Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a footwear storage and management device designed for organized, hygienic, and secure storage, management, and retrieval of footwear in public or restricted entry areas, ensuring user convenience, preventing unauthorized access, and maintaining cleanliness during the storage process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In public and high-traffic areas such as temples, schools, offices, and transportation hubs, users often face challenges in storing their footwear securely and hygienically. Footwear storage and management in public and high-traffic areas face several challenges, including lack of security leading to theft or misplacement, overcrowding of footwear causing confusion and retrieval delays, and poor hygiene resulting in dirt, odor, and contamination. Manual handling systems are time-consuming and inefficient during peak hours, creating inconvenience for users. Traditional storage lacks proper user identification and tracking mechanisms, making it difficult to locate footwear quickly. There is also minimal provision for monitoring or managing storage remotely. Additionally, inadequate organization and absence of automation result in operational inefficiencies, user dissatisfaction, and difficulty in managing large volumes of footwear.

[0003] Traditionally, footwear storage in public spaces has been managed using open racks, wooden shelves, metal cages, or manual token systems. Users deposit their footwear in open-access areas or assigned slots with minimal security measures. Such systems are prone to overcrowding, footwear mix-ups, and theft. Manual handling increases time and effort during peak periods, making the process inconvenient. Further, there is no hygiene check before storing the footwear, leading to dirt accumulation and foul odors in storage areas. Users often face difficulty in quickly locating and retrieving their footwear, especially during rush hours or large public gatherings.

[0004] US8016127B1 discloses a shoe storage device adapted for deployment upon a horizontal support surface has upper and lower elongated insert members positioned one above the other in vertical alignment for securing a pair of shoes. The upper shoe is held upside down and both shoes point in opposite directions.

[0005] US5114017A discloses shoe organizer for organizing shoes in stacked, over-and-under pairs along a horizontal shelf or one or more pairs vertically in string-like fashion. The shoe organizer comprises first and second shoe holders which can function as shoe trees, each having a heel piece and a toe piece; a cross bridge connected to the shoe holders; and first and second hook-retaining formed holes on opposite ends of the shoe organizer for attachment of a plurality of shoe organizers to each other in string-like fashion. Vertical stringing of a plurality of shoe organizers is accomplished by inserting one end of a double ended hook into a formed hole of one shoe organizer and inserting the second end of the double-sided hook into a formed hole of a second shoe organizer. The top-most hook end may be hooked over a closest hanger rod or the like.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to facilitate footwear storage, however these existing devices mentioned in prior art have limitations pertaining to user identification, real-time tracking, and remote monitoring. Additionally, the existing device also fails to offer automated allocation and retrieval features, leading to operational delays, and do not include hygiene maintenance systems such as dust-removal or odor-control.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of incorporating automated cabinet allocation, providing real-time monitoring and user identification. Additionally, the developed device also needs to be capable of ensuring safety through authentication features and prevents unauthorized access, by addressing hygiene, security, and user convenience.

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 organized and secure storage of footwear in public or high-traffic areas.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of facilitating quick and easy depositing and retrieval of footwear by users.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring hygiene and cleanliness of footwear before storage.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enabling a reliable and trackable process for user identification and footwear retrieval.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of preventing unauthorized access and ensures the safety of stored footwear.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of support remote management and monitoring of the footwear storage and retrieval process for better user convenience.

[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 a footwear storage and management device developed for systematic, clean, and safe storage, handling, and retrieval of footwear in locations with public access or restricted entry, aiming to provide user ease, restrict unauthorized handling, and uphold hygiene standards.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a footwear storage and management device, comprising a multi-cabinet body configured to securely store multiple pairs of footwear, a plurality of motorized pop-out balls arranged on surfaces of the cabinets to facilitate smooth movement of footwear into and out of the cabinets, a display unit is installed on the body for enabling user input, displaying information, and allocating cabinets based on user footwear storage requirements, a rotatable camera mounted on the body for capturing images of users and footwear during storage and retrieval processes, a motorized vertical slider mounted on the outer periphery of the body, supporting a horizontal plate configured to detect footwear presence via a weight sensor and to slide vertically to align with a specific cabinet, a motorized sliding unit mounted on the plate, supporting a pneumatic pusher for pushing footwear into the assigned cabinet, a covering arrangement provided with each of the cabinets to secure the cabinets against unauthorized access, the covering arrangement includes a motorized roller equipped with a covering sheet arranged on each cabinet and actuated to roll the covering sheet up or down to provide protection and concealment, a plurality of electromagnets installed at the edges of the covering sheets to engage with corresponding electromagnets on the cabinet surfaces, thereby preventing unauthorized access by acting as a locking attachment, a footwear packing assembly provided with the body for packaging the footwear prior storage, the footwear packing assembly includes a panel attached to the plate via a vertical rod having a stack of polyethylene sheets for hygienic packaging of footwear, a hollow circular unit with a fragrance box and conduit configured to release fragrance onto footwear prior to packaging.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a motorized circular slider mounted within the hollow circular unit, supporting a motorized roller with adhesive tape for sealing the polyethylene packaging, a motorized clamping unit configured to dispense and hold the polyethylene bag inlet, a dedicated token dispensation unit provided with the body for issuing a physical token to each user during storage of footwear, the dedicated token dispensation unit includes a token storage chamber configured to securely hold multiple physical tokens used for user identification and footwear retrieval, a motorized slider arranged within the chamber, on which a three-point gripper is mounted via a telescopic rod to enable precise gripping, movement, and placement of tokens, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) sensor integrated within the chamber to scan and interpret token numbers for accurate identification and matching with assigned storage cabinet, a token dispensing slit formed on the chamber, through which the gripper dispenses the correctly numbered token to the user, a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit interfaced with the microcontroller for user interaction, allowing users to report misplaced tokens, submit retrieval requests, and complete verification formalities remotely, a token return slot configured with an apex portion of the chamber to receive used tokens, a dedicated cleaning unit is positioned at the bottom of the cabinet, comprising a horizontal cleaning plate with multiple iris holes, a vibrating unit installed on the plate for dust and debris removal from footwear, and an optical sensor to inspect footwear cleanliness and trigger activation of the vibrating unit as required.

[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 a footwear storage and management 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 a footwear storage and management device developed to facilitating orderly, secure, and hygienic storage and retrieval of footwear in areas with high public use or limited access, focusing on user convenience, controlled access, and cleanliness throughout the storage process.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a footwear storage and management device is illustrated, comprising a multi-cabinet body 101 arranged on surfaces of the cabinets, a display unit 102 installed on the body 101, a rotatable camera 103 mounted on the body 101, a motorized vertical slider 104 mounted on the outer periphery of the body 101, supporting a horizontal plate 105, a motorized sliding unit 106 mounted on the plate 105, supporting a pneumatic pusher 107, a motorized roller 108 equipped with a covering sheet 109 arranged on each cabinet, a plurality of electromagnets 110 installed at the edges of the covering sheets 109, a panel 111 attached to the plate 105 via a vertical rod 112 having a stack of polyethylene sheets.

[0026] Figure 1 further illustrates a hollow circular unit 113 with a fragrance box 114, a motorized circular slider 115 mounted within the hollow circular unit 113, supporting a motorized roller 116 with adhesive tape 117, a motorized clamping unit 118, a dedicated token dispensation unit 119 provided with the body 101, the dedicated token dispensation unit 119 includes a token storage chamber 119a, a motorized slider 119b arranged within the chamber 119a, on which a three-point gripper 119c mounted via a telescopic rod 119d, a token dispensing slit 119e formed on the chamber 119a, a token return slot 119f configured with an apex portion of the chamber 119a, a dedicated cleaning unit 120 positioned at the bottom of the cabinet, comprising a horizontal cleaning plate 120a with multiple iris holes 120b, a vibrating unit 120c installed on the plate 120a.

[0027] The disclosed device herein comprising of a multi-cabinet body 101 developed for deployment outside worship precincts, each cabinet being structurally and functionally adapted for the secure storage of multiple pairs of footwear in an organized manner. Further, the body 101 incorporates a plurality of motorized pop-out balls integrated on the surfaces of the cabinets, configured to assist in the smooth, controlled, and automated transfer of footwear into and out of the cabinets, thereby ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing user handling, and reducing manual intervention during footwear depositing and retrieval activities. A display unit 102 installed on the body 101, configured for facilitating user input, information display, and dynamic allocation of storage cabinets according to specific user footwear storage requirements.

[0028] The display unit 102 operates as an interactive interface between the user and the body 101. Upon arrival, the user initiates input commands via touch on the display. The display unit 102 visually presents available cabinet slots and provides stepwise guidance for depositing or retrieving footwear. The display unit 102 receives real-time data from an inbuilt microcontroller regarding storage availability and status updates, dynamically adjusting the interface display accordingly. Upon successful user authentication or input, the device allocates a storage cabinet and communicates the assigned cabinet number and instructions through the display.

[0029] Further, a rotatable camera 103 mounted on the body 101, designed to capture images of both users and their footwear during the processes of depositing and retrieving footwear. The captured images are electronically stored in an integrated database, enabling real-time record-keeping, monitoring, and management of user activity and footwear inventory for operational control and security purposes. The rotatable camera 103 is electronically actuated and controlled by the microcontroller for targeted image capture during footwear storage and retrieval activities.

[0030] Upon user initiation at the display unit 102, the camera 103 automatically adjusts its angle and orientation to capture high-resolution images of the user and associated footwear. The rotation of the camera 103 ensures complete coverage of the required field of view for accurate identification. Once captured, the images are timestamped and stored in the database, tagged with user and cabinet identification data. This data is used for real-time monitoring, retrieval verification, user identity validation, and audit trail maintenance for operational accountability.

[0031] A motorized vertical slider 104 installed along the outer periphery of the device body 101, designed to support a horizontal plate 105. The horizontal plate 105 is integrated with a weight sensor, configured to detect the presence and load characteristics of footwear presence. The vertical slider 104 is motor-driven to achieve controlled vertical alignment of the horizontal plate 105 with a predetermined cabinet. The motorized vertical slider 104 functions to vertically reposition the horizontal plate 105.

[0032] When a user places footwear on the horizontal plate 105, the microcontroller determines the target cabinet location based on availability and load data. The motorized vertical slider 104, driven by an electric motor and guided along vertical tracks, elevates or lowers the horizontal plate 105 to precisely align with the opening of the selected cabinet. The horizontal plate 105 herein acts as a temporary holding platform for the user’s footwear prior to storage. The plate 105 remains in a default lower position until the user places footwear onto it.

[0033] The weight sensor continuously monitors the presence and weight of footwear placed on the plate 105. Upon detection of weight exceeding a predefined threshold, the sensor generates an electrical signal which is transmitted to the microcontroller. This input triggers the microcontroller to initiate cabinet selection and vertical slider 104 repositioning. The weight sensor further assists in confirming footwear removal or placement completion during retrieval or storage cycles.

[0034] Upon detection of load via the weight sensor, the microcontroller commands the motorized vertical slider 104 to vertically reposition the plate 105 for alignment with the designated cabinet. The plate’s horizontal orientation ensures balanced footwear placement, minimizing risk of tilt or fall during vertical movement.

[0035] Once aligned with the cabinet, the plate 105 facilitates the lateral motion of a motorized sliding unit 106 mounted on the plate 105, which supports a pneumatic pusher 107 configured for lateral displacement. Upon activation, the motorized sliding unit 106 positions the pneumatic pusher 107, which in turn, is operatively controlled to execute pushing action for delivering the detected footwear into the assigned cabinet space. The motorized sliding unit 106 herein is responsible for controlled horizontal displacement of the pneumatic pusher 107.

[0036] After vertical alignment with the selected cabinet, the microcontroller activates the motorized sliding unit 106, causing the pusher 107 to move laterally towards the cabinet opening. The sliding unit 106 is equipped with a linear actuator to achieve precise back-and-forth linear movement. The pneumatic pusher 107 operates using compressed air supplied through a controlled pneumatic circuit.

[0037] Upon receiving the activation signal from the microcontroller, the pneumatic cylinder extends its rod, applying direct pushing force to the footwear positioned on the horizontal plate 105. This controlled linear motion ensures footwear is smoothly and completely transferred into the target cabinet space. A covering arrangement affixed with each of the cabinets designed to secure the stored footwear against unauthorized access.

[0038] The covering arrangement comprises: (a) a motorized roller 108 equipped with a covering sheet 109 operably positioned on each cabinet, configured to selectively roll the covering sheet 109 upward or downward based on control signals; and (b) a plurality of electromagnets 110 strategically positioned along the edges of the covering sheet 109 and at corresponding locations on the cabinet surface. The electromagnets 110 are configured to operate in coordination with the motorized roller 108, engaging to lock the covering sheet 109 in a closed position and disengaging to allow opening as per user input.

[0039] The motorized roller 108 functions to control the deployment and retraction of the covering sheet 109. Upon receiving an actuation signal from the microcontroller, the roller 108 motor activates to rotate in the desired direction. When rolling down, the covering sheet 109 extends over the cabinet opening, providing a physical barrier against external access. When the cabinet is in a secured state, the microcontroller supplies electric current to the electromagnets 110, causing magnetic engagement between the sheet 109 edges and cabinet body 101, thereby locking the covering sheet 109 in position and preventing unauthorized access.

[0040] Upon receiving an authorized access signal, the current supply is interrupted, causing the electromagnets 110 to disengage, releasing the covering sheet 109. This disengagement enables the motorized roller 108 to retract the sheet 109 smoothly without mechanical obstruction during user access. A footwear packing assembly integrally associated with the body 101 for enabling hygienic and odor-controlled packaging of footwear prior to storage.

[0041] The footwear packing assembly comprises of a panel 111 rigidly affixed to the plate 105 via a vertical rod 112, the panel 111 incorporating a stack of polyethylene sheets positioned for selective dispensing over footwear, a hollow circular unit 113 comprising an internal fragrance box 114 and a conduit, a motorized circular slider 115 mounted within the hollow circular unit 113, and a motorized clamping unit 118. The footwear packing assembly operates sequentially to hygienically package footwear before storage.

[0042] The panel 111 holds the stack of pre-folded polyethylene sheets. Upon user command for storage, a sheet from the stack is dispensed downward onto the footwear placed below. The vertical rod 112 ensures stable support and vertical alignment for smooth dispensing. The sheet aligns to fully cover the footwear, ensuring complete enclosure readiness for the fragrance and sealing steps. The packing assembly ensures minimal human contact, thereby maintaining hygiene.

[0043] The hollow circular unit 113 houses the fragrance box 114 for fragrance delivery. When the footwear is positioned for packing, the fragrance box 114, containing aromatic material, activates via the microcontroller signal. The conduit channels the fragrance in a directed flow toward the footwear surface. The hollow structure provides spatial accommodation for even diffusion across the footwear surface area. The fragrance box 114 employs a fan to release the fragrance at controlled intervals, ensuring odor control and freshness of footwear prior to polyethylene wrapping and sealing, enhancing user comfort post-retrieval.

[0044] The motorized circular slider 115 moves radially within the hollow circular unit 113, guided by an embedded track. The slider 115 supports a motorized roller 116 with adhesive tape 117 for sealing the polyethylene packaging. As the slider 115 travels along its circular path, the roller 116 simultaneously rotates, unwinding and applying the adhesive tape 117 around the circumference of the polyethylene-covered footwear. This coordinated movement ensures a uniform and tight seal along the contact edge of the packaging material.

[0045] The motorized clamping unit 118 functions to dispense and hold the inlet section of the polyethylene sheet during the sealing process. Upon command, the clamping unit 118 extend and securely grip the open end of the polyethylene sheet, ensuring correct positioning for subsequent sealing. The motorized actuator within the clamping unit 118 maintains consistent clamping force, preventing slippage or misalignment. During sealing, the clamping unit 118 holds the sheet under tension, allowing the adhesive tape 117 from the roller 116 to uniformly adhere along the opening.

[0046] A dedicated token dispensation unit 119 mounted within the body 101 to issue a physical token to each user upon storage of footwear. The token dispensation unit 119 comprises a token storage chamber 119a, a motorized slider 119b, a three-point gripper 119c mounted on the slider 119b via a telescopic rod 119d, an Optical Character Recognition (OCR) sensor, and a token dispensing slit 119e. Upon user footwear storage initiation, the microcontroller triggers the token dispensation unit 119. The OCR sensor scans and identifies the next available token from the storage chamber 119a.

[0047] The motorized slider 119b actuates linearly, positioning the three-point gripper 119c adjacent to the identified token. The telescopic rod 119d extends, enabling the gripper 119c to securely hold the token. Once gripped, the slider 119b and telescopic assembly retract and guide the token towards the dispensing slit 119e. Upon reaching the slit 119e, the gripper 119c releases the token, making it accessible for the user. Throughout the process, the OCR sensor continuously verifies token identity, ensuring correct matching with the allocated storage cabinet.

[0048] The token storage chamber 119a securely accommodates a stack of multiple physical tokens, each carrying unique identification numbers. The chamber 119a environment is designed to prevent token displacement or jamming. The chamber 119a enables real-time scanning and number recognition of each stored token via the OCR sensor. The chamber 119a ensures correct positional alignment of tokens, facilitating error-free gripping by the three-point gripper 119c.

[0049] On receiving a retrieval command from the microcontroller, the chamber 119a works in tandem with the motorized slider 119b and OCR sensor to identify and prepare the appropriate token for dispensation, ensuring secure and sequential token management for user identification. The motorized slider 119b herein operates under microcontroller commands, moving linearly along a predefined track within the token storage chamber 119a.

[0050] The three-point gripper 119c, fixed to the slider 119b via the telescopic rod 119d, is responsible for securely gripping and holding the selected token. Upon receiving an actuation signal, the slider 119b aligns the gripper 119c with the target token. The telescopic rod 119d extends or contracts as needed, allowing the gripper 119c to reach and hold the token with precise force. Once the token is secured, the slider 119b guides the gripper 119c towards the dispensing slit 119e. After reaching the correct position, the gripper 119c releases the token for user retrieval.

[0051] The OCR sensor continuously scans the surface of the tokens to capture and decode their unique identification numbers. During the token dispensing process, the OCR sensor identifies the next available or specifically assigned token for a user by reading the engraved or printed number on each token. This data is transmitted to the microcontroller for cross-verification with the allocated cabinet number. If the token matches the assigned cabinet, the microcontroller signals the motorized slider 119b and gripper 119c to proceed with gripping and dispensing. The OCR ensures error-free identification, preventing misallocation of footwear storage tokens.

[0052] The token dispensing slit 119e forms the final output interface of the token dispensation unit 119. The slit 119e is strategically positioned on the outer surface of the token storage chamber 119a to allow smooth and accessible release of the physical token to the user. Once the motorized slider 119b positions the gripper 119c near the slit 119e with the selected token, the gripper 119c releases the token into the slit 119e area. The slit 119e is dimensioned to ensure that only one token passes at a time, preventing token jams or multiple dispenses.

[0053] A user-interface integrated within a computing unit operably interfaced with the microcontroller, configured to facilitate user interaction for managing footwear storage operations. The user-interface is adapted to enable users to report misplaced tokens, submit footwear retrieval requests, and complete necessary verification formalities through remote access mechanisms. The microcontroller processes the verification credentials and authenticates the user identity.

[0054] Upon successful verification, the microcontroller triggers the opening of the assigned cabinet automatically, thereby granting the user access to their stored footwear. The user-interface communicates with backend logic layers to ensure secure and traceable transaction execution. The user-interface operates as an interactive digital platform for real-time control operations.

[0055] When a user initiates a session, the interface prompts for required input fields such as token details or identity credentials. Users select service options like reporting misplaced tokens or submitting retrieval requests. The interface captures and transmits the input data to the microcontroller for verification against the database. Upon successful authentication, the microcontroller generates a control signal, initiating the unlocking of the allocated cabinet.

[0056] A token return slot 119f positioned at an apex portion of the storage chamber 119a to securely receive used tokens deposited by users during the retrieval process. The slot 119f is operably linked to the integrated OCR (Optical Character Recognition) sensor unit configured to automatically scan and read the unique identification number embedded or printed on each token. The token return slot 119f is designed with an inclined or funnel-shaped structure, guiding the inserted token towards the OCR sensor.

[0057] When a user inserts the used token, gravity-assisted movement directs the token into the scanning region, where the OCR sensor immediately captures and processes the token number. Upon successful token number recognition, the microcontroller activates the camera 103 to capture the user’s facial image. The captured image is compared with the stored user data for identity verification. Only when both the token number and user identity are authenticated, the retrieval of the allocated footwear storage cabinet is activated, releasing the stored footwear.

[0058] Additionally, a dedicated cleaning unit 120 positioned at the bottom section of the cabinet, specifically configured for automated cleaning of footwear prior to storage. The cleaning unit 120 comprises a horizontal cleaning plate 120a integrally provided with multiple iris holes 120b, a vibrating unit 120c is mounted on the horizontal plate 120a, and an optical sensor.

[0059] The horizontal cleaning plate 120a serves as the primary support surface for receiving footwear requiring cleaning. The cleaning plate 120a remains in a fixed horizontal position at the bottom of the cabinet. The multiple iris holes 120b are strategically distributed across the plate’s surface to facilitate the downward passage of loosened dirt and debris during the cleaning operation. The multiple iris holes 120b operate as controlled dust passage openings. During footwear cleaning, as the vibrating unit 120c agitates the footwear, loosened dirt and debris fall through these iris holes 120b.

[0060] The holes 120b are dimensioned and distributed to maximize dirt capture efficiency while preventing the accumulation of debris on the cleaning surface. The iris holes 120b dynamically adjust in size, ensuring optimal airflow and debris disposal during operation. The dedicated cleaning unit 120 functions by first receiving footwear placed on the horizontal cleaning plate 120a. The optical sensor actively scans the footwear surface for the presence of dust, dirt, or debris. The optical sensor operates as the detection component responsible for assessing the cleanliness of footwear before storage. The sensor emits focused light beams onto the footwear surface and captures reflected signals to analyze dust, dirt, or debris presence.

[0061] Based on the optical reflection intensity and pattern, the sensor determines the contamination level. The sensor continues monitoring during the cleaning process and provides real-time feedback to control the vibration duration. Upon detecting contaminants, the sensor sends an activation signal to the vibrating unit 120c. The vibrating unit 120c generates rapid oscillations across the cleaning plate 120a, causing dirt particles to loosen and fall through the iris holes 120b.

[0062] Simultaneously, collected dust passes downwards through the holes 120b for disposal or collection in an integrated waste compartment. The vibrating unit 120c functions as the mechanical driver for dislodging dirt and debris from footwear soles. The vibrating unit 120c generates controlled oscillations over the horizontal cleaning plate 120a. These oscillations transmit vibratory energy to the footwear placed on the plate 120a, causing embedded particles to loosen. The loosened debris is then guided through the iris holes 120b for collection. The vibration intensity and duration are dynamically controlled based on the level of contamination detected. After completion of the cleaning cycle, the vibrating unit 120c automatically deactivates to conserve energy and maintain efficiency of device.

[0063] Moreover, 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 electrodes known as a cathode and an anode. A voltage is generated between the anode and cathode via oxidation/reduction and thus produces the electrical energy to provide to the device.

[0064] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the user approaches the device and interacts with the user-interface inbuilt in the computing unit to initiate the storage process. The rotatable camera 103 captures the image of the user and the footwear, which is stored in the database for real-time record-keeping. The footwear is placed on the horizontal plate 105 supported by the motorized vertical slider 104. The weight sensor detects the footwear presence, following which the motorized slider aligns the plate 105 with the assigned cabinet. The footwear packing assembly hygienically packages the footwear using the polyethylene sheet, dispenses fragrance, and seals the package using the motorized roller 116 and clamping unit 118. The motorized pop-out balls facilitate smooth footwear movement towards the pneumatic pusher 107, which pushes the packaged footwear into the allocated cabinet. The covering arrangement, comprising the motorized roller 108 and the electromagnets 110, secures the cabinet by lowering the covering sheet 109 and activating the electromagnets 110 for locking. Simultaneously, the dedicated token dispensation unit 119 issues a physical token identified by the OCR sensor and three-point gripper 119c. For retrieval, the user submits the token through the token return slot 119f, triggering user identity verification by the camera 103 and token number scanning for controlled cabinet access.

[0065] 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 footwear storage and management device, comprising:

i) a multi-cabinet body 101 developed to be positioned outside worship precincts, each cabinet configured to securely store multiple pairs of footwear;
ii) a plurality of motorized pop-out balls arranged on surfaces of the cabinets to facilitate smooth movement of footwear into and out of the cabinets;
iii) a motorized vertical slider 104 mounted on the outer periphery of the body 101, supporting a horizontal plate 105 configured to detect footwear presence via a weight sensor and to slide vertically to align with a specific cabinet;
iv) a motorized sliding unit 106 mounted on the plate 105, supporting a pneumatic pusher 107 for pushing footwear into the assigned cabinet;
v) a covering arrangement provided with each of the cabinets to secure the cabinets against unauthorized access;
vi) a footwear packing assembly provided with the body 101 for packaging the footwear prior storage;
vii) a dedicated token dispensation unit 119 provided with the body 101 for issuing a physical token to each user during storage of footwear; and
viii) a rotatable camera 103 mounted on the body 101 for capturing images of users and footwear during storage and retrieval processes, the images are stored in a database for real-time record-keeping and management;

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a display unit 102 is installed on the body 101 for enabling user input, displaying information, and allocating cabinets based on user footwear storage requirements.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the covering arrangement includes:

a) a motorized roller 108 equipped with a covering sheet 109 arranged on each cabinet and actuated to roll the covering sheet 109 up or down to provide protection and concealment, and
b) a plurality of electromagnets 110 installed at the edges of the covering sheets 109 to engage with corresponding electromagnets 110 on the cabinet surfaces, thereby preventing unauthorized access by acting as a locking attachment.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the footwear packing assembly includes:

a) a panel 111 attached to the plate 105 via a vertical rod 112 having a stack of polyethylene sheets for hygienic packaging of footwear,
b) a hollow circular unit 113 with a fragrance box 114 and conduit configured to release fragrance onto footwear prior to packaging,
c) a motorized circular slider 115 mounted within the hollow circular unit 113, supporting a motorized roller 116 with adhesive tape 117 for sealing the polyethylene packaging, and
d) a motorized clamping unit 118 configured to dispense and hold the polyethylene bag inlet during the sealing process.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dedicated token dispensation unit 119 includes:

a) a token storage chamber 119a configured to securely hold multiple physical tokens used for user identification and footwear retrieval,
b) a motorized slider 119b arranged within the chamber 119a, on which a three-point gripper 119c is mounted via a telescopic rod 119d to enable precise gripping, movement, and placement of tokens,
c) an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) sensor integrated within the chamber 119a to scan and interpret token numbers for accurate identification and matching with assigned storage cabinet, and
d) a token dispensing slit 119e formed on the chamber 119a, through which the gripper 119c dispenses the correctly numbered token to the user.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user-interface inbuilt in a computing unit interfaced with the microcontroller for user interaction, allowing users to report misplaced tokens, submit retrieval requests, and complete verification formalities remotely, upon successful verification, the assigned cabinet opens automatically.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a token return slot 119f configured with an apex portion of the chamber 119a to receive used tokens, the OCR sensor reads the token number and the camera 103 verifies user identity via image recognition before allowing footwear retrieval.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dedicated cleaning unit 120 is positioned at the bottom of the cabinet, comprising:

a) a horizontal cleaning plate 120a with multiple iris holes 120b,
b) a vibrating unit 120c installed on the plate 120a for dust and debris removal from footwear, and
c) an optical sensor to inspect footwear cleanliness and trigger activation of the vibrating unit 120c as required.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electromagnets 110 disengage to allow the covering sheet 109 to roll up smoothly when user access is required and engage to lock the cabinets when not in use.

10) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the token storage chamber’s OCR sensor and three-point gripper 119c operate in tandem to ensure correct identification and dispensation of tokens corresponding to allocated cabinets.