Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistive device for performing laboratory experiments that is capable of offering intelligent laboratory support in a laboratory, aimed at improving student safety, guidance, and performance tracking. Additionally, the proposed device is also capable of monitoring individual student progress, record experiment data and grades, track assigned experiments, and assess student performance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] School laboratories play a critical role in providing hands-on learning experiences that complement theoretical knowledge. However, ensuring that these environments are safe, efficient, and conducive to effective learning requires intelligent support systems. Laboratory assistance is essential to monitor student progress, guide experimentation, and maintain safety protocols. With increasing concerns about student safety and the complexity of modern experiments, a sophisticated laboratory assistant can significantly enhance the educational experience.

[0003] School laboratories are equipped with various tools to assist students in their learning and experimentation, ranging from basic items like microscopes, Bunsen burners, and safety equipment to more advanced technologies such as interactive whiteboards, 3D printers, and virtual reality (VR) setups. These tools are designed to enhance understanding and make experiments more engaging. For example, microscopes help students explore microscopic organisms, while Bunsen burners enable the demonstration of chemical reactions. Safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, gloves, and goggles, ensures students' protection during potentially hazardous activities. However, several drawbacks exist with traditional laboratory equipment. Many tools are expensive, requiring significant investment for schools, particularly in underfunded institutions. Maintenance costs for devices like microscopes, projectors, and VR headsets can also be high, and equipment can easily break down if not handled properly. Furthermore, not all students are equally familiar with or comfortable using advanced technologies, potentially hindering the learning process. Safety concerns remain prevalent, as students may misuse equipment or neglect safety protocols.

[0004] US2019018694A1 discloses a virtual laboratory assistant platform enabled to provide researchers, science educators, industry professionals, and scientists in the clinical, industrial, or laboratory setting access to information and data, a digital footprint of laboratory activities, and insights into laboratory activities based on the digital footprint.

[0005] CN109919340A discloses an intelligent experiment management system and method. The system comprises at least three clients, a system server, a power management system, a card swiping system and at least one experiment terminal, wherein the power management system, the card swiping system and the experiment terminals are connected with the system server. Through technologies of Internet of Things, cloud computing and the like, system server software is combined to connect a power management system, a card swiping system and an experiment terminal. According to the position distribution information of the card swiping system and the reservation experiment, the system server can intelligently turn on the power supply of the corresponding experiment position, and can perform safety monitoring on the power supply through the Internet, thereby ensuring the electricity utilization safety of the laboratory; the laboratory management cost can be reduced; the experiment terminal can automatically capture experiment data, saves manual copying time, completes other content of an experiment report online and submits the content to the system server, convenience of a laboratory is improved, the utilization rate is increased, the standardization and automation management level of an experiment process is comprehensively improved, and the use experience of a user is also improved.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for school laboratory assistance, however these devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to detection of fire hazards caused by improper experiments, quickly taking action to extinguish any flames to ensure student safety.

[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 providing comprehensive laboratory assistance that enhances student safety, guidance, and performance assessment. The developed device also needs to keep detailed records of individual student activities, including experiment data, grades, and assignments from lab professionals, along with provides 3D visualizations to aid in experimentation and has fire detection capabilities, automatically addressing accidental fires caused by errors in student experiments to ensure safety.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing comprehensive intelligent laboratory assistance designed to enhance student safety, guidance, and performance monitoring.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of keeping track details of individual students and record experimentation data including grades of the students, experiments assigned to the students by the lab professional and evaluates performance of the students.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of projecting 3D (three dimensional) images to guide students with experimentation.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting accidental scenario leading to fire in case of incorrect experiments performed by students, and accordingly extinguishes fire to safeguard the students.

[0013] 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

[0014] The present invention relates to an assistive device for performing laboratory experiments that is capable of delivering extensive intelligent support in laboratories, boosting student safety, guidance, and monitoring of academic performance. The proposed device is also capable of projecting 3D images to help students with experiments, along with detects and extinguishes fires caused by incorrect procedures to safeguard students from potential harm.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an assistive device for performing laboratory experiments, comprises of a cuboidal housing having a pair of tracked wheels disposed underneath the housing for a locomotion of the housing within a laboratory, proximity sensor embedded in the housing detects position of students and equipment in the laboratory to prevent a collision during the locomotion, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the housing to determine students in the laboratory not wearing safety gear, a speaker provided on the housing to generate an audio warning regarding wearing safety gear within the laboratory, and a 3D (three dimensional) holographic projection unit installed on an upper portion of the housing by means of motorized plate enabling a rotation of the projection unit to project 3D images to guide students with experimentation, the imaging unit monitors the students during the experimentation and accordingly projects images.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a wireless communication module, linked with a microcontroller, is provided on the housing to connect with a computing unit of a lab professional to impart a notification if the imaging unit detects the student performing an experiment incorrectly, a virtual reality (VR) headset linked with the microcontroller to display educational content to students in a virtual environment to aid with experimentation, a fire extinguisher unit installed with the housing by means of a four bar linkage mechanism to extinguish fire caused in the laboratory as detected by the imaging unit, an application module is provided to create profiles of individual students and record experimentation data including grades of the students, experiments assigned to the students by the lab professional and performance of the students, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 assistive device for performing laboratory experiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to an assistive device for performing laboratory experiments that is capable of offering all-encompassing intelligent lab assistance that enhances both safety and student performance, along with capability of projecting 3D (three dimensional) images to guide experimentation and has the ability to detect fire hazards caused by improper experiments, quickly taking action to extinguish any flames to ensure student safety.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of assistive device for performing laboratory experiments is illustrated, comprises of a cuboidal housing 101 having a pair of tracked wheels 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the housing 101, a speaker 104 provided on the housing 101, 3D (three dimensional) holographic projection unit 105 installed on an upper portion of the housing 101 by means of motorized plate 106, a virtual reality (VR) headset 107 associated with the device, and a fire extinguisher unit 108 installed with the housing 101 by means of a four bar linkage mechanism 109.

[0024] The proposed invention includes a housing 101 preferably in portable cuboidal shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a laboratory. The housing 101 is configured in a way such that comprise a pair of tracked wheels 102 positioned underneath the housing 101 for translation of the housing 101 as per requirement. The housing 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or plastic that ensures rigidity of the housing 101 for longevity of the device.

[0025] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the housing 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0026] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform. Additionally, the microcontroller is linked with an application module which create profiles of individual students and record experimentation data of the students. The data includes grades of the students, experiments assigned to the students by the lab professional and performance of the students. The data is then stored into a database connected with the microcontroller and linked with the application module. The application module then evaluates the scores of the students based on the experiments assigned to the students by the lab professional.

[0027] After the activation of the device, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated on the housing 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the housing 101 to determine students in the laboratory not wearing safety gear. The imaging unit 103 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 103 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0028] In case the imaging unit 103 determine students not wearing safety gears while doing experiments in the laboratory, the microcontroller alerts the students regarding wearing safety gears by audio warning through a speaker 104 mounted over the housing 101. The speaker 104 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 104, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 104 for alerting the user to wear safety gear within the laboratory.

[0029] The upper portion of the housing 101 is attached with a motorized plate 106 which is integrated with a 3D (three dimensional) holographic projection unit 105. The experimentation by the students is monitored by the imaging unit 103. The microcontroller accordingly assesses the requirement to guide the students during experimentation. The microcontroller, accordingly, powers an associated direct current (DC) motor connected with the track wheels 102. The track wheels 102 comprise a track, composed of metal or rubber treads, wraps around a series of wheels 102, distributing the housing’s 101 weight evenly. Tensioning of the track ensure the track remains taut to prevent slippage. Upon activation of the direct current (DC) motor the wheels 102 rotate, propelling the tracks forward or backward, thereby positioning the housing 101 in proximity to the students.

[0030] While locomotion of the housing 101, the position of students and equipment in the laboratory is monitored by a proximity sensor embedded in the housing 101. The proximity sensor emits infrared rays towards the path of the housing 101 and receives the bounced back rays from the path of the housing 101 and convert the detected data into an electric signal that is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the proximity sensor in order to monitor presence of student and equipment in the path of the housing 101. The microcontroller accordingly regulates the movement of the tracked wheels 102 to change the directional movement of the housing 101 such that prevent a collision during the locomotion.

[0031] Post positioning of the housing 101 in proximity to the students, the microcontroller actuates the holographic projection unit 105 to project 3D images to guide students with experimentation. The 3D holographic projection unit 105 uses interference patterns of light to create realistic three-dimensional images in mid-air. It typically consists of a laser source, beam splitters, mirrors, and a holographic screen or projection surface.

[0032] The projection unit 105 projects light onto a surface from multiple angles, using the interference of light waves to produce 3D images visible from different perspectives. In an educational setting, this allows the students to view complex experimental setups, models, or simulations in three dimensions. By interacting with the holographic projections, students are able to better understand spatial relationships, experiment processes, and visualize scientific concepts that are otherwise difficult to demonstrate physically, accordingly project images regarding experimentation technique for easy understanding the experiments.

[0033] The articulation of the projection unit 105 is enabled by the rotation of the plate 106 such that projects images in accordance to guide all the students. The microcontroller actuates a direct current (DC) motor associated with the plate 106 such that rotates an integrated shaft of the plate 106. The rotation of the shaft of the plate 106 consequently results in rotation of the plate 106 for articulating movement to the projection unit 105.

[0034] In case the imaging unit 103 determines any student performing the experiment incorrectly, the microcontroller sends an alert notification to a computing unit accessed by a lab professional. The computing unit is connected with the microcontroller wirelessly via a wireless communication module. The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0035] The housing 101 is interlinked with a Virtual reality (VR) headset 107 via the communication module. In case student is required to get additional help regarding the experimentation, the student accesses the VR headset 107 which displays the educational content in a virtual environment to aid with experimentation. The virtual reality (VR) headset 107 works by immersing student in a simulated environment through a combination of high-resolution displays and motion sensors. The headset 107 tracks head movements and adjusts the visual display accordingly, enabling the user to educational details of the experimentation and provide further instructions as per requirement.

[0036] During incorrect experimentation by student(s), resulting in accidental scenario of fire, the microcontroller actuates a fire extinguisher unit 108 installed with the housing 101 to extinguish the fire. The fire extinguisher unit 108 works by releasing a fire-suppressing agent to extinguish flames. It consists of a pressurized container filled with an extinguishing substance, such as water, foam, CO2, or dry chemicals. The extinguisher has a valve, handle, and nozzle. When the handle is squeezed, the valve opens, releasing the pressurized agent through the nozzle and onto the fire. The agent either cools the fire (water), smothers it by displacing oxygen (CO2), or chemically interrupts the combustion process (dry chemicals). The fire is extinguished when the supply of oxygen or heat is removed, or the combustion reaction is interrupted.

[0037] The fire extinguisher unit 108 is installed over the housing 101 by means of a four bar linkage mechanism 109 such that articulates the movement of the fire extinguisher unit 108 for quick and efficient reach to extinguish the fire. The four-bar linkage mechanism 109 used to articulate the movement of the mounted fire extinguisher by connecting four rigid links and four rotational pairs. The base (fixed frame) is attached to the mounting surface, while the input link is connected to a handle or actuator. The coupler link connects the input link to the output link, which is attached to the fire extinguisher. As the input link is rotated by a direct current (DC) motor, the coupler link transfers motion, causing the extinguisher to pivot around a point. By adjusting the lengths of the links, the mechanism provides precise control over the extinguisher's motion, allowing for easy aiming and control over the fire, in view of extinguishing the fire in quick manner.

[0038] A battery (not shown in figure) 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 named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0039] In an embodiment, the device may be accompanied with multiple VR headsets in order to guide or teach theoretical knowledge to the students. The usage of multiple headsets consequently results in improved teaching standards. The students are enabled to refer the headsets to seek for experimentation knowledge in case of performing experimentation incorrectly.

[0040] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the proposed invention includes the cuboidal housing 101 is equipped with tracked wheels 102 for easy locomotion within the lab, and the proximity sensor prevents collisions with students or equipment. The imaging unit 103 monitors the surroundings to detect students not wearing safety gear, triggering the audio warning through the built-in speaker 104. The 3D holographic projection unit 105, mounted on the motorized plate 106, displays real-time guidance and adjusts images based on the students' activities. The Wireless communication linked with the housing 101 is accesses by the lab professional's computing unit, enabling notifications if the student performs experiments incorrectly. The VR headset 107 immerses students in the virtual environment, supporting their experimentation. Additionally, the fire extinguisher, integrated with the four-bar linkage mechanism 109, is automatically deployed if the fire is detected. The microcontroller is linked with the application module to track student profiles, experiment assignments, and performance, all stored in the database for easy access by the lab professional.

[0041] 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. , C , Claims:1) An assistive device for performing laboratory experiments, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having a pair of tracked wheels 102 disposed underneath said housing 101 for a locomotion of said housing 101 within a laboratory, wherein a proximity sensor is embedded in said housing 101 for detecting position of students and equipment in said laboratory to prevent a collision during said locomotion;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed on said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101 to determine students in said laboratory not wearing safety gear to trigger a linked microcontroller to actuate a speaker 104 provided on said housing 101 to generate an audio warning regarding wearing safety gear within said laboratory;
iii) a 3D (three dimensional) holographic projection unit 105 installed on an upper portion of said housing 101 by means of motorized plate 106 enabling a rotation of said projection unit 105 to project 3D (three dimensional) images to guide students with experimentation, wherein said imaging unit 103 monitors said students during said experimentation and accordingly projects images;
iv) a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said housing 101 to connect with a computing unit of a lab professional to impart a notification if said imaging unit 103 detects said student performing an experiment incorrectly; and
v) a virtual reality (VR) headset 107 linked with said microcontroller to display educational content to students in a virtual environment to aid with experimentation.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a fire extinguisher unit 108 installed with said housing 101 by means of a four-bar linkage mechanism 109 to extinguish fire caused in said laboratory as detected by said imaging unit 103.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an application module is provided to create profiles of individual students and record experimentation data including grades of said students, experiments assigned to said students by said lab professional and performance of said students.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a database connected with said microcontroller and accessed by said application module, stores profiles of said students grades of said students, experiments assigned to said students by said lab professional and evaluation scores of said students.

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