Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a voice-controlled ladder that is capable of providing a means to assist users in safely and efficiently reaching elevated surfaces by automatically adjust height and gets position based on voice commands, ensuring ease of use, particularly for the users who require hands-free operation or have limited mobility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Ladders play an important role in various fields, providing essential access to elevated areas for tasks such as construction, maintenance, repair work, and household chores. They are indispensable tools for reaching heights that would otherwise be inaccessible, allowing workers to safely perform activities like painting, installing lights, cleaning gutters, or accessing storage spaces. Ladders also enhance efficiency and productivity, enabling users to complete tasks more quickly and safely. With advancements in design, some ladders now incorporate features like adjustable height, mobility, and stability enhancements, making them more versatile and user-friendly. In sectors like construction and industrial work, ladders are crucial for ensuring the safety of workers who need to reach high places while maintaining a secure footing. Properly designed ladders are essential for improving safety, reducing the risk of falls, and providing the necessary support for working at height.

[0003] Traditionally, the ladders that available often require manual adjustments, which is being cumbersome and difficult to manage, particularly when a user needs to adjust the height or position of the ladder for different tasks. Additionally, maintaining stability while climbing being a challenge, and users may face difficulties in balancing, especially when working at greater heights. Existing automated ladder systems often lack personalized control, real-time adaptation, and safety features. Furthermore, they may not provide an intuitive user interface or offer sufficient stability to prevent accidents. Therefore, there is a need for a more advanced, user-friendly ladder that not only adjusts height automatically based on voice commands but also maintains proper balance and safety throughout the user’s activity.

[0004] US9085936B2 discloses a support device for a ladder. The support device comprises a first support frame coupled with the base portion and a second support frame coupled with the base portion. Each of the first and support frames comprise a top portion and a pair of elongate stiles. The first support frame and the second support frame are each pivotably relative to the base portion between a stored position and an extended position. In the extended position, the first support frame top portion is releasably connected to the second support frame top portion. The support device also comprises a tether arrangement operative to disconnect the first support frame from the second support frame such that the first and second support frames may be pivoted to the stored position.

[0005] US6152261A discloses safety attachment for a ladder of the type which comprises a pair of spaced apart parallel side rails and a plurality of rungs extending between the side rails. The safety attachment includes a pair of tubular members, each of which is secured to a corresponding one of the side rails of the ladder. Two extension arms are also provided. One end of each of the extension arms has a friction pad secured thereto. The other end of each extension arm is pivotally attached to the top end of a corresponding one of the tubular members.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provides way to use as ladder for reaching a height but often lack in providing features that ensure ease of use, safety, and precise control. Moreover, such devices are do not account for factors such as user balance or proper inclination, which lead to instability or accidents that limiting accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a ladder that is capable of providing an intuitive, hands-free method of adjusting the height of the ladder, ensuring greater safety and stability for users by adding feature such as voice control, automated height adjustment, weight distribution, and the angle of the ladder for proper stability in reaching the desired heights.

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 ladder that is capable of automatically adjusts to the desired height and ensures optimal safety and stability during use for offering a reliable and secure means for users to reach various heights with ease and confidence.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a ladder that is capable of detecting the stability, weight distribution, and angle, providing real-time adjustments to prevent tipping or imbalance for reducing the risk of accidents.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a ladder that is capable of maintaining stability of the ladder with the surface for enhancing overall user experience.

[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 voice-controlled ladder that is capable of automatically adjusts to the desired height for offering a reliable and secure means for users to reach various heights with ease and confidence without any chances of risk of falling,

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a voice-controlled ladder, comprises of a pair of elongated telescopically operated frames connected with each other via a U-shaped member to allow a user to stand for reaching a height on the fixed surface, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with the ladder for enabling the user to activate the ladder, a microphone positioned on one of the frames for enabling the user to give voice commands regarding a height to be reached by the user, a microcontroller linked with the microphone processes the voice commands and activates an ultrasonic sensor arranged on one of the frames for detecting height of the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit mounted on one of the frames for detecting the user’s height, a pair of motorized sliders configured between the member and frames for translating and positioning the member to a suitable height in view of allowing the user to stand over the member, a force sensor arranged with the member for detecting presence of the user on the member, multiple sensing modules arranged on the member for detecting weight balancing of the user and angle of the frames.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed ladder comprises of a pair of primary motorized sliding units installed with the frames for sliding a pair of weighted blocks attached with the primary sliding units, a pair of curved-shaped plates are connected between the frames that are translated on the frames via a pair of secondary motorized sliding units that prevents the user from falling from in between the frames in case of misbalancing, a pair of caster wheels are arranged underneath each of the frames, an L-shaped telescopically operated pusher arranged with bottom portion of each of the frames to extend for adhering a suction cup, attached with each of the pushers, and a battery associated with the ladder for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the ladder.

[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 voice-controlled ladder.

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 voice-controlled ladder that is capable of automatically adjusts to the desired height as per voice commands given by the user and ensures optimal safety and stability during use for offering a reliable and secure means for users to reach various heights appropriately.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a voice-controlled ladder is illustrated, comprising a pair of elongated telescopically operated frames 101 connected with each other via a U-shaped member 102, a microphone 103 positioned on one of the frames 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 mounted on one of the frames 101, a pair of motorized sliders 105 configured between the member 102 and frames 101, a pair of primary motorized sliding units 106 installed with the frames 101, a pair of weighted blocks 107 attached with the primary sliding units 106, a pair of caster wheels 108 arranged underneath each of the frames 101, an L-shaped telescopically operated pusher 109 arranged with bottom portion of each of the frames 101, a suction cup 110 attached with each of the pushers 109, a pair of curved-shaped plates 111 connected between the frames 101 via a pair of secondary motorized sliding units 112, and a handle 113 integrated with each of the member 102.

[0023] The proposed ladder comprises of a pair of elongated telescopically operated frames 101 encased with various components associated with the ladder arrange in sequential manner that aids in climbing a user. Herein, the frames 101 are connected with each other via a U-shaped member 102 to allow the user to stand via gripping a handle 113 integrated with the member 102 for reaching a height on a fixed surface in which frames 101 are leaned against the fixed surface. Upon placing the frame over the surface, if the user desires to move the frame over the surface, then the user moves the frame via a pair of caster wheels 108 arranged underneath each of the frames 101 on the ground surface as per requirement. The caster wheel 108 operates by rotating freely around its axle when the user applies force to move the ladder across the ground surface. When the user applies force to the ladder, the caster wheels 108 roll, enabling the user to reposition the ladder without lifting that aids more convenient and efficient means for reaching different heights. The placement of the ladder using the wheels is adjusted before standing on the ladder.

[0024] After relocation of the ladder as per desires, the user access a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit wirelessly associated with the ladder for activating the ladder. The computing unit, herein, includes but not limited to mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the input in the user’s interface is received and stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. A microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication).

[0025] The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the user’s interface and the ladder for processing the input given by the user to activate the ladder. After activation of the ladder, the microcontroller activates a microphone 103 assembled on one of the frames 101 to allow the user to give voice commands regarding a height to be reached by the user. The microphone 103 receives sound waves generated by energy emitted from the voice command in the form of vibrations. After that the sound waves are transmitted towards a diaphragm configured with a coil. Upon transmitting the waves within the diaphragm, the diaphragm strikes with the waves due to which the coil starts moving the diaphragm with a back-and-forth movement in presence of magnetic field generated from the coil.

[0026] After that the electric signal is emitted from the coil due to back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm which is further transmitted to a microcontroller linked with the microphone 103 to process the signal to analyze the signal for detecting voice command given by the user. Upon processing the voice commands, an ultrasonic sensor arranged on one of the frames 101 detects height of the surface. The ultrasonic sensor mentioned herein works by emitting high-frequency sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the echoes to return after bouncing off the surface. By calculating the time delay and knowing the speed of sound in air, the sensor determines the distance to the surface. As the surface, the sensor continuously measures the height of the surface.

[0027] Based on detection, the microcontroller actuates a pneumatic unit integrated with each of the frames 101 for extending. The pneumatic unit comprises of an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves i.e. Inlet and outlet valve and piston that works in collaboration to aid extension and retraction of the frames 101. The air compressor is coupled with a motor that gets activated by the microcontroller to compress the air from surroundings upon entering from the inlet valve to compressed and pumped out via the outlet valve. The air valve allows entry or exit of the compressed air from the compressor. Furthermore, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder.

[0028] The piston is connected to the cylinder and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston moves. And upon closing of the valve, the compressed air exit out from the cylinder thereby decreasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The increasing and decreasing of the air pressure from the cylinder aids in movement of the piston in a to and fro direction that turns in extending and retracting the frames 101 to adjust as per height required to the user. Herein, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 104 on one of the frames 101 for detecting the user’s height. The imaging unit 104 mentioned herein comprises of comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of the surrounding of the user.

[0029] The camera firstly captures multiple images of the user, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the user. After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the user in electronic signal.

[0030] Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the image capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 104 processes the captured images by using a protocol of artificial intelligence to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the linked microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the user’s height. Based on detecting the height of the user along with the user specified height up to which the user has to reach, the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized sliders 105 configured between the member 102 and frames 101 for translating and positioning the member 102 to the required height.

[0031] The slider 105 mentioned herein consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the slider 105 moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion. The slider 105 incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the slider carriage along the rail unit to translate the member 102 to a suitable height for allowing the user to stand over the member 102.

[0032] Additionally, if the microcontroller via the imaging unit 104 detects presence of the frames 101 against the fixed surface, then the microcontroller actuates another pneumatic unit integrated with an L-shaped telescopically operated pusher 109 assembled with bottom portion of each of the frames 101 to extend for position a suction cup 110 attached with each of the pushers 109 on the ground surface to stabilize the frames 101 and prevent undesired motion of the frames 101. Upon extension of the pusher 109, the cups 110 create partial vacuum within the cups 110 upon pressing over the surface by squeezing out air from the cups 110 due to a negative pressure is generated inside suction area. Herein, atmospheric pressure outside the cups 110 presses down low-pressure area inside the cups 110 to generate suction and adhere the surface to stabilize the frames 101 and prevent undesired motion of the frames 101 while standing over the member 102 by the user.

[0033] While the user is standing over the member 102, a force sensor assembled with the member 102 detects presence of the user on the member 102. The force sensor herein works by measuring pressure or force exerted by the user's weight on the member 102. The sensor typically consists of a sensing element, such as a piezoelectric material, which generates an electrical signal proportional to the applied force. This signal is transmitted to the microcontroller, which interprets the data to confirm the user's presence on the member 102. After detection of the user’s presence of the member 102, the microcontroller regulates the sliders 105 for translating the member 102 that aids the user to reach the user-defined height.

[0034] At the time of regulation of the motorized sliders 105, multiple sensing modules assembled on the member 102 detect weight balancing of the user and angle of the frames 101. The sensing modules mentioned herein includes a weight sensor and an angle sensor that works in collaboration to detect the weight balancing of the user and angle of the frames 101. The weight sensor comprises of a weight transducer having various load cells are installed over different portions of the ladder, wherein signals from all the load cells is combined and processed using a multiplexer and microcontroller to analyse the weight balance of the user over the ladder further that the sensor then calibrates the resistance to detect the weight balancing of the user.

[0035] Simultaneously, the angle sensor detects angle of the frames 101 with respect to the ground surface while the user stands on the member 102. The angle senor works by measuring the orientation or tilt of the frames 101 relative to a reference, typically the horizontal or vertical axis. The angle sensor detects changes in angle by measuring acceleration or rotational movements of the frames 101. The sensor then converts this data into an electrical signal that is processed by the microcontroller, to detect the angle of the frame. Based on detecting the weight balance and angle of the frames 101, if the microcontroller finds inappropriate balancing of the frames 101, then the microcontroller generates commands to actuate a pair of primary motorized sliding units 106 assembled with the frames 101 for sliding a pair of weighted blocks 107 linked with the primary sliding units 106 to balance weight of the user over the frame.

[0036] The primary sliding unit mentioned herein works in similar manner that the slider 105 do for translating the weighted blocks 107 to balance weight of the frame and maintain an appropriate inclination angle of the frame. Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a pair of secondary motorized sliding units 112 having pair of curved-shaped plates 111 for translating the curved-shaped plates 111 thereby preventing the frame from falling on the ground surface.

[0037] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the ladder to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0038] The present invention works best in following manner that includes the elongated telescopically operated frames 101 connected with each other via the U-shaped member 102 for reaching a height on the fixed surface. Herein, the user accesses the microphone 103 to give voice commands regarding a height to be reached by the user based on that the microcontroller linked with the microphone 103 processes the voice commands and activates the ultrasonic sensor for detecting height of the surface, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the frames 101 to extend. Also, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 detects the user’s height, and based on the detected height, the microcontroller actuates the pair of motorized sliders 105 for translating and positioning the member 102 to a suitable height in view of allowing the user to stand over the member 102. Herein, the force sensor detects presence of the user on the member 102, and upon detection of the user’s presence of the member 102, the microcontroller directs the sliders 105 for translating the member 102 to allow the user in reaching the user-defined height. During climbing, the sensing modules that includes the weight sensor and the angle sensor detect weight balancing of the user and angle of the frames 101. Based on the detected weight balance and angle of the frames 101, the microcontroller actuates the pair of primary motorized sliding units 106 to move the blocks 107 and balance weight of the frame for maintaining an appropriate inclination angle of the frame to prevent the frame from falling on the ground surface.

[0039] 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. , C , C , C , Claims:1) A voice-controlled ladder, comprising:

i) a pair of elongated telescopically operated frames 101 connected with each other via a U-shaped member 102, wherein said frames 101 are leaned against a fixed surface and said member 102 is developed to allow a user to stand for reaching a height on said fixed surface;
ii) a microphone 103 positioned on one of said frames 101 for enabling said user to give voice commands regarding a height to be reached by said user, wherein a microcontroller linked with said microphone 103 processes said voice commands and activates an ultrasonic sensor arranged on one of said frames 101 for detecting height of said surface, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates said frames 101 to extend;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 paired with a processor mounted on one of said frames 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of said user, respectively, for detecting said user’s height, wherein based on said detected height, said microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized sliders 105 configured between said member 102 and frames 101 for translating and positioning said member 102 to a suitable height in view of allowing said user to stand and over said member 102;
iv) a force sensor arranged with said member 102 for detecting presence of said user on said member 102, wherein upon detection of said user’s presence over said member 102, said microcontroller directs said sliders 105 for translating said member 102 to allow said user in reaching said user-defined height; and
v) plurality of sensing modules arranged on said member 102 for detecting weight balancing of said user and angle of said frames 101, wherein based on said detected weight balance and angle of said frames 101, said microcontroller actuates a pair of primary motorized sliding units 106 installed with said frames 101 for sliding a pair of weighted blocks 107 attached with said primary sliding units 106 to balance weight of said frame and maintain an appropriate inclination angle of said frame to prevent said frame from falling on said ground surface.

2) The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of caster wheels 108 are arranged underneath each of said frames 101 for allowing said user to maneuver said frames 101 on said ground surface as per requirement.

3) The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon detecting presence of said frames 101 against said fixed surface, as detected via said imaging unit 104, said microcontroller actuates an L-shaped telescopically operated pusher 109 arranged with bottom portion of each of said frames 101 to extend for adhering a suction cup 110, attached with each of said pushers 109, on said ground surface to stabilize said frames 101 and prevent undesired motion of said frames 101.

4) The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein a pair of curved-shaped plates 111 are connected between said frames 101 that are translated on said frames 101 via a pair of secondary motorized sliding units 112 along with actuation of said primary sliding units 106 that prevents said user from falling from in between said frames 101 in case of misbalancing.

5) The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing modules includes a weight sensor and an angle sensor.

6) The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit is wirelessly associated with said ladder for enabling said user to activate said ladder.

7) The ladder as claimed in claim 1 and 5, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

8) The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopically operated frames 101 are powered by a pneumatic unit that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of said frames 101.

9) The ladder as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said ladder for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said ladder.