Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

AN APPARATUS FOR PROTECTING AND CHARGING A HANDHELD DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOF

PREEYARIKA INNOVATIONS PRIVATE LIMITED
An Indian company having address at:
1101, FLOOR-11, PLOT-4/404, JAYWANT TOWER, PANDIT MADAN MOHAN MALVIYA MARG, MUMBAI - 400034, MH, INDIA

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE AND INVENTION THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

RELATED APPLICATIONS
[001] This application is a patent of addition of Main Indian Patent Application No. 202221043372 filed on July 28, 2022.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The present invention relates generally to protective casings for handheld devices and wireless charging of a handheld device through various means and more particularly relates to an apparatus for protecting and charging the handheld device.
BACKGROUND
[003] In today’s world, handheld devices are very popular and their usage is wide spread. A handheld device can be a mobile device, a tablet, a palm laptop, a remote-control device, or any similar electronic device. The handheld devices work on myriad of delicate and expensive components. In day-to-day handling of the handheld devices, there are chances that the handheld device may drop or fall from the substantial height, thereby damaging the handheld device. It is important to protect the handheld devices as the impact causes damage to the delicate components of the handheld devices, thereby completely or partially disabling the functionality. In some instances, there is a high chance that the handheld devices are permanently damaged.
[004] Additionally, nowadays, almost everyone constantly uses handheld devices. Due to constant use, the battery associated with the handheld device discharges rapidly and that leads to charging the handheld device multiple times a day.
[005] In order to handle such frequent charging problems, the handheld device manufacturers focused on getting larger and better batteries for handheld devices which in turn led to another problem associated with the handheld devices. Often larger batteries require a larger space which also adds up to weight and cost of the handheld devices. Therefore, the handheld devices became bulkier.
[006] However, sometimes it may not be possible to charge the mobile device because of constant use. At the same time, a handheld device user has to focus constantly on the charging status of the battery so that the handheld devices can be plugged to power strips for charging. Many times, because of the busy schedule, the user may forget to keep the handheld device on charging, or the user may not notice that the battery of the handheld device is less than the required battery needed for any pre-scheduled meeting. In such crisis cases, it may happen that the battery of the handheld device gets discharged when the user is doing some important work on the handheld device, or the user is on an important call. Such incidents disturb the work of the user as well as efficiency of the user drastically reduces.
[007] There are no conventional systems and methods which provide protective casings for the handheld device along with wireless charging of the handheld device.
[008] Therefore, a protective casing with a transportation device is needed which protects the handheld device as well as automatically transporting the handheld device to charging stations in minimal time.
[009] Therefore, there is a need of an apparatus and method which solves the above defined problems.
SUMMARY
[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[0011] Before the present subject matter relating to an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device and method thereof, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular apparatus described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[0012] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device and method thereof. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[0013] In one embodiment, a method for protecting and charging a handheld device includes a step of disposing a one or more protection means inside a housing by sliding from a stowed position inside the housing to a deployed position out of the housing. The method includes a step of monitoring, by at least one sensor, a battery level of the handheld device. The method includes a step of comparing, by a control unit, the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data. The method includes a step of activating, by the control unit, an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. The method includes a step of scanning, by the control unit, one or more pre-installed charging stations near to a reaching point of the handheld device in a pre-defined area. The method includes a step of sending, by the control unit, an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements for actuating an actuation unit and unfolding a spring and push a damper coupled to the spring in a direction of the protection means for sliding the protection means from the stowed position to the deployed position. The method includes a step of generating, by the control unit, a command for activating the protection means based on the actuated actuation unit. The method includes a step of transporting the handheld device from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means based on the command. The method includes a step of determining, by a determination module, shortest distance between the handheld device and the one or more charging stations. The method includes a step of selecting, by the determination module, a nearest charging station having the shortest distance. The method includes a step of identifying, by an obstacle identifier, obstacles between the handheld device and the selected charging station. The method includes a step of identifying, by a path identifier, one or more paths between the handheld device and the selected charging station based on the identified obstacles. The method includes a step of selecting, by the path identifier, a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. The method includes a step of deciding, by a driving management module, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation. The method includes a step of identifying, by the driving management module, a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers in the pre-defined area. The method includes a step of selecting, by a selection module, a mover from the identified movers based on the identified driving mechanism. The method includes a step of picking, by the selected mover, the handheld device from the reaching point. The method includes a step of transporting, by the selected mover, the handheld device to the determined charging station for wirelessly charging the handheld device.
[0014] In another embodiment, an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device includes a one or more protection means, an actuation unit, at least one sensor, a control unit, a determination module, an obstacle identifier, a path identifier, a driving management module, a selection module, a mover, and a charging station. The one or more protection means is disposed inside a housing, where the protection means is configured to slide from a stowed position inside the housing to a deployed position out of the housing. The actuation unit includes a plurality of actuating elements, a spring, a damper coupled to the spring, and a loading element. The sensor is configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device. The control unit is configured to compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data, and further activates an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. The control unit is further configured to scan one or more pre-installed charging stations near to a reaching point of the handheld device in a pre-defined area. The control unit is configured to send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements to actuate the actuation unit to unfold the spring and push the damper coupled to the spring in the direction of the protection means to slide the protection means from the stowed position to the deployed position. The control unit is configured to generate a command to activate the protection means based on the actuated actuation unit, wherein the handheld device is configured to transport from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means based on the command. The determination module is configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device and the one or more charging stations, and further select a nearest charging station having the shortest distance. The obstacle identifier is configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device and the selected charging station. The path identifier is configured to identify one or more paths between the handheld device and the selected charging station based on the identified obstacles, and further select a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. The driving management module is configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers in the pre-defined area. The selection module is configured to select a move from the identified movers based on the identified driving mechanism. The selected mover is further configured to pick the handheld device from the reaching point and transport the handheld device to the determined charging station to wirelessly charge the handheld device.
[0015] In another embodiment, a system for protecting and charging a handheld device is also disclosed, which includes a one or more protection means, an actuation unit, at least one sensor, a control unit, a determination module, an obstacle identifier, a path identifier, a driving management module, a selection module, a mover, and a charging station. The one or more protection means is disposed inside a body of the handheld device, where the protection means is configured to slide from a stowed position inside the body of the handheld device to a deployed position out of the body of the handheld device. The actuation unit includes a plurality of actuating elements, a spring, a damper coupled to the spring, and a loading element. The sensor is configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device. The control unit is configured to compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data, and further activates an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. The control unit is further configured to scan one or more pre-installed charging stations near to a reaching point of the handheld device in a pre-defined area. The control unit is configured to send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements to actuate the actuation unit to unfold the spring and push the damper coupled to the spring in the direction of the protection means to slide the protection means from the stowed position to the deployed position. The control unit is configured to generate a command to activate the protection means based on the actuated actuation unit, wherein the handheld device is configured to transport from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means based on the command. The determination module is configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device and the one or more charging stations, and further select a nearest charging station having the shortest distance. The obstacle identifier is configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device and the selected charging station. The path identifier is configured to identify one or more paths between the handheld device and the selected charging station based on the identified obstacles, and further select a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. The driving management module is configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers in the pre-defined area. The selection module is configured to select a move from the identified movers based on the identified driving mechanism. The selected mover is further configured to pick the handheld device from the reaching point and transport the handheld device to the determined charging station to wirelessly charge the handheld device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0016] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific apparatus or method disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0017] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present submit matter.
[0019] Figure 2 illustrates an elevation of a handheld device depicting an arrangement of protection means, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0020] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a handheld device after a severe dropping event where the umbrellas are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0021] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram depicting a handheld device after a severe dropping event where the inverted umbrellas are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0022] Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for protecting and charging a handheld device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0023] In the above accompanying drawings, a non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
[0024] Further, the figures depict various embodiments of the present subject matter for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device and method thereof is now described.
[0026] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device and method thereof, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that an apparatus can be utilized in any situation where there is a dropping of a handheld device from higher surface and if the battery level of a battery unit associated with the handheld device is below a threshold battery level, there is a need to automatically charge the battery unit of the handheld device, wirelessly. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0027] In one embodiment, a method for protecting and charging a handheld device includes a step of disposing a one or more protection means inside a housing by sliding from a stowed position inside the housing to a deployed position out of the housing. The method includes a step of monitoring, by at least one sensor, a battery level of the handheld device. The method includes a step of comparing, by a control unit, the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data. The method includes a step of activating, by the control unit, an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. The method includes a step of scanning, by the control unit, one or more pre-installed charging stations near to a reaching point of the handheld device in a pre-defined area. The method includes a step of sending, by the control unit, an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements for actuating an actuation unit and unfolding a spring and push a damper coupled to the spring in a direction of the protection means for sliding the protection means from the stowed position to the deployed position. The method includes a step of generating, by the control unit, a command for activating the protection means based on the actuated actuation unit. The method includes a step of transporting the handheld device from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means based on the command. The method includes a step of determining, by a determination module, shortest distance between the handheld device and the one or more charging stations. The method includes a step of selecting, by the determination module, a nearest charging station having the shortest distance. The method includes a step of identifying, by an obstacle identifier, obstacles between the handheld device and the selected charging station. The method includes a step of identifying, by a path identifier, one or more paths between the handheld device and the selected charging station based on the identified obstacles. The method includes a step of selecting, by the path identifier, a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. The method includes a step of deciding, by a driving management module, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation. The method includes a step of identifying, by the driving management module, a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers in the pre-defined area. The method includes a step of selecting, by a selection module, a mover from the identified movers based on the identified driving mechanism. The method includes a step of picking, by the selected mover, the handheld device from the reaching point. The method includes a step of transporting, by the selected mover, the handheld device to the determined charging station for wirelessly charging the handheld device.
[0028] In another implementation, the method includes a step of determining, by the control unit, the position of the handheld device in the pre-defined area, if the battery level is equal to or less than the threshold battery level.
[0029] In another implementation, the method includes the steps of computing, by the determination module, the distance between the determined position of the handheld device and the scanned charging stations based a shortest path technique; and selecting the charging station based on the computed distance.
[0030] In another implementation, the method includes a step of computing, by a computation module, the speed of each mover.
[0031] In another implementation, the method includes a step of picking, by the mover, the handheld device, from the determined position and self-charging the handheld device wirelessly.
[0032] In another implementation, the step of identifying obstacles is performed by using a LiDAR object detection technique, sensor-based technique, and other object detection technique.
[0033] In another embodiment, an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device includes a one or more protection means, an actuation unit, at least one sensor, a control unit, a determination module, an obstacle identifier, a path identifier, a driving management module, a selection module, a mover, and a charging station. The one or more protection means is disposed inside a housing, where the protection means is configured to slide from a stowed position inside the housing to a deployed position out of the housing. The actuation unit includes a plurality of actuating elements, a spring, a damper coupled to the spring, and a loading element. The sensor is configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device. The control unit is configured to compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data, and further activates an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. The control unit is further configured to scan one or more pre-installed charging stations near to a reaching point of the handheld device in a pre-defined area. The control unit is configured to send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements to actuate the actuation unit to unfold the spring and push the damper coupled to the spring in the direction of the protection means to slide the protection means from the stowed position to the deployed position. The control unit is configured to generate a command to activate the protection means based on the actuated actuation unit, wherein the handheld device is configured to transport from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means based on the command. The determination module is configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device and the one or more charging stations, and further select a nearest charging station having the shortest distance. The obstacle identifier is configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device and the selected charging station. The path identifier is configured to identify one or more paths between the handheld device and the selected charging station based on the identified obstacles, and further select a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. The driving management module is configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers in the pre-defined area. The selection module is configured to select a move from the identified movers based on the identified driving mechanism. The selected mover is further configured to pick the handheld device from the reaching point and transport the handheld device to the determined charging station to wirelessly charge the handheld device.
[0034] In another implementation, the protection means acts as a moving mechanism.
[0035] In another implementation, the protection means is an umbrella and an inverted umbrella.
[0036] In another implementation, the control unit is configured to determine the position of the handheld device in the pre-defined area, if the battery level is equal to or less than the threshold battery level.
[0037] In another implementation, the determination module is configured to compute the distance between the determined position of the handheld device and the scanned charging stations based a shortest path technique and further select the charging station based on the computed distance.
[0038] In another implementation, the mover includes a land mover or an aerial mover.
[0039] In another implementation, the system includes a computation module, which is configured to compute the speed of each mover.
[0040] In another implementation, the driving mechanism includes land moving charging and aerial charging mechanisms.
[0041] In another implementation, the mover is configured to pick the handheld device from the determined position and self-charge the handheld device wirelessly.
[0042] In another implementation, the obstacle identifier is configured to identify obstacles by using a LiDAR object detection technique, sensor-based technique, and other object detection technique.
[0043] In another embodiment, a system for protecting and charging a handheld device is also disclosed, which includes a one or more protection means, an actuation unit, at least one sensor, a control unit, a determination module, an obstacle identifier, a path identifier, a driving management module, a selection module, a mover, and a charging station. The one or more protection means is disposed inside a body of the handheld device, where the protection means is configured to slide from a stowed position inside the body of the handheld device to a deployed position out of the body of the handheld device. The actuation unit includes a plurality of actuating elements, a spring, a damper coupled to the spring, and a loading element. The sensor is configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device. The control unit is configured to compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data, and further activates an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. The control unit is further configured to scan one or more pre-installed charging stations near to a reaching point of the handheld device in a pre-defined area. The control unit is configured to send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements to actuate the actuation unit to unfold the spring and push the damper coupled to the spring in the direction of the protection means to slide the protection means from the stowed position to the deployed position. The control unit is configured to generate a command to activate the protection means based on the actuated actuation unit, wherein the handheld device is configured to transport from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means based on the command. The determination module is configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device and the one or more charging stations, and further select a nearest charging station having the shortest distance. The obstacle identifier is configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device and the selected charging station. The path identifier is configured to identify one or more paths between the handheld device and the selected charging station based on the identified obstacles, and further select a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. The driving management module is configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers in the pre-defined area. The selection module is configured to select a move from the identified movers based on the identified driving mechanism. The selected mover is further configured to pick the handheld device from the reaching point and transport the handheld device to the determined charging station to wirelessly charge the handheld device.
[0044] In an embodiment, the apparatus as disclosed in the present subject matter acts as a cover for the handheld device which includes a plurality of bumpers, a plurality of umbrellas and an actuation unit. The cover can be a back cover or a flip cover of the handheld device. Bumpers are adapted to protect the handheld device when the impact force generated during the dropping event of the handheld device is less than a predetermined threshold value of the impact force. In the severe dropping event of the handheld device, when the generated impact force is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the actuation unit is automatically activated for opening up the umbrellas, thereby preventing the damage of the delicate parts of the handheld device. The apparatus, as disclosed in the present subject matter, can sustain the impact force generated during the dropping event of the handheld device, when the handheld device is encased with the apparatus, either by bumpers or by an umbrella, thereby protecting the handheld device from the damage. The bumpers and umbrellas are automatically retracted back to their original position after deploying the apparatus disclosed in the present subject matter, thereby reusing the same apparatus for the handheld device. The apparatus as disclosed in the present disclosure is installed at all sides of the handheld device for keeping the back side of the handheld device open, thereby avoiding the heat dissipation. Thus, the handheld device encased with the apparatus gets a good signal strength. Also, the handheld device does not heat up during the usage, and charging speed of the handheld device is maintained properly. The installation of the apparatus disclosed in the present subject matter is very simple.
[0045] In an embodiment, the system as disclosed in the present subject matter is disposed inside a body of the handheld device. In an exemplary embodiment, the system can be disposed at a back side of the handheld device which includes different units and modules.
[0046] In another embodiment, the umbrellas are not only protecting the handheld device, but the umbrellas act as a moving mechanism that helps to transport the handheld device from a current location to a reaching point to wirelessly charge the handheld device.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus as disclosed in the present subject matter is disposed on at least one side of the handheld device. When the apparatus senses that a battery level of the battery unit associated with the handheld device is below than a pre-determined threshold value, the apparatus actuates the actuation unit to unfold a spring and push a damper coupled to the spring in the direction of the protection means to slide the protection means from the stowed position to the deployed position. Thereafter, the protection means acts as a moving mechanism and transport the handheld device from a location where the handheld device falls to a pre-defined reaching point for further processing of wireless charging of the handheld device.
[0048] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram depicting an apparatus (100) for protecting and charging a handheld device (101), in accordance with an embodiment of the present submit matter.
[0049] The apparatus (100) for charging of a handheld device (101) (hereinafter referred to as “apparatus”) (100) includes one or more protection means (102), an actuation unit (104), at least one sensor (106), a control unit (108), a determination module (110), an obstacle identifier (112), a path identifier (114), a driving management module (116), a selection module (118), a mover (122), and a charging station (124).
[0050] In an embodiment, the units and modules of the apparatus (100) can be deployed on the handheld device (101), the mover (122), the charging station (124), or any combinations thereof.
[0051] In one embodiment, a system (not shown in a figure) is deployed inside the body of the handheld device (101).
[0052] The one or more protection means (102) is configured to dispose inside a housing (not shown in a Figure). The protection means (102) is further configured to slide from a stowed position inside the housing to a deployed position out of the housing. In an embodiment, the protection means (102) is configured to dispose at each corner of the handheld device (101). In one embodiment, the protection means (102) is disposed inside the housing through an openable flap provided at the corners of the apparatus (100). The protection means (102) can be an umbrella or an inverted umbrella stowed inside the housing. In one embodiment, the umbrella can be a balloon shaped umbrella. The umbrella can be made up of a light material, thereby making the apparatus (100) light weight. In an embodiment, the protection means (102) acts as a moving mechanism. In another embodiment, the housing can be of a size to receive the handheld device (101) such as a mobile device, a tablet or an iPad® or a remote-control device.
[0053] The actuation unit (104) is coupled to one or more protection means (102). The actuation unit (104) includes a plurality of actuating elements, a spring, a damper coupled to the spring, and a loading element.
[0054] The sensor (106) is configured to cooperate with the actuation unit (104). The sensor (106) is further configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device (101). In an embodiment, the handheld device (101) includes a battery unit (not shown in a figure). Due to constant use of the handheld device (101), the battery unit associated with the handheld device (101) discharges rapidly and that leads to charging the handheld device (101) multiple times a day. To overcome this, the apparatus (100) is configured to provide auto-wireless charging of the handheld device (101), where the apparatus (100) picks-up the handheld device (101) from a location and transmits the handheld device (101) to the nearby charging station (124) for automatically charging of the battery unit of the handheld device (101).
[0055] In an embodiment, the sensor (106) is configured to monitor the battery level of the handheld device (101) and relay the battery level information to the control unit (108). In an embodiment, the sensor (106) is configured to monitor the battery level of the handheld device (101) and send instructions to the control unit (108) if the battery level drops below a pre-defined threshold limit. In an embodiment, the sensor (106) includes, but is not limited to, one or more battery sensing and monitoring sensors, such as a current sensor, a voltage sensor, and a temperature sensor.
[0056] The control unit (108) is configured to cooperate with the sensor (106) to receive the data related to the battery level of the battery unit of the handheld device (101). The control unit (108) is further configured to activate an auto-wireless charging mode based on the received data. To activate the wireless charging mode, the control unit (108) is configured to determine a position of the handheld device (101) in a pre-defined area and scan one or more pre-installed charging stations (124) in the area. In an embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured to compare the battery level with the threshold battery level and further activate the auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared battery level data.
[0057] In an embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data, and activate an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. The control unit (108) is further configured to scan one or more pre-installed charging stations (124) near to a reaching point of the handheld device (101) in a pre-defined area. Thereafter, the control unit (108) is configured to send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements to actuate the actuation unit (104) to unfold the spring and push the damper coupled to the spring in the direction of the protection means (102) to slide the protection means (102) from the stowed position to the deployed position, and generate a command to activate the protection means (102) based on the actuated actuation unit (104). The handheld device (101) then transports from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means based on the command.
[0058] The determination module (110) is configured to cooperate with the control unit (108). The determination module (110) is further configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device (101) and the one or more charging stations (124), and select a nearest charging station (124) having the shortest distance.
[0059] In an embodiment, the determination module (110) is further configured to determine the position of the handheld device (101) in the pre-defined area if the battery level is equal to or less than the threshold battery level. In another embodiment, the control unit (108) is configured to compute the distance between the determined position of the handheld device (101) and the determined charging stations (124). Further, the determination module (110) is configured to determine a shortest distance between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124) based on the computed distance between the handheld device (101) and the one or more charging stations (124). In an embodiment, the determination module (110) is configured to compute the distance between the determined position of the handheld device (101) and the determined charging stations (124) based a shortest path technique and further select the charging station (124) based on the computed distance.
[0060] The obstacle identifier (112) is configured to cooperate with the determination module (110). The obstacle identifier (112) is configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124). In an embodiment, the obstacles are identified by an object detection technique, including but are not limited to, LiDAR object detection technique and other sensors-based techniques.
[0061] The path identifier (114) is configured to cooperate with the determination module (110) and the obstacle identifier (112). The path identifier (114) is further configured to identify one or more paths to travel the handheld device (101) to the charging station (124) by using a shortest path technique and based on the identified obstacles. In an embodiment, the path identifier (114) is configured to select a shortest path from the identified paths which is having optimal obstacles.
[0062] The driving management module (116) is configured to cooperate with the path identifier (114). The driving management module (114) is further configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers (122) in a pre-defined area. In an embodiment, the preferred mode of transportation includes land transportation or air/aerial transportation. In an exemplary embodiment, the driving management module (116) is configured to actuate the driving mechanism, and further generate a command to transport the handheld device (101) to the identified charging station (124) based on the actuated driving mechanism. In an embodiment, the driving mechanism includes land moving charging or aerial charging mechanism.
[0063] The selection module (118) is configured to cooperate with the driving management module (116). The selection module (118) is further configured to select a mover (122) from the identified movers (122a, 122b) based on the identified driving mechanism. In an embodiment, the selection module (118) is configured to select a land mover (122a) for the land moving charging mechanism. In another embodiment, the selection module (122) is configured to select an aerial mover (122b) for the aerial moving charging mechanism.
[0064] In an embodiment, the mover (122) is configured to transport the handheld device (101) from the determined position to the selected charging station (124) based on the actuated driving mechanism. In an embodiment, the mover (122) includes a land mover (122a) or an aerial mover (122b). The land mover (122a) includes a picker having wheels and umbrellas, an unmanned ground vehicle, a robot with a moving structure, a floor mover with a wheel set, a bulldozer, a dump trucks, an excavator, a skid steer loader, and any picker having wheels or umbrella. The aerial mover (122b) includes air drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles. In an embodiment, the mover (122) is configured to pick the handheld device (101) from the reaching point and self-charge the handheld device (101) wirelessly.
[0065] In another embodiment, the apparatus (100) includes a computation module (120) which is configured to compute the speed of each mover (122). The computed speed of the mover (122) helps in deciding the preferred mode of transportation by the driving management module (116).
[0066] In an embodiment, after charging the handheld device (101), the sensor (106) again checks whether the battery level of the battery unit of the handheld device (101) is full or not. If the battery level is full, the charging station (124) sends a signal or command to the mover (122) to take the handheld device (101). The mover (122) then transports the charged handheld device (101) to the reversed path, where the mover (118) picked up the handheld device (101) for charging. In an embodiment, if a user manually place the handheld device (101) to the charging station (124), the charging station (124) charges the handheld device (101).
[0067] In another embodiment, a system for protecting and charging a handheld device (101) is also disclosed, which includes a one or more protection means (102), an actuation unit (104), at least one sensor (106), a control unit (108), a determination module (110), an obstacle identifier (112), a path identifier (114), a driving management module (116), a selection module (118), a mover (122), and a charging station (124). The one or more protection means (102) is disposed inside a body of the handheld device (101), where the protection means (102) is configured to slide from a stowed position inside the body of the handheld device (101) to a deployed position out of the body of the handheld device (101). The actuation unit includes a plurality of actuating elements (208, 210), a spring (204), a damper coupled to the spring (204), and a loading element. The sensor (106) is configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device (101). The control unit (108) is configured to compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data, and further activates an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. The control unit (108) is further configured to scan one or more pre-installed charging stations (124) near to a reaching point of the handheld device (101) in a pre-defined area. The control unit (108) is configured to send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements (208, 210) to actuate the actuation unit (104) to unfold the spring (204) and push the damper coupled to the spring (204) in the direction of the protection means (102) to slide the protection means (102) from the stowed position to the deployed position. The control unit (108) is configured to generate a command to activate the protection means (102) based on the actuated actuation unit (104), wherein the handheld device (101) is configured to transport from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means (102) based on the command. The determination module (110) is configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device (101) and the one or more charging stations (124), and further select a nearest charging station (124) having the shortest distance. The obstacle identifier (112) is configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124). The path identifier (114) is configured to identify one or more paths between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124) based on the identified obstacles, and further select a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. The driving management module (118) is configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers (122) in the pre-defined area. The selection module (118) is configured to select a move from the identified movers (122) based on the identified driving mechanism. The selected mover (122) is further configured to pick the handheld device (101) from the reaching point and transport the handheld device (101) to the determined charging station (124) to wirelessly charge the handheld device (101).
[0068] Figure 2 illustrates an elevation (200) of a handheld device (101) depicting an arrangement of protection means (102), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0069] In an embodiment, the protection means (102) are umbrellas (102a), (102b), (102c), and (102d). Each umbrella (102) includes a cover, a shaft (206) with a knob (204). The umbrella (102a) includes a cover and a shaft (206a) with a knob (202a). The shaft (206a) holds the umbrella (102a) in an upward standing position. In one embodiment, the shaft (206a) is made up of, but is not limited to, an aluminum, a wooden material, or fiberglass. The shaft (206a) is coupled to a first actuating element (208) via a spring (204a). The umbrella (102a) is stowed inside the housing at a top section of a first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The umbrella (102b) includes a cover and a shaft (206b) with a knob (202b). The shaft (206b) holds the umbrella (102b) in an upward standing position. In one embodiment, the shaft (206b) is made up of, but is not limited to, an aluminum, a wooden material, or a fiberglass. The shaft (206b) is coupled to a second actuating element (210) via a spring (204b). The umbrella (102b) is stowed inside the housing 101 at a top section of second longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The umbrella (102c) includes a cover and a shaft (206c) with a knob (202c). The shaft (206c) is coupled to the first actuating element (208) via a spring (204c). The shaft (206c) holds the umbrella (102c) in a downward standing position. In one embodiment, the shaft (206c) is made up of, but is not limited to an aluminum, a wooden material or a fiberglass. The umbrella (102c) is stowed inside the housing at the bottom section of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The umbrella (102d) includes a cover and a shaft (206d) with a knob (202d). The shaft (206d) is coupled to the second actuating element (210) via a spring (204d). The umbrella (102d) is stowed inside the housing at the bottom section of second longitudinal side of the apparatus (100).
[0070] When a severe dropping event of the handheld device (101) encased with the apparatus (100) occurs, the sensor (106) determines the rate of fall and the impact force is generated due to the dropping event. If the impact force is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the sensor (106) generates a signal to activate the actuation unit (104). In an embodiment, the predetermined threshold value is an accepted threshold value. The actuating element (208) actuates the umbrella (102a) to slide from the stowed position inside the housing to the deployed position outside the housing in the upward direction, by providing the external force via the spring (204a). The umbrella (102a) pushes a bumper (not shown in a figure) away from the housing during deployment. The deployed position may be the top corner of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100) outside the housing. The sensor (106) generates a signal to trigger the knob (202a) present on the shaft (206a), thereby opening the umbrella (102a) outside the housing. Similarly, the actuating element (208) actuates an inverted umbrella (102c) to slide from the stowed position inside the housing to the deployed position outside the housing in the downward direction, by providing the external force via the spring (204c). The umbrella (202c) pushes a bumper away from the housing in downward direction during deployment. The deployed position may be the bottom edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100) outside the housing. In an embodiment, the sensor (106) generates a signal to trigger the knob (202c) present on the shaft (206c) thereby opening the umbrella (102c). The actuating element (210) actuates the umbrella (102b) to slide from the stowed position inside the housing to the deployed position outside the housing in upward direction, by providing the external force via the spring (204b). The umbrella (102b) pushes a bumper away from the housing in the upward direction during deployment. The deployed position may be the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus (100) outside the housing. The sensor (106) generates a signal to trigger the knob (202b) present on the shaft (206b), thereby opening the umbrella (102b). Similarly, the actuating element (210) actuates the inverted umbrella (102d) to slide from the stowed position inside the housing to the deployed position outside the housing in a downward direction during deployment. The deployed position may be the bottom edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus (100) outside the housing. The sensor (106) generates a signal to trigger the knob (202d) present on the shaft (206d), thereby opening the umbrella (102d).
[0071] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic diagram (300) depicting a handheld device (101) after a severe dropping event where the umbrellas (102) are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0072] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 3 illustrates a handheld device (10) encased with the apparatus (100) in a dropping event with open up umbrellas (102). The apparatus (102) includes one or more umbrellas (102) as a protection means. In one embodiment, umbrellas (102) include a balloon shaped cover to provide the appearance of umbrella (102) as balloons. In one embodiment, the umbrellas (102a) include a balloon shaped cover, a plurality of ribs (302a), a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft (206a), a top spring and a tip (304a). The tip (304a) is provided at the top edge of umbrella 202a. A balloon shaped cover is made up of a plurality of panel sections (306a). In one embodiment, the cover is made up of, but is not limited to, a plurality of plastic panel sections, Teflon panel sections, and acrylic panel sections. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft (206a). The plurality of ribs (302a) is attached to the shaft (206a) and connected to the stretchers with a joiner. The balloon shaped cover is supported by a plurality of ribs (302a). The ribs (302a) are running from the tip (304a) of the umbrella (102a) to the bottom edge of the umbrella (102a) and provide a framework to the balloon shaped cover of the umbrella (102a). The runner provides vertical up-down movement to the shaft (206a) for opening and closing the umbrella (102a). Similarly, the umbrella (102b) includes a balloon shaped cover, a plurality of ribs (302b), a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft (206b), a top spring and a tip (304b). The tip (304b) is provided at the top edge of the umbrella (102b). A balloon shaped cover is made up of a plurality of panel sections (306b). In one embodiment, the cover is made up of, but is not limited to, a plurality of plastic panel sections, Teflon panel sections, and acrylic sections. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft (206b). The plurality of ribs (302b) is attached to the shaft (206b) and connected to the stretchers with a joiner. The balloon shaped cover is supported by a plurality of ribs (302b). The ribs are running from the tip (304b) of the umbrella (102b) to the bottom edge of the umbrella (102b) and provide a framework to the balloon shaped cover of the umbrella (102b). The runner provides vertical up-down movement to the shaft (206b) for opening and closing the umbrella (102b).
[0073] In an embodiment, the umbrellas (102c) and (102d) can be inverted umbrellas. The umbrella (102c) includes a balloon shaped cover, a plurality of ribs (302c), a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft (208c), a top spring and a tip (304c). The tip (304c) is provided at the top edge of the umbrella (102c) such that tip (304c) is in opposite direction with respect to the tip (304a) of the umbrella (102a). A balloon shaped cover is made up of a plurality of panel sections (306c). In one embodiment, the cover is made up of, but is not limited to, a plurality of plastic panel sections, Teflon panel sections, and acrylic sections. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft (206c). The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft (206c). The plurality of ribs (302c) is attached to the shaft (206c) and coupled to the stretchers with a joiner. The balloon shaped cover is supported by a plurality of ribs (302c). The ribs (302c) are running from the tip (304c) of the umbrella (102c) to the bottom edge of the umbrella (102c) and provide a framework to the balloon shaped cover of the umbrella (102c). The runner provides vertical up-down movement to the shaft (206c) for opening and closing the umbrella (102c). Similarly, the umbrella (102d) includes a balloon shaped cover, a plurality of ribs (102d), a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft (206d), a top spring and a tip (304d). The tip (304d) is provided at the top edge of the umbrella (102d) such that the tip (304d) is in opposite direction with respect to the tip (304b) of the umbrella (102b). A balloon shaped cover is made up of a plurality of panel sections (306d). The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft (206d). The plurality of ribs (302d) is attached to the shaft (206d) and connected to the stretchers with a joiner. The balloon shaped cover is supported by a plurality of ribs (302d). The ribs (302d) are running from the tip (304d) of the umbrella (102d) to the bottom edge of the umbrella (102d) and provide a framework to the balloon shaped cover of the umbrella (102d). The runner provides vertical up-down movement to the shaft (206d) for opening and closing the umbrella (102d).
[0074] In the dropping event of the handheld device (101) encased with the apparatus (100), the sensor (106) generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit (104) to trigger the knob (202a). The knob (202a) slides the runner to the top portion of the shaft (206a) of the umbrella (102a), thereby expanding the stretchers in an outward direction. As the stretchers get expanded in the outward direction, the ribs (302a) are raised up and spreads the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella (102a) opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the top edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The top spring locks the umbrella (102a) in an expanded form. The umbrella (102a) opens up in a vertically upward position. Similarly, the sensor (106) generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit (104) to trigger the knob (202b). The knob (202b) slides the runner to the top of the umbrella (102b), thereby expanding the stretchers in an outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs (302b) are raised up and spread the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella (102b) opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The top spring locks the umbrella (102b) in an expanded form. The umbrella (102b) opens up in a vertically upward position.
[0075] At the same time, the sensor (106) generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit (104) to trigger the knob (202c). The sensor (106) generates a signal to the actuation unit (104) to trigger the knob (202c). The knob (202c) slides the runner to the top portion of the umbrella (102c) in the downward direction, thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs (302c) are raised up and spread the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella (102c) opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the bottom edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The top spring locks the umbrella (102c) in an expanded form. The umbrella (102c) opens up in a vertically downward position. Similarly, the sensor (106) generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit (104) to trigger the knob (202d). The knob (202d) slides the runner to the top portion of the umbrella (102d) in the downward direction, thereby expanding the stretchers in an outward direction. As the stretchers get expanded in the outward direction, the ribs (302d) are raised up and spreads the material of the balloon shaped cover. The umbrella (102d) opens up outwardly in a balloon shape at the bottom edge of a second longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The top spring locks the umbrella (102d) in the expanded form. The umbrella (102d) opens up in a vertically downward position.
[0076] In the dropping event of the handheld device (101) encased with the apparatus (100), the sensor (106) generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit (104), thus the first actuating element (208) and the second actuating element (210) activate simultaneously. Therefore, one or more umbrellas (102) open up simultaneously in a balloon shape and cover front as well as back surface of the handheld device (101), thereby protecting the handheld device (101) from damage and as well as support the handheld device (101) in the charging process.
[0077] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic diagram (400) depicting a handheld device after a severe dropping event where the inverted umbrellas are shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, Figure 4 illustrates a handheld device (101) encased with the apparatus (100) in a severe dropping event with open up umbrellas (102). The apparatus (100) includes one or more umbrellas (102) as a protection means. The umbrellas (102a), (102b), (102c), and (102d) are inverted umbrellas. In one embodiment, the umbrella (102a) includes a canopy (408a), a cover, a plurality of ribs (402a), a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft (206a), a top spring and a tip (404a). The tip (404a) is provided at the bottom edge of the umbrella (102a). The canopy (408a) is made up of a plurality of panel sections (406a). In one embodiment, the panel sections (406a) are made up of a special carbon fiber material. The plurality of stretchers is coupled to shaft (206a) at the tip (404a). The plurality of ribs (402a) is coupled to the stretchers via a joiner. The canopy (408a) is supported by a plurality of ribs (402a). The ribs (402a) are running from the tip (404a) of the umbrella (102a) to the top surface of the umbrella (102a) and provide a framework to the canopy (408a) of the umbrella (102a). The runner moves the shaft (206a) in up and down direction for opening and closing the umbrella (102a).
[0079] Similarly, the umbrella (102b) includes a canopy (408b), a plurality of ribs (402b), a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft (206b), a top spring and a tip (404b). The tip (404b) is provided at the bottom edge of the umbrella (102b). The canopy (408b) is made up of a plurality of panel sections (406b). The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft (206b) at the tip (404b). The plurality of ribs (402b) is coupled to the stretchers via a joiner. The canopy (408b) is supported by the plurality of ribs (402b). The ribs (402b) are running from the tip (404b) of the umbrella (102b) to the top surface of the umbrella (102b) and provide the framework to the canopy (408b) of the umbrella (102b). The runner moves the shaft (206b) in up and down direction for opening and closing the umbrella (102b). The umbrella (102c) includes a canopy (408c), a plurality of ribs (402c), a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft (206c), a top spring and a tip (404c). The tip (404c) is provided at the bottom edge of the umbrella (102c). The canopy (408c) is made up of the plurality of panel sections (406c). The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft (206c) at the tip (404c). The plurality of ribs (402c) is coupled to the stretchers via the joiner. The canopy (408c) is supported by the plurality of ribs (402c). The ribs (402c) are running from the tip (404c) of the umbrella (102c) to the top surface of the umbrella (102c) and provide the framework to the canopy (408c) of the umbrella (102c). The runner moves the shaft (206c) in up and down direction for opening and closing the umbrella (102c). The umbrella (102d) includes a canopy (408d), a plurality of ribs (402d), a runner, a plurality of stretchers, a shaft (206d), a top spring and a tip (404d). The tip (404d) is provided at the bottom edge of the umbrella (102d). The canopy (408d) is made up of a plurality of panel sections (406d). The plurality of stretchers is coupled to the shaft (206d) at the tip (404d). The plurality of ribs (402d) is coupled to the stretchers via a joiner. The canopy (408d) is supported by a plurality of ribs (402d). The ribs (402d) are running from the tip (404d) of the umbrella (102d) to the top surface of the umbrella (102d) and provide the framework to the canopy (408d) of the umbrella (102d). The runner moves the shaft (206d) up and down for opening and close the umbrella (102d).
[0080] In the severe dropping event of the handheld device (101) encased with the apparatus (100), the sensor (106) generates a signal to trigger the knob (202a) present on the shaft (206a). The shaft (206a) is coupled to the bottom of the inverted umbrella (102a) at the tip (304a). The knob (202a) slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella (102a), thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs (302a) are raised up and spreads the panel sections of the canopy (408a). The umbrella (102a) opens up outwardly through the openable flap at the top edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The top spring locks the umbrella (102a) in an expanded form. The umbrella (102a) opens up in an inverted position, therefore the umbrella opens in a u-shaped structure. At the same time, the sensor (106) generates the signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit (104) to trigger the knob (202b). The knob (202b) slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella (102b), thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in the outward direction, the ribs (302b) are raised up and spreads the panel sections of the canopy (408b). The top spring locks the umbrella (102b) in the expanded form. The umbrella (102b) opens up outwardly at the top edge of the second longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The umbrella (102b) is in the inverted position, therefore the umbrella opens up in a u-shaped structure.
[004] At the same time, the sensor (106) generates a signal to the actuation unit (104) to trigger the knob (202c) present on the shaft (206c). The shaft (206c) is coupled to the bottom of the inverted umbrella (102c) at the tip (404c). The knob (202c) slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella (102c), thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretcher gets expanded in outward direction, the ribs (402c) are raised up and spreads the panel sections (406c) of the canopy (408c). The umbrella (102c) opens up outwardly through the openable flap at the top edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The umbrella (102c) opens in the inverted position, appears as a u-shaped structure. The umbrella (102c) opens up in the vertically downward position. At the same time, the sensor (106) generates a signal and provides the generated signal to the actuation unit (104) to trigger the knob (202d). The knob (202d) slides the runner towards the bottom of the umbrella (102d), thereby expanding the stretchers in the outward direction. As the stretchers get expanded in the outward direction, the ribs (402d) are raised up and spreads the panel sections (406) of the canopy (408c). The umbrella (102d) opens up outwardly at the top edge of the first longitudinal side of the apparatus (100). The umbrella (102d) is in the inverted position, therefore the umbrella opens up in the u-shaped structure.
[0081] In the dropping event of the handheld device (102) encased with the apparatus (100), the sensor (106) generates a signal to actuate the actuation unit (104), thus the first actuating element (208) and the second actuating element (210) activates simultaneously. Therefore, the one or more inverted umbrellas (102) open up simultaneously/concurrently and cover front as well as back surface of the handheld device (101), thereby protecting the handheld device (101) from damage and as well as support the handheld device (101) in the charging process.
[0082] In an embodiment, a bumper (410) is configured to form an edge of the handheld device (101) and mount on an opening end of the housing. The one or more protection means (102) is configured to push the bumper (410) away from the housing during deployment of the apparatus (100).
[0083] Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method (500) for protecting and charging a handheld device (101), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
The flow chart (500) starts at a step (502), disposing a one or more protection means inside a housing by sliding from a stowed position inside the housing to a deployed position out of the housing. In an embodiment, a one or more protection means (102) is disposed inside a housing. The one or more protection means (102) is further configured to slide from a stowed position inside the housing (101) to a deployed position out of the housing (101). At a step (504), monitoring, by at least one sensor, a battery level of the handheld device. In an embodiment, at least one sensor (106) is configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device (101). At a step (506), comparing, by a control unit, the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data. At a step (508), activating, by the control unit, an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level. At a step (510), scanning, by the control unit, one or more pre-installed charging stations near to a reaching point of the handheld device in a pre-defined area. At a step (512), sending, by the control unit, an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements for actuating an actuation unit and unfolding a spring and push a damper coupled to the spring in a direction of the protection means for sliding the protection means from the stowed position to the deployed position. At a step (514), generating, by the control unit, a command for activating the protection means based on the actuated actuation unit. In an embodiment, a control unit (108) is configured to compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data, activate an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level, scan one or more pre-installed charging stations (124) near to a reaching point of the handheld device (101) in a pre-defined area, send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements (208, 210) to actuate an actuation unit (104) to unfold a spring (204) and push a damper coupled to the spring in the direction of the protection means (102) to slide the protection means (102) from the stowed position to the deployed position, and generate a command to activate the protection means (102) based on the actuated actuation unit (104). At a step (516), transporting the handheld device from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means based on the command. In an embodiment, the handheld device (101) is configured to transport from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means (102) based on the command. At a step (518), determining, by a determination module (106), shortest distance between the handheld device and the one or more charging stations. At a step (520), selecting, by the determination module, a nearest charging station having the shortest distance. In an embodiment, a determination module (110) configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device (101) and the one or more charging stations (124), and is further configured to select a nearest charging station (124) having the shortest distance. At a step (522), identifying, by an obstacle identifier, obstacles between the handheld device and the selected charging station. In an embodiment, an obstacle identifier (112) is configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124). At a step (524), identifying, by a path identifier, one or more paths between the handheld device and the selected charging station based on the identified obstacles. At a step (526), selecting, by the path identifier (110), a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. In an embodiment, a path identifier (114) is configured to identify one or more paths between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124) based on the identified obstacles. Further, the path identifier (114) is configured to select a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique. At a step (528), deciding, by a driving management module, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation. At a step (530), identifying, by the driving management module, a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers in the pre-defined area. In an embodiment, a driving management module (116) is configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers (122) in the pre-defined area. At a step (532), selecting, by a selection module, a mover from the identified movers based on the identified driving mechanism. In an embodiment, a selection module (118) is configured to select a mover (122) from the identified movers (122) based on the identified driving mechanism. At a step (534), picking, by the selected mover, the handheld device from the reaching point. At a step (536), transporting, by the selected mover, the handheld device to the determined charging station for wirelessly charging the handheld device. In an embodiment, the selected mover (122) configured to pick the handheld device (101) from the reaching point and transport the handheld device (101) to the determined charging station (124) to wirelessly charge the handheld device (101).
[0084] Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these following advantages may include.
[0085] Some embodiments of the apparatus provide protection to the handheld device in the severe dropping event.
[0086] Some embodiments provide a light weight apparatus for protection of a handheld device from damage during a severe dropping event.
[0087] An object of the present technical subject matter is to provide a solution to frequent charging of handheld devices.
[0088] Another object of the present technical subject matter is to provide a simple and economical process for auto charging of handheld devices wirelessly with the help of charging stations installed in a closed area.
[0089] Still another object of the present technical subject matter is to provide system and method for identifying locations of various charging stations available in the premises and identifying the shortest distance between handheld devices and the closest charging stations.
[0090] The apparatus as disclosed in the present disclosure protects the important parts inside the handheld device, thereby improving the life of the handheld device.
[0091] Some embodiments provide an apparatus which is simple to install on a handheld device.
[0092] Although the description provides implementations of an apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device, it is to be understood that the above descriptions are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods of apparatus. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for the apparatus for protecting and charging a handheld device.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A method for protecting and charging a handheld device (101), the method comprising:
disposing a one or more protection means (102) inside a housing (101) by sliding from a stowed position inside the housing (101) to a deployed position out of the housing (101);
monitoring, by at least one sensor (106), a battery level of the handheld device (101);
comparing, by a control unit (108), the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data;
activating, by the control unit (108), an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level;
scanning, by the control unit (108), one or more pre-installed charging stations (124) near to a reaching point of the handheld device (101) in a pre-defined area;
sending, by the control unit (108), an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements (208, 210) for actuating an actuation unit (104) and unfolding a spring (204) and push a damper coupled to the spring (204) in a direction of the protection means (102) for sliding the protection means (102) from the stowed position to the deployed position;
generating, by the control unit (108), a command for activating the protection means (102) based on the actuated actuation unit (104);
transporting the handheld device (101) from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means (102) based on the command;
determining, by a determination module (110), shortest distance between the handheld device (101) and the one or more charging stations (124);
selecting, by the determination module (110), a nearest charging station (124) having the shortest distance;
identifying, by an obstacle identifier (112), obstacles between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124);
identifying, by a path identifier (114), one or more paths between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124) based on the identified obstacles;
selecting, by the path identifier (114), a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique;
deciding, by a driving management module (118), based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation;
identifying, by the driving management module (118), a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers (122) in the pre-defined area;
selecting, by a selection module (118), a mover (122) from the identified movers (118) based on the identified driving mechanism; and
picking, by the selected mover (122), the handheld device (101) from the reaching point;
transporting, by the selected mover (122), the handheld device (101) to the determined charging station (124) for wirelessly charging the handheld device (101).
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: determining, by the control unit (108), the position of the handheld device (101) in the pre-defined area, if the battery level is equal to or less than the threshold battery level.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
computing, by the determination module (110), the distance between the determined position of the handheld device (101) and the scanned charging stations (124) based a shortest path technique; and
selecting the charging station (124) based on the computed distance.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: computing, by a computation module (120), the speed of each mover (122).
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, comprising: picking, by the mover (122), the handheld device (101), from the determined position and self-charging the handheld device (101) wirelessly.
6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein identifying obstacles by using a LiDAR object detection technique, sensor-based technique, and other object detection technique.
7. An apparatus (100) for protecting and charging a handheld device (101), the apparatus (100) comprising:
a one or more protection means (102) disposed inside a housing (101), wherein the one or more protection means (102) is configured to slide from a stowed position inside the housing (101) to a deployed position out of the housing (101);
an actuation unit (104) coupled to the one or more protection means (102), the actuation unit (104) comprises a plurality of actuating elements (208, 210), a spring (204), a damper coupled to the spring (204), and a loading element;
at least one sensor (106) coupled to the actuation unit (104) and configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device (101);
a control unit (108) configured to:
compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data,
activate an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level,
scan one or more pre-installed charging stations (124) near to a reaching point of the handheld device (101) in a pre-defined area,
send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements (208, 210) to actuate the actuation unit (104) to unfold the spring (204) and push the damper coupled to the spring (204) in the direction of the protection means (102) to slide the protection means (102) from the stowed position to the deployed position, and
generate a command to activate the protection means (102) based on the actuated actuation unit (104), wherein the handheld device (101) is configured to transport from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means (102) based on the command;
a determination module (110) configured to cooperate with the control unit (108), the determination module (110) configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device (101) and the one or more charging stations (124), the determination module (110) configured to select a nearest charging station (124) having the shortest distance;
an obstacle identifier (112) configured to cooperate with the determination module (110), the obstacle identifier (112) configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124);
a path identifier (114) configured to cooperate with the determination module (110) and the obstacle identifier (112), the path identifier (114) configured to identify one or more paths between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124) based on the identified obstacles, the path identifier (114) configured to select a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique;
a driving management module (118) configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers (122) in the pre-defined area; and
a selection module (118) configured to cooperate with the driving management module (118), the selection module (122) configured to select a mover (122) from the identified movers (122) based on the identified driving mechanism,
wherein the selected mover (122) configured to pick the handheld device (101) from the reaching point and transport the handheld device (101) to the determined charging station (124) to wirelessly charge the handheld device (101).
8. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the protection means (102) acts as a moving mechanism.
9. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the protection means (102) is an umbrella and an inverted umbrella.
10. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to determine the position of the handheld device (101) in the pre-defined area, if the battery level is equal to or less than the threshold battery level.
11. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the determination module (110) is configured to compute the distance between the determined position of the handheld device (101) and the scanned charging stations (124) based a shortest path technique and further select the charging station (124) based on the computed distance.
12. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mover (122) includes a land mover (122a) or an aerial mover (122b).
13. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, comprising: a computation module (120) configured to compute the speed of each mover (122).
14. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the driving mechanism includes land moving charging and aerial charging mechanisms.
15. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the mover (122) is configured to pick the handheld device (101) from the determined position and self-charge the handheld device (101) wirelessly.
16. The apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the obstacle identifier (112) is configured to identify obstacles by using a LiDAR object detection technique, sensor-based technique, and other object detection technique.
17. A system (100) for protecting and charging a handheld device (101), the system (100) comprising:
a one or more protection means (102) disposed inside a body of the handheld device (101), wherein the one or more protection means (102) is configured to slide from a stowed position inside the body of the handheld device (101) to a deployed position out of the body of the handheld device (101);
an actuation unit (104) coupled to the one or more protection means (102), the actuation unit (104) comprises a plurality of actuating elements (208, 210), a spring (204), a damper coupled to the spring (204), and a loading element;
at least one sensor (106) coupled to the actuation unit (104) and configured to monitor a battery level of the handheld device (101);
a control unit (108) configured to:
compare the battery level of the battery unit with a predetermined threshold battery level based on the monitored data,
activate an auto-wireless charging mode based on the compared data where the battery level of the battery unit is below the threshold battery level,
scan one or more pre-installed charging stations (124) near to a reaching point of the handheld device (101) in a pre-defined area,
send an instruction to the plurality of actuating elements (208, 210) 7to actuate the actuation unit (104) to unfold the spring (204) and push the damper coupled to the spring (204) in the direction of the protection means (102) to slide the protection means (102) from the stowed position to the deployed position, and
generate a command to activate the protection means (102) based on the actuated actuation unit (104), wherein the handheld device (101) is configured to transport from a current location to the reaching point by using the activated protection means (102) based on the command;
a determination module (110) configured to cooperate with the control unit (108), the determination module (110) configured to determine shortest distance between the handheld device (101) and the one or more charging stations (124), the determination module (110) configured to select a nearest charging station (124) having the shortest distance;
an obstacle identifier (112) configured to cooperate with the determination module (110), the obstacle identifier (112) configured to identify obstacles between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124);
a path identifier (114) configured to cooperate with the determination module (110) and the obstacle identifier (112), the path identifier (114) configured to identify one or more paths between the handheld device (101) and the selected charging station (124) based on the identified obstacles, the path identifier (114) configured to select a shortest path from the identified paths having optimal obstacles by using a shortest path technique;
a driving management module (118) configured to decide, based on the selected path, a preferred mode of transportation and identify a driving mechanism and a plurality of movers (122) in the pre-defined area; and
a selection module (118) configured to cooperate with the driving management module (118), the selection module (122) configured to select a mover (122) from the identified movers (122) based on the identified driving mechanism,
wherein the selected mover (122) configured to pick the handheld device (101) from the reaching point and transport the handheld device (101) to the determined charging station (124) to wirelessly charge the handheld device (101).