the sheet, followed by actuation of the actuator to extend for uplifting the shoe, resulting in application of the sheet over the shoe, an IR (Infrared) sensor mapped on the platform and synced with the imaging unit to detect unevenness over the shoe, followed by actuation of a robotic arm installed on the platform to extend for positioning a motorized cutting unit configured with the robotic arm over the shoe in view of removing extra sheet over the shoe, thereby customizing the shoe with the sheet, a robotic link installed on the platform and attached with a motorized scrubbing unit, wherein in case the microcontroller via the imaging unit detects any unevenness on the shoes applied with the plastic sheet, the microcontroller actuates the robotic arm for scrubbing the sheets via the scrubbing unit for providing a shine to the shoe, a capacitance sensor is configured with the plate to detect material of the accommodated shoes, in accordance to which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the heating units to produce an optimum amount of heat in view of applying the sheet over the shoe, 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 shoes customization 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 shoes customization device detecting dimensions of an accommodated shoe and accordingly adjust to securely accommodate the shoe in order to precisely wrap the shoe with a plastic sheet thereby customizing the shoe securely.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated shoes customization device is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 configured with a square-shaped body 102 and mapped a holding plate 103, telescopically operated rod 104 attached underneath the platform 101, artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 mounted over the platform 101, hydraulic actuator 106 configured in between the holding plate 103 and bottom of the body 102, motorized roller 107 configured on upper section of the body 102, motorized clippers 108 are arranged on the body 102, motorized slider 109 configured in between upper section of the body 102 and clippers 108, L-shaped bar 110 attached with the platform 101 and integrated with a rectangular frame 111, plurality of heating units 112 configured within the frame 111, robotic arm 113 installed on the platform 101, motorized cutting unit 114 configured with the robotic arm 113 and robotic link 115 installed on the platform 101 and attached with a motorized scrubbing unit 116.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 101 configured with a square-shaped body 102 and mapped a holding plate 103 for allowing a user to accommodate a shoes over the plate 103, wherein an inbuilt microcontroller actuates a laser-based sensor installed over the platform 101 to determine level of the surface and sends acquired data to the microcontroller linked with the laser-based sensor that in turn activates a telescopically operated rod 104 attached underneath the platform 101 to stabilize the platform 101 over the surface. The laser sensor as actuated by the microcontroller activates and emits a focused and narrow beam toward the surface. When the laser beam strikes the surface it gets reflected back towards the sensor. The receiver of the laser sensor captures the reflected light and employs a time-of-flight measurement principle for determining level of the surface. Accordingly, the microcontroller actuates the telescopically operated rod 104 attached underneath the platform 101 to stabilize the platform 101 over the surface.

[0024] The telescopically operated rod 104 is powered by the 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 to stabilize the platform 101 over the surface. Moreover, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 mounted over the platform 101 to capture multiple images of surroundings for detecting dimension of an accommodated shoe.

[0025] The imaging unit 105 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 105 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 105 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 for detecting dimension of the accommodated shoe. After the successful detection of the dimensions of the accommodated shoe, the imaging unit 105 transmits the acquired data to the microcontroller to actuate a hydraulic actuator 106 configured in between holding plate 103 and bottom of the body 102 to retract towards bottom portion of the frame 111.

[0026] The hydraulic actuator 106 is powered by a hydraulic unit consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the plunger. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston to retract towards bottom portion of the frame 111. Moreover, the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 107 configured on upper section of the body 102 that is actuated by the microcontroller to unwrap a plastic sheet wrapped around the roller 107.

[0027] The motorized roller 107 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 roller 107 to rotate on its axis as to unwrap the plastic sheet wrapped around the roller 107. After the successful unwrapping of the plastic sheet wrapped around the roller 107, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized clippers 108 arranged on the body 102 to grip free-ends of the unwrapped sheet. The motorized clippers 108 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 motorized clippers 108 design incorporates springs to grip free-ends of the unwrapped sheet. Followed by actuation of a motorized slider 109 configured in between upper section of the body 102 and clippers 108 for providing linear movement to clippers 108 in view of covering mouth of the body 102 with the sheet.

[0028] The motorized slider 109 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 for providing linear movement to clippers 108 in view of covering mouth of the body 102 with the sheet. After the successful covering of mouth portion of the body 102 with the sheet, the microcontroller actuates L-shaped bar 110 attached with the platform 101 and integrated with a rectangular frame 111 to extend for positioning the frame 111 over the sheet. The L-shaped bar 110 is powered by the 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 to extend for positioning the frame 111 over the sheet. After positioning of the frame 111 over the sheet, the microcontroller actuates plurality of heating units 112 configured within the frame 111 to provide an optimum amount of heat over the sheet in view of heating the sheet. The plurality of heating units 112 used herein ranges from (2 to 4).

[0029] The heating units 112 consists of two semiconductor plates, known as heating plates, connected in series and sandwiched between two ceramic plates. When an electric current is applied to the heating unit 112, one side of the units absorbs heat from its surroundings, while the other side releases heat to provide an optimum amount of heat over the sheet in view of heating the sheet. After the heating of the sheet by the heating units 112, the microcontroller actuates the actuator 106 to extend for uplifting the shoe, resulting in application of the sheet over the shoe. After the successful application of the sheet over the shoes, the microcontroller actuates a capacitance sensor configured with the plate 103 to detect material of the accommodated shoes.

[0030] As the accommodated shoe is introduced, the di-electric properties between the electrodes changes, causing variations in capacitance. The capacitance sensor
detects these changes in the electric field created by the interaction of the
shoe with the electrodes. The capacitance sensor continuously measures these
changes and sends the data to a microcontroller linked with the capacitance
sensor which processes the acquired data using a pattern recognition module. The
module is trained to associate specific capacitance variations with known
shoe types. The detected shoe type is then stored in a database linked
with microcontroller that stores information about the type of shoe to detect material of the accommodated shoe. Accordingly, the microcontroller regulates actuation of the heating units 112 to produce an optimum amount of heat in view of applying the sheet over the shoes.

[0031] Moreover, the microcontroller actuates an IR (Infrared) sensor mapped on the platform 101 and synced with the imaging unit 105 to detect unevenness over the shoe. The infrared sensor emits infrared rays towards the shoe and receives the bounced back rays from the shoe 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 in order to detect unevenness over the shoe. Followed by actuation of a robotic arm 113 installed on the platform 101 to extend for positioning a motorized cutting unit 114 configured with the robotic arm 113 over the shoe in view of removing extra sheet over the shoe, thereby customizing the shoe with the sheet.

[0032] The robotic arm 113 includes a flexible link connected with multiple motorized ball and socket joints and an arm 113 the mimics a human hand for smooth and precise gripping of the books. The motorized ball and socket joint 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 to extend for positioning the motorized cutting unit 114 configured with the robotic arm 113 over the shoe in view of removing extra sheet over the shoe, thereby customizing the shoe with the sheet.

[0033] The motorized cutting unit 114 includes a motor as actuated by the microcontroller for generating electrical current and a sharp cutting tool such as a blade. The microcontroller actuates the motor to drive the blade in the cutting unit 114 for removing extra sheet over the shoe, thereby customizing the shoe with the sheet. In case, the microcontroller via the imaging unit 105 detects any unevenness on the shoes applied with the plastic sheet, the microcontroller actuates a robotic link 115 installed on the platform 101 and attached with a motorized scrubbing unit 116 for scrubbing the sheets via the scrubbing unit 116 for providing a shine to the shoe.

[0034] The robotic link 115 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 link 115 design incorporates springs configured with the motorized scrubbing unit 116 for scrubbing the sheets for providing a shine to the shoe.

[0035] 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.

[0036] The proposed device woks best in the following manner, the proposed device includes the platform 101 configured with the square-shaped body 102 and mapped with the holding plate 103 allowing the user to accommodate the shoes over the plate 103, wherein the telescopically operated rod 104 stabilize the platform 101 over the surface. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 captures images of surroundings for detecting dimension of the accommodated shoe and the motorized roller 107 unwraps the plastic sheet wrapped around the roller 107. The motorized clippers 108 grip free-ends of the unwrapped sheet and the motorized slider 109 provides the linear movement to clippers 108 in view of covering mouth of the body 102 with the sheet and accordingly the L-shaped bar 110 extends for positioning the frame 111 over the sheet, wherein the heating units 112 provide an optimum amount of heat over the sheet in view of heating the sheet. The robotic arm 113 positions the motorized cutting unit 114 over the shoe for removing extra sheet over the shoe thereby customizing the shoe with the sheet and then, the robotic link 115 attached with the motorized scrubbing unit 116 scrubs the sheets for providing the shine to the shoe.

[0037] 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 shoes customization device comprising:

i) a platform 101 configured with a square-shaped body 102 and mapped a holding plate 103 for allowing a user to accommodate a shoes over said plate 103, wherein a laser-based sensor is installed over said platform 101 to determine level of said surface and sends acquired data to a microcontroller linked with said laser-based sensor that in turn activates a telescopically operated rod 104 attached underneath said platform 101 to stabilize said platform 101 over said surface;

ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 mounted over said platform 101 to capture multiple images of surroundings for detecting dimension of said accommodated shoe, wherein said imaging unit 105 transmits acquired data to said microcontroller that activate a hydraulic actuator 106 configured in between said holding plate 103 and bottom of said body 102 to retract towards bottom portion of said frame 111;

iii) a motorized roller 107 configured on upper section of said body 102 that is actuated by said microcontroller to unwrap a plastic sheet wrapped around said roller 107, wherein a pair of motorized clippers 108 are arranged on said body 102 that are actuated by said microcontroller to grip free-ends of said unwrapped sheet, followed by actuation of a motorized slider 109 configured in between upper section of said body 102 and clippers 108 for providing linear movement to clippers 108 in view of covering mouth of said body 102 with said sheet;

iv) a L-shaped bar 110 attached with said platform 101 and integrated with a rectangular frame 111, wherein upon successful covering of mouth portion of said body 102 with said sheet, said microcontroller actuates said bar 110 to extend for positioning said frame 111 over said sheet, followed by actuation of plurality of heating units 112 configured within said frame 111 to provide an optimum amount of heat over said sheet in view of heating said sheet, followed by actuation of said actuator 106 to extend for uplifting said shoe, resulting in application of said sheet over said shoe;

v) an IR (Infrared) sensor mapped on said platform 101 and synced with said imaging unit 105 to detect unevenness over said shoe, followed by actuation of a robotic arm 113 installed on said platform 101 to extend for positioning a motorized cutting unit 114 configured with said robotic arm 113 over said shoe in view of removing extra sheet over said shoe, thereby customizing said shoe with said sheet; and

vi) a robotic link 115 installed on said platform 101 and attached with a motorized scrubbing unit 116, wherein in case said microcontroller via said imaging unit 105 detects any unevenness on said shoes applied with said plastic sheet, said microcontroller actuates said robotic arm 113 for scrubbing said sheets via said scrubbing unit 116 for providing a shine to said shoe.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a capacitance sensor is configured with said plate 103 to detect material of said accommodated shoes, in accordance to which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said heating units 112 to produce an optimum amount of heat in view of applying said sheet over said shoes.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopically operated rod 104 are linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said rod 104.

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.

Documents