OUTDOOR SHADING DEVICE

Abstract

An outdoor shading device, comprises a cuboidal structure 101 for storing of the weighted flaps, motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 for providing locomotion to the structure 101, a canopy 106 for providing the shade from sunlight, a telescopic rod 103 for holding the canopy 106 in an upright position, a canopy 106 for providing a shade from sunlight to users, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 to determine location of the user in vicinity of the structure 101, a light sensor detects the light level, a rain sensor detects rain on the structure 101, pin joints for enabling canopy 106 to collapse or open, a microphone 108 for receiving an audio command from user regarding opening of canopy 106.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an outdoor shading device that is capable of determining position of a user and accordingly provide a shade to the user in order to prevent the user from harsh weather such as sunlight and rainfall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The umbrella for dining tables has a vital history where the need for shade during outdoor gatherings and dining was recognized. Traditional umbrellas for dining tables have a vital history spanning cultures and centuries. In various civilizations, umbrellas made from materials such as palm leaves, silk, or
bamboo to shield manually themselves from the sun or rain during outdoor
activities, including dining.

[0003] Although, the traditional method of providing shading during outside dinning using umbrella as well as shade sails that has proven effective to some extent, but it comes with inherent limitations. They have a fixed canopy size and shape, providing limited coverage over the dining table. This result in uneven shading, leaving some diners exposed to the sun or rain. Many traditional umbrellas and shade sails require manual opening and closing using a crank or pulley arrangement. Thus, there is a need to develop an innovative tool that provide a consistent way of providing shading outside dinning where traditional methods may fall short and to meet the evolving demands of modern requirements.

[0004] CN104414178A discloses aspecial dining table with a shielding umbrella for outdoor dining. A folding umbrella is fixed at the center of the table surface with folding table legs. By means of the dining table, ash and rainwater above the table can be shielded, the umbrella can be folded to be stored, and accordingly, the dining table is convenient to store, capable of not occupying too much space and quick and safe to use. CN'178 discloses about a method that is used for providing a shielding umbrella for outdoor dining. However, the above mentioned invention does not focus on determining the location of the user for providing shade to the user from a sunlight.

[0005] US7124694B2 discloses a tabletop having a substantially planar top surface with a circular aperture therein. A disc is rotatably mounted in the circular aperture. The disc has a substantially planar upper surface and a central opening therethrough. The top surface of the tabletop and the upper surface of the disc are substantially coplanar, and the central opening is capable of receiving a cylindrical shaft such as the shaft of an umbrella. Though, US'694 discloses about a method that is used for providing a substantially planar top surface with a circular aperture. However, the above-mentioned invention does not focus on the safeguarding the user from a rain as well as from a light occurring outdoors.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of providing shade to the user present outdoors, however no such means has been incorporated those aids in detecting position of a user and accordingly provide a shade to the user in order to prevent the user from harsh weather such as sunlight and rainfall.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that has the ability to determine the location of the user for providing shade to the user from sunlight. Also, the device is capable of safeguarding the user from a rain as well as from a light occurring outdoors.

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 determining the location of the user in order to provide shade to the user from sunlight.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of safeguarding the user from rain as well as from light occurring in outdoors.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable in nature.

[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 outdoor shading device that is capable of detecting position of a user and accordingly provide a shade to the user in order to prevent the user from harsh weather such as sunlight and rainfall.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention an outdoor shading device comprising a cuboidal structure, for storing of weighted flaps, for providing a stability to structure, four motorized omnidirectional wheels are attached with the structure for providing locomotion of a structure, a canopy is attached on a second end of a second rod for providing a shade from a sunlight, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on structure to determine a user located in vicinity of structure, a light sensor configured on structure detects a light level on structure, a rain sensor detects a rain.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a pin joints for enabling canopy to collapse or open, a microphone for receiving an audio command from a user regarding opening of canopy, a wireless communication module is provided on structure for enabling user to remotely trigger microcontroller is connected with a computing unit used to actuate sliding unit and ball and socket joint to open canopy, a battery is associated with device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with 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 outdoor shading 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 outdoor shading device that is capable of detecting position of a user and accordingly provide a shade to the user in order to prevent the user from harsh weather such as sunlight and rainfall.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an outdoor shading device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal structure 101 is having four motorized omnidirectional wheels 102, a telescopic rod 103 is provided perpendicularly on the structure 101, a first end of a first elongated member 104 is attached to a top end of the telescopic rod 103, a first end of a second elongated member 105 is provided on the telescopic rod 103, a canopy 106 is installed on the second end of the second member, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 is installed on the structure 101, a microphone 108 is to provided on the structure 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a cuboidal structure 101 for a storing of weighted flaps for providing a stability to the structure 101 on a fixed surface. The structure 101 is having four motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 for providing a locomotion of the structure 101 over the surface. The wheels 102 comprise a wheel coupled with a motor via a shaft wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the wheel via the shaft. The wheel thus provides a maximum level of assistance to the user and also providing the locomotion of the structure 101.

[0024] A telescopic rod 103 is provided perpendicularly on the structure 101, a first end of a first elongated member 104 is attached to a top end of the rod 103 by a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint is a mechanical arrangement consists of a ball-shaped component that fits into a socket, with a motor providing the necessary power to drive the rotation to provide angular movement to the top end of the rod 103. The first end of a second elongated member 105 is attached to a sliding unit provided along a length of the rod 103.

[0025] The sliding unit consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. The microcontroller compares the detected size of the plate with the current dimension of the curved-shaped platform and accordingly actuates the motorized sliding unit to adjust in accordance with the size of the rod 103. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages. This linear motion provides a stable track and allows the attachment of the first elongated member 104 with the top end of the rod 103.

[0026] The second end of the first rod 103 and the second end of the second rod 103 is attached to a canopy 106 by hinges for holding the canopy 106 in an upright position for providing a shade from a sunlight enabling a collapsing and an opening of the canopy 106. The hinge typically refers a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis. It usually consists of two parts: a stationary component and a moving component. The stationary component is securely attached to one part of the clamping unit, while the moving component is connected to the other part that aids in providing back and forth movement to the unit for holding the canopy 106 in an upright position for providing a shade from a sunlight enabling a collapsing and an opening of the canopy 106.

[0027] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 is configured on the structure 101 and is integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the structure 101 to determine a user located in the vicinity of the structure 101. The imaging unit 107 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the structure 101. The AI (artificial intelligence) imaging unit 107 is encrypted with the processor linked with the imagining unit to enhance its functionality and capabilities. The AI imaging unit 107 are used to process and analyses the images 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 for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the structure 101 to determine the user located in the vicinity of the structure 101. Then, the microcontroller actuates the motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 to move the cuboidal structure 101 towards the user for providing a shade to the user from the sunlight.

[0028] Then, a light sensor is assembled on the structure detects a light level 101 to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the sliding unit and the ball and socket joint to open the canopy 106 for providing shade, if the detected light level is above a threshold light level. The light sensor is a photoelectric device that converts light energy (photons) detected to electrical energy (electrons) on the structure 101. In any case if the detected light level is above the threshold, then the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit and the ball and socket joint to open the canopy 106 for providing shade.

[0029] After detecting the light level is above the threshold light level, a rain sensor detects a rain on the structure 101 to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the sliding unit and the ball and socket joint to open the canopy 106 for providing protection from the rain if the rain is detected. The rain sensor working principle involves the use of optical or capacitive technology to detect the presence of rain on the structure 101. When raindrops fall on the sensor, the sensor disrupt infrared light beam, triggering a signal indicating the presence of rain. Capacitive rain sensors, on the other hand, utilize changes in capacitance caused by water droplets on the surface to detect rainfall. These sensors measure the electrical conductivity between two conductive plates, with an increase in conductivity indicating rainfall. Overall, both types of rain sensors provide accurate and reliable to open the canopy 106 for providing protection from the rain if the rain is detected.

[0030] Then, the canopy 106 comprises a fabric reinforced by plurality of thin elongated arms (ranging from 4 to 5) having pin joints for enabling the canopy 106 to collapse or open by an actuation of the pin joints. The pin joints comprise of a pin incorporated within a bearing and coupled to a DC motor via a shaft to provide required movement to the pin joint. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the pin joint respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the pin joint that in turn provides movement to the arms for enabling the canopy 106 to collapse or open. Then, the first member and the second member are connected to the canopy 106 with the elongated arms.

[0031] After that, a microphone 108 is linked with the microcontroller is provided on the structure 101 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding opening the canopy 106. The microphone 108 consists of a voice receiver and transducer. The voice receiver receives the voice of the user while opening the canopy 106 and synchronically the transducer converts the received voice in the form of a signal and transmits the signal to the microcontroller for receiving an audio command from the user regarding opening the canopy 106.

[0032] A wireless communication module linked with the microcontroller is provided on the structure 101 for enabling the user to open the canopy 106. The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. The microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the computing unit and device to display the alert in the computing unit for for enabling the user to open the canopy 106.

[0033] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct 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 functions.

[0034] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal structure 101 for the storing of weighted flaps for providing the stability to the structure 101, The structure 101 is having four motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 for the locomotion of the structure 101. The telescopic rod 103 is provided perpendicularly on the structure 101, the first end of the first elongated member 104 is attached to the top end of the rod 103 by the ball and socket joint. The first end of the second elongated member 105 is attached to the sliding unit provided along the length of the rod 103. The second end of the first rod 103 and the second end of the second rod 103 is attached to the canopy 106 by hinges for holding the canopy 106 in the upright position for providing the shade from the sunlight enabling the collapsing and the opening of the canopy 106. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 is configured on the structure 101 and is integrated with the processor for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the structure 101 to determine the user located in the vicinity of the structure 101. Then, the microcontroller actuates the motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 to move the cuboidal structure 101 towards the user for providing the shade to the user from the sunlight. Then, the light sensor detects the light level on the structure 101 to open the canopy 106 for providing shade, if the detected light level is above the threshold light level. After detecting the light level is above the threshold light level, the rain sensor detects the rain on the structure 101 to open the canopy 106 for providing protection from the rain if the rain is detected. Then, the canopy 106 comprises the fabric reinforced by plurality of thin elongated arms having pin joints for enabling the canopy 106 to collapse or open by the actuation of the pin joints, wherein the first member and the second member are connected to the canopy 106 with the elongated arms. After that, the microphone 108 is linked with the microcontroller is provided on the structure 101 for receiving an audio command from the user regarding opening the canopy 106. The wireless communication module is linked with the microcontroller is provided on the structure 101 for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting with the computing unit to actuate the sliding unit and the ball and socket joint to open the canopy 106.

[0035] 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 outdoor shading device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal structure 101, for a storing of weighted flaps, for providing a stability to said structure 101, said structure 101 having four motorized omnidirectional wheels 102, for a locomotion of said structure 101;
ii) a telescopic rod 103 provided perpendicularly on said structure 101, a first end of a first elongated member 104 attached to a top end of said rod 103 by a ball and socket joint, a first end of a second elongated member 105 attached to a sliding unit provided along a length of said rod 103, a second end of said first rod 103 and a second end of said second rod 103, attached to a canopy 106 by hinges, for holding said canopy 106 in an upright position for providing a shade from a sunlight, enabling a collapsing and an opening of said canopy 106;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on said structure 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said structure 101, to determine a user located in said vicinity of said structure 101 to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said motorized omnidirectional wheels 102 to move said cuboidal structure 101 towards said user for providing a shade to said user from said sunlight;
iv) a light sensor detects a light level on said structure 101 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said sliding unit and said ball and socket joint to open said canopy 106 for providing shade, if said detected light level is above a threshold light level; and
v) a rain sensor detects a rain on said structure 101 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said sliding unit and said ball and socket joint to open said canopy 106 for providing protection from said rain if said rain is detected.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said canopy 106 comprises a fabric reinforced by plurality of thin elongated arms having pin joints for enabling said canopy 106 to collapse or open by an actuation of said pin joints, wherein said first member and said second member are connected to said canopy 106 with said elongated arms.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 108, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said structure 101 for receiving an audio command from said user regarding opening said canopy 106 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said sliding unit and said ball and socket joint to open said canopy 106.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said structure 101 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate said sliding unit and said ball and socket joint to open said canopy 106.

5) 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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