Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an employee engagement device that is capable of streamlining the process of employee management by automating attendance tracking and performance monitoring for reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency as well as promoting employee engagement and feedback, increasing transparency and recognition, thereby benefitting both organizations and employees, saving time and resources, improving productivity, and fostering growth and development.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, effective employee management is crucial for organizational success. Employee management encompasses a range of activities, including attendance tracking, performance monitoring, and feedback. Accurate and efficient employee management is essential for optimizing productivity, improving job satisfaction, and driving business growth.

[0003] Traditionally, employee management has relied heavily on manual processes, such as paper-based attendance records, manual performance evaluations, and face-to-face feedback sessions. However, these traditional methods have several drawbacks. Manual processes are time-consuming, prone to errors, and often result in incomplete or inaccurate data. Moreover, traditional methods often lack transparency, making it difficult for employees to track their progress and for managers to make informed decisions.

[0004] US20100274636A1 discloses systems and methods for human resource activities are disclosed. The system allows a user to specify an organizational structure of an entity, design survey respondents, customize items, response logic and reporting dimensions. The system also allows a user to undergo a personalized employee engagement. The system analyzes results, provides recommendations and allows users to formulate action plans based upon the results.

[0005] US20140100922A1 discloses one embodiment includes employee engagement software instructions encoded on a nontransitory computer readable medium that, when executed, cause a processor to perform operations that permit a company to measure both employee sentiment and employee performance and combine these two to generate a real-time employee engagement score.

[0006] Conventionally, there exists many devices that are capable of keeping track of employee’s attendance and performance. However, these existing devices fail in providing a means to reduce manual errors and also lacks in increasing efficiency by automating the process. In addition, these existing devices are also incapable of allowing the managers to access employee’s performance data and generate reports to make informed decisions.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that needs to be capable of tracking attendance and performance of the employee in an automated manner to minimize human error. Furthermore, the developed device also needs to be potent enough of allowing the managers to access the employee’s data for generating reports to make informed decisions.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of automating the process of tracking employee attendance and monitoring their performance, reducing manual errors and increasing efficiency, thereby helping organizations by saving time and resources, and improving overall productivity.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing a solution for employees to view their performance data and areas for improvement, promoting employee engagement and facilitating feedback, thereby helping employees by increasing transparency and recognition, and enabling them to take ownership of their growth and development.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enabling managers to access employee performance data, generate reports, and make informed decisions, streamlining the performance management and reporting process, thereby helping organizations by enabling data-driven decision-making, improving employee development, and reducing administrative burdens.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an employee engagement device that is capable of simplifying employee management through automated attendance tracking and performance monitoring, minimizing errors and boosting efficiency, while also fostering employee engagement, transparency, and recognition, ultimately benefiting both organizations and employees by saving time, resources, and enhancing productivity and growth.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an employee engagement device, comprising a cuboidal housing, which is adapted for placement in a work environment and has four telescopic rods installed underneath, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the housing, records and processes images in synchronization with a facial recognition module, which triggers a microcontroller to record attendance and work event participation of employees in a database that is connected to the microcontroller and tracks employee performance according to key performance indicators, a touch-enabled display unit mounted on the housing displays individual employee profiles as required, the profile includes data from the database and improvements to be implemented by the employee.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a wireless communication unit linked with the microcontroller enables managers to access the database by wirelessly connecting with a computing unit, an application module associated with the device allows employees to access the database to view their profile by logging in using personal credentials, an appraisal report is generated for a specific employee as requested by a manager, based on the database, the report is pushed to the manager's computing unit by the communication unit, a holographic projection unit incorporated on the housing enables holographic display of information from the database as per demand, the holographic projection unit makes announcements, and audio is relayed via a speaker provided on the housing, rectangular flap attached with a rear portion of the housing by means of a pair of sliding units enables access to the interior of the housing for maintenance purposes.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an employee engagement device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an employee engagement device that is capable of streamlining employee management through automation, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and employee engagement, and driving business productivity and growth.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an employee engagement device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal housing 101, four telescopic rods 102 installed underneath the housing 101, rectangular plates 103 with suction cups 104 at their bottom surfaces, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105, installed on the housing 101, a touch enabled display unit 106 mounted on the housing 101, a holographic projection unit 107, incorporated on the housing 101, a pair of rectangular panels 109 attached with lateral edges of the housing 101 by means of hinges 110, a printer 111 disposed within the housing 101, a rectangular horizontal tray 112 mounted at a front portion of the housing 101, an articulated laser emitter 113 supported on the tray 112, a pair of motorized rollers 114 aligned with a slit 115, the laser emitter 113 is supported on the tray 112 by means of a telescopic bar 117, a microphone 108 is installed adjacent to the display unit 106 and a camera 116 located adjacent to the display 106 and a biometric sensor 118 installed on the housing 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein, comprises of a cuboidal housing 101, which serves as a main structure of the device and developed to be positioned in a work environment. To ensure stability of the housing 101, four telescopic rods 102 arranged beneath the housing 101. The telescopic rods 102 as mentioned herein are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes compressed air to extend and retract the rods 102. The process begins with an air compressor which compresses atmospheric air to a higher pressure.

[0024] The air cylinder of the pneumatic unit contains a piston that moves back and forth within the cylinder. The cylinder is connected to one end of the telescopic rods 102. The piston is attached to the telescopically operated rods 102 and its movement is controlled by the flow of compressed air. To extend the telescopic rods 102 the piston activates the air valve to allow compressed air to flow into the chamber behind the piston. As the pressure increases in the chamber, the piston pushes the telescopic rods 102 to the desired length for providing stability to the housing 101.

[0025] The rod’s 102 bottom portion is attached with a rectangular plate, which is installed with suction cups 104 to affix the body over the surface. The suction cups 104 are used to create a vacuum seal between the plate and the surface. When the suction cups 104 are pressed against the surface, the initial contact creates a seal between the cups 104 and the surface, this seals off the area within the suction cups 104. The suction cups 104 are designed to maintain a relatively airtight seal even if the surface is not perfectly smooth.

[0026] After affixing the body on the surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 installed on the housing 101 get actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller, which is equipped with a high-resolution camera that captures images of employees in the vicinity of the housing 101. The imaging unit 105 is integrated with a processor that enables rapid processing and analysis of the captured images.

[0027] The imaging unit 105 works in synchronization with a facial recognition module, which uses advanced protocols to identify and verify the employees. The facial recognition module is trained on a database of employee images, allowing it to accurately recognize and distinguish between different individuals. When an employee enters the vicinity of the housing 101, the imaging unit 105 captures their image and sends it to the facial recognition module for verification.

[0028] Once the employee is recognized, the facial recognition module triggers a microcontroller to record the employee's attendance and participation in work events. The microcontroller is connected to the database that stores employee attendance and performance data. The database is updated in real-time, allowing managers to access accurate and up-to-date information on employee performance. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 establishes the employee performance in accordance with key performance indicators. By accurately tracking employee attendance and participation in work events, the imaging unit 105 provides valuable insights into employee behavior and productivity.

[0029] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates a touch enabled display unit 106, which is installed on the housing 101 to displays individual profile of the employee, the profile typically includes data from the database, and required improvements. The touch enabled display unit 106 as mentioned herein is typically an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) screen that presents output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology, allowing the user to interact directly with the display using their fingers.

[0030] The managers are able to access the database by a wireless communication unit, which is linked with the microcontroller and connected to a computing unit, to generate an appraisal report for a specific employee is also based on the database. Herein, the employee accesses the database to view their profile by logging in using personal credentials is on an application module associated with the device.

[0031] The device features a holographic projection unit 107 that presents information from the database as per requirement and for making announcements, with the help of a speaker installed on the housing 101. On actuation of holographic projection unit 107 by the microcontroller, the light source emits various combination of lights towards the lens which is further portrayed to project the virtual images depicting information from the database and accordingly make announcement by means of the speaker.

[0032] The speaker is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels. The speaker consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data. This data is often in the form of an audio file. The digital audio data is sent to a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The DAC converts the digital data into analog electrical signals. The analog signal is often weak and needs to be amplified. An amplifier boosts the strength to a level so that the speaker drives it effectively. The amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker. The core of the speaker is an electromagnet attached to a flexible cone. These sound waves travel through the air as pressure waves and are picked by the user’s ear.

[0033] If the housing 101 requires maintenance, then the microcontroller actuates a pair of sliding unit to allow translation of a rectangular flap 108 constructed with a rear portion of the housing 101. The sliding unit consists of a motor, and a rail unit integrated with ball bearings to allow smooth linear movement. As the motor rotates the rotational motion of the motor is converted into linear motion through a pair of belts and linkages. This linear motion provides a stable track and allows the translation of the flap 108 to allow access of interior of the housing 101 for maintenance purposes.

[0034] In case the user required to sign a document after consenting, there is a signing mode linked with the microcontroller, which displays the document over the display unit 106, wherein a biometric sensor 118 installed on the housing 101 to authenticate an identity of the user first. The biometric sensor 118 mentioned herein is typically a fingerprint sensor, when the user put their fingers over the scanner, the scanner captures their impression and compares the impression with pre-fed impression in the database to authenticate the user.

[0035] A pair of rectangular panels 109 installed with lateral edges of the housing 101 via a hinges 110 for providing privacy to the user. The hinges 110 consist of a pair of leaf that are connected with each other via a rod, wherein the rod is coupled with a motor that is interlinked with the microcontroller for orienting the rectangular panels 109 to provide privacy to the user.

[0036] In case the user is agreed with the document, then the user provide touch input through the display unit 106 and after receiving the signal from the display unit 106, the microcontroller actuates a printer 111 installed inside the housing 101 to print copies of the document to enable the user to sign the document physically.

[0037] To sign the document, there is a rectangular horizontal tray 112 installed on a front portion of the housing 101, which provides a sturdy base to the user while signing document for preventing any mistakes while signing document. As the user approaches the tray 112, the microcontroller actuates an articulated laser emitter 113 installed on the tray 112 to guide the user about specific location on the document at where is to be signed.

[0038] The laser emitter 113 serves as a visual guide for the user, making it simple for the user to sign the document. The microcontroller sends a signal to the laser emitter 113 to highlight the desired position in the document. The emitter consists of a laser source, typically a diode laser that emits a focused beam of coherent light. Within the laser emitter 113, various optical components are used such as lenses, mirrors, and prisms to shape and direct the laser beam onto the suitable location over the document. The laser emitter 113 mentioned herein is installed with the body by means of a telescopic bar 117 and ball and socket joints. The extension of the bar 117 is powered by a pneumatic unit that utilizes the compressed air to extend or retract the bar 117, which ensures better performance of laser emitter 113.

[0039] A compartment installed inside the housing 101, which is having a slit 115, allows the user to translate the document form it, wherein a pair of motorized rollers 114 installed adjacently to the slit 115 to receive the documents slide the document inwards. The motorized roller is a mechanical unit designed to rotate on its axis with the help of an integrated electric motor. The roller tube serves as a surface for supporting, and translating the document inwards. The motorized roller is equipped with an electric motor that provides the rotational power necessary to turn the roller. The motor is connected to the roller tube through a drive mechanism, which involves gears, belts to transfer the motor’s rotational force to the roller, causing it to spin and translate the document inwards.

[0040] After translating the documents inwards, the microcontroller actuates an OCR (optical character recognition) sensor installed inside the compartment to analyze the content written on it along with user’s sign to upload onto the database for reference of managers. The OCR module identifies and locates text regions within the image using techniques like edge detection, and contour analysis. The OCR module processes the text regions to recognize individual characters and words. After text recognition, the OCR module performs post-processing tasks to correct errors and enhance the accuracy of the recognized text, which basically involves spell-checking, grammar-checking, and resolving ambiguities.

[0041] While the user is analyzing the document, in case the user required assistance in understanding a specific part of the document, then the user is free to provide commands over a microphone 108 installed on the display unit 106. The microphone 108 plays a crucial role by converting spoken words or commands into electrical signals which are then processed and analyzed to trigger specific actions. When the user speaks or commands for requiring assistance while reading document, their vocal cords vibrate, creating sound waves. These sound waves travel through the air as variations in air pressure. The microphone 108 mentioned herein is a transducer that converts these variations in air into electric signals. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital form which is done by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digital signal is then subjected to various signal processing techniques to enhance voice quality and eliminate noise. The microcontroller then converts the signal into specific commands and actuates the speaker to read the part in simple language to explain the user.

[0042] However, the user is disagreed by the provided document, the microcontroller initiates a video call with a concerned manager by actuating series of components synchronously i.e. a camera 116 installed in proximity to the display unit 106 to record the user, the microphone 108 to record audio of the user, display unit 106 and speaker to relay audio-visual from the manager for further the discussion about disagreement.

[0043] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal housing 101 as disclosed in the invention is placed in a work environment and the process begins with the installation and setup of the cuboidal housing 101 in a work environment. The four telescopic rods 102 for stability of the housing 101. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105, facial recognition module, microcontroller are connected and set up. Once the setup is complete, employees are registered and their profiles are created in the database. Employee data, including personal credentials, is stored in the database. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105 then captures images of employees in the vicinity of the housing 101. The facial recognition module recognizes employees and triggers the microcontroller to record attendance and work event participation in the database. The database tracks employee performance according to key performance indicators. The device analyzes employee performance data to identify areas for improvement.

[0044] In addition, the touch-enabled display unit 106 displays individual employee profiles and performance data. Employees can view their profiles and performance data using the application module and their personal credentials. The managers are able to request appraisal reports for specific employees based on the database. The device generates appraisal reports and pushes them to the manager's computing unit via the communication unit. Additionally, the holographic projection unit 107 displays information from the database, such as employee profiles and performance data, in a holographic format. The holographic projection unit 107 makes announcements, and audio is relayed via a speaker provided on the housing 101. Finally, the rectangular flap 108 attached to the housing 101 provides access to the interior for maintenance purposes.

[0045] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An employee engagement device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 adapted to be placed in a work environment, having four telescopic rods 102 installed underneath said housing 101, wherein ends of said rods 102 are provided with rectangular plates 103 with suction cups 104 at their bottom surfaces to stabilize said housing 101 on a ground surface;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 105, installed on said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, in synchronisation with a facial recognition module, to recognise employees to trigger a microcontroller to record attendance of said employees, participation of said employees in work events, in a database connected with said microcontroller, to establish performance of said employees in accordance with key performance indicators;
iii) a touch enabled display unit 106 mounted on said housing 101, to display individual profile of an employee as per requirement, wherein said profile includes data from said database, and improvements required to be implemented by said employee;
iv) a wireless communication unit linked with said microcontroller is provided in said housing 101, to enable managers to access said database by wirelessly connecting by a computing unit;
v) a signing mode configured for enabling a user to sign a document after consenting, in said signing mode, said document is display on said display unit 106, a pair of rectangular panels 109 attached with lateral edges of said housing 101 by means of hinges 110 to provide privacy to said user, wherein said upon receiving consent for said document via touch input through said display unit 106, a printer 111 disposed within said housing 101 is actuated to print copies of said document for physical signing by said user;
vi) a rectangular horizontal tray 112 mounted at a front portion of said housing 101, for provided a sturdy surface to said user for signing said document, wherein an articulated laser emitter 113 supported on said tray 112 guides said user to locations on said document required to be signed; and
vii) a compartment crafted within said housing 101, having a slit 115 to enable said user to slide in signed document, said document being translated inwards by means of a pair of motorized rollers 114 aligned with said slit 115 in a parallel manner, wherein an OCR (optical character recognition) sensor incorporated within said compartment extracts contents of said document along with user’s sign to upload onto said database for reference of managers.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an application module associated with said device enables said employees to access said database to view their profile by logging in using personal credentials.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an appraisal report is generated for a specific employee, as requested by a manager, based on said database and said report is pushed to computing unit of said manager, by said communication unit.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a holographic projection unit 107, incorporated on said housing 101, enables holographic display of information from said database as per demand and for purpose of making announcements, wherein audio is relayed via a speaker provided on said housing 101.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rectangular flap 108 is attached with a rear portion of said housing 101 by means of a pair of sliding units to enable access to interior of said housing 101 for maintenance purposes.
6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a biometric sensor 118 installed on said housing 101 authenticates an identity of said user prior to initiating said signing mode.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said laser emitter 113 is supported on said tray 112 by means of a telescopic bar 117 having ball and socket joints at the ends.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 108 is installed adjacent to said display unit 106, wherein said user inputs a voice command for explanation of selected portions of said document to actuate said speaker to read said portions in simpler language to explain to said user.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon disagreement provided by said user regarding said document, a video call is initiated with concerned manager by actuation of a camera 116 located adjacent to said display, to record said user, said microphone 108 to record audio of said user and said display unit 106 and said speaker to relay audio-visual from said manager, in order to further the discussion.