MODULAR WRITING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A modular writing assistive device, comprising a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface for assistance in writing, a touch interactive display panel 102 for providing user’s details, a vertical support 103 with a writing tool 104 to perform writing over a writable surface, an imaging unit 106 monitor writing content and pattern of user over surface, a force sensor 107 monitors pressure applied by user in holding tool 104, a speaker 105 guide user regarding directions for improving user’s grip on tool 104, plurality of pressure sensors 108 monitors pressure applied by user on surface via tool 104, an OCR module reads textual content written by user on surface, a real time error detection protocol pre-fed in microcontroller for detecting any grammatical, misspelled or syntactic error performed by user while writing on surface, a vibrating unit 109 notify user regarding detected errors.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular writing assistive device designed to help user in learning writing techniques tailored to the individual needs, accommodating diverse disabilities and learning styles by monitoring and analyzing writing patterns and grip techniques, providing personalized feedback, correcting grammatical and spelling errors in real-time, and delivering immediate haptic feedback alongside visual suggestions to enhance writing proficiency.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Writing is a skill that evolves with age, need, and experience, becoming increasingly important in a digital world. For children, early exposure to writing fosters creativity and communication skills. As they grow, writing becomes crucial for academic success, allowing them to articulate thoughts and arguments effectively. Teenagers benefit from refining the writing techniques, learning to adapt their style for different audiences and purposes. In adulthood, writing skills are essential in the workplace for clear communication and professionalism. The ability to write well can influence career advancement and networking opportunities. Additionally, mastering writing techniques, such as structure, clarity, and persuasion, enhances one's ability to connect with readers, making it a valuable asset across various fields. Overall, the importance of writing skills cannot be overstated; they empower individuals to express themselves, share ideas, and succeed in both personal and professional realms throughout their lives.

[0003] Traditional methods for improving writing technique often include workshops, peer reviews, and instructor feedback. These approaches provide valuable insights, fostering collaboration and immediate response. Workshops create a structured environment for skill development, while peer reviews encourage critical thinking and diverse perspectives. Instructor feedback offers personalized guidance, helping writers identify strengths and weaknesses. However, these methods have drawbacks. Workshops can be time-consuming and may not cater to individual needs, leading to frustration. Peer reviews may suffer from biases or lack of expertise, potentially misguiding writers. Additionally, reliance on instructor feedback can stifle a writer's voice, making them overly dependent on external validation. The subjective nature of feedback can also create confusion, as different reviewers may offer conflicting advice. Thus, while traditional methods can enhance writing skills, they often fall short in addressing the unique needs and styles of individual writers.

[0004] US8156610B2 includes a hand-receiving body having an exterior surface with a convex contour for ergonomically receiving the palm and/or fingers of the hand of a user from underneath and a base adapted to easily move by pushing or pulling on a writing surface to allow writing by the user. The body includes an inclined channel for receiving a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, and a securing element to releasable secure the writing instrument at an inclined angle in the channel. The channel is disposed on the body such that the thumb and index finger of the user lie on opposite sides of the channel during writing in manner that generally resembles the natural gripping of a pen or pencil between the thumb and index finger of an able-bodied person to impart a more natural feeling of writing control. A removable, stretchable cover can be placed on the exterior surface of the body for the comfort of the user before the user places his/her hand on the device. Though US'610 pertains to a writing assistive device designed for individuals with limited hand and wrist functionality, enabling them to write with conventional pens or pencils; however, the referenced prior art lacks the capability to monitor and analyze the unique writing patterns and grip techniques of users, failing to offer personalized feedback and guidance tailored to enhance their writing experience and improve motor skills. This limitation highlights a significant gap in the existing technology, as it does not provide adaptive support that could assist users in refining their writing abilities through individualized insights based on their specific needs and behaviors.

[0005] US11021003B2 relates to an assistive device to promote the development or recovery of writing and drawing capabilities of a user. The device includes an elongated body having an outer surface and an inner channel for insertion of a writing instrument; a first positioning part forming a loop extending from the outer surface of the elongated body through which a thumb of a user may be inserted; a second positioning part forming a loop extending from the outer surface of the elongated body through which an index finger of a user may be inserted; and a third positioning part forming a loop extending from the outer surface of the elongated body through which a middle finger of a user may be inserted, wherein the first, second, and third positioning parts are arranged such that a user's thumb, index finger, and middle finger form a tripod grasp about the elongated body. Although US'003 presents an assistive device designed to enhance the development or recovery of writing and drawing skills by ensuring fingers are positioned in an appropriate tripod grasp, it fails to address the real-time identification and correction of grammatical, syntactic, and spelling errors; this lack of functionality means it does not provide immediate haptic feedback to users or offer visual suggestions for improvement, thus limiting its effectiveness in fostering comprehensive writing proficiency and leaving users without a crucial layer of support that could enhance their learning experience and writing capabilities beyond mere physical positioning of their fingers.

[0006] Conventionally, many writing assistive devices are designed for individuals with limited hand and wrist functionality, but these devices often fail to monitor and analyze individual writing patterns and grip techniques, thus lacking the ability to provide personalized feedback and guidance. Furthermore, these existing devices typically do not identify and correct grammatical, syntactic, and spelling errors in real-time, missing the opportunity to offer immediate haptic feedback alongside visual suggestions, which could significantly enhance the writing experience by not only supporting physical writing capabilities, but also improving overall writing quality and efficiency through interactive, responsive technology tailored to each user's needs.

[0007] To address the existing challenges in writing aids, there is a necessity for a device designed to assist users in mastering personalized writing techniques that caters to diverse disabilities and learning styles, while simultaneously monitoring and analyzing individual writing patterns and grip methods; this device would provide tailored feedback and guidance, effectively identifying and correcting grammatical, syntactic, and spelling errors in real time, and delivering immediate haptic feedback alongside visual suggestions to enhance the learning experience and foster improved writing skills.

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 designed to assist users in mastering writing techniques tailored to the individual needs, accommodating various disabilities and learning styles, thereby promoting effective and accessible learning experiences that fosters skill development and enhance confidence in writing abilities, ultimately empowering users to achieve personal writing goals while addressing specific challenges they may face in the learning process.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that monitors and analyzes individual writing patterns and grip techniques, providing personalized feedback and guidance to user , thereby enhancing the writing skills and overall handwriting quality through targeted exercises and adjustments, fostering a more efficient and effective writing experience, and ultimately helping user achieve greater precision and control in their writing activities, regardless of the skill level or background.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of identifying and correcting grammatical, syntactic, and spelling errors in real time, offering an immediate haptic feedback to user along with visual suggestions to enhance the writing experience, improve accuracy, and promote learning, ultimately streamlining the process of written communication while ensuring clarity and professionalism in various contexts.

[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 a modular writing assistive device that help users master writing techniques tailored to the individual needs, accommodating various disabilities and learning styles by monitoring and analyzing their writing patterns and grip techniques, providing personalized feedback and guidance, identifying and correcting grammatical, syntactic, and spelling errors in real time, and offering immediate haptic feedback alongside visual suggestions, thereby enhancing the overall writing experience and supporting users in improving their writing skills effectively and efficiently.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular writing assistive device, comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a fixed surface for assistance in writing, a touch interactive display panel arranged with the platform for providing the user's details, a vertical support arranged on the platform and mounted with a writing tool to perform writing over a writable surface fabricated on the platform via the tool, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the support monitor writing content and pattern of the user over the surface, a force sensor integrated on the wiring tool for monitoring pressure applied by the user in holding the tool in view of detecting correct grip attained by the user over the tool, in case the detected grip corresponds to incorrect, the microcontroller actuates a speaker mounted on the support to guide the user regarding directions for improving the user's grip on the tool, plurality of pressure sensors arranged on the surface for monitoring pressure applied by the user on the surface via the tool, in case the monitored pressure deviates from a required value, the microcontroller directs the speaker to guide the user to perform writing in an appropriate manner, an OCR (optical character recognition) module integrated with the microcontroller for reading textual content written by the user on the surface, a real time error detection protocol pre-fed in the microcontroller for detecting any grammatical, misspelled or syntactic error performed by the user while writing on the surface, a vibrating unit integrated in the tool produce vibrating sensations for providing haptic feedback to the user for notifying the user regarding the detected errors, wherein the imaging unit also monitors facial expressions of the user while writing on the surface and in case the monitored facial expressions corresponds to confused/doubtful, the microcontroller evaluates a required set of suggestions relevant to the user's confusion/doubt as per content of the user's writing and displays the fetched content on the panel to guide the user in order to improve the user's writing skills and style.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 a perspective view of a modular writing assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a modular writing assistive device to help users master writing techniques tailored to the individual needs by accommodating various disabilities and learning styles, while monitoring and analyzing the writing patterns and grip techniques, providing personalized feedback and guidance, identifying and correcting grammatical, syntactic, and spelling errors in real time, and offering immediate haptic feedback along with visual suggestions for improved writing skills.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a modular writing assistive device is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 arranged with a touch interactive display panel 102, a vertical support 103 arranged on the platform 101 and mounted with a writing tool 104, a speaker 105 mounted on the support 103, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on the support 103, a force sensor 107 integrated on the wiring tool 104, plurality of pressure sensors 108 arranged on the surface, and a vibrating unit 109 integrated in the tool 104.

[0022] The device proposed herein includes a platform 101 designed to rest on a fixed surface to assist with writing, serving as a structural foundation to various components associated with the device, the platform 101 is made up of material that includes but not limited to stainless steel, which in turn ensures that the device is of generous size and is light in weight, making the device both practical and sturdy for users needing assistance in writing.

[0023] The platform 101 comprises a vertical support 103 holding a writing tool 104, enabling the user to write directly onto a designated writable surface integrated into the platform 101; allowing the user to engage with the writing tool 104 on the surface, facilitating smooth and accessible writing operations within a contained and ergonomic structure that ensures stable interaction between the tool 104, surface, and user for efficient and comfortable writing activities.

[0024] In order to activate functioning of the device, a user is required to manually switch on the device by pressing a button positioned on the platform 101, wherein the button used herein is a push button. Upon pressing of the button, the circuits get closed allowing conduction of electricity that leads to activation of the device and vice versa.

[0025] Upon activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the platform 101 and linked to the switch generates a command to activate a touch interactive display panel 102 for enabling the user to provide details such as name, age, gender, any disabilities in view for tailoring writing technique assistance to individual needs. The touch interactive display panel 102 as mentioned herein is typically an (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (Integrated Circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs details regarding name, age, gender, any disabilities. The touch controller is typically connected to the microcontroller through various interfaces which may include but are not limited to SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit).

[0026] Upon providing the input details, the user accesses the writing tool 104 to perform writing over the writable surface and subsequently the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on the support 103 to monitor writing content and pattern of the user over the surface. The imaging unit 106 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images in surrounding of the platform 101, 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 continuously monitors the writing content and pattern of the user over the surface.

[0027] A force sensor 107 integrated on the wiring tool 104 monitors the pressure applied by the user in holding the tool 104. The force sensor 107 comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a force exerted by the user on the tool 104 while writing on the surface. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensor 107 and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for monitoring pressure applied by the user while holding the tool 104 in view of detecting correct grip attained by the user over the tool 104.

[0028] In case the detected grip corresponds to incorrect, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 105 mounted on the support 103 for providing audible instructions and guidance to the user on how to adjust and improve the grip. The speaker 105 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm's vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user regarding directions for improving grip on the tool 104, thereby enhancing their performance and safety while using the tool 104 effectively.

[0029] Plurality of pressure sensors 108 arranged on the surface monitors pressure applied by the user on the surface via the tool 104 while writing. The pressure senor as mentioned herein also comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a pressure exerted by the user on the surface via the tool 104 while writing. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensors 108 and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for monitoring the pressure applied by the user on the surface via the tool 104 while writing. If the monitored pressure deviates from the required value, the microcontroller activates the speaker 105 to provide guidance, helping the user adjust the writing technique to achieve the correct pressure for optimal performance.

[0030] An OCR (optical character recognition) module integrated with the microcontroller reads any textual content written by the user on the surface. The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) module functions by capturing images of textual content written by the user on a surface through the imaging unit 106. This imaging unit 106 takes high-resolution snapshots of the text, which are then processed by the OCR module. The module analyzes the images, identifying patterns and shapes corresponding to letters and words using machine learning protocols. Once the text is recognized, the module converts the images into editable digital text. This process allows the microcontroller in real-time reading and transcription of content written by the user on the surface.

[0031] Based on the monitored content written by the user on the surface, a real time error detection protocol pre-fed in the microcontroller detects any grammatical, misspelled or syntactic error performed by the user while writing on the surface. The real-time error detection protocol operates by continuously analyzing the text input from the user as they write on a digital surface and employs natural language processing protocol, pre-fed in the microcontroller, to identify grammatical mistakes, spelling errors, and syntactic inconsistencies in the text. As the user writes content of the surface, the protocol detects any errors instantaneously, triggering the microcontroller for the need of corrections or rephrasing. The protocol may use a combination of dictionaries, grammar rules, and machine learning models to improve accuracy of the user while writing on the surface.

[0032] In response to the detected grammatical, misspelled or syntactic error performed by the user while writing on the surface, the microcontroller activates a vibrating unit 109 integrated in the tool 104 to produce vibrating sensations for providing haptic feedback to the user for notifying the user regarding the detected errors. The vibrating unit 109 consists of an electric motor (preferably a direct current motor) and an eccentric weight attached to the shaft of the motor. Upon activation of the vibrating unit 109 by the microcontroller, the motor provides the required power to rotate the shaft, resulting in a rotational motion to the eccentric weight, thus causing a vibrating to the tool 104 for producing vibrating sensations for providing haptic feedback to the user for notifying the user regarding the detected errors.

[0033] The microcontroller actively tracks the user's facial expressions while they write on a designated surface, utilizing the imaging unit 106 to detect signs of confusion or doubt and upon identifying such expressions, the microcontroller evaluates a relevant set of suggestions tailored to the user's writing content and displays these recommendations on a panel 102, thereby guiding the user to enhance their writing skills and style, thus facilitating not only immediate feedback but also fosters a support 103ive learning environment, helping the user to overcome obstacles in their writing process by providing constructive insights based on the emotional responses and written output.

[0034] Additionally, the user is capable of routinely evaluate the performance by retrieving the recorded data displayed on the panel 102, allowing for consistent monitoring and assessment of their progress, identifying strengths and areas for improvement, and ensuring that they remain aligned with their goals and objectives while utilizing the feedback to make informed decisions for future performance enhancement strategies in writing.

[0035] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is preferably a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0036] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the platform 101 as disclosed in the invention is designed to rest on the fixed surface to assist with writing. Upon activation of the device by the user, an inbuilt microcontroller embedded within the platform 101 and linked to the switch generates the command to activate the touch interactive display panel 102 for enabling the user to provide details such as name, age, gender, any disabilities in view for tailoring writing technique assistance to individual needs. Upon providing the input details, the user accesses the writing tool 104 to perform writing over the writable surface and subsequently the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 to monitor writing content and pattern of the user over the surface. The force sensor 107 monitors the pressure applied by the user in holding the tool 104. In case the detected grip corresponds to incorrect, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 105 for providing audible instructions and guidance to the user on how to adjust and improve the grip. Plurality of pressure sensors 108 monitors pressure applied by the user on the surface via the tool 104 while writing. If the monitored pressure deviates from the required value, the microcontroller activates the speaker 105 to provide guidance, helping the user adjust the writing technique to achieve the correct pressure for optimal performance. An OCR (optical character recognition) module reads any textual content written by the user on the surface. Based on the monitored content written by the user on the surface, the real time error detection protocol pre-fed in the microcontroller detects any grammatical, misspelled or syntactic error performed by the user while writing on the surface. In response to the detected grammatical, misspelled or syntactic error performed by the user while writing on the surface, the microcontroller activates the vibrating unit 109 to produce vibrating sensations for providing haptic feedback to the user for notifying the user regarding the detected errors. The microcontroller actively tracks the user's facial expressions while they write on the designated surface, utilizing the imaging unit 106 to detect signs of confusion or doubt and upon identifying such expressions, the microcontroller evaluates the relevant set of suggestions tailored to the user's writing content and displays these recommendations on the panel 102.

[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 persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:We Claim:
1) A modular writing assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein said platform 101 is arranged with a touch interactive display panel 102 that is accessed by a user for providing said user's details which is saved in a database linked with an inbuilt microcontroller;
ii) a vertical support 103 arranged on said platform 101 and mounted with a writing tool 104 that is accessed by said user to perform writing over a writable surface fabricated on said platform 101 via said tool 104, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 is installed on said support 103 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said platform 101, respectively to monitor writing content and pattern of said user over said surface;
iii) a force sensor 107 integrated on said wiring tool 104 for monitoring pressure applied by said user in holding said tool 104 in view of detecting correct grip attained by said user over said tool 104, wherein in case said detected grip corresponds to incorrect, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 105 mounted on said support 103 to guide said user regarding directions for improving said user's grip on said tool 104;
iv) plurality of pressure sensors 108 arranged on said surface for monitoring pressure applied by said user on said surface via said tool 104, wherein in case said monitored pressure deviates from a required value, said microcontroller directs said speaker 105 to guide said user to perform writing in an appropriate manner;
v) an OCR (optical character recognition) module integrated with said microcontroller for reading textual content written by said user on said surface, wherein a real time error detection protocol is pre-fed in said microcontroller for detecting any grammatical, misspelled or syntactic error performed by said user while writing on said surface; and
vi) a vibrating unit 109 integrated in said tool 104 that is actuated by said microcontroller to produce vibrating sensations for providing haptic feedback to said user for notifying said user regarding said detected errors, wherein said imaging unit 106 also monitors facial expressions of said user while writing on said surface and in case said monitored facial expressions corresponds to confused/doubtful, said microcontroller evaluates a required set of suggestions relevant to said user's confusion/doubt as per content of said user's writing and displays said fetched content on said panel 102 to guide said user in order to improve said user's writing skills and style.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a natural language processing protocol is pre-fed in said microcontroller for enabling said OCR module to read textual content in multiple languages.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said user is capable of reviewing said user's performance on regular basis for fetching said user's recorded performance on said panel 102.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein all facial data captured is processed locally which ensures privacy and security.

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