Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular face shielding assistive device that is capable of protecting users face from harmful dust particles as well as adjusts the heating or cooling effects based on ambient temperature condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Shielding the user's face from surrounding harmful dust particles is crucial for protecting their eyes and overall health. The shielding prevents irritation, infections, and potential long-term damage to vision. Additionally, providing optimum light in varying conditions ensures proper visibility, enhancing safety and productivity of the user Also, and adequate lighting reduces eye strain and enables accurate perception of surroundings, vital in environments where visibility fluctuates. Together, these measures not only safeguard the user's health but also optimize their performance by maintaining clear vision and minimizing risks associated with airborne particles and poor lighting conditions.

[0003] Traditionally, shielding human faces from dust particles involved using simple face masks or goggles. The face masks block dust from entering the respiratory unit, while goggles protect the eyes. However, these methods have drawbacks. The masks are uncomfortable, restrict breathing, and not seal properly, allowing some dust to enter. Also, the goggles fog up, impairing visibility, and often not adequately manage sunlight reflection, affecting visibility in varying light conditions. So, there is need to develop an equipment which is capable of providing better comfort, visibility, and protection in diverse environmental conditions.

[0004] US4859184A discloses about an invention that includes a face shield device for protecting the wearer's eyes and face from debris, bacteria, and the like includes an arcuate transparent face shielding panel and a support for holding the face shielding panel in front of and spaced outwardly away from the wearer's face. The support is attached to the face shielding panel and lays on the wearer's chest. In one embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's neck by a flexible band which fits around the wearer's neck. In another embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's shoulders by shoulder engaging hook members. The face shield device may also include means to protect the wearer from ultra-violet radiation or other types of radiation harmful to the face and eyes.

[0005] US4701129A discloses about an invention that includes a face shield device for protecting the wearer's eyes and face from debris, bacteria, and the like includes a transparent face shielding panel and a support for holding the face shielding panel in front of and spaced outwardly away from the wearer's face. The support is attached to the face shielding panel and lays on the wearer's chest. In one embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's neck by a flexible band which fits around the wearer's neck. In another embodiment, the support is suspended from the wearer's shoulders by shoulder engaging hook members. The face shield device may also include means to protect the wearer from ultra-violet radiation or other types of radiation harmful to the face and eyes.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to safeguard face. However, these devices are incapable of safeguarding a user’s face from dangerous dust particles, thereby lacking in protecting eye of the user. In addition, these devices are inefficient in regulating the reflection of sunlight using an anti-reflective material for ensuring the user's maximum visibility in a variety of lighting situations.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that needs to be capable of aiding a user in shielding the user's face from hazardous dust particles, thus effectively protecting their eyes. Additionally, the proposed device also requires to be proficient in control sunlight reflection by utilizing an anti-reflective material to guarantee the user has the best sight possible in a variety of lighting situations.

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 assisting a user in protecting their face from harmful particles in dust, there by protects the user eyes.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is that is capable of maintaining a comfortable user experience by adjusting heating or cooling effects based on ambient temperature conditions.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of managing sunlight reflection using an anti-reflective solution in order to ensure optimal visibility for the user in varying light conditions.

[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 a modular face shielding assistive device that is capable of ensuring optimal visibility for the user in varying light conditions by managing sunlight reflection using an anti-reflective solution.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a modular face shielding assistive device, comprises of a wearable component developed to be worn by a user on a user’s head, wherein a shield is detachably attached to the component by means of an elastic strap connected with a buckle configured on the component, in view of preventing the user from harmful particles present in dust in surroundings of the user, a microphone is integrated in the component for enabling the user to provide input voice signals that are subsequently processed by an amplifier linked with the microphone, to increase volume of the user’s voice signals, for allowing a speaker installed on the component to produce the amplified signals, for facilitating the individual’s ability to listen the amplified voice signals, a rectangular body integrated with the component’s bottom periphery and assembled with a chamber stored with an anti-fog liquid, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit integrated in the body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of the body, respectively to determine deposition of fog on the shield, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle configured with the chamber, to dispense an appropriate quantity of the anti-fog liquid on the shield, for removing the fog, thereby enabling the user to see properly, while wearing the shield, a temperature sensor embedded on the component for determining temperature of the surroundings, in case the determined temperature exceeds/recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units arranged in the component to provide an optimum heating/cooling effect on the user’s head and face, to maintain an ambient temperature around the user, thus providing a comfortable experience to the user, the component is furnished with a breathable fabric, for providing an optimal ventilation in the component.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a sensing module consists of a BCG (Ballistocardiogram) sensor and a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor for monitoring heart rate, and breathing rate of the user, respectively, that is displayed on the display panels embedded in the shield for monitoring varying health parameters of the user, in accordance to which the microcontroller activates a pair of display panels arranged on each side of the shield, to display the monitored health parameters, for allowing the user and any other individual in proximity to the user, to review the parameters, a sun sensor embedded in the component for monitoring direction of sunrays on the shield, based on which the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled valve configured with a vessel stored with an anti-reflective solution, and arranged on the component for spraying an optimum amount of the solution onto the shield to prevent reflecting of the sunrays on the shield, on line of sight of the user, thereby allowing the user to see appropriately, a solar panel is installed on the component for harnessing the sunlight to convert into electrical energy that is stored in a battery configured with the device, for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered 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 a modular face shielding assistive 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 a modular face shielding assistive device that is capable of protecting users from harmful dust particles as well as the device converts solar energy into electrical energy for regulating the working of electrical components associated with the device.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a modular face shielding assistive device is illustrated, comprising a wearable component 101 developed to be worn by a user on a user’s head, a shield 102 is detachably attached to the component 101 by means of an elastic strap 103 connected with a buckle 104 configured on the component 101, a rectangular body 105 integrated with the component 101 bottom periphery and assembled with a chamber 106, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 integrated in the body, an electronically controlled nozzle 108 configured with the chamber 106, plurality of Peltier units 109 arranged in the component 101, a pair of display panels 110 arranged on each side of the shield 102, an electronically controlled valve 111 configured with a vessel 112, a speaker 113 installed on the component 101, a solar panel 114 is installed on the component 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a wearable component 101 that is developed to be worn by a user on his head. A push button is integrated in the device for activating or deactivating the device. The user manually pushes the button, when the button is pressed the electrical circuit gets completed, allowing flow of electric current to actuates a microcontroller associated with the device that regulates the working of the device.

[0024] A detachable shield 102 is attached with the component 101 with the help of an elastic strap 103. The elastic strap 103 are basically a versatile, stretchable bands that is made from materials such as rubber or spandex. Elastic strap 103 are designed to stretch and return to their original shape, providing flexibility and tension for securing, supporting, or binding objects etc. The elastic strap 103 is connected with a buckle that is configured on the component 101 to prevent the user from harmful particles present the surroundings of the user like dirt, soot, and smoke. The component 101 is furnished with a breathable fabric, to provide an optimal ventilation in the component 101.

[0025] A rectangular body 105 is integrated at the bottom periphery of the component 101. The body is assembled with a chamber 106 that stores an anti-fog liquid. Anti-fog liquids are solutions or coatings applied on the surfaces to prevent fogging. An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 installed on the body and paired with a processor, captures and processes multiple images in vicinity of the body in order to determine the deposition of fog on the shield 102. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360-degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the body and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to determine the deposition of fog on the shield 102.

[0026] Based on the determined deposition of fog on the shield 102, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 108 configured with the chamber 106 to dispense an appropriate quantity of anti-fog liquid on the shield 102, in order to remove the fog. The electronically controlled nozzle 108 works by utilizing electrical energy to automize the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to dispense an appropriate quantity of the anti-fog liquid. Upon actuation of nozzle 108 by the microcontroller, the electric motor or the pump pressurizes the incoming anti-fog liquid, increasing its pressure significantly. High pressure enables the solution to be sprayed out with a high force, thus removes the fog from the shield 102 and enables the user to see properly while wearing the shield 102.

[0027] While wearing the shield 102, a temperature sensor integrated on the component 101 determines the temperature of the surroundings. The temperature sensor is composed of metal that generate an electrical voltage or resistance when experienced to temperature changes. The senor works by measuring the voltage across the diode terminals. The resistance of the diode is detected and transformed into readable values in order to measure the temperature of the surroundings. The measured temperature is then converted into electrical signal which is received by the microcontroller.

[0028] The microcontroller further processes the measured temperature and in case detected temperature matches a pre-fed temperature as detected via the microcontroller then the microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units 109 integrated in the component 101 to provide an optimum heating/cooling effect on the user’s head and face. The Peltier unit also known as Peltier device, thermoelectric cooler etc., is a small electronic component 101 that utilizes the Peltier effect to create a heat flux between two materials. When an electric current flows through the junction of two dissimilar conductors, heat is absorbed at one junction (Cooling one side) while heat is released at other junction (heating the other side). Thus, the Peltier units 109 provide an optimum heating/cooling effect on the user’s head and face in order to maintain an ambient temperature and a comfortable experience while wearing on the head.

[0029] The shield 102 is embedded with a sensing module that monitors the varying health parameters of the user. The sensing module consists of a BCG (Ballistocardiogram) sensor and a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor. A BCG (Ballistocardiogram) sensor measures the body's tiny movements caused by the heartbeat and blood flow. It typically consists of a highly sensitive accelerometer or piezoelectric sensor placed under a mattress or chair. As the heart pumps blood, these minute body movements are detected and recorded by the sensor. The data is then analyzed to determine cardiac activity, including heart rate and rhythm.

[0030] A PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor measures blood volume changes in the microvascular bed of tissue using light. It typically consists of a light source (often an LED) and a photodetector. The sensor is placed on a body part, such as a fingertip or earlobe. The LED emits light into the skin, and the photodetector measures the amount of light either transmitted through or reflected by the tissue. Blood flow variations, corresponding to heartbeats, cause changes in light absorption, allowing the sensor to calculate heart rate and other cardiovascular metrics.

[0031] Upon monitoring the varying health parameters of the user, the microcontroller actuates a pair of display panels 110 arranged on each side of the shield 102 to display the parameters. The display panel is used for displaying images. The panel is made of insulating material but surface of the panel is coated with thin layer of electrically conducting material that helps in creating a low intensity electric discharge conducted towards the internal circuitry of the panel. Thus, the panel displays the monitored health parameters. The display panel allows the user as well as any other individuals to review the monitored parameters present in the proximity to the user.

[0032] A sun sensor integrated in the component 101 monitors the direction of sunrays on the shield 102. The sun sensor comprises of a photodiode, wherein the photodiode is capable of measuring intensity of illuminance as when beam of sunlight strikes the photodiode, then the photodiode has a tendency to loosen electrons causing an electric current to flow. More the intensity of sunlight, stronger is the electric current generated by the sun sensor, the intensity of the current is signaled to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then processes the received signal from the sun sensor in order to detect the direction of sunrays on the shield 102.

[0033] Upon monitoring the direction of sunrays on the shield 102, the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled valve 111 configured with a vessel 112 on the component 101 stored with an anti-reflective solution, to spray an optimum amount of the solution onto the shield 102. The electronically controlled valve 111 consists of a gate, nozzle 108 and a magnetic coil which is energized by the microcontroller, on energizing the magnetic coil force is generated which pushes the gate to open thus allowing the water to flow out of its valve 111 and dispense it onto the shield 102. The solution prevents the reflection of the sunrays from the shield 102 in order to allow the user to see properly.

[0034] A microphone integrated in the component 101 enables the user to provide input voice signals. The microphone contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the voice of the user’s input hit the diaphragm, the diaphragm vibrates. As the coil moves, the electric current flows. The electric current from coil flows to an amplifier linked with the microphone which covert the sound into electrical signal, to increase the volume of the user’s voice.

[0035] A speaker 113 configured on the component 101 produces the amplified signals, in order to facilitate the individual’s ability to listen the amplified voice signals. The speaker 113 works by receiving signals from the microcontroller, converting them into sound waves through a diaphragm’s vibration, and producing audible sounds with the help of amplification and control circuitry in order to notify the user to listen the amplified voice signals.

[0036] A solar panel 114 installed on the component 101 harnesses the sunlight in order to convert the sunlight into electrical energy. The solar panel 114 is the device that converts sunlight into electricity by using photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells are made of materials that produce excited electrons when exposed to light. The solar panel 114 convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV) panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation The electrons flow through the circuit and produce direct current (DC) electricity.

[0037] The produce direct current (DC) electricity is stored in a battery configured with the device in order to provide a continuous power supply to electronically powered component 101 associated with the device. Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered component 101 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 101 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 requirements.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the wearable component 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be worn by the user on the user’s head. The shield 102, effectively provides shielding to the user from harmful particles found in surrounding dust. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 and the processor that work together to capture and analyze multiple images around the shield 102. When fog deposition is detected on the shield 102, the inbuilt microcontroller promptly activates the electronically controlled nozzle 108. The nozzle 108 dispenses the optimal amount of the anti-fog liquid, ensuring clear visibility for the user. Additionally, the temperature sensor continuously monitors the ambient temperature. When the temperature surpasses or drop below the preset threshold, the microcontroller engages multiple Peltier units 109 within the device. These units provide efficient heating or cooling effects to maintain the comfortable ambient temperature around the user's head and face. The sensing module monitors the user's vital health parameters, including heart rate and breathing rate, using BCG and PPG sensors. These parameters are displayed in real-time on panels. To manage sunlight effectively, the sun sensor tracks the direction of sunrays on the shield 102. Upon detection, the microcontroller activates the electronically controlled valve 111 to dispense anti-reflective solution. This solution is then dispensed onto the shield 102, preventing sunrays from reflecting into the user's line of sight, thus optimizing visibility.

[0039] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A modular face shielding assistive device, comprising:

i) a wearable component 101 developed to be worn by a user on a user’s head, wherein a shield 102 is detachably attached to said component 101 by means of an elastic strap 103 connected with a buckle configured on said component 101, in view of preventing said user from harmful particles present in dust in surroundings of said user;

ii) a rectangular body 105 integrated with said component 101 bottom periphery and assembled with a chamber 106 stored with an anti-fog liquid, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 107 integrated in said body and paired with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images in vicinity of said body, respectively to determine deposition of fog on said shield 102, based on which an inbuilt microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 108 configured with said chamber 106, to dispense an appropriate quantity of said anti-fog liquid on said shield 102, for removing said fog, thereby enabling said user to see properly, while wearing said shield 102;

iii) a temperature sensor embedded on said component 101 for determining temperature of said surroundings, wherein in case said determined temperature exceeds/recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller actuates plurality of Peltier units 109 arranged in said component 101 to provide an optimum heating/cooling effect on said user’s head and face, to maintain an ambient temperature around said user, thus providing a comfortable experience to said user;
iv) a sensing module embedded in said shield 102 for monitoring varying health parameters of said user, in accordance to which said microcontroller activates a pair of display panels 110 arranged on each side of said shield 102, to display said monitored health parameters, for allowing said user and any other individual in proximity to said user, to review said parameters; and

v) a sun sensor embedded in said component 101 for monitoring direction of sunrays on said shield 102, based on which said microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled valve 111 configured with a vessel 112 stored with an anti-reflective solution, and arranged on said component 101 for spraying an optimum amount of said solution onto said shield 102 to prevent reflecting of said sunrays on said shield 102, on line of sight of said user, thereby allowing said user to see appropriately.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module consists of a BCG (Ballistocardiogram) sensor and a PPG (Photoplethysmography) sensor for monitoring heart rate, and breathing rate of said user, respectively, that is displayed on said display panels 110.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said component 101 is furnished with a breathable fabric, for providing an optimal ventilation in said component 101.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone is integrated in said component 101 for enabling said user to provide input voice signals that are subsequently processed by an amplifier linked with said microphone, to increase volume of said user’s voice signals, for allowing a speaker 113 installed on said component 101 to produce said amplified signals, for facilitating said individual’s ability to listen said amplified voice signals.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a solar panel 114 is installed on said component 101 for harnessing said sunlight to convert into electrical energy that is stored in a battery configured with said device, for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered component 101 associated with said device.