Abstract: An autonomous artifact identification and restoration device, is comprising of a mobile body 101 configured to traverse a predefined area containing one or more artifacts, multiple wheels 102 for facilitating autonomous movement across uneven archaeological terrain, a chamber 103 includes a platform 104 for 360-degree rotational movement of artifacts, multiple robotic arms 105 for gripping the artifact, an imaging unit 106 captures high-resolution images of artifacts placed inside the chamber 103, a digging arrangement 107 excavates target until artifacts are retrieved, two electromagnetic springs 108, each connected to a three-finger gripper 109 gently lifts artifacts post-excavation and place them in the chamber 103, an inspection unit 110 mounted on an L-shaped link 111 determines material composition, age of artifact, multiple material-specific cleaning containers 112 within the restoration chamber 103, each connected to electronic sprayers 113 for dispensing cleaning agents.
Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an autonomous artifact identification and restoration device designed for the discovery, recovery, analysis, cleaning, restoration, and documentation of artifacts from archaeological sites, ensuring efficient handling and preservation while supporting accurate identification and real-time monitoring throughout the excavation and restoration process.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of archaeology often involves complex and time-intensive processes for discovering, excavating, and restoring buried artifacts. Manual efforts are labor-intensive, error-prone, and can potentially damage fragile artifacts. Individuals face several challenges during autonomous artifact identification and restoration, primarily due to variability in artifact materials, degradation levels, and contextual ambiguity. Automated systems may struggle to distinguish between natural and man-made objects or to identify damaged or incomplete artifacts accurately. Limited availability of comprehensive historical databases reduces the reliability of AI-driven identification. Restoration poses additional risks; as improper cleaning or structural repair methods can irreversibly damage fragile artifacts. Environmental conditions such as dust, lighting, or terrain irregularities further complicate accurate imaging and handling. Integration of multi-sensor data for precise decision-making remains complex, often requiring human intervention for validation and correction.
[0003] Traditionally, archaeological excavations rely heavily on manual digging, visual identification, and delicate hand-based restoration, which require expert involvement and are often slow and prone to errors. Scientific examination for material composition and age estimation is performed off-site in specialized laboratories. This fragmented workflow not only prolongs the process but also risks damaging the artifacts during transit or handling. These conventional techniques are inadequate for processing large-scale excavation sites efficiently and safely, particularly when fragile materials such as clay, metal, or ceramic are involved. Hence, a more integrated and automated solution is urgently needed to streamline archaeological operations.
[0004] US11837004B1 discloses a base model by training a pre-trained model using a base training dataset including first training data points identifying tables in historical document images that include the tables and text, where the generated base model is configured to extract the tables as objects; and generating a table extraction model by training the base model using an enhanced training dataset including second training data points that are different from the first training data points and identify a plurality of cells disposed in each of the tables in a row direction and a column direction. The table extraction model is trained to output content of the tables and table information in an XML format, the table information including cell level information of the plurality of cells that is searchable via a query configured to provide target content that corresponds to one or more cells.
[0005] WO2024098699A1 discloses an entity object threat detection method and apparatus, a device, and a storage medium. The method comprises: performing feature extraction and degree of correlation calculation on the historical entity logs of at least two historical entity objects collected within a historical period, and determining at least one specific group and a potential threat score for each specific group; according to a first degree of correlation between a current entity log obtained in the current period and each historical entity log contained in each specific group, determining a threat score for a current entity object in each specific group; and according to the highest threat score corresponding to the current entity object and the potential threat score of each specific group, determining a threat detection result for the current entity object.
[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to facilitate artifact identification and restoration, however devices mentioned in prior art have limitations pertaining to function in isolation and require continuous human oversight, and excavation, artifact retrieval, restoration, and documentation are performed in disconnected stages. Additionally, the existing devices lack in-situ restoration capabilities or automated decision-making based on artifact condition, thereby increases the risk of oversight, damage, or misidentification.
[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of autonomously performing the complete cycle from artifact detection and excavation to restoration and digital modeling, and support automatic material-specific cleaning. Additionally, the device is capable of providing real-time visualization and remote monitoring during excavation and restoration.
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 enabling the automatic discovery and recovery of buried artifacts from archaeological sites.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of safely handling, cleaning, and restoring artifacts using a controlled and systematic process.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of accurately determining the material type and estimated age of recovered artifacts.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of creating and displaying digital models of artifacts along with their historical details.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of supporting real-time monitoring, data recording, and remote user interaction during excavation and restoration.
[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of improving identification and restoration decisions through comparison with historical databases using image analysis.
[0015] 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
[0016] The present invention relates to an autonomous artifact identification and restoration device developed to carry out the discovery, extraction, examination, cleaning, repair, and record-keeping of artifacts found at archaeological sites, enabling careful preservation, precise identification, and continuous observation during excavation and restoration activities.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an autonomous artifact identification and restoration device is disclosed comprising of a mobile body configured to traverse a predefined area containing one or more artifacts, a plurality of stepper motor-powered wheels arranged at a bottom periphery for facilitating autonomous movement across uneven archaeological terrain, a restoration chamber positioned on a top portion of the body, wherein the chamber includes, a rotating platform disposed at a bottom inner periphery for 360-degree rotational movement of artifacts, a plurality of articulated robotic arms for gripping the artifact, and an imaging unit configured to capture high-resolution images of artifacts placed inside the chamber, a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) module disposed at the base of the body for detecting the presence, shape, and depth of underground artifacts and generating 2D or 3D subsurface maps, a backhoe digging arrangement installed at the bottom of the body, configured to excavate target areas identified by the GPR module until artifacts are retrieved, a pair of electromagnetic springs disposed on lateral sides of the body, each connected to a three-finger gripper configured to gently lift artifacts post-excavation and place them in the restoration chamber, an inspection unit mounted on an L-shaped link to determine material composition, age of artifact, the inspection unit comprises of a Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrometer to determine material composition, a X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer to estimate the age of metal artifacts, and a thermoluminescence (TL) spectrometer to estimate the age of ceramic/stone/clay artifacts.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further includes a plurality of material-specific cleaning containers within the restoration chamber, each connected to electronic sprayers for dispensing cleaning agents, the cleaning agents includes tannic acid solution for metallic artifacts, ethanol for clay artifacts, and mild soap solution and pressurized water spray with a flow sensor for stone and ceramic artifacts, a set of restoration tools provided within the chamber for carrying out restoration operation over the artifact, the restoration tools comprises of adhesive dispensing nozzles for rejoining clay artifacts, synthetic resin nozzles for gap filling in stone or ceramic artifacts, a soldering unit for repairing metallic artifacts, and a soft grinder for gently removing corrosion from metal surfaces, the imaging unit is further configured to detect structural anomalies, including breaks, gaps, or corrosion, to initiate appropriate restoration tools the soldering unit is triggered automatically by detection of cracks in metallic artifacts, and the dispensing nozzle is automatically triggered to fill voids or restore surface integrity in ceramic or stone artifacts, a 3D holographic projection unit is mounted on the body and configured display real-time 3D reconstructed models of restored artifacts, project contextual information such as historical background and origin, and enable side-by-side comparison of multiple restoration possibilities, a user-interface is inbuilt in a computing unit accessed by concerned individuals, stream live excavation and restoration footage, display artifact matches and allow user selection, and provide real-time alerts, documentation, and database access, a GPS module is integrated with the microcontroller for real-time geo-location tracking, geo-tagging, and mapping of excavation sites.
[0019] 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
[0020] 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 autonomous artifact identification and restoration device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] The present invention relates to an autonomous artifact identification and restoration device developed to facilitate the finding, retrieval, study, cleaning, preservation, and documentation of artifacts at archaeological locations, allowing for careful handling, accurate classification, and ongoing supervision during both excavation and restoration efforts.
[0025] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an autonomous artifact identification and restoration device is illustrated, comprising of a mobile body 101 supported by a plurality of stepper motor-powered wheels 102 arranged at a bottom periphery, a restoration chamber 103 positioned on a top portion of the body 101, a rotating platform 104 disposed at a bottom inner periphery, a plurality of articulated robotic arms 105 integrated within the chamber 103, an imaging unit 106 installed within the chamber 103, a backhoe digging arrangement 107 installed at the bottom of the body 101, a pair of electromagnetic springs 108 disposed on lateral sides of the body 101, each connected to a three-finger gripper 109, an inspection unit 110 mounted on an L-shaped link 111, a plurality of material-specific cleaning containers 112 within the restoration chamber 103, each connected to electronic sprayers 113, a set of restoration tools 114 provided within the chamber 103, a soldering unit 115 integrated inside the chamber 103, a soft grinder 116 configured within the chamber 103, and a 3D holographic projection unit 117 is mounted on the body 101.
[0026] The disclosed device herein is comprising of a mobile body 101 configured for autonomous locomotion within a designated spatial domain encompassing archaeological artifacts. The body 101 is characterized by its structural configuration, enabling traversal across irregular surfaces inherent to archaeological sites. A plurality of stepper motor-powered wheels 102 arranged at a bottom periphery of the body 101 for enabling precise maneuvering and navigation of the mobile body 101 across uneven archaeological terrain.
[0027] The plurality of stepper motor-powered wheels 102 herein comprise a set of rotatable elements affixed to the mobile body's base. Each wheel is directly actuated by an independent stepper motor, a type of brushless DC electric motor that divides a full rotation into a discrete number of equal steps. The rotation involves the precise energization of the motor's electromagnetic coils in a sequential manner, causing the wheel to rotate by a specific angular increment. This step-by-step actuation allows for highly accurate control over the wheel's rotational speed and angular position. A restoration chamber 103 situated at the top the mobile body 101, constitutes an enclosed compartment designed for the manipulation and analysis of archaeological artifacts.
[0028] The chamber 103 integrates several key components to facilitate these processes. Specifically, the chamber 103 incorporates a rotating platform 104 positioned at the bottom inner periphery of the restoration chamber 103, functions to provide a controlled rotational movement of artifacts. The operation of the platform 104 involves a motorized assembly that enables the platform 104 to revolve a full 360 degrees.
[0029] Furthermore, the chamber 103 incorporates a plurality of articulated robotic arms 105 configured for the secure gripping and manipulation of artifacts. The robotic arm herein comprises of a robotic link and a clamp attached to the link. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the arm. Upon actuation of the robotic arm by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to grip the artifacts. An imaging unit 106 is integrated into the restoration chamber 103 to capture high-resolution images of the artifacts placed inside the chamber 103.
[0030] The imaging unit 106 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of artifacts, and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 106 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 106 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. A Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) module situated at the base of the mobile body 101 to detect underground artifacts by identifying their presence, shape, and depth, while also generating detailed 2D or 3D subsurface maps.
[0031] The GPR module involves the transmission of electromagnetic waves into the ground. These waves propagate through the soil and other materials, and when they encounter interfaces between materials with differing dielectric properties such as buried artifacts, a portion of the wave energy is reflected back to the GPR module. The module detects the presence, estimate the shape, and determine the depth of underground artifacts, by analyzing the travel time and strength of these reflected signals.
[0032] This data is then processed to generate two-dimensional or three-dimensional subsurface maps, providing a visual representation of buried features. A backhoe digging arrangement 107 installed at the bottom of the mobile body 101 for the excavation of specific subsurface locations identified by the GPR module as potential artifact sites. The backhoe digging arrangement 107 involves a hydraulically or electrically powered articulated arm equipped with a digging bucket or similar implement.
[0033] Upon reaching a target area, the arm extends and the bucket engages the soil, scooping and lifting the excavated material. A pair of electromagnetic springs 108 situated on the lateral sides of the body 101 each connect to a three-finger gripper 109 for the delicate handling of excavated artifacts. The electromagnetic springs 108 function as compliant suspension elements, allowing the grippers 109 to maintain a controlled and gentle contact force with the artifact during lifting and transfer. The electromagnetic springs 108 herein operates by using an electromagnetic field to control the expansion and contraction.
[0034] Upon actuation of the springs 108 by the microcontroller, when the current is passed through the springs 108, a magnetic field gets created around the springs 108. The three-finger gripper 109 herein operates by using electromagnetic force to securely but gently grasp an artifact. Upon activation, electromagnets within the gripper 109 fingers generate a magnetic field that attracts and holds ferrous or appropriately tagged non-ferrous artifacts. This controlled grip allows the artifact to be lifted post-excavation and precisely placed into the restoration chamber 103. An inspection unit 110 mounted on an L-shaped link 111 for the non-destructive analysis of retrieved artifacts to determine their material composition and age.
[0035] The L-shaped link 111 provides the necessary articulation and positioning capability for the inspection unit 110 to access and analyze artifacts within the restoration chamber 103. The inspection unit 110 integrates three distinct spectroscopic technologies: A Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrometer for material composition analysis, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer for estimating the age of metal artifacts, and a thermoluminescence (TL) spectrometer for estimating the age of ceramic, stone, and clay artifacts.
[0036] The Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrometer within the inspection unit 110 operates by focusing a high-energy pulsed laser beam onto a small area of the artifact's surface. This intense laser pulse ablates a minute amount of material, creating a plasma. As the plasma cools, the excited atoms within it emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of the elements present in the material. The LIBS spectrometer analyzes this emitted light, identifying the constituent elements and their relative abundance, thus determining the material composition of the artifact.
[0037] The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer within the inspection unit 110 functions by irradiating the metal artifact with primary X-rays. This high-energy radiation causes the atoms in the artifact's material to become excited and subsequently emit secondary, or fluorescent, X-rays. The energy of these emitted X-rays is specific to the elements present in the metal, and the intensity is proportional to their concentration. The XRF spectrometer determines the elemental composition of the metal artifact by analyzing the energy spectrum and intensity of the fluorescent X-rays, which then be used to estimate its age based on known historical metalworking practices and alloy compositions prevalent during different periods.
[0038] The thermoluminescence (TL) spectrometer within the inspection unit 110 is employed to estimate the age of ceramic, stone, and clay artifacts. The TL spectrometer based on the principle that these materials accumulate energy from natural background radiation over time. When the artifact is heated, as part of the TL analysis, this stored energy is released in the form of light (thermoluminescence). The TL spectrometer measures the intensity of this emitted light. The amount of accumulated energy, and thus the intensity of the emitted light, is proportional to the time elapsed since the artifact was last heated (e.g., during firing). The age of the artifact since its last heating event can be estimated by calibrating the TL signal with the known radiation environment. A plurality of material-specific cleaning containers 112 is housed within the restoration chamber 103 are designated reservoirs, each holding a cleaning agent suitable to a specific artifact material.
[0039] The containers 112 are individually connected to electronic sprayers 113. The containers 112 involve the controlled dispensing of the appropriate cleaning agent through the electronic sprayer onto the artifact. The selection of the container and the activation of the corresponding sprayer are managed by the microcontroller, ensuring that metallic artifacts receive tannic acid solution, clay artifacts are treated with ethanol, and stone and ceramic artifacts are cleaned using a combination of mild soap solution and a pressurized water spray equipped with a flow sensor for precise application.
[0040] The electronic sprayers 113 mentioned herein works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to dispense. Upon actuation of sprayers 113 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming cleaning agents, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the cleaning agents to be sprayed out with a high force.
[0041] A set of restoration tools 114 are integrated within the restoration chamber 103 to facilitate the physical repair and stabilization of artifacts. This set includes adhesive dispensing nozzles for rejoining fragmented clay artifacts, synthetic resin nozzles for filling gaps in stone or ceramic artifacts. The adhesive dispensing nozzles operate by extruding a controlled amount of specialized adhesive designed for bonding fragmented clay artifacts.
[0042] Upon detection of breaks in a clay artifact by the imaging unit 106, the appropriate nozzle is automatically activated and positioned to apply the adhesive along the fractured surfaces. The adhesive then cures, creating a bond that rejoins the separated pieces, restoring the structural integrity of the clay artifact. The synthetic resin nozzles function by dispensing a carefully controlled flow of synthetic resin material into identified gaps or voids within stone or ceramic artifacts. When the imaging unit 106 detects such structural deficiencies, the relevant nozzle is automatically activated and guided to fill these areas with the resin. The resin then hardens, providing structural support and restoring a more complete surface to the artifact.
[0043] Upon successful identification of a crack in a metallic artifact by the imaging unit 106, a soldering unit 115 integrated inside the chamber 103 is automatically triggered for the repair of metallic artifacts, specifically targeting detected cracks. The soldering unit 115 operates by applying heat to melt a filler metal (solder) which then flows into the crack, creating a metallic bond upon cooling. This process effectively joins the fractured surfaces, repairing the structural weakness of the metallic artifact, and the dispensing nozzle is automatically triggered to fill voids or restore surface integrity in ceramic or stone artifacts.
[0044] A soft grinder 116 integrated inside the chamber 103 functions to carefully remove corrosion products from the surfaces of metallic artifacts. The grinder 116 operation involves a rotating abrasive element made of a relatively soft material to minimize the risk of damaging the underlying metal. The grinder 116 is manipulated by the robotic arms 105 to gently abrade away layers of corrosion, revealing the original surface of the metallic artifact.
[0045] The imaging unit 106 is designed to identify structural irregularities, such as fractures, voids, or signs of corrosion, activating the necessary restoration tools 114 accordingly. Upon detecting cracks in metallic artifacts, the soldering unit 115 is automatically engaged, while the dispensing sprayers 113 is triggered to fill gaps and restore the surface integrity of ceramic or stone artifacts. A 3D holographic projection unit 117 is installed on the body 101 for generating three-dimensional visual representations of restored artifacts in real-time.
[0046] The holographic projection unit 117 that projects light to create a free-floating 3D image visible without the need for specialized eyewear. The holographic unit is further configured to project contextual information, such as the historical background and origin of the artifact, overlaying or displaying it alongside the holographic model. Additionally, it enables side-by-side comparison of multiple restoration possibilities by projecting different virtual reconstructions of the artifact, allowing for informed decision-making regarding the final physical restoration.
[0047] The holographic projection unit 117 mentioned herein works by creating and projecting holograms, which are three dimensional images formed by the interference of light waves. Firstly, the laser light from the holographic projection unit 117 is split into two beams, the object beam which interacts with the restored artifacts and light waves are altered based on the restored artifacts shape and features and the reference beam which remains unchanged.
[0048] The altered object beam and the reference beam intersect to create an interference pattern. This pattern is reordered on a photosensitive surface such as a holographic plate. The interference pattern contains information about the phase and amplitude of the light waves preserving the three-dimensional details of the restored artifacts during projection, a laser beam is directed onto the recorded interference pattern diffracting the laser light, reconstructing the original wave fronts from the restored artifacts and the reference beams. The reconstructed wave fronts create a three-dimensional image that appears to float in space.
[0049] A user interface is installed within the computing unit accessed by the user that includes but is not limited to a smartphone and laptop for enabling the user to input commands regarding stream live excavation and restoration footage, display artifact matches and allow user selection, and provide real-time alerts, documentation, and database access.
[0050] The computing unit is linked with the microcontroller via an integrated communication module that includes but is not limited to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module, a Wi-Fi module, or Bluetooth 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 operations according to the user’s desire with the help of the user interface.
[0051] Moreover, the imaging unit 106 digitally enhances artifact analysis by sharpening images, virtually reconstructing missing sections, and recognizing significant patterns. Subsequently, the microcontroller compares these enhanced images with a historical artifact database, proposing potential identifications. This facilitates the users to review these AI-driven suggestions and select the most appropriate match, guiding the physical restoration process with informed insights.
[0052] A GPS module is integrated with the microcontroller to provide precise real-time geographical positioning of the mobile body 101. The module operation involves receiving signals from global navigation satellites to determine its exact latitude, longitude, and altitude. This location data is then utilized for "geo-location tracking" of the mobile body's movement across the archaeological site, "geo-tagging" the location of discovered artifacts and excavation areas, and generating accurate "mapping of excavation sites" for documentation and spatial analysis.
[0053] 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 preferably 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.
[0054] The present invention works best in following manner, where the device initiates traversal of a predefined archaeological area using the mobile body 101 supported by the plurality of stepper motor-powered wheels 102, enabling stable movement across uneven terrain. The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) module located at the base of the body 101 detects the presence, shape, and depth of underground artifacts, with the microcontroller analyzing the data to mark excavation points. The backhoe digging arrangement 107 then excavates the targeted area, after which the electromagnetic springs 108 and connected three-finger grippers 109 gently retrieve artifacts. These artifacts are transferred to the restoration chamber 103, where the rotating platform 104 and the articulated robotic arms 105 secure and position the object. The imaging unit 106 captures high-resolution images for structural analysis and pattern identification. The inspection unit 110 mounted on the L-shaped link 111 determines material composition and estimates the artifact's age. Based on analysis, the microcontroller activates suitable cleaning containers 112 and restoration tools 114, including adhesive or resin dispensing nozzles, soldering unit 115, or soft grinder 116. The imaging unit 106 further facilitates defect detection and digital restoration. The device also incorporates the GPS module for site mapping, a holographic projection unit 117 for 3D visualization, and a user-interface for real-time monitoring, decision-making, and database interaction, ensuring streamlined excavation and restoration.
[0055] 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 autonomous artifact identification and restoration device, comprising:
i) a mobile body 101 configured to traverse a predefined area containing one or more artifacts, wherein the body 101 is supported by a plurality of stepper motor-powered wheels 102 arranged at a bottom periphery for facilitating autonomous movement across uneven archaeological terrain;
ii) a restoration chamber 103 positioned on a top portion of said body 101, wherein said chamber 103 includes:
a) a rotating platform 104 disposed at a bottom inner periphery for 360-degree rotational movement of artifacts;
b) a plurality of articulated robotic arms 105 for gripping the artifact; and
c) an imaging unit 106 configured to capture high-resolution images of artifacts placed inside the chamber 103.
iii) a Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) module disposed at the base of said body 101 for detecting the presence, shape, and depth of underground artifacts and generating 2D or 3D subsurface maps;
iv) a backhoe digging arrangement 107 installed at the bottom of said body 101, configured to excavate target areas identified by said GPR module until artifacts are retrieved;
v) a pair of electromagnetic springs 108 disposed on lateral sides of said body 101, each connected to a three-finger gripper 109 configured to gently lift artifacts post-excavation and place them in the restoration chamber 103;
vi) an inspection unit 110 mounted on an L-shaped link 111 to determine material composition, age of artifact;
vii) a plurality of material-specific cleaning containers 112 within said restoration chamber 103, each connected to electronic sprayers 113 for dispensing cleaning agents; and
viii) a set of restoration tools 114 provided within the chamber 103 for carrying out restoration operation over the artifact.
2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inspection unit 110 comprises of a Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) spectrometer to determine material composition, an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer to estimate the age of metal artifacts, and a thermoluminescence (TL) spectrometer to estimate the age of ceramic/stone/clay artifacts.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cleaning agents includes tannic acid solution for metallic artifacts, ethanol for clay artifacts, and mild soap solution and pressurized water spray with a flow sensor for stone and ceramic artifacts.
4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said restoration tools 114 comprises of adhesive dispensing nozzles for rejoining clay artifacts, synthetic resin nozzles for gap filling in stone or ceramic artifacts, a soldering unit 115 for repairing metallic artifacts, and a soft grinder 116 for gently removing corrosion from metal surfaces.
5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a 3D holographic projection unit 117 is mounted on said body 101 and configured display real-time 3D reconstructed models of restored artifacts, project contextual information such as historical background and origin, and enable side-by-side comparison of multiple restoration possibilities.
6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imaging unit 106 is further configured to detect structural anomalies, including breaks, gaps, or corrosion, to initiate appropriate restoration tools 114.
7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user-interface is inbuilt in a computing unit accessed by concerned individuals, stream live excavation and restoration footage, display artifact matches and allow user selection, and provide real-time alerts, documentation, and database access.
8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said imaging unit 106 is configured to perform digital restoration by correcting blur, reconstructing damaged parts, and identifying patterns, said microcontroller matches artifact images with a historical artifact database to suggest identification outcomes, enabling user selection from projected matches for accurate restoration based on AI inference.
9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said soldering unit 115 is triggered automatically by detection of cracks in metallic artifacts, and said dispensing nozzle is automatically triggered to fill voids or restore surface integrity in ceramic or stone artifacts.
10) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPS module is integrated with said microcontroller for real-time geo-location tracking, geo-tagging, and mapping of excavation sites.
| # | Name | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 202521052016-STATEMENT OF UNDERTAKING (FORM 3) [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 2 | 202521052016-REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION (FORM-18) [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 3 | 202521052016-REQUEST FOR EARLY PUBLICATION(FORM-9) [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 4 | 202521052016-PROOF OF RIGHT [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 5 | 202521052016-POWER OF AUTHORITY [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 6 | 202521052016-FORM-9 [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 7 | 202521052016-FORM FOR SMALL ENTITY(FORM-28) [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 8 | 202521052016-FORM 18 [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 9 | 202521052016-FORM 1 [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 10 | 202521052016-FIGURE OF ABSTRACT [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 11 | 202521052016-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI(FORM-28) [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 12 | 202521052016-EVIDENCE FOR REGISTRATION UNDER SSI [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 13 | 202521052016-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION(S) [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 14 | 202521052016-DRAWINGS [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 15 | 202521052016-DECLARATION OF INVENTORSHIP (FORM 5) [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 16 | 202521052016-COMPLETE SPECIFICATION [29-05-2025(online)].pdf | 2025-05-29 |
| 17 | Abstract.jpg | 2025-06-17 |