Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an assistive writing device that is capable of enhance the accessibility for disabled users for writing in the notebook independently without the need of another person.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Writing assistance for disabled users in notebooks enable users to write independently by speaking aloud. However, the need for such assistance arises from the desire for disabled individuals to engage in activities of daily living autonomously. And writing is a crucial skill for communication, education, and personal expression, and providing accessible writing tools ensures that disabled users participate fully in academic, professional, and social endeavors, fostering inclusivity and empowering independence.

[0003] Traditionally, providing writing assistance to disabled users in notebooks involved aids like adapted grips, stabilizers, or weighted pens to enhance grip and control. Additionally, specialized writing guides with raised or indented lines were used to facilitate proper letter formation and alignment. However, these methods have significant drawbacks. These methods lack in fully address the diverse range of disabilities and writing challenges users face. Additionally, these aids bulky, hindering portability and ease of use. So, need to develop an equipment that is cable of reducing these drawbacks and also capable of facilitating assistance to the disabled user without need of any person.

[0004] CN209966670U discloses about an invention that includes the utility model belongs to the field of auxiliary tools for disabled people. The utility model relates to writing aids, in particular to a writing aid for disabled people. The problem that an existing handicapped person is difficult to write is solved. Proposed now is the following scheme, the fixing device comprises a fixing column, an arm fixing mechanism is mounted at one end of the fixing column; the other end of the fixed column is rotationally connected with a rotating block; a movable ring sleeves the outer side wall of the fixed column in a sliding manner; a plurality of sliding blocks are arranged in the movable ring; a plurality of sliding grooves matched with the sliding blocks are formed in the outer side wall of the fixing column. A spring is connected into the sliding groove, a sliding block is connected to one end of the spring, meshed tooth openings are formed in the side walls, close to each other, of the movable ring and the rotating block, a mounting groove is formed in one end of the rotating block, a mounting block is movably mounted in the mounting groove, and a fastening mechanism is arranged on the mounting block. The device can be worn on the arm in dailylife, is convenient for the handicapped to write, eat, brush teeth and perform other basic daily operations, and is convenient to use.

[0005] US8156610B2 discloses about an invention that includes a writing assist device includes a hand-receiving body having an exterior surface with a convex contour for ergonomically receiving the palm and/or fingers of the hand of a user from underneath and a base adapted to easily move by pushing or pulling on a writing surface to allow writing by the user. The body includes an inclined channel for receiving a writing instrument, such as a pen or pencil, and a securing element to releasably secure the writing instrument at an inclined angle in the channel. The channel is disposed on the body such that the thumb and index finger of the user lie on opposite sides of the channel during writing in manner that generally resembles the natural gripping of a pen or pencil between the thumb and index finger of an able-bodied person to impart a more natural feeling of writing control. A removable, stretchable cover can be placed on the exterior surface of the body for the comfort of the user before the user places his/her hand on the device.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting in writing. However, these devices are inefficient in increasing accessibility for a user with disabilities to write in the notebook on their own without additional assistance. Additionally, these devices are incapable of changing the notebook pages automatically in order to make writing in the notebook simpler.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is proficient in improving accessibility for a disable user in order to write in the notebook on their own without assistance. In addition, the proposed device is skilled in flipping the notebook pages automatically to make writing in the notebook easier for the disabled user.

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 enhance the accessibility for disabled users for writing in the notebook independently without the need of another person.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of automatically turning the pages of the notebook in order to facilitate writing in the notebook.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the filled pages of the notebook.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an assistive writing device that is capable of enhance the accessibility for disabled users for writing in the notebook independently without the need of another person.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an assistive writing device, comprising a rectangular base having a pair of clamps near lateral edges of the base for clamping of a notebook, an L-shaped telescopic arm mounted on a dual-axis lead screw mechanism installed on the base, wherein a pen is attached to a primary ball and socket joint disposed at an end of the arm for writing in the notebook, a flat elongated member attached by means of a secondary ball and socket joint on a sliding unit installed on an edge of the base for turning of a page of the notebook, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the base and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the base, to determine a filled page to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the sliding unit and the secondary ball and socket joint to turn a page of the notebook by translating the member, a rectangular panel attached with a lateral edge of the base, a plurality of pneumatic pins arranged in a grid on an upper surface of the panel for outputting braille characters for a user with a disability.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a cardioid microphone, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the base for receiving an audio from the user for writing into the notebook to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the lead screw mechanism, the arm and the primary ball and socket joint to convert the received audio into written text in the notebook, a wireless communication module, linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the base for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate the sliding unit and the secondary ball and socket joint to turn a page of the notebook by translating the member, a touch-enabled display, linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the base for enabling the user to input text via touch input to be written in the notebook, to actuate the lead screw mechanism, the arm and the primary ball and socket joint to convert the electronic input into written text in the notebook, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

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

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an assistive writing device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an assistive writing device that is capable of enhance the accessibility for disabled users for writing in the notebook independently without the need of another person.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an assistive writing device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 101 having a pair of clamps 102, an L-shaped telescopic arm 103 mounted on a dual-axis lead screw mechanism 104 installed on the base 101, a pen 105 attached to a primary ball and socket joint disposed at an end of the arm 103, a flat elongated member 106 attached by means of a secondary ball and socket joint on a sliding unit 107 installed on an edge of the base 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 installed on the base 101, a cardioid microphone 109 provided on the base 101, a rectangular panel attached with a lateral edge of the base 101, a touch-enabled display 110 provided on the base 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a rectangular base 101 that consists a pair of clamps 102 close to the lateral edges of the base 101 for facilitate the clamping of a notebook. The rectangular base 101 provides stability to the base 101. It is typically designed to be flat and sturdy, ensuring that the base 101 remains steady during use, especially when clamping a notebook onto it. The clamp is a fastening equipment used to hold the notebook firmly in place, preventing it from moving or shifting during writing or page-turning operations.

[0024] An L-shaped telescopic arm 103 is mounted on a dual-axis lead screw mechanism 104 installed on the base 101. The dual-axis lead screw mechanism 104 works on the principle of converting rotary motion into linear motion. It consists of a motor that rotates a lead screw, which is a threaded rod. As the motor turns the lead screw, a nut attached to it moves along the threads, causing linear movement. The motor is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the screw with specified speed in order to translate the arm 103 in X-axis direction as well as in Y-direction axis to move the arm 103 for providing a suitable bi-directional motion to the assembly.

[0025] A pen 105 is attached to a primary ball and socket joint disposed at an end of the telescopic arm 103 for writing in the notebook. The ball and socket joint comprises of a ball and cup like structure that are liked with each other via a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to provide rotational motion to the ball like structure with 360-degree orientation to move the telescopic arm 103 for writing in the notebook.

[0026] A cardioid microphone 109 is linked with the microcontroller and is provided on the base 101 for receiving an audio from the user for writing into the notebook. The cardioid microphone 109 is a type of directional microphone 109 that is particularly sensitive to sound coming from the front while rejecting sound from the sides and rear. The name "cardioid" comes from its heart-shaped pickup pattern, which resembles an inverted cone. The pickup pattern of the cardioid microphone 109 is widest at the front and gradually becomes narrower towards the sides and rear. This pattern helps to focus on the desired sound source while reducing the background noise and feedback.

[0027] A flat elongated member 106 is attached by means of a secondary ball and socket joint on a sliding unit 107 which is mounted on an edge of the base 101 for turning the page of the notebook. The flat elongated member 106 is characterized by its flat and elongated shape, typically resembling a slender strip or bar. This design allows it to effectively reach across the width of the notebook page for page-turning purposes. The flat elongated member 106 is mounted on the sliding unit 107 which is installed on the edge of the rectangular base 101. This sliding unit 107 enables the member 106 to move horizontally along the edge of the base 101 for facilitating the turning of pages from one side to the other.

[0028] The base 101 is configured with an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 and is integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the base 101 to determine the filled page of the notebook. The artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 108 refers to a camera that incorporates AI protocols to enhance its functionality and capabilities. AI protocols are used to process and analyses the images or videos captured by the camera, enabling it to perform various tasks beyond traditional image capturing. The AI analysis is performed locally on the camera itself and the real-time processing on the camera enables immediate responses and faster decision- making. The camera captures images or records videos by the help of specialized lenses designed to capture high-quality visuals.

[0029] The captured data is pre-processed to enhance its quality and prepare it for artificial intelligence (AI) analysis. This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, images stabilization, or color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis which utilizes machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the visual data that is further transmitted to an inbuilt microcontroller that further processes the captured images. The microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 107 and the secondary ball and socket joint to turn the page of the notebook by translating the member 106.

[0030] A rectangular panel is attached with the lateral edge of the base 101. The rectangular panel is characterized by its flat and rectangular shape providing a stable surface for the placement of braille output components. It is typically designed to match the dimensions of the base 101, ensuring seamless integration into the overall structure. Plurality of pneumatic pins are arranged in a grid on an upper surface of the panel for outputting the braille characters for a user with a disability in order to facilitate reading of the characters by the user. The pneumatic pins are powered by a pneumatic unit that utilize pneumatic pressure to extend and retract to form individual braille characters when extended, with each pin representing a dot in the braille alphabet. The pneumatic pins typically consist of a cylindrical body with a hollow interior and a piston at one end. When pressurized air is introduced into the hollow interior, the piston extends outward, causing the pin to protrude from its housing. Conversely, when the air pressure is released, the pin retracts back. The extension and retraction of the pneumatic pins are controlled by the microcontroller. The microcontroller sends commands to selectively pressurize or release air from individual pins, enabling the formation of different braille characters based on the desired text or information.

[0031] A wireless communication module is linked with the microcontroller that is provided on the base 101 for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting with a computing unit. The allows the notebook assistance device to establish connections with other devices without the need for physical cables. This wireless capability enables greater flexibility in how the device is accessed. The wireless communication module is typically integrated with the microcontroller allowing it to send and receive commands or data wirelessly.

[0032] The computing unit is linked wirelessly with the microcontroller via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The user interface serves as a bridge between the user and the microcontroller, allowing for a user-friendly way to input commands. The user interface presents information and options to the user through options, sliders, or other visual images, where the user interacts by typing commands or selecting options from the user-interface.

[0033] The base 101 is assembled with a touch-enabled display 110 and is activated by the microcontroller for enabling the user to input text via touch input to be written in the notebook. The display 110 employed herein includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal display 110) panel comprises of two layers of glass and aligned in a specific manner. The touch-enabled display 110 works by manipulating liquid crystals, which are positioned in between two layers of glass. These liquid crystals twisted or aligned by an electric current, altering their light-polarizing properties. Upon getting the command from the microcontroller, an electric charge is applied to specific areas of the panel, which alters the alignment of the liquid crystals, allowing light to pass through or be blocked accordingly. This modulation of light creates the images and colors that are displayed on the touch-enabled display 110 for enabling the user to input text via touch input to be written in the notebook.

[0034] Lastly a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirement.

[0035] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 that consists the pair of clamps 102 close to the lateral edges of the base 101 for facilitate the clamping of the notebook. The L-shaped telescopic arm 103 is mounted on the dual-axis lead screw mechanism 104. The pen 105 is attached to the primary ball and socket joint for writing in the notebook. The cardioid microphone 109 for receiving the audio from the user for writing into the notebook. The flat elongated member 106 for turning the page of the notebook. The artificial intelligence- based imaging unit 108 and is integrated with the processor for recording and processing images in the vicinity of the base to determine the filled page of the notebook. The rectangular panel is characterized by its flat and rectangular shape providing the stable surface for the placement of braille output components. The wireless communication module for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting with the computing unit. The touch-enabled display 110 for enabling the user to input text via touch input to be written in the notebook.

[0036] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An assistive writing device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having a pair of clamps 102 near lateral edges of said base 101 for clamping of a notebook;
ii) an L-shaped telescopic arm 103 mounted on a dual-axis lead screw mechanism 104 installed on said base 101, wherein a pen 105 is attached to a primary ball and socket joint disposed at an end of said arm 103 for writing in said notebook;
iii) a flat elongated member 106 attached by means of a secondary ball and socket joint on a sliding unit 107 installed on an edge of said base 101 for turning of a page of said notebook; and
iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108, installed on said base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 101, to determine a filled page to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said sliding unit 107 and said secondary ball and socket joint to turn a page of said notebook by translating said member 106.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cardioid microphone 109, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio from said user for writing into said notebook to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said lead screw mechanism 104, said arm 103 and said primary ball and socket joint to convert said received audio into written text in said notebook.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rectangular panel attached with a lateral edge of said base 101, a plurality of pneumatic pins arranged in a grid on an upper surface of said panel for outputting braille characters for a user with a visual disability, to facilitate reading of said characters by said user.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a touch-enabled display 110, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 101 for enabling said user to input text via touch input to be written in said notebook, to actuate said lead screw mechanism 104, said arm 103 and said primary ball and socket joint to convert said electronic input into written text in said notebook.

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.