Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a reading assistive device for enhancing focus that provide assistance to a user in reading a book line-by-line with enhanced focus and also allows the user to listen the audio of the text written in the book.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] People who read books tend to seek knowledge, entertainment, or personal growth. They include students studying for exams, professionals staying updated in their field, and individuals who enjoy leisurely reading. Enhancing focus while reading a book is crucial for comprehension and retention. Distractions like noise, digital devices, and wandering thoughts hinder concentration. Readers often struggle with maintaining focus due to fatigue, external disturbances, or lack of interest in the material. Overcoming distractions and improving concentration lead to deeper understanding and enjoyment of the content, making reading a fulfilling and enriching experience for many.

[0003] Traditionally, people enhance focus while reading by using methods like using a finger or a pointer to guide their eyes line-by-line, which helps maintain concentration and prevents skipping. Another method involves using bookmarks or rulers to isolate text, reducing visual distractions. To enhance text size, traditional tools such as magnifying glasses or reading lenses are used, aiding those with vision impairments or those preferring larger print. While these traditional methods are effective to some extent, they also pose several challenges and drawbacks. Traditional methods might be limiting as they disrupt the natural flow of reading or become cumbersome over time. Tools such as magnifying glasses are bulky and inconvenient to carry, while bookmarks or rulers do not effectively block out distractions. Also, traditional methods for increasing text size often require separate tools or adaptations, which is inconvenient or impractical for everyday use, especially in modern digital environments.

[0004] CN106373345A discloses about an invention which includes a device main body, a fixed clamping board, a distance sensor, a microprocessor, a control chip, a loudspeaker, a timer, a display screen and a press key, wherein the device main body comprises an outer shell and a cavity; a front part of the device main body is shaped as a rectangular or a circle and is integrated with the fixed clamping board, the fixed clamping board comprises two right angle plates that can slide relatively, and a gap for accommodating a book spine is formed between the two right angle plates; the distance sensor, the display screen and the press key are positioned on the front part of the device main body; the microprocessor, the control chip, the loudspeaker and the timer are positioned in the device main body; the system comprises a distance sensing module, a data processing module, a timing module and a voice playing module. Via the book assistive reading device and system, a reader can be prevented from reading a book from a short distance for a long time, and therefore the reader can be prevented from shortsightedness; auxiliary functions such as recording, music playing and the like can be provided for the reader; reading efficiency of the reader can be greatly improved. Although, CN’345 discloses about an invention that relates to book assisted reading device and system. However, the cited invention lacks in providing assistance in reading as per the reading pattern of the user.

[0005] CN213720573U discloses about an invention which includes a base and a support frame arranged above the base, and the support frame comprises a main plate and a book clamping plate. One end of the book clamping plate is provided with an elastic piece which is used for driving the book clamping plate to move towards the center position of the supporting frame in the transverse direction so that the book clamping plate and the main plate can clamp a periodical to be read together, and the upper side or the lower side of the supporting frame is further provided with a clamping part used for clamping the periodical to be read. By adopting the device for assisting the old in reading, the convenience of reading publications by the old is improved. Although, CN’573 discloses about an invention that relates to an auxiliary reading device for the elderly. However, the cited invention lacks in converting the texts written in the book into an audio output for the user to listen.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in reading books. However, these devices are incapable of providing assistance in reading as per the reading pattern of the user and fails in enhancing focus of the user. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in converting the text written in the book into an audio output for the user to listen.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in reading books line-by-line by analyzing reading patterns of the user. In addition, the developed device also provides text-to-speech of the texts written in the book for the user to listen the texts orally and enhance accessibility for visually impaired users.

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 assistance to a user in reading texts embossed in a book line-by-line by analyzing reading patterns of the user, thereby facilitating the user in maintaining focus during the reading operation.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enhancing the text size, thus allowing the user to read texts as per the user’s preferences.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of analyzing the texts and accordingly provides text-to-speech of the analyzed texts for the user to listen the texts orally, thus enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users.

[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 reading assistive device for enhancing focus that is capable of assisting a user in maintaining focus during reading a book by analyzing reading patterns of the user and accordingly assist the user in line-by-line reading.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a reading assistive device for enhancing focus comprises of a rectangular frame positioned on a surface of a book, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the frame and paired with a processor to determine dimensions of the book, a pair of motorized clamps arranged on ends of the frame by means of an extendable rod for positioning the clamp in proximity to lower edges of the book to grab the lower edges in view of securing the frame on the book, plurality of plates arranged across inner periphery of the frame and integrated with a drawer arrangement, a microphone is integrated in the frame for enabling a user to provide input voice commands regarding requirement of assistance in reading texts embossed in the book, based on which the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement to retract sequentially to facilitate line-by-line reading, and a magnifying glass installed with the frame by means of a L-shaped telescopically operated rod for positioning the glass over the text for enhancing the text size.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an eye gaze detection sensor embedded in the frame for monitoring eye-movement of the user in view of analyzing reading patterns of the user, plurality of pop out balls arranged on back portion of the frame to move the frame over the book’s surface in view of positioning with subsequent paragraph of the book, an OCR sensor embedded in the frame and synced with the imaging unit for analyzing the texts in case the user desires to listen the texts orally, a speaker installed on the frame for producing audio signals regarding the analyzed texts in view of allowing the user to listen the texts orally, plurality of LEDs are arranged on the frame for illuminating the book’s surface in view of enhancing readability to the user, a motorized ball and socket joint is integrated in between the rod and frame for providing movement to the rod in view of aligning the glass over the text, and a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a reading assistive device for enhancing focus; and
Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of a rectangular frame 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 reading assistive device for enhancing focus that is capable of enhancing focus of a user while reading a book by enhancing the text size and allowing the user to read texts as per the user’s preferences. Additionally, the proposed device also illuminates the book surface for proper visibility of the book.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a reading assistive device for enhancing focus and a rear view of a rectangular frame associated with the proposed device are illustrated, respectively, comprising a rectangular frame 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 integrated in the frame 101, a pair of motorized clamps 103 arranged on ends of the frame 101 each by means of an extendable rod 104, plurality of plates 105 arranged across inner periphery of the frame 101 and integrated with a drawer arrangement 106, a microphone 107 is integrated in the frame 101, a magnifying glass 108 installed with the frame 101 by means of a L-shaped telescopically operated link 109, plurality of pop out balls 201 arranged on back portion of the frame 101, a speaker 110 installed on the frame 101, plurality of LEDs 111 are arranged on the frame 101, and a motorized ball and socket joint 112 is integrated in between the link 109 and frame 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a rectangular frame 101 incorporating various components associated with the device, and positioned on a surface of a book. The frame 101 serves as the main structure and is made up of sturdy and robust material that includes but not limited to plastic or metal that offer strength and rigidity to the frame 101, making it resistant to mechanical stress and pressure. The outer surface of the frame 101 is coated with material like Teflon or other low-friction coatings to improve wear resistance and reduce friction.

[0024] A user is required to activate the device manually by pressing a button installed on the frame 101 and linked with an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device. The button is a type of switch that is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conduction of electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa.

[0025] After activation of the device by the user, a microcontroller generates a commands to actuate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 integrated in the frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of the book. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 comprises of a high-resolution camera lens, digital camera sensor and a processor, wherein the lens captures multiple images from different angles and perspectives in vicinity of the book with the help of digital camera sensor for providing comprehensive coverage of the book.

[0026] The captured images then go through pre-processing steps by the processor integrated with the camera. The processor carries out a sequence of image processing operation including pre-processing, feature extraction and classification in order to enhance the image quality, which includes adjusting brightness and contrast and removing any distortion or noise. The pre-processed images are transmitted to the microcontroller linked with the processor in the form of electrical signals.

[0027] The microcontroller further processes the received signals from the imaging unit 102 in order to determine dimensions of the book. The ends of the frame 101 are arranged with a pair of motorized clamps 103 by means of an extendable rod 104, wherein based on the determined dimensions, the microcontroller generates a command to actuate the rod 104 to extend/retract for positioning the clamp in proximity to lower edges of the book. The extension/ retraction of the rod 104 is powered by a pneumatic unit associated with the device that includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod 104.

[0028] The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consisting of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor powers the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend. The piston is attached to the rod 104, wherein the extension/retraction of the piston corresponds to extension/retraction of the rod 104 in order to place the clamp in proximity to lower edges of the book.

[0029] Post positioning of the clamps 103, the microcontroller actuates the clamps 103 to grab the lower edges of the book and secure the frame 101 on the book. The motorized clamp comprises of a motor attached with clamp. The clamp is a fastening equipment used to grip lower edges of the book. The clamp comprises a pair of curved motorize clamps 103, which is attached with a direct current (DC) motor to grip the lower edges of the book. The motor is activated by the microcontroller to open/close the motorized clamp in a manner to grab the lower edges, in order to secure the frame 101 on the book.

[0030] After securing the frame 101 over the book, the user is required to provide input voice commands by means of a microphone 107 integrated in the frame 101, regarding requirement of assistance in reading texts embossed in the book. The microphone 107 receives the user voice commands and converts the sound energy emitted by the user into electrical energy. Inside the microphone 107, a diaphragm made of plastic is present that moves back and forth when the sound wave hits the diaphragm, which then moves a coil attached to the diaphragm in the same way in order to generate an electrical signal proportional to the sound. The electric signal from coil flows to an amplifier which amplifies the electrical signal. The amplified electrical signal is then sent to the microcontroller linked to the microphone 107.

[0031] Upon receiving and processing the signal from the microphone 107, the microcontroller recognizes the user input voice command regarding requirement of assistance in reading texts embossed in the book. Multiple plates 105 (ranging from 2 to 3 in numbers) are arranged across inner periphery of the frame 101 and integrated with a drawer arrangement 106, wherein based on the user command, the microcontroller generates a command to actuate the drawer arrangement 106 to retract sequentially to facilitate line-by-line reading. The drawer arrangement 106 consists of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders.

[0032] Upon actuation by the microcontroller, an electric current pass through the motor of the drawer mechanism and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends length of the compartments. Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller to retract the plates 105 sequentially to facilitate line-by-line reading.

[0033] The frame 101 is installed with a magnifying glass 108 by means of a L-shaped telescopically operated link 109, wherein if the user via the microphone 107 provides input command to adjust the text size, the microcontroller actuates the link 109 to extend/retract for positioning the glass 108 over the text. The extension/retraction of the telescopically operated link 109 is powered by the pneumatic unit in the same manner as described above for the extendable rod 104 to extend/retract for positioning the glass 108 over the text in order to enhance the text size.

[0034] Synchronously, with the extension/ retraction of the link 109, the microcontroller generates a command to actuate a motorized ball and socket joint 112 integrated in between the link 109 and frame 101 for providing movement to the link 109 to align the glass 108 over the text. The ball and socket joint 112 is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the link 109. The ball and socket joint 112 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for providing required rotational movement to the link 109 in a manner to align the glass 108 over the text and allow the user to read texts as per their preferences.

[0035] As the user reads the book, the microcontroller in association with an eye gaze detection sensor embedded in the frame 101, monitors eye-movement of the user for analyzing reading patterns of the user. The eye gaze detection sensor uses a source of invisible near-infrared or infrared light that illuminates the pupil of the user. Thus, a reflection gets generated on the cornea. An infrared camera then records that reflection, delimit the centre of the pupil, deduce eye rotation, and determine gaze direction of the user’s eye. The eye position, point of gaze, and eye movements are all calculated using advanced mathematical protocols. After that, the recorded information becomes raw data that is continuously sent to the microcontroller in the form of electrical signal.

[0036] The microcontroller continuously processes the received data and monitors the eye-movement of the user in order to analyze reading patterns of the user. Based on the monitored reading patterns, the microcontroller generates a command to actuate multiple pop out balls 201 (ranging from 6 to10 in numbers) arranged on back portion of the frame 101, for rotating to move the frame 101 over the book’s surface and get positioned with subsequent paragraph of the book. The pop out balls 201 used herein works on a roller simple mechanism that are powered by a direct current (DC) motor that is activated by the microcontroller.

[0037] Upon getting actuation command from the microcontroller, the motor starts rotating in clockwise and anticlockwise direction producing rotational motion. This force is then transmitted to the mechanism that forces the ball out of its compartment, providing movement to the frame 101 over the book’s surface in order to get positioned with subsequent paragraph of the book and facilitates the user in maintaining focus during the reading operation.

[0038] In case the user via the microphone 107, provides input command to listen the texts orally, the microcontroller by means of an OCR sensor embedded in the frame 101 and synced with the imaging unit 102 starts analyzing the texts. The OCR sensor works on OCR (optical character recognition) technology. The sensor first capture the image of the alphabets/words and process that image on the basis of a pattern of black and white color intensity. After that the sensor compares the detected pattern with the pre-stored data of alphabets in order to find out the alphabets/words and send the detected alphabets/words to the microcontroller in the form of electrical signals.

[0039] The microcontroller processes the received data in order to analyze the texts written in the book and further generates a command to actuate a speaker 110 installed on the frame 101 for producing audio signals regarding the analyzed texts. The speaker 110 used herein is capable of producing clear and natural sound and is capable of adjusting its volume based on ambient noise levels. The speaker 110 consists of audio information, which is in the form of recorded voice, synthesized voice, or other sounds, generated or stored as digital data.

[0040] The digital audio data is converted into analog electrical signals. Further the analog signal is amplified by an amplifier and the amplified audio signal is then sent to the speaker 110. The core of the speaker 110 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 for allowing the user to listen the texts orally, thus enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users.

[0041] Further, the frame 101 is arranged with multiple LEDs 111 (ranging from 3 to 6 in numbers) that are activated by the microcontroller for illuminating the book’s surface. The LED (Light Emitting Diode) light is a two-lead semiconductor light source also known as p-n junction which produce the lighting when constant voltage is supplied across the diode. When the voltage is supplied across the diode, the electrons recombine with the electrons hole in the diode which result in conversion of electron into photons (which is another form of light) to glow and illuminate the book’s surface in order to enhance readability to the user.

[0042] Lastly, a battery is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrode named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0043] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular frame 101 is positioned on the book surface. The imaging unit 102 determine dimensions of the book and accordingly the microcontroller actuates the extendable rod 104 for positioning the pair of clamp near lower edges of the book to grab the lower edges for securing the frame 101 on the book. The user via the microphone 107 provides input regarding requirement of assistance in reading texts embossed in the book, based on which the microcontroller actuates the drawer arrangement 106 to retract the plates 105 sequentially to facilitate line-by-line reading. In case the user desires to adjust text size, the microcontroller actuates the L-shaped telescopically operated link 109 for positioning the magnifying glass 108 over the text for enhancing the text size and allowing the user to read texts as per their preferences. The eye gaze detection sensor monitors eye-movement of the user to analyze user reading patterns and accordingly the microcontroller actuates multiple pop out balls 201 to move the frame 101 over the book’s surface for positioning with subsequent paragraph of the book. The OCR sensor analyze the texts and further the speaker 110 produces audio output regarding the analyzed texts for allowing the user to listen the texts orally. Furthermore, multiple LEDs 111 are activated for illuminating the book’s surface in order to enhance readability of the user.

[0044] 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 reading assistive device for enhancing focus, comprising:

i) a rectangular frame 101 developed to be positioned on a surface of a book, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 integrated in said frame 101 and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images of said book, respectively to determine dimensions of said book;
ii) a pair of motorized clamps 103 arranged on ends of said frame 101 by means of an extendable rod 104 that is actuated by an inbuilt microcontroller to extend/retract for positioning said clamp in proximity to lower edges of said book, wherein said microcontroller actuates said clamp to grab said lower edges, in view of securing said frame 101 on said book;
iii) plurality of plates 105 arranged across inner periphery of said frame 101 and integrated with a drawer arrangement 106, wherein a microphone 107 is integrated in said frame 101 for enabling a user to provide input voice commands regarding requirement of assistance in reading texts embossed in said book, based on which said microcontroller actuates said drawer arrangement 106 to retract sequentially to facilitate line-by-line reading;
iv) a magnifying glass 108 installed with said frame 101 by means of a L-shaped telescopically operated link 109, wherein in case said user desires to adjust text size, said microcontroller actuates said link 109 to extend/retract for positioning said glass 108 over said text, for enhancing said text size, thus allowing said user to read texts as per said user’s preferences; and
v) an eye gaze detection sensor embedded in said frame 101 for monitoring eye-movement of said user, in view of analyzing reading patterns of said user, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates plurality of pop out balls 201 arranged on back portion of said frame 101 for rotating to move said frame 101 over said book’s surface, in view of positioning with subsequent paragraph of said book, thereby facilitating said user in maintaining focus of said user during said reading operation.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an OCR sensor is embedded in said frame 101 and synced with said imaging unit 102 for analyzing said texts, in case said user desires to listen said texts orally, based on which said microcontroller actuates a speaker 110 installed on said frame 101 for producing audio signals regarding said analyzed texts, in view of allowing said user to listen said texts orally, thus enhancing accessibility for visually impaired users.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein plurality of LEDs 111 are arranged on said frame 101 for illuminating said book’s surface, in view of enhancing readability to said user.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a motorized ball and socket joint 112 is integrated in between said link 109 and frame 101 for providing movement to said link 109, in view of aligning said glass 108 over said text.

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