SECURED KEY-HOLDING ASSISTIVE DEVICE

Abstract

A secured key-holding assistive device comprising a conical frame 101 having an opening at apex portion of frame 101, a string 201 attached with hook 102 for hanging the frame 101, a motorized roller 202 coiled with the string 201 and integrated in the frame 101 to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping the string 201, multiple L-shaped links 204 arranged on periphery portion of the plate 203 by means of a motorized hinge joint for enabling the user to accommodate multiple keys, plurality of electromagnetic locking 104 unit are arranged on ends of the links 204 for adhering to the accommodated keys in a secured manner, plurality of electromagnets 205 arranged on the spikes 105 to create an optimum magnetic field for engaging the spikes 105, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame 101 for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a secured key-holding assistive device that recognizes the user-specified texts of the keys in order to identify the user-specified key along with safeguarding the keys in order to secure the key in their respective placement and prevents them from falling and getting lost.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A key holder is used to hold keys of different types, used for different purposes. There are many different types of key holder available on the market, and the best type of key holder depends on the individual's needs and preferences. The key holder holds multiple keys at a same time and also separates all the keys from one another. They are designed to keep the keys organized, prevent jingling, and protect our belongings from scratches, making them a convenient solution. The key holder make easier to keep track of our keys, as you keep all of our keys in a single location rather than carrying them all separately. This is useful when a user keeps a lot of keys or if you frequently lose track of your keys.

[0003] Traditionally, key-holding assistive device helps in organizing and managing keys efficiently, improving working efficiency and reducing the space occupied by keys. The device allows easy management and make it convenient to find the desired key. While these traditional methods offers many benefits, but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks like recognizing the user-specified texts of the keys in order to identify the user-specified key and preventing the key from falling and getting lost along with providing a decorative addition to our home or office.

[0004] GB2323272A discloses about a key holder for use in secure establishments such as prisons comprises a holding member 20 for holding at least one key and/or other ancillary items. The holding member 20 has an end 20A for receiving the at least one key to be held on the holding member 20. Closing means (22, figure 1b) is provided to enable the end 20A to be closed to prevent removal of the at least one key while the holding member 20 and the closing means 22 remain intact. The closing means 22 is adapted to allow the end 20A to be opened to permit removal of the at least one key while the holding member 20 remains intact. The closing means 22 is further characterized by at least one of the following: a) a tool (50, figure 4) is required to open the closing means which allows the end 20A to be opened to permit removal of the at least one key; b) the holding member 20 is not allowed to be closed after opening (i) unless a specific apparatus is used to close the closing means 22, or (ii) if the closing means 22 is deformed during an illicit attempt to acquire a key from the holding member 20. Preferably the holding member 20 has two ends 20A, 20B which are held together and secured using the closing means 22. The closing means 22 preferably comprises a cup 24 with grooves 28 in which the holding member 20 be located (as shown in figure 3), the cup being closed by a lid 26 and secured in place by folding over the upper edge 32. Although GB'272 is able to hold at least one key and/or other ancillary items. However the invention is unable to recognizing the user-specified texts of the keys in order to identify the user-specified key.

[0005] US3832874A discloses about a key holder in a readily accessible locked position yet operable to hold at least one key in a position for use. The holder including a male and female element detachably secured together and having a key retaining rod mounted there between, a cover pivotally secured between the elements, and a locking member coachable with the elements to secure them together and to spring bias the cover to hold the keys between the elements. Although US'874 is able to hold key in a position for use. However the invention is unable to safeguard the keys in order to secure the key in their respective placement and prevents them from falling and getting lost.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to secure the key in the particular defined section by the user, but they lacks in safeguarding the keys in order to secure the key in their respective placement and preventing them from falling and getting lost as well as lacks in recognizing the user-specified texts of the keys in order to identify the user-specified key.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of recognizing the user-specified texts of the keys in order to identify the user-specified key as well as safeguards the keys in order to secure the key in their respective placement and preventing them from falling and getting lost.

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 safeguarding the keys in order to secure the key in their respective placement and prevents them from falling and getting lost.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is develop a device that is capable of recognizing the user-specified texts of the keys in order to identify the user-specified key.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is 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 a secured key-holding assistive device that safeguards the keys in their respective placement and prevents them from falling and getting lost and moreover the device recognizing the user-specified texts of the keys in order to identify the user-specified key.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a secured key-holding assistive device, comprises of a conical frame having an opening at apex portion of the frame, a string attached with a hook and looped through the opening that is accessed by a user for hanging the frame on a vertical/fixed support, a microphone integrated on the frame for enabling a user to provide input voice commands to activate/deactivate the device, a motorized roller coiled with the string and integrated in the frame that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping the string, plurality of L-shaped links arranged on periphery portion of the plate by means of a motorized hinge joint that is actuated by the microcontroller to provide converging/diverging movement to the links for enabling the user to accommodate multiple keys with varying designated text on the links, plurality of electromagnetic locking unit are arranged on ends of the links for adhering to the accommodated keys in a secured manner.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of plurality of plurality of electromagnets arranged on the spikes arranged on bottom peripheral portion of the frame to create an optimum magnetic field for engaging the spikes, the imaging unit synced with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) sensor to recognize the user-specified texts of the keys for identifying the user-specified key, the microcontroller deactivates the electromagnets and the hinge joint to drop the user-specified key that are collected on a flap arranged on the frame by means of a robotic arm, the frame is fabricated with a stretchable layer for providing a cover to the accommodated keys, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame to determine presence of the user, a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered 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 a secured key-holding assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a string attached with hook associated with proposed 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 a secured key-holding assistive device that is capable of safeguarding the keys in their respective placement in order to prevent the keys from falling and getting lost and moreover the device is capable of recognizing the user-specified texts of the keys in order to identify the user-specified key.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of a secured key-holding assistive device and an isometric view of a string attached with hook associated with proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprises of a conical frame 101 having an opening at apex portion of the frame 101, a string 201 attached with a hook 102, a motorized roller 202 coiled with the string 201, a plate 203 integrated on one end of the string 201, plurality of L-shaped links 204 arranged on periphery portion of the plate 203, plurality of electromagnetic locking 104 unit are arranged on ends of the links 204, plurality of spikes 105 arranged on bottom peripheral portion of the frame 101, plurality of electromagnets 205 arranged on the spikes 105, frame 101 is fabricated with a stretchable layer 106, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the frame 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a conical frame 101 having an opening at apex portion of the frame 101. The frame 101 is fabricated with a stretchable layer 106 for providing a cover to the accommodated keys. A string 201 attached with a hook 102 and looped through the opening that is accessed by a user for hanging the frame 101 on a vertical/fixed support.

[0024] Further a microphone integrated on the frame 101 enables a user to provide input voice commands to activate/deactivate the device. The microphone contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the user hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the magnet's field, generating an electrical current. The signal of which are sent to an inbuilt microcontroller to activate/deactivate the device.

[0025] Upon activation of the device, the microcontroller actuates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101, respectively to determine presence of the user, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the roller 202 to unwrap the string 201. The artificial intelligence based imaging unit comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the frame 101 and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to determine presence of the user.

[0026] Upon determining the presence of the user, a motorized roller 202 coiled with the string 201 and integrated in the frame 101 is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping the string 201. The motorized roller 202 comprises a disc 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 disc via the shaft. The disc thus provides a maximum level of assistance to the user and also allow the user for unwrapping/wrapping the string 201. Further the disc is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for tightening/loosening a looped strap coiled on the roller 202 in order to unwrap/wrap the string 201 in view of translating a plate 203 integrated on one end of the string 201 in downward direction through an aperture carved on base portion of the frame 101.

[0027] Further, plurality of L-shaped links 204 arranged on periphery portion of the plate 203 by means of a motorized hinge joint that is actuated by the microcontroller to provide converging/diverging movement to the links 204 for enabling the user to accommodate multiple keys with varying designated text on the links 204. Plurality of L-shaped links 204 refers to two in numbers. The motorized hinge joint comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the L-shaped links 204. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence, the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the L-shaped links 204 for provide converging/diverging movement to the links 204 for enabling the user to accommodate multiple keys with varying designated text on the links 204.

[0028] Upon accommodating multiple keys with varying designated text on the links 204, plurality of electromagnetic locking 104 unit are arranged on ends of the links 204 for adhering to the accommodated keys in a secured manner. Plurality of electromagnetic locking 104 refers to four to six in numbers unit. The electromagnetic locking 104 unit is a specialized type of locking unit in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current. When the current is passed through the locking unit, it creates a magnetic field around the locking unit for adhering to the accommodated keys in a secured manner.

[0029] Upon adhering to the accommodated keys in a secured manner, the microcontroller directs the roller 202 to wrap the string 201 for positioning the keys in the frame 101, followed by actuation of plurality of electromagnets 205 arranged on plurality of spikes 105 arranged on bottom peripheral portion of the frame 101 to create an optimum magnetic field for engaging the spikes 105, in a manner that the aperture is closed in view of safeguarding the keys in the frame 101. Plurality of electromagnets 205 refers to two to four in numbers. The electromagnet is a specialized type of magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by an electric current wherein the electromagnet consists of wire wound into a coil. When the current is passed through the wire, it creates a magnetic field which is concentrated in the hole in the center of the coil thus energizing the electromagnet to create an optimum magnetic field for engaging the spikes 105, in a manner that the aperture is closed in view of safeguarding the keys in the frame 101.

[0030] Further, in case the user desires to obtain one of the secured key, the user provide the designated text of the desired key, the microcontroller actuates the imaging unit synced with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) sensor to recognize the user-specified texts of the keys for identifying the user-specified key. The imaging unit comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360 degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the designated text and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation.

[0031] In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification for identifying the user-specified key with help of OCR (Optical Character Recognition) sensor.

[0032] The OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module synced with the camera mapped within the body for recognize the user-specified texts of the keys. Basically, an OCR sensor covert virtually any type of image containing
printed or hand-written character into binary format. For this, the camera
firstly captures the images of the keys. The OCR (Optical Character Recognition) module further analyzes the image's dark portions to recognize characters for identifying the user-specified key.

[0033] Further, upon successfully identifying the user-specified key, the microcontroller deactivates the electromagnets 205 and the hinge joint to drop the user-specified key that are collected on a flap arranged on the frame 101 by means of a robotic arm. The robotic arm comprises of a robotic link and a clamp attached to the link. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the arm. Upon actuation of the robotic arm by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to drop the user-specified key that are collected on the flap.

[0034] 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 generally 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.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the conical frame 101 having an opening at apex portion and the string 201 attached with the hook 102 that is accessed by the user for hanging the frame 101 on the vertical/fixed support. Further, the microphone enables the user to provide input voice commands to activate/deactivate the device. Upon giving the input command, microcontroller actuates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit for capturing and processing the multiple images in vicinity of the frame 101, respectively to determine presence of the user, based on which the microcontroller regulates actuation of the roller 202 to unwrap the string 201. Further the motorized roller 202 coiled with the string 201 is actuated for unwrapping/wrapping the string 201, in view of translating the plate 203 in downward direction through an aperture carved on base portion of the frame 101. Upon translating the plate 203, plurality of L-shaped links 204 is actuated by the microcontroller to provide converging/diverging movement to the links 204 for enabling the user to accommodate multiple keys with varying designated text on the links 204. Further plurality of electromagnetic locking 104 unit adhere the accommodated keys in a secured manner. Upon successfully accommodating the keys on the links 204, the microcontroller directs the roller 202 to wrap the string 201 for positioning the keys in the frame 101, followed by actuation of plurality of electromagnets 205 to create an optimum magnetic field for engaging the spikes 105, in a manner that the aperture is closed in view of safeguarding the keys in the frame 101. Further, in case to obtain one of the secured key, the user provide the designated text of the desired key, followed by actuation of the imaging unit synced with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) sensor to recognize the user-specified texts of the keys for identifying the user-specified key and upon successfully identifying the user-specified key, the microcontroller deactivates the electromagnets 205 and the hinge joint to drop the user-specified key that are collected on a flap arranged on the frame 101 by means of a robotic arm.

[0036] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a proximity sensor may be installed with the frame 101 may be used to measure and inform the user about the length of keys in order to accommodate keys of specified length.

[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:1) A secured key-holding assistive device, comprising:

i) a conical frame 101 having an opening at apex portion of said frame 101, wherein a string 201 attached with a hook 102, is looped through said opening that is accessed by a user for hanging said frame 101 on a vertical/fixed support;
ii) a microphone integrated on said frame 101 for enabling a user to provide input voice commands to activate/deactivate said device, wherein a motorized roller 202 coiled with said string 201 and integrated in said frame 101 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to rotate for unwrapping/wrapping said string 201, in view of translating a plate 203 integrated on one end of said string 201 in downward direction through an aperture carved on base portion of said frame 101;
iii) plurality of L-shaped links 204 arranged on periphery portion of said plate 203 by means of a motorized hinge joint that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide converging/diverging movement to said links 204 for enabling said user to accommodate multiple keys with varying designated text on said links 204, wherein plurality of electromagnetic locking 104 unit are arranged on ends of said links 204 for adhering to said accommodated keys in a secured manner; and
iv) plurality of spikes 105 arranged on bottom peripheral portion of said frame 101, wherein upon successfully accommodating said keys on said links 204, said microcontroller directs said roller 202 to wrap said string 201 for positioning said keys in said frame 101, followed by actuation of plurality of electromagnets 205 arranged on said spikes 105 to create an optimum magnetic field for engaging said spikes 105, in a manner that said aperture is closed in view of safeguarding said keys in said frame 101.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said user desires to obtain one of said secured key, said user is required to provide said designated text of said desired key, followed by actuation of said imaging unit synced with an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) sensor to recognize said user-specified texts of said keys for identifying said user-specified key.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein upon successfully identifying said user-specified key, said microcontroller deactivates said electromagnets 205 and said hinge joint to drop said user-specified key that are collected on a flap arranged on said frame 101 by means of a robotic arm.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame 101 is fabricated with a stretchable layer 106 for providing a cover to said accommodated keys.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said frame 101, respectively to determine presence of said user, based on which said microcontroller regulates actuation of said roller 202 to unwrap said string 201.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.

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