Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a posture correction device designed to improve user comfort and health by providing real-time posture correction, while continuously monitoring heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, the proposed device accordingly offers targeted massage therapy to reduce stress and muscle tension, thereby promoting optimal posture and overall well-being during prolonged sitting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] As more people spending long hours sitting at desks, back pain and poor posture became a common issue. In the past, many people use regular chairs, cushions, or homemade backrests to try to sit properly. However, these solutions didn’t really help much. Most chairs are quite uncomfortable and didn’t provide enough support for the lower back, causing people to slouch or shift around to find comfort. Over time, this made things worse, leading to even more discomfort and bad posture. The lack of proper support and adjustability in these makeshift solutions meant these aren’t ideal for long periods of sitting. As people began to recognize the importance of sitting correctly to avoid pain and long-term damage, the need for better, more comfortable, and supportive seating options became clear.

[0003] Traditionally, people use some ways for correcting their posture. People usually use back corsets and braces. As these equipment’s were made of metal, leather, and cotton, designed to support the lower back and maintain posture. While corsets offer support to the user’s back, but also restricted natural movement and weakened core muscles over time. Also, the rigid structure of these equipment’s led to discomfort and skin irritation. So, people also use elastic bands, straps, and simple back supports made of soft materials, as these are designed to support the natural curve of the spine and provide lumbar support to prevent slumping and promote good posture. But these sometimes cumbersome, leading to reduced use or discomfort over time.

[0004] US6629939B2 discloses a massage unit of a massage device moves upward and downward along a backrest of a chair. A pair of therapeutic arms are pivotably supported on a pair of pivot arms projecting forward when viewed from the backrest. Therapeutic fingers on the therapeutic arms have massage balls disposed on them. The pivot arms are driven to move the therapeutic arms in three dimensions, i.e., up and down, left and right, forward and back, so that a patient is massaged by the massage balls. An angle detector detects the angle of the therapeutic arms relative to the pivot arms. The magnitude and change in the output of the detector is used to determine the portion of the patient's body that is being contacted by the massage balls at any time.

[0005] KR101008495B1 discloses a chair posture correction device to make the correct posture habits when using the chair of the growing children or adolescents. In the present invention, guide grooves and having locking grooves and, respectively, are formed in the left and right connectors and which are fixed to the backrest of the chair so as to be formed side by side up and down. And, the left and right shoulder hooks and are bent side by side wire strands so that the connecting portion having the locking portion from the hook portion is extended to form the lower end of the connecting portion left and right connectors The guide grooves and of the and are coupled and rotated, and the locking portion is coupled to the locking grooves and to maintain a given height so that the shoulder strap is detachable. While making this easy, it is possible to eliminate the safety accidents caused by the shawl.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of aiding a user in maintaining correct posture. However, these devices fail to provides massage to specific body regions of the user which causes muscle tension. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in monitoring the user’s heart rate and blood pressure that results in detection of potential health issues.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to provide targeted massage to specific body regions, in view of promoting stress relief and reducing muscle tension based on real-time data. In addition, the developed device also needs to continuously monitor the user’s heart rate and blood pressure, and accordingly provides alerts when abnormal readings are detected, thus enabling early detection of potential health issues.

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 able to provide a means that effectively monitors the user's posture and physiological conditions, in view of ensuring proper alignment and comfort during prolonged sitting.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting user’s position, posture, and body pressure distribution, thereby enabling automatic adjustments for optimal ergonomic support.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provides targeted massage to specific body regions, in view of promoting stress relief and reducing muscle tension based on real-time data.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that continuously monitors user’s heart rate and blood pressure, and accordingly provides alerts when abnormal readings are detected, thus enabling early detection of potential health issues.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is able to store and manage individual profiles, in view of enabling personalized health and posture management based on each user’s unique physical characteristics and health history.

[0014] 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

[0015] The present invention relates to a posture correction device that is capable of facilitating proper alignment and comfort during extended sitting by effectively monitoring user’s posture and physiological conditions, thereby ensures optimal support with reduced risk of discomfort or injury.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a posture correction device comprises of a rectangular base having four perpendicularly installed hydraulic pushers attached underneath the base for a sitting of the user, a rectangular plate is mounted with a rear edge of the base by means of a hinge for providing backrest, a pair of telescopic rods are attached an upper portion of the plate by means of pin joints to enable laying of the user, a cuboidal box attached underneath the base by means of sliding units to enable the user to access the box, a microphone, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the base for receiving an audio command from a user regarding checking and correcting posture, and a database linked with the microcontroller stores the biodata in form of individual profiles of various users.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the base and integrated with plurality of pressure sensors embedded on the base, to detect position of the user and pressure applied by various parts of bodies of the user to determine posture of the user, plurality of motorized silicon stress balls arranged on the plate to impart massage to the user, plurality of thermocouples embedded on the plate to detect temperature gradient of back of the user to determined stressed regions to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the balls to impart massage to the regions, an FBG (Fibre Bragg Grating) sensor embedded in the base to detect heart rate and blood pressure of the user, and a speaker mounted on the base to generate an audio alert regarding availing medical assistance if the detected heart rate and blood pressure are outside of predetermined heart rate and blood pressure ranges, respectively.

[0018] 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

[0019] 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 a perspective view of a posture correction device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[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] The present invention relates to a posture correction device that applies a directed massage to specific regions of the body to alleviate stress and reduce muscle tension, using real-time data for adjustments. Additionally, the proposed device also continuously tracks the user’s heart rate and blood pressure, and accordingly provides notifications when irregular readings are detected, thereby allowing early identification of potential health concerns.

[0024] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a posture correction device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 101 having four perpendicularly installed hydraulic pushers 102 attached underneath the base 101, a rectangular plate 103 is mounted with a rear edge of the base 101 by means of a hinge 104, a pair of telescopic rods 105 are attached an upper portion of the plate 103 by means of pin joints 106, a cuboidal box 107 attached underneath the base 101 by means of sliding units 108, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109, installed on the base 101, plurality of motorized silicon stress balls 110 arranged on the plate 103, a microphone 111, provided on the base 101 and a speaker 112 mounted on the base 101.

[0025] The device disclosed herein comprising a rectangular base 101, wherein four hydraulic pushers 102 are perpendicularly installed and securely attached beneath the base 101, designed to provide adjustable support for a user in a seated position. These hydraulic pushers 102 are configured to operate in a manner that allows for the controlled adjustment of the seating angle or height, thereby promoting ergonomic benefits and comfort.

[0026] Each hydraulic pusher 102 is strategically positioned at the four corners of the rectangular base 101, for ensuring uniform support and stability. The hydraulic mechanism is engineered to offer smooth and efficient adjustments, facilitating the optimal alignment of the user’s posture. The installation and operation of the hydraulic pushers 102 are intended to enhance the overall functionality and utility of the rectangular base 101, thereby ensuring that the base 101 accommodates varying user needs while maintaining structural integrity and user safety in accordance with applicable safety standards and ergonomic guidelines.

[0027] The hydraulic pushers 102 are powered by hydraulic unit which consist of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic compressor, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the pushers 102. The microcontroller actuates the valve to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the compressor within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston.

[0028] The piston is connected with the pushers 102 and due to applied pressure, the pushers 102 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the plunger by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the pushers 102 in order to main stability of the base 101 while sitting of the user.

[0029] A rectangular plate 103 mounted to the rear edge of the aforementioned base 101, wherein the plate 103 is securely attached via a hinge 104. This hinge 104 is designed to allow the rectangular plate 103 to function as a backrest for the seated user, in view of providing adjustable support to the user's back. The hinged connection permits the backrest to be tilted or repositioned, for offering flexibility in terms of user comfort and posture alignment.

[0030] The hinge 104 is designed to facilitate smooth movement, enabling the backrest to be locked into various angles to accommodate different seating preferences and ergonomic requirements. The hinge 104 mentioned above is preferably a motorized hinge 104 that involves the use of an electric motor to control the movement of the hinge 104 and the connected component. The hinge 104 provides the pivot point around which the movement occurs.

[0031] The motor is the core component responsible for generating the rotational motion. It converts the electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing the necessary torque that drives the hinge 104. As the motor rotates, the motorized hinge 104 tilts the plate 103 and provides backrest to the user sitting on the base 101.

[0032] Upper portion of the plate 103 is installed with a pair of telescopic rods 105, wherein the rods 105 are installed by means of pin joints 106 to enable laying of the user. The rods 105 are pneumatically actuated, wherein the pneumatic arrangement of the rods 105 comprises of a cylinder incorporated with an air piston and the air compressor, wherein the compressor controls discharging of compressed air into the cylinder via air valves which further leads to the extension/retraction of the piston. The piston is attached to the telescopic rods 105, wherein the extension/retraction of the piston corresponds to the extension/retraction of the rods 105. The actuated compressor allows extension of the rods 105 to position the rods 105 in proximity to the surface to enable laying of the user.

[0033] The pin joint 106 mentioned above comprises of a ring and cylindrical portion that are linked with each other to provide rotational movement to the rods 105. The ring is powered by a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to the rotate the ring to move the cylindrical portion due to which the rods 105 tilts. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The joint consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation of the shaft that results in the motion of the rods 105 that enable laying of the user.

[0034] A cuboidal box 107 attached underneath the base 101 via sliding units 108. These sliding units 108 are designed to allow the user to easily access the box 107 by enabling smooth, effortless movement along a defined track or guide mechanism. The sliding units 108 ensure that the cuboidal box 107 extended and retracted from its concealed position beneath the base 101, for providing convenient storage or access to items stored within. The design of the sliding units 108 is intended to allow for secure and stable movement, for ensuring that the box 107 remains properly aligned during operation while preventing unintended shifts or instability.

[0035] Additionally, the sliding units 108 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in rotation of shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the slider results in translation of the cuboidal box 107 over the sliding units 108 to enable the user to access the box 107 for required operation.

[0036] The user herein provides voice input command via a microphone 111 which is provided on the base 101, regarding checking and correcting posture. The microphone 111 mentioned herein works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 111 on receiving the input commands from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends it to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signals in order to analyze the voice inputs of the user and upon analyzing the voice commands the microcontroller actuates the device and accordingly commands the device to carry out checking and correcting posture.

[0037] Synchronously, a database that is linked to the microcontroller, and is designed to store biodata in the form of individual user profiles. This database allows for the collection, organization, and retrieval of specific user information, such as personal details, posture preferences, and ergonomic adjustments. Each user’s profile is uniquely stored, enabling the microcontroller to provide adjustments based on individual needs and preferences.

[0038] The microcontroller interfaces with the database to ensure seamless access and management of user data, in view of allowing for personalized experiences. As users interact with the device, their information is updated or modified, for ensuring that future sessions are customized to their previous settings. The database is structured to securely store and process biodata, ensuring privacy and data integrity in compliance with applicable data protection regulations.

[0039] The microcontroller herein after storing the biodata, analyzes the command of the user and subsequently directs the actuation of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109, which is installed on the base 101. The imaging unit 109 herein are integrated with plurality of pressure sensors (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) that works in synchronisation to detect position of the user and pressure applied by various parts of bodies of the user.

[0040] The imaging unit 109 disclosed herein comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surroundings and the captured images are stored within memory of the imaging unit 109 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 109 also comprises of the processor which processes the captured images.

[0041] This pre-processing involves tasks such as noise reduction, image 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 which are processed by the microcontroller to detect position of the user.

[0042] In synchronization, the pressure sensors disclosed herein includes a sensing element that is the core component that directly interacts with the pressure being measured. It typically consists of a diaphragm or a membrane that deforms under the applied pressure. When pressure is applied to the sensing element, it causes a diaphragm or membrane present within the sensor to flex or deform. The amount of deformation is proportional to the applied pressure. The deformation of the sensing element is converted into a measurable electrical signal which is processed by the microcontroller to determine the pressure applied by various parts of bodies of the user to determine posture of the user.

[0043] The plate 103 is integrated with plurality of motorized silicon stress balls 110 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers), wherein prior actuation of the balls 110, the microcontroller detects temperature gradient of back of the user by means of plurality of thermocouples (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) that are embedded on the plate 103.

[0044] Thermocouples on plate 103 work by detecting temperature gradients on the back of the user. The plate 103 integrates thermocouples consists of two different metal wires joined at one end. When there is a temperature difference across the plate 103, the junctions of the thermocouples produce a small voltage due to the Seebeck effect. The voltage is directly proportional to the temperature difference. By arranging these thermocouples in a grid pattern on the plate 103, the microcontroller monitors the temperature variations across the user's back.

[0045] The microcontroller analyzes the data and accordingly actuates motorized silicon stress balls 110 to impart massage to the regions. The motorized silicon stress balls 110 are designed to provide targeted massage and stress relief by using small, integrated motors within the balls 110. These motors create gentle, rhythmic vibrations or pulses that are transmitted through the soft, flexible silicon material. As the user applies pressure to the balls 110, the motorized vibrations stimulate the muscles and soft tissues, helping to relieve tension, improve circulation, and reduce stress. The silicon material is durable, yet soft enough to conform to the user’s body, thereby enhancing comfort while delivering a soothing, massaging effect to the targeted regions of the body.

[0046] An FBG (Fiber Bragg Grating) sensor is embedded within the base 101 to monitor the heart rate and blood pressure of the user. This sensor works by utilizing light reflection within optical fibers to detect changes in strain or pressure, which are then correlated with physiological parameters. When the user is seated, subtle movements or pressure variations in their body, such as those caused by the pulse, affect the FBG sensor's light-reflecting properties.

[0047] The FBG sensor detects these changes in real-time, providing continuous monitoring of the user's heart rate and blood pressure. The data is then processed and analyzed by microcontroller, in view of allowing for accurate, non-invasive health tracking. This integration ensures that the microcontroller monitor vital signs discreetly and effectively while the user is comfortably seated, thereby enhancing overall health and well-being.

[0048] The microcontroller analyzes the data and upon analyzation if the detected heart rate and blood pressure are outside of predetermined heart rate and blood pressure ranges then the microcontroller actuates a speaker 112 which is mounted on the base. The speaker 112 disclosed herein 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 generate an audio alert regarding availing medical assistance.

[0049] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0050] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 as disclosed in the invention possesses four perpendicularly installed hydraulic pushers 102 attached underneath the base 101 for the sitting of the user. Then the rectangular plate 103 is mounted with the rear edge of the base 101 by means of the hinge 104 for providing backrest. Now the pair of telescopic rods 105 are attached the upper portion of the plate 103 by means of pin joints 106 to enable laying of the user. Thereafter the cuboidal box 107 attached underneath the base 101 by means of sliding units 108 to enable the user to access the box 107. Then the microphone 111, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the base 101 for receiving the audio command from the user regarding checking and correcting posture. Synchronously, the database linked with the microcontroller stores the biodata in form of individual profiles of various users. Thereafter the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109, installed on the base 101 and integrated with plurality of pressure sensors embedded on the base 101, to detect position of the user and pressure applied by various parts of bodies of the user to determine posture of the user. Afterwards plurality of motorized silicon stress balls 110 arranged on the plate 103 to impart massage to the user. Prior actuation of the silicon stress balls 110 plurality of thermocouples embedded on the plate 103 to detect temperature gradient of back of the user to determined stressed regions to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the balls 110 to impart massage to the regions. Further the FBG (Fibre Bragg Grating) sensor embedded in the base 101 to detect heart rate and blood pressure of the user. Moreover, the speaker 112 mounted on the base 101 to generate the audio alert regarding availing medical assistance if the detected heart rate and blood pressure are outside of predetermined heart rate and blood pressure ranges.

[0051] 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) A posture correction device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having four perpendicularly installed hydraulic pushers 102 attached underneath said base 101 for a sitting of said user, wherein a rectangular plate 103 is mounted with a rear edge of said base 101 by means of a hinge 104 for providing backrest, wherein a pair of telescopic rods 105 are attached an upper portion of said plate 103 by means of pin joints 106 to enable laying of said user;
ii) a cuboidal box 107 attached underneath said base 101 by means of sliding units 108 to enable said user to access said box 107;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109, installed on said base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 101, in synchronisation with a plurality of pressure sensors embedded on said base 101, to detect position of said user and pressure applied by various parts of bodies of said user to determine posture of said user; and
iv) a plurality of motorized silicon stress balls 110 arranged on said plate 103 to impart massage to said user, wherein a plurality of thermocouples embedded on sad plate 103 detect temperature gradient of back of said user to determined stressed regions to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said balls 110 to impart massage to said regions.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 111, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio command from a user regarding checking and correcting posture to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said imaging unit 109, in synchronisation with said pressure sensors, to detect position of said user and pressure applied by various parts of bodies of said user to determine posture of said user.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an FBG (Fibre Bragg Grating) sensor embedded in said base 101 to detect heart rate and blood pressure of said user to trigger said microcontroller to actuate a speaker 112 mounted on said base 101 to generate an audio alert regarding availing medical assistance if said detected heart rate and blood pressure are outside of predetermined heart rate and blood pressure ranges, respectively.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a database linked with said microcontroller stores said biodata in form of individual profiles of various users.