Description:Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a currency identifier and particularly to a currency identification device for visually impaired users and a method thereof.
Description of Related Art
[002] Globally, at least 2.2 billion people have a vision impairment or blindness, out of which, at least 1 billion people have a vision impairment that could have been prevented or yet to be addressed. While interacting with an environment, visually impaired users suffer from many problems. One specific problem is to recognize a value of currency, especially children face a lot of confusion in identifying the currency because Indian currency is comprised of a wide variety of bank notes in different sizes for different denominations. Each banknote has its different features. These features can be color, size or some other marks of identification. Recognition of these features is easy for seeing persons; however, very difficult for the visually impaired users.
[003] Various technologies have been developed to recognize the banknotes; however, all these technologies are costly and not portable. Further, some technologies are using cameras for identification of the banknotes, but facing some issues like storage issues and positioning of the banknotes. Furthermore, some other technologies are based on edge detection; however, the system is not handheld.
[004] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced currency identification device for the visually impaired users that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[005] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a currency identification device. The device comprising: a first surface having a pocket provided at a left most side of the first surface, to enable a user to place a currency note to be identified such that the left most side of the first surface is considered as a starting point of the currency note. The device further comprising: a second surface having strips positioned at a pre-defined distance from the starting point of the first surface, wherein an end point of the currency note placed in the pocket touches one of, the strips based on a length of the currency note. The device further comprising: buttons provided at corresponding end points of the strips, wherein one of, the buttons is pressed by the user to generate a signal indicating a denomination of the currency note placed in the pocket such that one of, the buttons pressed by the user is selected corresponding to one of, the strips indicating the end point of the currency note. The device further comprising: a control unit connected to the buttons, and configured to: receive the generated signal indicating the denomination of the currency note from one of, the buttons; and enable a sound unit to generate an audio output to indicate the denomination of the currency note based on the received signal.
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for identifying a currency note by using a currency identification device. The method comprising steps of: enabling a user to place the currency note to be identified in a pocket of the device, wherein the currency note is having a starting point and an end point; enabling the user to measure a length of the currency note from the starting point for identifying the end point of the currency note such that at each end point of the currency notes, the strips are positioned; enabling the user to press one of, buttons positioned corresponding to one of, the strips indicating the end point of the currency note; and enabling a sound unit to generate an audio output indicating a denomination of the currency note based on one of, the buttons pressed by the user.
[007] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a currency identification device that may be capable to identify currency notes based on dimensions of the currency notes.
[008] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide currency identification device that may provide an accurate audio output of identified currency immediately.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a currency identification device that may work with all types of Indian currencies.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a currency identification device that eliminates a need of additional materials or equipment to trace currency notes.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a currency identification device that is portable and cost effective.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a currency identification device that is easily understandable by school going kids.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a currency identification device having a less cost of production with good return on investment.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a currency identification device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0018] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for identifying currency notes by using the currency identification device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a currency identification device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the device 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be designed to be used by users to identify currency notes accurately. The device 100 may be designed to identify the currency notes based on dimensions of the currency notes as the currency notes may be having a different length and width. The users may be visually impaired users, in an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the users.
[0024] The currency notes may be, but not limited to, 10-rupee note, 20- rupee note, 50-rupee note, 100-rupee note, 500-rupee note, 2000-rupee note, and so forth, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary scenario, the length and the width of the 10-rupee note may be 124 Millimeters (mm) and 63 mm respectively and the length and the width of 50-rupee note may be 135 mm and 66 mm respectively. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be designed to be foldable to keep the device 100 in pockets. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be designed to be portable to enable the users to carry the device 100 from a first location to a second location. Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be designed to be cost-effective.
[0025] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may be made up of a material such as, but not limited to, a plastic sheet, an acrylic sheet, and so forth. In an embodiment of the present invention, the acrylic sheet may be having a thickness in a range of 1 Millimeters (mm) to 50 mm. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the material of the device 100 including known related art and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] According to embodiments of the present invention, the device 100 may comprise a first surface 102 and a second surface 104. In an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may comprise a hinge 106 positioned between the first surface 102 and the second surface 104 to make the device 100 foldable. The hinge 106 may be, but not limited to, a ball bearing hinge, a spring-loaded butt hinge, a barrel hinge, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the hinge 106 including known related art and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] The first surface 102 may be having a pocket 108 provided at a left most side of the first surface 102, in an embodiment of the present invention. The pocket 108 may be provided to enable the user to place the currency note to be identified, in an embodiment of the present invention. The left most side of the first surface 102 may be considered as a starting point of the currency note, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, each of the currency notes may be having the same starting point, but different end points based on the length of the corresponding currency notes.
[0028] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the second surface 104 may be having strips 110a-110n (hereinafter referred to as the strips 110) that may be positioned at a pre-defined distance from the starting point of the first surface 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pre-defined distance of each of the strips 110 from the starting point may depend on the length of the currency notes. In an exemplary scenario, a first strip of the strips 110 may be positioned at a distance of 124 mm from the starting point of the first surface 102 for 10-rupee note as the length of the 10-rupee note may be 124 mm. Similarly, a second strip of the strips 110 may be positioned at a distance of 135 mm from the starting point of the first surface 102 for 50-ruppe note as the length of the 50-rupee note may be 135 mm.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the strips 110 may be positioned to indicate the end points of the different currency notes placed in the pocket 108. In an exemplary scenario, when the 10-rupee note is placed in the pocket 108, then the end point of the 10-rupee note touches the first strip of the strips 110. Similarly, when the 20-rupee note is placed in the pocket 108, then the end point of the 20-rupee note touches the second strip of the strips 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, the end point of the currency note may be sensed by the user by touching the corresponding strip of the strips 110.
[0030] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may comprise buttons 112a-112n (hereinafter referred to as the buttons 112) that may be provided at corresponding end points of the strips 110. In an embodiment of the present invention, one of, the buttons 112 may be pressed by the user to generate a signal indicating a denomination of the currency note placed in the pocket 108. The button 112 may be selected corresponding to one of, the strips 110 indicating the end point of the currency note, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a first button of the buttons 112 may be pressed by the user to generate a first signal indicating that the currency note is the 10-rupee note. The first signal may be transmitted to a control unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, a second button of the buttons 112 may be pressed by the user to generate a second signal indicating that the currency note is the 20-rupee note. The second signal may be transmitted to the control unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a third button of the buttons 112 may be pressed by the user to generate a third signal indicating that the currency note is the 50-rupee note. The third signal may be transmitted to the control unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, a fourth button of the buttons 112 may be pressed by the user to generate a fourth signal indicating that the currency note is the 100-rupee note. The fourth signal may be transmitted to the control unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a fifth button of the buttons 112 may be pressed by the user to generate a fifth signal indicating that the currency note is the 200-rupee note. The fifth signal may be transmitted to the control unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention. In another embodiment of the present invention, a sixth button of the buttons 112 may be pressed by the user to generate a sixth signal indicating that the currency note is the 500-rupee note. The sixth signal may be transmitted to the control unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a seventh button of the buttons 112 may be pressed by the user to generate a seventh signal indicating that the currency note is the 2000-rupee note. The seventh signal may be transmitted to the control unit 116, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] The buttons 112 may be, but not limited to, a toggle button, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the buttons 112 may be push buttons that may allow to power a circuit or make any particular connection only when one of, the push button is pressed by the user. The push button may also be used for triggering of Silicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR) by a gate terminal, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the push button may be a small, and sealed mechanism that completes an electric circuit when pressed by the user. When the push button is pressed, a small metal spring present inside the push button makes contact with two wires, allowing electricity to flow and when the push button is released, the spring retracts, contact is interrupted, and a current stop flowing.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, a body of the push button may be made up of a non-conducting plastic material. Further, the push button may be a reset button used in triggering purposes and prevents flux rise by an insert molded terminal. In an embodiment of the present invention, a mode of operation of the push button is tactile feedback and a power rating of the push button may be MAX 50mA 24V DC. The push button may be having an insulation resistance of 100Mohm at 100V and a contact resistance of MAX 100Mohm. In an embodiment of the present invention, the push button may be having an operating force of 2.55 Newton. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the buttons 112 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0035] Further, in an embodiment of the present invention, the device 100 may comprise a sound unit 114 that may generate an audio output to indicate the denomination of the currency note based on an output generated by a control unit 116. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be configured to generate a first audio output indicating that the currency note is the 10-rupee note based on a first output generated by the control unit 116. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be configured to generate a second audio output indicating that the currency note is the 20-rupee note based on a second output generated by the control unit 116.
[0036] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be configured to generate a third audio output indicating that the currency note is the 50-rupee note based on a third output generated by the control unit 116. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be configured to generate a fourth audio output indicating that the currency note is the 100-rupee note based on a fourth output generated by the control unit 116.
[0037] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be configured to generate a fifth audio output indicating that the currency note is the 200-rupee note based on a fifth output generated by the control unit 116. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be configured to generate a sixth audio output indicating that the currency note is the 500-rupee note based on a sixth output generated by the control unit 116. In another embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be configured to generate a seventh audio output indicating that the currency note is the 2000-rupee note based on a seventh output generated by the control unit 116.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be a buzzer. The buzzer may be an audio signalling device that may be mechanical, electromechanical or piezoelectric. In an embodiment of the present invention, a vibrating disk in a magnetic buzzer is attracted to a pole by a magnetic field. When an oscillating signal is moved through a coil, it produces a fluctuating magnetic field which vibrates the disk at a frequency equal to that of a drive signal. The buzzer may comprise of an outside case with two pins to attach it to power and ground. Further, the buzzer may comprise a piezo element that consists of a central ceramic disc surrounded by a metal vibration disk. In an embodiment of the present invention, an operating voltage for the magnetic buzzer may be in a range from 1.5V to 24V, and the operating voltage for a piezo buzzer may be in a range of 3V to 220V.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the sound unit 114 may be a speaker. The speaker may be a transducer that may convert electromagnetic waves into sound waves. The speaker may receive audio input from a device such as a computer or an audio receiver. In order to translate an electrical signal into an audible sound, the speaker contains an electromagnet: a metal coil that may create a magnetic field when an electric current flows through it.
[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, cones and/or domes of the speaker may be made of silk, plastic, wood, hemp paper, paper, coated paper, aluminum, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sound unit 114 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0041] The device 100 may further comprise the control unit 116 that may be configured to receive the signal generated by pressing one of, the buttons 112, in an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 116 may be configured to execute computer executable instructions for generating the output. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be configured to generate the first output based on the first signal generated by pressing the first button of the buttons 112. In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be configured to generate the second output based on the second signal generated by pressing the second button of the buttons 112. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be configured to generate the third output based on the third signal generated by pressing the third button of the buttons 112.
[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be configured to generate the fourth output based on the fourth signal generated by pressing the fourth button of the buttons 112. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be configured to generate the fifth output based on the fifth signal generated by pressing the fifth button of the buttons 112. In another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be configured to generate the sixth output based on the sixth signal generated by pressing the sixth button of the buttons 112. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be configured to generate the seventh output based on the seventh signal generated by pressing the seventh button of the buttons 112.
[0043] The control unit 116 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control unit (PLC), a microprocessor, a computing apparatus, a development board, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be an Arduino Nano. The Arduino Nano may be a compact board similar to an Arduino Uno. The Arduino Nano may be a small, complete, and breadboard-friendly board based on ATmega328P. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Arduino Nano may be made up of a plastic material, and a weight of the Arduino Nano may be 70 grams. Further, the Arduino Nano may be having a width of 20 Millimeters (mm), a height of 44 mm and a depth of 8 mm.
[0044] Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 116 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0045] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for identifying the currency note by using the device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] At step 202, the device 100 may enable the user to place the currency note to be identified in the pocket 108 of the device 100. The currency note may be having the starting point and the end point.
[0047] At step 204, the device 100 may enable the user to measure the length of the currency note from the starting point for identifying the end point of the currency note. At each end point of the currency notes, the strips 110 may be positioned.
[0048] At step 206, the device 100 may enable the user to press one of, the buttons 112 positioned corresponding to one of, the strips 110 indicating the end point of the currency note.
[0049] At step 208, the device 100 may enable the sound unit 114 to generate the audio output indicating the denomination of the currency note based on one of, the buttons 112 pressed by the user.
[0050] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0051] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
, Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A currency identification device (100), the device (100) comprising:
a first surface (102) having a pocket (108) provided at a left most side of the first surface (102), to enable a user to place a currency note to be identified such that the left most side of the first surface (102) is considered as a starting point of the currency note;
a second surface (104) having strips (110a-110n) positioned at a pre-defined distance from the starting point of the first surface (102), wherein an end point of the currency note placed in the pocket (108) touches one of, the strips (110a-110n) based on a length of the currency note;
buttons (112a-112n) provided at corresponding end points of the strips (110a-110n), wherein one of, the buttons (112a-112n) is pressed by the user to generate a signal indicating a denomination of the currency note placed in the pocket (108) such that one of, the buttons (112a-112n) pressed by the user is selected corresponding to one of, the strips (110a-110n) indicating the end point of the currency note; and
a control unit (116) connected to the buttons (112a-112n), and configured to:
receive the generated signal indicating the denomination of the currency note from one of, the buttons (112a-112n); and
enable a sound unit (114) to generate an audio output to indicate the denomination of the currency note based on the received signal.
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the users are visually impaired users.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined distance of each of the strips (110a-110n) from the starting point depends on a length of the currency notes.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a hinge (106) positioned between the first surface (102) and the second surface (104) to make the device (100) foldable.
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buttons (112a-112n) are push buttons.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound unit (114) is a buzzer or a speaker.
7. A method for identifying a currency note by using a currency identification device (100), the method comprising steps of:
enabling a user to place the currency note to be identified in a pocket (108) of the device (100), wherein the currency note is having a starting point and an end point;
enabling the user to measure a length of the currency note from the starting point for identifying the end point of the currency note such that at each end point of the currency notes, the strips (110a-110n) are positioned;
enabling the user to press one of, buttons (112a-112n) positioned corresponding to one of, the strips (110a-110n) indicating the end point of the currency note; and
enabling a sound unit (114) to generate an audio output indicating a denomination of the currency note based on one of, the buttons (112a-112n) pressed by the user.
8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the users are visually impaired users.
9. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the buttons (112a-112n) are push buttons.
10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the sound unit (114) is a buzzer or a speaker.

Date: 02 August, 2022
Place: Noida
Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant