Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an erasure system and particularly to a voice-controlled erasure system for smart boards .
Description of Related Art
[002] In traditional collaborative settings such as classrooms, boardrooms, and collaborative workspaces, the use of whiteboards is ubiquitous for brainstorming, presentations, and idea sharing. However, a significant challenge arises in a manual erasure process, which involves physically wiping off marker ink from the white board surface. This manual erasure process is not only time-consuming but also disrupts the flow of discussions and presentations. Participants often need to pause to erase content, leading to interruptions and potential loss of momentum during collaborative sessions.
[003] Moreover, the repetitive motion of erasing content manually can be physically taxing and may lead to fatigue or discomfort for users. Additionally, in environments where multiple whiteboards are used simultaneously or where there is frequent content turnover, the manual erasure process becomes even more cumbersome and inefficient. Coordinating the erasure of multiple whiteboards or ensuring timely content removal becomes a logistical challenge, further impeding productivity and collaboration.
[004] Furthermore, in context of modern smart classrooms or digital workspaces, people expect seamless integration between the digital and physical aspects of whiteboard use. However, the current manual erasing process doesn't quite match up to this expectation.
[005] At present, there is no system in place for erasing traditional whiteboards using voice inputs. Here are a few similar or existing solutions. The most common method for erasing content from traditional whiteboards involves manual intervention, where users physically wipe off marker ink using an eraser or cloth. While simple and widely used, this method is labor-intensive and time-consuming, leading to disruptions in collaborative activities. Some digital whiteboard systems offer erasure functionality through touch or stylus input. Users can digitally erase content using a touchscreen interface or stylus, but this typically requires direct interaction with the board and does not leverage voice inputs for erasure. Further, smart whiteboard solutions integrate advanced features such as touchscreen capabilities, multimedia integration, and cloud connectivity. While these systems enhance collaboration and interactivity, they do not offer automated erasure functionality or voice input integration for content removal.
[006] Overall, while existing solutions offer various traditional methods for erasing content from whiteboards, there remains a necessity for a dedicated system that seamlessly integrates voice input functionality with traditional whiteboard erasure mechanisms, providing users with a convenient and efficient way to clean the board.
[007] There is thus a need for a voice-controlled smart board that can overcome the limitations of existing prior arts in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a voice-controlled smart board. The smart board comprising: a board surface adapted to display a content, wherein the board surface is divided into quadrants. The smart board further comprising: a selective erasing unit for erasing content from one or more of the quadrants of the board surface. The smart board further comprising: a microphone for recording voice inputs from a user. The smart board further comprising: a processor in communication with the microphone. The processor is configured to: receive the recorded voice inputs from the microphone: pre-process the received voice inputs to extract features; recognize trigger words or phrases within the pre-process voice inputs using a trained Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network; determine specific actions to be taken, and one or more of the quadrants, based on the recognized trigger words; and communicate with the selective erasing unit to execute an erasure process on the specified quadrants of the board surface.
[009] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method for erasing a voice-controlled smart board, the method comprising steps of: receiving recorded voice inputs from a microphone; pre-processing the received voice inputs to extract features; recognizing trigger words or phrases within the pre-process voice inputs using a trained Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network; determining specific actions to be taken, and one or more of the quadrants, based on the recognized trigger words; and communicating with the selective erasing unit to execute an erasure process on the specified quadrants of the board surface.
[0010] 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 voice-controlled smart board and a method of efficient and hands-free erasing marker ink from whiteboards, enhancing user experience and productivity.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a voice-controlled smart board that may be capable of accurately interpreting voice inputs and performing erasing operations, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency in educational and professional settings.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a voice-controlled smart board that facilitates seamless integration with existing whiteboard setups, offering a convenient solution for erasing marker ink without requiring additional manual tools or equipment.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a voice-controlled smart board that enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidental exposure to harmful chemicals or sharp objects during manual erasing processes.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a voice-controlled smart board that enhances accessibility for users with mobility or dexterity limitations, allowing them to easily erase marker ink from whiteboards using voice inputs.
[0015] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a voice-controlled smart board that improves overall workflow efficiency and reduces downtime associated with manual erasing tasks, thereby optimizing the use of whiteboard resources in various environments.
[0016] 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
[0017] 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:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a voice-controlled smart board, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates quadrants of the voice-controlled smart board, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a processor of the voice-controlled smart board, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method for erasing the voice-controlled smart board, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] 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
[0023] 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 scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a voice-controlled smart board 100 (hereinafter referred to as the smart board 100) with a voice input integration, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The smart board 100 may be capable of interpreting voice inputs, using a voice recognition technology. The voice inputs may be, but not limited to "erase a board", "clean the board", “rub the board”, "erase", "clear", "select" and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any voice inputs, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] The smart board 100 may perform an action associated with an erasing operation and may provide feedback upon completion of the erasing operation. In an embodiment of the present invention, the smart board 100 may be installed on a board surface 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the smart board 100 may be capable of erasing marker ink efficiently and precisely from a surface of the board surface 102, ensuring thorough cleaning without residue or smudging.
[0028] The board surface 102 may be a traditional dry-erase or electronic interactive whiteboard, commonly used in educational, office, or collaborative settings for visual presentations of data and teaching. In another embodiment of the present invention, the board surface 102 may be any wall, surface, or substrate coated or treated with a writable and erasable material, such as paint or specialized coatings. This versatility allows the smart board 100 to be used not only on traditional whiteboards but also on walls or surfaces transformed into writable and erasable areas.
[0029] The smart board 100 may comprise a board surface 102 that may be divided into quadrants 104a-104n (hereinafter referred individually to as the quadrant 104, and plurally to as the quadrants 104). The smart board 100 may comprise a selective erasing unit 106 (As shown and explained in conjunction with FIG. 2), a microphone 108, a processor 110, a database 112, a Graphical User Interface (GUI) 114, a feedback unit 116, and a power supply unit 118.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the microphone 108 may be positioned strategically to capture clear and accurate voice inputs from the user. The microphone 108 may be connected to the processor 110 to allow for seamless communication and processing of the voice inputs for initiating erasing operations with the quadrants 104 and selective erasing unit 106.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 110 may be configured to receive the recorded voice inputs from the microphone 108. The processor 110 may be configured to pre-process the received voice inputs to extract features. The processor 110 may be configured to recognize trigger words or phrases within the pre-process voice inputs using a trained Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network. The processor 110 may be configured to determine specific actions to be taken, and one or more of the quadrants 104, based on the recognized trigger words. The processor 110 may be configured to communicate with the selective erasing unit 106 to execute an erasure process on the specified quadrants 104 of the board surface 102. The Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network may be trained using the pre-process voice inputs. The processor 110 may be configured to transmit control signals and data to the board surface 102, using an integration module that may includes communication protocols. The trigger words or phrases within the pre-process voice inputs is selected from "erase", "clear", "select", and so forth. The trigger words or the phrases may be extracted form the pre-processed voice inputs using a Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs).
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the database 112 may store a comprehensive set of commands, erasing techniques, and user preferences. The database 112 may serve as a reference for the processor 110 to interpret the voice inputs accurately and execute the corresponding erasing actions with precision and efficiency.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Graphical User Interface (GUI) 114 may provide a user-friendly platform for interacting with the smart board 100. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) 114 may allow a user to input the smart board 100 settings, manage the voice inputs, monitor the smart board 100 performance, and receive visual feedback on erasing operations, enhancing overall user experience and control.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the feedback unit 116 may comprise various components that may be, but not limited to Light light-emitting diode (LED) indicators, a display, and an audio device. These components may work together to provide real-time feedback to the user, indicating the status of erasing operations, completion notifications, and the confirmation messages for a smooth and interactive user experience.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply unit 118 may provide an operational power to the smart board 100 for continuous and reliable performance during erasing operations. The power supply unit 118 may be connected to the quadrants 104, the processor 110, and other components to maintain functionality and efficiency throughout use.
[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates the quadrants 104. In an embodiment of the present invention, the quadrants 104 may be configured on the board surface 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the quadrants 104 may be erased using the selective erasing unit 106. The quadrants 104 may be, but not limited to, two-degree quadrants, three-degree quadrants, five-degree quadrants, and so forth. In an embodiment of the present invention, the wiping or erasing actions may be performed in the quadrants 104 using the selective erasing unit 106.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the user may want to clear a first quadrant 104a on the smart board 100, then the user may instruct the selective erasing unit 106 to clear the first quadrant 104a, and the contents on the other quadrants 104 may be left undisturbed. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, if the user may want to clear an entity of the smart board 100, then the user may instruct the selective erasing unit 106 to clear the entire smart board 100, and all the contents on the smart board 100 cleared.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the processor 110 of the smart board 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The processor 110 may comprise computer-executable instructions in the form of programming modules such as an integration module 300, a voice input receiving module 302, a processing module 304, an actuation module 306, a feedback module 308, and a reset module 310. These modules work together to facilitate the seamless operation and control of the smart board 100, ensuring efficient and precise erasure of content from the board surface 102.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, the integration module 300 may facilitate the seamless coordination of various components within the smart board 100. The integration module 300 may enable the processor 110 to transmit control signals and data to the quadrants 104, using an integration module that includes communication protocols. When a user issues the voice input through the voice input receiving module 302 to erase the board surface 102, the processing module 304 may capture and interpret the voice inputs, recognizing it as a request for content removal. Subsequently, the integration module 300 may communicate with the actuation module 306, instructing it to activate and initiate the erasure process, the selective erasing unit 106, ensuring a clean and blank board surface 102 for future use. The feedback module 308 may allow the smart board 100 to provide the feedback and/or display the confirmation message to the user upon completion of the erasing operation Upon completion of the erasure operation, the reset module 310, under the control of the integration module 300, may reset the smart board 100 for further utilization. This seamless automation may ensure that users can continue their presentations, discussions, or brainstorming sessions without interruption.
[0040] FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart of a method 400 for erasing the smart board 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] At step 402, the smart board 100 may capture the voice inputs from the user using the microphone 108.
[0042] At step 404, the smart board 100 may process the captured voice input.
[0043] At step 406, the smart board 100 may interpret the processed voice inputs to determine the action associated with the erasing operation.
[0044] At step 408, the smart board 100 may activate the quadrants 104 across the surface of the board surface 102 based on the determined action.
[0045] At step 410, the smart board 100 may enable the selective erasing unit 106 to erase the marker ink from the surface of the board surface 102.
[0046] At step 412, the smart board 100 may trigger the feedback unit 116 to provide the feedback and/or display the confirmation message to the user upon completion of the erasing operation.
[0047] 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 scope of the appended claims.
[0048] 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:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A voice-controlled smart board (100), the smart board (100) comprising:
a board surface (102) adapted to display a content, characterized in that the board surface (102) is divided into quadrants (104a-104n);
a selective erasing unit (106) for erasing content from one or more of the quadrants (104a-104n) of the board surface (102);
a microphone (108) for recording voice inputs from a user; and
a processor (110) in communication with the microphone (108), wherein the processor (110) is configured to:
receive the recorded voice inputs from the microphone (108);
pre-process the received voice inputs to extract features;
recognize trigger words or phrases within the pre-process voice inputs using a trained Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network;
determine specific actions to be taken, and one or more of the quadrants (104a-104n), based on the recognized trigger words; and
communicate with the selective erasing unit (106) to execute an erasure process on the specified quadrants (104a-104n) of the board surface (102).
2. The smart board (100) as claimed in claim 1, the wherein the trigger words or phrases are extracted form the pre-processed voice inputs using a Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs).
3. The smart board (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network is trained using the pre-process voice inputs.
4. The smart board (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (110) is configured to transmit control signals and data to the board surface (102), using an integration module that includes communication protocols.
5. The smart board (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback unit (116) comprises one or more of Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicators, a display, an audio device, or a combination thereof.
6. The smart board (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger words or phrases within the pre-process voice inputs is selected from "erase", "clear", "select", or a combination thereof.
7. The smart board (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the board surface (102) is adapted to receive an operational power from a power supply unit (118).
8. The smart board (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (110) is configured to receive instructions related to the smart board (100) settings, managing the voice inputs, and monitoring the smart board (100) performance from the user through a Graphical user interface (GUI) (114).
9. A method (400) for erasing a voice-controlled smart board (100), the method (400) comprising steps of:
receiving recorded voice inputs from a microphone (108);
pre-processing the received voice inputs to extract features;
recognizing trigger words or phrases within the pre-process voice inputs using a trained Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network;
determining specific actions to be taken, and one or more of the quadrants (104a-104n), based on the recognized trigger words; and
communicating with the selective erasing unit (106) to execute an erasure process on the specified quadrants (104a-104n) of the board surface (102).
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trigger words or phrases within the pre-process voice inputs is selected from "erase", "clear", "select", or a combination thereof.
Date: May 17, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)