DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of electronic protective devices. Particularly, the present invention relates to a monitoring apparatus and method for protecting the viewer’s eyes. More particularly, the present invention relates to a distance monitoring apparatus and a mobile application used to monitor the distance between the television and viewer and the active screen time and controlling the television remotely through the apparatus and user interface devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technologies in smart television are getting advanced day to day and enhances the visual experiences of the user. Wider display, brighter clarity, higher resolution and sharper pixels intensity are the major features which increases the visual experience of the user. Even though, such features intend to attain its desired efficacy, it also reflects some disadvantages. The major effect is disposal of harmful radiations such as ultraviolet rays from the television screens which directly affects the user eyes. Side-effects such as myopia, eye redness, headache, and the like are caused due to harmful rays.

Typically, adults prefer a healthy viewing distance while engaging in visual contact with the television. The problem associated is that viewers are subjected to more harmful rays from television than adults as they engage nearer to the television. As the visual experience are addictive and bright colors attracts viewers, they will be oblivious without any parent supervision. The only solution is to teach about the outcomes of watching nearer to the television and monitoring them continuously while watching television. Unfortunately, the above mentioned solution is ineffectively as underage viewers are indolent and constant supervision may not be possible.

Therefore, there is a need to find a solution for the above said problem. There might be alternative ways to resolve the above said issue. There are some existing inventions proposed to resolve the problem. The existing inventions may propose some methods to avoid near sight diseases. The existing inventions proposed to resolve the above said issue are disclosed in the prior art section. Indian patent application 201741019944 discloses an eye protection device for viewers. The existing invention comprises of Passive Infra-Red (PIR) sensor, buzzer and antenna. The existing invention detects for object interference in front of the television and alerts the user through buzzer. The existing invention clearly states that it detects object interference using PIR sensor, but the PIR sensor detects objects only in a definite straight angle and has lower detection accuracy. The function of the existing invention is incomplete and may not be applicable for practical applications.

Indian patent application 201911015222 describes a TV distance manager. The existing invention comprises of ultrasonic sensor, microcontroller, LED, buzzer, relay, power socket and fuse. The existing invention utilizes a distance measuring means preferably an ultrasonic sensor to measure the distance of the object interfering the television. Said invention also conveys a method to alert the user by LED and buzzer. An ultrasonic sensor may be useful to measure the distance in front of the television, but said sensor have directional projection constraint as it measures distance only in one angle. Moreover, said sensor do not detect objects surrounding the television.

There are no inventions proposed in the existing system for monitoring viewers in front of the television over a wide area effectively. The existing inventions may propose a method to detect objects, but they are unable to cover a wider surface area. Moreover, viewers can adjust or tamper the existing system by making them undetectable from the monitoring device, thus ineffective for practical applications. Therefore, the present invention proposes a television distance limiting apparatus by using a radar sensing means to monitor viewers over a wide area. Furthermore, the system also proposes an alerting means to warn the viewer in case if the viewer is closer to the television. Moreover, the present invention proposes a unique way to operate the television using infra-red signals.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION
The main objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for televisions and a method to control the television particularly to protect the eyes of the viewers.

Another objective of the present invention is to receive and register the InfraRed (IR) signals of the remote-control device for the television in the monitoring apparatus using an InfraRed sensing means.

Yet another objective of the present invention is to use the distance monitoring means particularly RADAR or LIDAR sensor to monitor viewers in front of the television over a wide area and a distance regulating means to pre-set the distance between the television and viewer.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a device to monitor the screen time and a method to prevent excess screen time by remotely switching OFF the television.

Still another objective of the invention is to provide an application software to create a wireless communication between a user interface device and the monitoring apparatus.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a wireless communication means in the monitoring apparatus particularly to communicated with the user interface devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.

An apparatus for monitoring the viewers, said monitoring apparatus is disposed on the television characterized in that, said apparatus comprises of a main case, fixing support, switch, primary button, secondary button, distance regulating means, light indication means, IR sensor, object sensing means, buzzer, IR transmitter, power supply port, transceiver and control unit wherein said monitoring apparatus is wirelessly connected to user interface device. Said main case of the apparatus is an enclosure substantially shaped like a rectangular box wherein said case consists of an external fixing support contiguous to the back portion of the case. Said distance regulating means is an electronic distance adjustable device preferably a Trimpod. Said object sensing means is preferably a RADAR sensor or a LIDAR sensor. A timer program is stored in the Control unit.

According to the method of working of monitoring apparatus, said method comprising the following steps. The ON-OFF infra-red IR signal from the remote-control device is received and registered in the control unit after mounting the apparatus in the television. Said IR sensor receives the IR signal from the remote controller and registers the IR signal in the control unit and said monitoring apparatus is converted as temporary remote-control device to transmit the IR signals to the television through IR transmitter. The monitoring distance limit and warning time limit is set-up on the apparatus through buttons by the parent user. When the power supply of the apparatus is switching ON, the apparatus continuously monitoring the interference in front of the television through the object sensing means. If any interference is detected, said sensing means transfers the data to the control unit. The interference distance and angle acquired by the object sensing means is validated and the control unit compares with the pre-set limit distance and angle. If the interference distance and angle falls within the range of pre-set distance and angle, the apparatus warns the viewer through light indication means and buzzer for a certain period time to warn the user to move back from the pre-set limit. If the interference still persists nearer to the television till the end of pre-set time period, the apparatus transmits the registered IR signals to the television through the IR transmitter and turns off the television.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the method of monitoring and controlling the television includes a mobile application and a wireless communication system for the user interface devices and the monitoring apparatus. The screen ‘ON’ time of television is monitored using the screen timer monitoring program stored in the Control unit when the television is switched ON. The screen time data is transmitted as a notification from monitoring apparatus to the user interface device. If the screen time is greater than pre-set time limit, said mobile application creates a pop-up alarm and the parent user can press the icon to send command to the apparatus to turn off or lock the television. The mobile application also executes the process of turning off television and prevent switching ‘ON’ of television for certain time limit using the lock command. Said monitoring apparatus is wirelessly connected to user interface device such as mobile phone or computer via cloud.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

Figure 1 depicts the television distance monitoring apparatus and method in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2a and 2b depicts the monitoring apparatus and its associated embodiments in accordance with the main aspect of the present invention

Figure 3 depicts the block diagram representation of television distance monitoring apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4 depicts the flowchart process representation of method of working of the distance monitoring apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Describing now the drawings, it is to be understood that only enough of the construction of the ring spinning machine, and specifically the roving guide with the associated creel have been depicted therein, in order to simplify the illustration, as needed for those skilled in the art to readily understand the underlying principles and concepts of the present invention.

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings is provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. It includes various specific details to assist in that understanding but these are to be regarded as merely exemplary. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and sprit of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.

Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with instead of the features of the other embodiments.

Figure 1 depicts the television distance monitoring apparatus and method (11) in accordance with the present invention. The diagram comprises of a viewer (2), television (3), television remote controller (4) and a user interface device (41). A monitoring apparatus (11) according to the present invention is disposed on the television (3). The viewer (2) is preferably a child or adult intended to watch the television (3). Said television (3) is disposed on a support (5) and facing towards the viewer (2). The television is preferably placed on a stand (6). Said monitoring apparatus (11) is replacably mounted on the television (3) preferably on the top portion of said television (3). Said monitoring apparatus (11) is disposed on the television (3) in such a way to cover a wide surface area of the environment.

Figure 2a and 2b depicts the monitoring apparatus (11) and its associated embodiments in accordance with the main aspect of the present invention. Figure 2a specifically represents the perspective view of the monitoring apparatus (11). Said apparatus (11) comprises of a main case (12), fixing support (13), switch (14), primary button (15), secondary button (16), distance regulating means (17), light indication means (18), IR sensor (19), object sensing means (20), buzzer (not shown), IR transmitter (22) and power supply port (23). The main case (12) of the apparatus (11) is an enclosure substantially shaped like a rectangular box wherein said case (12) consists of an external fixing support (13) contiguous to the back portion of the case (12). Said fixing support (13) provides support for rigidly fixing to heretofore said television (3).

According to the main embodiment of the present invention, the object sensing means (20) for detecting object interference in a wide area is disposed on the front portion of said apparatus (11). Typically, the switch (14), primary button (15) and secondary button (16) are disposed on the top portion of the case (12). Said buttons (15) (16) provide operating modes and functionalities for the user. The distance regulating means (17) is disposed on the side portion of the case (12). Said regulating means (17) alters the monitoring area of the apparatus (11) pre-set by the user. The light indication means (18) and IR sensor (19) are disposed on the front portion of the case (12). The IR transmitter (22) and power supply port (12) are disposed on the bottom corner portion of the case (12) in each side as represented in figure 2b. Said light indication means (18) is preferably a Light Emitting Diode. Said apparatus (11) receives power through said supply port (12) from television (3) or external power adapter.

Figure 3 depicts the block diagram representation of television distance monitoring apparatus (11) in accordance with the present invention. The block diagram represents a television (3) and a monitoring apparatus (11). Said apparatus (11) comprises of switch (14), primary button (15), secondary button (16), distance regulating means (17), light indication means (18), IR sensor (19), object detecting means (20), buzzer (21), IR transmitter (22), power supply port (23), transceiver (24) and control unit (25). The apparatus (11) acquires power from television (3) through the power supply port (23). Referring Figure 3 in more specific, said switch (14), primary button (15), secondary button (16), distance regulating means (17), IR sensor (19), object detecting means (20), supply port (23) are connected to the control unit (25). The light indication means (18), buzzer (21) and IR transmitter (22) are also connected to the control unit (25).

According to the present invention, the apparatus (11) shall be converted as ‘temporary remote control device’ similar to the remote controller (4). The IR sensor (19) receives the IR signal from the remote controller (4) and registers the IR signal of the remote controller (4) in the control unit (25) at initial stage. The control unit (25) wirelessly transfers the IR signals to the television (3) through IR transmitter (22) whenever required. Said distance regulating means (17) is an electronic distance adjustable device preferably a Trimpod. The distance from the TV screen and the viewer (2) shall be predefined and determined by using the distance regulating means (17). The object sensing means (20) is used to monitor the interference (particularly viewers) nearer to the television (3). Said object sensing means (20) is preferably a RADAR sensor or a LIDAR sensor. The distance and the angle between the viewer and the television (3) shall be monitored using this sensing means (20). When an object such as human being reaches the preset limit area, the object sensing means (20) sends signal to the control unit (25) to enable the IR signal and switches OFF the television. Before switching OFF the television, a warning sound shall also be initiated by enabling the Buzzer through the control unit.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, said monitoring apparatus (11) is wirelessly connected to any user interface device (41) such as mobile phone or computer via cloud (31). The mobile phone is used by the parents in specific cases. A timer program is stored in the Control unit (25) to calculate the screen time. When the television is switched ‘ON’, the timer starts counting the screen time in seconds/minutes. A mobile application is created to evaluate the data sent from the monitoring apparatus (11) and said mobile application shall be downloaded to any user interface devices. The maximum time limit for screen time shall be set in the control unit (25) and it can be incorporated with the timer program. The maximum time limit can also be set in the mobile application by the parent user. The mobile application has a provision like a ‘switch-off icon’ to send a ‘switch-off’ command to the apparatus (11). The actual screen time will be sent to the user interface devices (41) from apparatus (11) at a frequent interval. Alternatively, a command shall be sent from the mobile application to the apparatus (11) to examine the screen time. When the actual screen time exceeds than the set screen time, a warning signal is enabled in the user interface device through the mobile application. The parent user shall enable the switch-off function in the apparatus (11) by pressing the specific icon in the mobile application. The communication between the apparatus (11) and the user interface devices (41) shall be carried over by the wireless communication means (24) and through the cloud (31). Thus, the television screen time shall be controlled remotely from any place using the monitoring apparatus (11) and the mobile application.

Figure 4 depicts the flowchart process representation of the method of working of Distance monitoring apparatus (11) in accordance with the present invention. Initially, after mounting the apparatus (11) in the television (3), the ON-OFF infra-red (IR) signal from the television remote controller (4) is received and registered in the control unit (25). The parent user shall pre-set the monitoring distance limit and warning time limit of the apparatus through buttons (15) (16). Once the power supply of the device is ‘ON’, the object sensing means (20) starts continuous monitoring for any interference in front of the television (3). If any interference is detected by said sensing means (20) in front of the television (3), said sensing means (20) transfers the data to the control unit (25). The control unit (25) validates the interference distance and angle acquired by the object sensing means (20) and compares with the pre-set limit distance and angle.

If the interference distance and angle falls within the range of pre-set distance and angle, the control unit (25) warns the viewer (2) through light indication means (18) and buzzer (21) for a certain period time to warn the user (2) to move back from the pre-set limit. If the interference is cleared, the apparatus (11) stops the warning signals and continue to monitor for interference in front of the television (3). If the interference still persists nearer to the television (3) till the end of time period, the control unit (25) transmits registered IR signals to the television through the IR transmitter (22) and turns off the television (3).

Simultaneously with object sensing process, the control unit (25) also monitors the screen ‘ON’ time of television (3) using the screen timer monitoring program. The parent user shall set the screen time limit using the Application installed in the user interface device (41) for example mobile phone. The control unit (25) transmits the screen time data as a notification from apparatus (11) to the user interface device (41). If the screen time is greater than preset time limit, the mobile application creates a pop-up alarm and the parent user can press the icon to send command to the apparatus (11) to turn off or lock the television (3). Said lock command executes the process of turning off television (3) and prevent switching ‘ON’ of television using television remote controller (4) for certain time. The entire communication is taken place through wireless communication network.

The present invention has several advantages than any of the available existing prior art applications and devices. The distance monitoring apparatus (11) consists an advanced object sensing means (20). The apparatus (11) is capable of observing the IR signal of remote control device and converts itself as a temporary remote control device. The apparatus (11) has a provision to monitor the screen ‘ON’ time and it could transmit the screen time data wirelessly to a specific user interface devices. A mobile application and a method to interconnect and operate the television and mobile phones is also provided in this invention to protect the eyes of human beings particularly children. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. An apparatus for monitoring the viewers (11), said monitoring apparatus (11) is disposed on the television (3) characterized in that, said apparatus (11) comprises of a main case (12), fixing support (13), switch (14), primary button (15), secondary button (16), distance regulating means (17), light indication means (18), IR sensor (19), object sensing means (20), buzzer (21), IR transmitter (22), power supply port (23), transceiver (24) and control unit (25) wherein said monitoring apparatus (11) is wirelessly connected to user interface device (41).

2. The apparatus for monitoring the viewers as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, said main case (12) of the apparatus (11) is an enclosure substantially shaped like a rectangular box wherein said case (12) consists of an external fixing support (13) contiguous to the back portion of the case (12).

3. The apparatus for monitoring the viewers as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, said distance regulating means (17) is an electronic distance adjustable device preferably a Trimpod.

4. The apparatus for monitoring the viewers as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, said object sensing means (20) is preferably a RADAR sensor or a LIDAR sensor.

5. The apparatus for monitoring the viewers as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, a timer program is stored in the Control unit (25).

6. A method of working of monitoring apparatus (1), said method comprising the steps of;
- Receiving and registering the ON-OFF infra-red (IR) signal from the remote control device (4) in the control unit (25) after mounting the apparatus (11) in the television (3);
- Setting up the monitoring distance limit and warning time limit of the apparatus through buttons (15) (16) by the parent user;
- switching ‘ON’ the power supply of the apparatus (11) for continuously monitoring the interference in front of the television (3) through the object sensing means (20), if any interference is detected, said sensing means (20) transfers the data to the control unit (25);
- Validating the interference distance and angle acquired by the object sensing means (20) and the control unit (25) compares with the pre-set limit distance and angle;
- Warning the viewer (2) through light indication means (18) and buzzer (21) for a certain period time to warn the user (2) to move back from the pre-set limit if the interference distance and angle falls within the range of pre-set distance and angle;
- transmitting the registered IR signals to the television through the IR transmitter (22) and turns off the television (3) if the interference still persists nearer to the television (3) till the end of pre-set time period;
- monitoring the screen ‘ON’ time of television (3) using the screen timer monitoring program stored in the Control unit (25) when the television is switched ON and transmitting the screen time data as a notification from apparatus (11) to the user interface device (41);
- switching OFF the television if the screen time is greater than preset time limit, said mobile application creates a pop-up alarm and the parent user can press the icon to send command to the apparatus (11) to turn off or lock the television (3);
- executing the process of turning off television (3) and prevent switching ‘ON’ of television for certain time limit using the lock command from the mobile application.

7. The apparatus for monitoring the viewers and the method as claimed in claim 1 and 6, characterized in that, said IR sensor (19) receives the IR signal from the remote controller (4) and registers the IR signal in the control unit (25) and said monitoring apparatus (11) is converted as temporary remote-control device to transmit the IR signals to the television (3) through IR transmitter (22).

8. The apparatus for monitoring the viewers and the method as claimed in claim 1 and 6, characterized in that, said monitoring apparatus (11) is wirelessly connected to user interface device (41) such as mobile phone or computer via cloud (31) and an apparatus control mobile application programme is installed in the user interface device (41).