Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a meditation assistive device that is capable of assisting a user in meditation as well as provides more comfortable seating arrangement that supports the user’s posture, reduces discomfort and enables longer and more focused meditation sessions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Meditation is a mental practice that involves focused attention, mindfulness, or contemplation to achieve a state of clarity, relaxation, and emotional balance. It is important because it helps reduce stress, enhances self-awareness, and promotes emotional health. Regular meditation improve concentration, foster a sense of calm, and enhance overall well-being. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and boost resilience against daily stressors. Meditation also cultivates a deeper connection with oneself, leading to greater self-acceptance and inner peace. Traditional tools for meditation include cushions (zafus) for comfortable sitting, meditation benches for posture support, mala beads for counting breaths or mantras, incense to create a calming atmosphere, singing bowls to produce soothing sounds, and mandalas or yantras for visual focus, aiding concentration and mindfulness during meditation.

[0003] Traditional tools are helpful, but they have their own limitations. Traditional meditation tools, such as cushions, mats, and benches, often have limitations in providing personalized comfort and support. These tools lack adjustability, making it difficult to maintain proper posture for extended periods, leading to discomfort and distraction. They also do not offer interactive features or health monitoring, which could enhance the meditation experience. Additionally, traditional tools are passive and do not respond to the user’s needs or preferences, requiring manual adjustments that interrupt the flow of meditation. Their static nature may also limit their effectiveness in promoting deep relaxation and mindfulness for all users.

[0004] CN115054795B discloses a meditation assisting device, which comprises an electronic candle lamp, wherein the electronic candle lamp comprises: the information acquisition module is used for acquiring working instructions and brain wave signals; an information processing module for determining a meditation target according to the work instruction, and calculating a meditation evaluation index according to the meditation target and the brain wave signal; and a light control module for determining a light control strategy corresponding to the meditation target and the meditation evaluation index according to the meditation target and the meditation evaluation index, the light control strategy being used for controlling the light state of the electronic candle lamp. The invention intuitively observes the change of the meditation state of the user by setting any meditation targets and displaying and changing the light color of the electronic candle lamp, thereby being beneficial to improving the meditation effect and realizing the meditation targets. CN’795 relates to the technical field of meditation, and more particularly, to a meditation assisting device and a meditation assisting system, however the device lacks in enhancing the overall meditation experience of the user by providing a comfortable seating arrangement.

[0005] US20140356823A1 discloses about a meditation and prayer device including a body portion, electronics, integrated user interface, and data port. The device includes a user interface that allows the user to set the practice session duration, color of light, and choice of sound. The electronics enables the device to emit visual and auditory cues for when the practice session begins and ends. Data are stored in the device and available for transfer to other electronics products and online services through a data port. The device is portable and easy to manufacture. US’823 relates to apparatus for facilitating meditation and prayer practice more specifically, however the device lacks in allowing the users to achieve the ideal meditation posture through easily adjustable features.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that relates to the technical field of meditation, and more particularly, to a meditation assisting device and a meditation assisting system as well as relates to apparatus for facilitating meditation and prayer practice more specifically, however the device lacks in in enhancing the overall meditation experience of the user by providing a comfortable seating arrangement as well as lacks in allowing the users to achieve the ideal meditation posture through easily adjustable features.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a that is capable in enhancing the overall meditation experience of the user by providing a comfortable seating arrangement as well as allows the users to achieve the ideal meditation posture through easily adjustable features.

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 providing users with a more comfortable and supportive environment during meditation, thus improves posture and reducing physical strain of the user.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of promoting wellness by monitoring vital health parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure during meditation sessions, with the capability to alert users to any potential health issues.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of both stable and portable, allowing users to meditate comfortably in various settings without compromising on stability or support.

[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 meditation assistive device that assists the user in meditation as well as makes the meditation more accessible and engaging by incorporating voice-activated commands, thus allows the users to effortlessly modify their meditation environment without interrupting their practice.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a meditation assistive device comprises of a circular base developed to be positioned on a ground surface and configured with plurality of suction cups for adhering the base with the surface, a pressure sensor integrated in the base to detect accommodation of the user on the base, an ultrasonic sensor integrated on the base detect dimension of hip portion of the user, an expandable pulley arrangement integrated in the base to expand/contract to allow the user to get accommodated over the base properly, a microphone embedded in the base that is accessed by the user to provide voice command regarding adjustment in height of the base, plurality of telescopically operated legs configured between the base and cups to extend/retract in order to adjust height of the base as per a user’s preference enhancing siting experience.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises of a backrest attached with the base by means of an extendable frame to extend and position the backrest behind back portion at an optimum height to provide support to the user, a communication module integrated with the microcontroller to establish a wireless connection in between the microcontroller and a computing unit to enable the user to provide command regarding playing soothing music, a cushioned layer is fabricated on the base, a motorized drawer arrangement is integrated in the frame to extend/retract the frame, a BCG(ball echocardiography sensor) sensor is integrated on the backrest to monitor heartbeat and blood pressure of the user, a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a meditation assistive device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of an expandable pulley arrangement associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

[0021] The present invention relates to a meditation assistive device that provides a means to the user during meditation as well as allows the users to meditate comfortably in different locations, whether at home, in a studio, or outdoors, without compromising stability or functionality.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a meditation assistive device and an isometric view of an expandable pulley arrangement associated with the proposed device is illustrated, respectively, comprising of a circular base 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface and configured with plurality of suction cups 102, an expandable pulley arrangement 201 integrated in the base, a microphone 103 embedded in the base, plurality of telescopically operated legs 104 configured between the base and cups, a backrest 105 attached with the base, a speaker 106 integrated on the base.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a circular base 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The base is fabricated with a cushioned layer for providing comforted to the user. The base is made up of stainless steel that offers corrosion resistance, strength and durability to the device and is easy to maintain. A push button is integrated in the base for activating or deactivating the device. The user manually pushes the button, when the button is pressed the electrical circuit gets completed, allowing flow of electric current to actuates a microcontroller associated with the device that regulates the working of the device.

[0024] The base is secured with the surface with multiple attached suctions cups. The multiple suction cups 102 used herein are made up of silicone rubber that easily eliminates pressure inside the suction cup and creating a vacuum between the cup and the surface which seals the surface tightly to the suction cup, resisting any slipping of the surface in order to affix the surface with the base for allowing the user to sit in while meditating.

[0025] When the user sit on the base for meditation, a pressure sensor configured with the base detects that the user has accommodated on the base. The pressure sensor comprises of a sensing element known as diaphragm that experiences a force exerted by the user on the base while accommodating on the base. This force leads to deflection in the diaphragm that is measured by the sensor and converted into an electrical signal which is sent to the microcontroller for regarding, accommodation of the user on the base.

[0026] Once the microcontroller detects that the user has accommodated on the base, a built in ultrasonic sensor determines the dimension of the user hip portion. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the user’s hip portion. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver for determining the dimension of the user’s hip portion. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of user’s hip portion which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the user’s hip portion. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of user’s hip portion and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the dimension of the user’s hip portion. The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller further process the signal to determine the dimension of the user’s hip portion.

[0027] Upon determining the dimension of the user’s hip portion, the microcontroller allows the user to get comfortably accommodated over the base by actuating the integrated expandable pulley arrangement 201 embedded with the base. The expandable pulley arrangement 201 consists of two main components: an outer pulley shell and an inner core. The inner core is mounted on a shaft and is capable of moving axially within the outer shell. By changing the position of the inner core relative to the outer shell, the effective diameter of the rotatable extendable plate is increased/decreased. When the core moves towards the center of the shell, the rotatable extendable plate is retracted and when the core moves away the diameter increases, thus allows the user to get properly accommodated over the base.

[0028] Upon proper accommodation of the user, the user provides an input voice command to a microphone 103 integrated with the base for adjusting the height of the base as per the requirement or as per the user height for comfortable accommodation. The microphone 103 contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the user hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the magnet's field, generating an electrical current. The signal of which are sent to the microcontroller and based on the user input voice command the microcontroller adjusts the height of the base as per the user’s requirement.

[0029] In order to adjust the height of the base as per the user’s requirement, the microcontroller actuates multiple telescopic rods installed between the base and the suction cups 102 for extending and retracting for the adjustment of the height of the base. The telescopically operated legs 104 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the legs. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the base and due to applied pressure the base extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically operated legs 104 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the piston in order enhances the user’s sitting experience by adjusting the height of the base.

[0030] Upon adjusting the height of the base, the user provides another voice command for the requirement of the back support. The microcontroller processes the voice command and actuates an extendable frame which is configured with the base, attached with the backrest 105 for extending and positioning the backrest 105 on the user’s back portion. The extendable frame is configured with a drawer arrangement for adjusting the height of the backrest 105 as per the user’s requirement. The drawer arrangement consists of multiple plates that are overlapped to each other with a sliding unit, wherein upon actuation of the drawer arrangement by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit starts rotating a wheel coupled via a shaft in clockwise/anticlockwise direction providing a movement to the slider in the drawer arrangement to extend backrest 105 at an optimum height, thus provides support to the user back portion while sitting.

[0031] The backrest 105 is installed with a BCG (ball echocardiography sensor) sensor for monitoring the heartbeat and blood pressure of the user. The Ballistocardiography (BCG) sensor, often integrated with echocardiography, measures the mechanical forces generated by the heart's motion and blood flow. The sensor detects tiny movements of the body caused by the heartbeat and converts these into electrical signals. It works by monitoring the ballistic forces transmitted through the body as the heart pumps blood, capturing data related to cardiac cycles. This data is then analyzed to assess heart function, including heart rate, stroke volume, and cardiac output. In case, the microcontroller detects any abnormalities, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 106 and generate audible instruction regarding the abnormality.

[0032] Once the user gets the back support, the user provides command regarding playing soothing music on a communication module configured with the microcontroller for establishing a wireless connection between the microcontroller and a computing unit. The computing unit is linked with a microcontroller embedded within the housing via an integrated communication module that includes but is not limited to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit. The computing unit used herein is capable of computing operation. The microcontroller processes the user command.

[0033] Upon processing the user’s command, the microcontroller actuates a speaker 106 installed with the base to play the music. The speaker 106 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm’s vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to play the music.

[0034] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner, comprising of a circular base 101 with suction cups 102 for stable positioning on the ground, ensuring that the user sit comfortably during meditation. The pressure sensor detects the user is seated. Once the user's presence is confirmed, the inbuilt microcontroller, linked to the pressure sensor, activates the ultrasonic sensor that measures the dimensions of the user's hip area, allowing the user to sit comfortably and securely. The microphone 103 provide voice commands for adjusting the height of the base. The telescopically operated legs 104, extend or retract as per the user's preference, enhancing the overall sitting experience. The user requests back support through the voice command, the backrest 105 automatically adjusts to the optimal height to provide adequate support. The communication module connect wirelessly to a computing unit, enables the user to play soothing music, which is emitted through the speaker 106.

[0036] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A meditation assistive device, comprising:

i) a circular base 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface and configured with plurality of suction cups 102 for adhering said base with said surface, wherein said base is developed to be utilized by said user for sitting during meditation;
ii) a pressure sensor integrated in said base to detect accommodation of said user on said base, wherein on detection of said accommodation, said an inbuilt microcontroller linked with said pressure sensor, actuates an ultrasonic sensor integrated on said base to detect dimension of hip portion of said user;
iii) an expandable pulley arrangement 201 integrated in said base, that is actuated by said microcontroller to expand/contract to allow said user to get accommodated over said base properly, wherein a microphone 103 embedded in said base that is accessed by said user to provide voice command regarding adjustment in height of said base;
iv) plurality of telescopically operated legs 104 configured between said base and cups, that are actuated by said microcontroller to extend/retract in order to adjust height of said base as per a user’s preference, enhancing siting experience;
v) a backrest 105 attached with said base by means of an extendable frame, that is actuated by said user on receiving voice command regarding need of back support, to extend and position said backrest 105 behind back portion at an optimum height, to provide support to said user; and
vi) a communication module integrated with said microcontroller to establish a wireless connection in between said microcontroller and a computing unit, to enable said user to provide command regarding playing soothing music, wherein based on said command, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 106 integrated on said base, to play said music.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cushioned layer is fabricated on said base.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized drawer arrangement is integrated in said frame to extend/retract said frame in order to adjust height of said frame as per voice command given by said user.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a BCG(ball echocardiography sensor) sensor is integrated on said backrest 105, to monitor heartbeat and blood pressure of said user, wherein in case of detection of any abnormalities in said parameters, said microcontroller actuates said speaker 106 to generate audible instruction to notify said user regarding said abnormality.

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