Category: Uncategorized

  • Patent Application Published: System For Manual Control of Handheld Device That is Out of User’s Direct Vision

    Patent pending. Application # PCT/IB2021/056658 – WO/2023/002238

    State of Art

    For many, even in the 21st century, time at the dentist chair feels like it stopped running.
    The ability to use smartphone will allow patients to make more efficient use of their time spent in dentist chair and will make the patient experience easier.

    A smartphone is an integral part of major people’s lives. People use it for work, entertainment, communication, information reception or just to “kill time”. It becomes a habit to constantly have a phone “at hand”, or rather, to always be able to see information on its screen and use it. This habit usually occurs in situations when a person has more free time. In most cases, the phone is accessible to a person, however there are circumstances or situations when it is very complicated or even impossible to use the phone. For example, during a visit to the dentist. When a dentist examines or treats a patient, the latter usually does not have access to the phone, since various dental equipment and tools, as well as the staff interfere with the direct vision of phone screen (in the case of smartphones – they can usually be applied by touching the screen with the fingers and with a need to see both the screen and one’s fingers). The ability to use a smartphone during dental treatment or other procedures would allow the patient to make effective use of his/her time, and the shift in focus from the treated area of the body to the contents of the phone will make the patient experience easier.

    The technical solution described in the Patent application # PCT/IB2021/056658 characterized in that a smart device (e.g. smartphone) is placed next to a holder equipped with camera coupled with a device mounted in front of the user’s eyes, in the screen therein (e.g. in VR glasses) the user can see a real image of his/her smart device screen (e.g. smartphone) as well as his/her fingers operating such smart device. Thereby the user can use his/her smart device (e.g. smartphone) as usual, i.e. viewing his/her fingers and the device screen, and, contrary to the closest patent document, the real images of the smart device screen and user’s fingers are displayed; the smart device screen rendered / overlaid by monochromatic screen is not required for detection of finger position, and the detection of physical objects between the head mounted device and smart device is not needed. Also, no additional training is required in the use of user interfaces and the control system of virtual reality glasses or other similar devices, and there is no need to install additional software on a smart device. In addition, the system described in the disclosure ensures the privacy of the smart device user since no additional software is required, and with addition of protective element, such as a hood, unauthorized persons cannot see the contents of the user’s smart device screen. Furthermore, the system is of closed type as it does not record or transmit the image (including screen content) of the user’s smart device to others, although it can do so if necessary. The described solution also allows using other tools that are out of direct vision of the user, for example, reading a book, taking notes, drawing sketches, etc.

    Claims

    Flowchart of system for manual control of a device out of user’s direct vision.

    1. System for manual control of a device that is out of user’s direct vision, characterized in that the above system comprises:

    – a holder (10) where at least one video camera attached to (30),

    – a handheld device (20), placed next to (under) camera (30),

    – a display device (40), coupled with video camera (30), to display the image of the handheld device (20) (in the case of a smartphone – its screen and the image of the position of user’s fingers operating the smartphone),

    – at least one image processor (60), connected between camera (30) and display device (40), and applied only when the compatibility of camera (30) and display device (40) interfaces is required,

    – video camera (30) and/or processor (60) parameters are adjusted, when needed.

    2. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that further comprises at least one power source (50) to feed video camera (30), display device (40) and image processor (60).

    3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that further comprises a protective element (103) to cover the handheld device (20) and, if needed, video camera (30) from prying eyes and/or surveillance cameras or similar equipment, and/or physical impact.

    4. The system according to Claim 3, characterized in that a protective element (103) is connected to the holder (10).

    5. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the holder (10) can be installed or placed on various objects, and the holder’s (10) size is fixed by rigid joint, or adjustable by sliding joint.

    6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that further comprises a retaining element of handheld device (20) to secure the handheld device (20) in stable position subject to camera or for other purposes.

    7. The system according to Claim 6, characterized in that a retaining element of handheld device (20) further comprises a hand and/or finger support to comfortably hold and/or operate the handheld device (20)

    8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally comprises a holder’s (10) locking element to fix camera (30) to user’s hand or other part of the body, or other nearby object.

    9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally comprises a switch integrated in the holder (10) or protective element (103) to turn on/off the video camera (30) and/or display device (40), and/or image processor (60), if the latter is applicable.

    10. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally comprises a control light to inform the user that video camera (30) is on and transmitting the image to the display device (40).

    11. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally comprises an adjustment device for camera (30) and/or image processor (60) settings.

    12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera (30), display device (40) and image processor (60), when the latter is in use, are interconnected by physical connection or wireless connection.

    13. The system according to Claim 2, characterized in that a power source (50) additionally comprises an indicator showing the charge level of the power source (50) and warning the user about the necessity of power source charging (50).

    14. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handheld device (20) is a smartphone or tablet.

  • Patent Application Published: Device Encouraging Scooter Rider to Change Foot

    Patent Application # PCT/IB2021/054411 – WO/2022/243733

    Our mission is to prevent asymmetrical physical activity of children at a very young age (up to 7-8 years old, while their skeleton and muscle system are still developing). Long exposure to asymmetrical physical activities as for example pushing a scooter with only one leg, may cause irreversible damage to a child’s growing body and such consequence may be felt for the rest of his/her life.

    Together with Scientists from Lithuanian Sport University we are searching for effective methods and devices to forestall the growing problem.

    Our patent application describes devices and ways of their implementation that may help parents to protect their children from related health problems in the future.

    State of Art

    Scooters have recently become extremely popular. Parents have started buying scooters for especially young children who are not yet sensible. Products for the children of this age are subject to especially stringent requirements, as the children are not yet able to comply with discipline, however one important aspect still remains unresolved. Usually, children ride scooters by using only one particular foot, left or right. Few parents know that constantly applying load to one part of the body can lead to skeletal distortions and irregular muscle formation. The younger the age of children, the greater is the risk of forming the irregular body structure as children’s bones, muscles and body tissues develop actively. Parents have no means to force or encourage their children to change their feet regularly while riding the scooter.

    The technical solutions presented in the patent application of the invention ensure that the scooter rider is encouraged to change the pushing foot regularly.

    Claims

    The components and the operation scheme of the device.



    Principle diagram of the foot change device, which is a braking mechanism with an additional audible alarm device
    Principle diagram of the limiter attached in the front part of the scooter.

    1. A device intended for vehicles that move by pushing with foot, characterized in that it comprises at least one limiting-warning module (10), which encourages the rider of the vehicle (20) to change his/her pushing foot.

    2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one limiting-warning module (10) is a limiter (101) and/or a braking mechanism (104), and/or an alarm device (105).

    3. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it further comprises the following elements:

    – at least one sensor (30) for determining which foot is the pushing one and the number of its strokes and other sensors for detecting the distance travelled, as well as other relevant indicators;

    – an information processing/management device (40) for processing of the information received from the sensor(s) (30) and determining the foot change moment based on the time set as the time to change foot and the information received from the sensor(s) (30), as well as activating of at least one limiting-warning module (10).

    4. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the limiter (101) comprises at least one protruding element (102) connected to the body of the limiter (101) preventing from proper pushing with a foot on the respective side of the vehicle (20).

    5. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the limiter (101) is mounted on the frame (201) in the front part of the vehicle (20) or on the fixed part of the steering column (203), or on the frame (201) in the rear part, or on any side of the frame (201), or on the footrest platform (202), or under the footrest platform (202).

    6. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the position of the protruding element (102) of the foot change device/limiter (101) is changed manually, where the rider of the vehicle (20) or another person changes the side of the protruding element (102) of the limiter (101), or automatically, where the limiter (101) is connected to the information processing/management device (40) and the side of the protruding element (102) of the limiter (101) is changed by means of a mechanism.

    7. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the braking mechanism (104) comprises at least one wheel, which is subject to braking, where the braking mechanism (104) is connected to the information processing device (40) and, when the latter determines that it is time to change the foot, the said braking mechanism (104) is activated and starts decelerating at least one wheel of the vehicle (20), thereby preventing from further proper use of the vehicle (20).

    8. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that its alarm device (105) is a device emitting light and/or sound (106), and/or vibration and other alarms, when it is time to change the foot, and the said device (105) is connected to the information processing device (40).

    9. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it further comprises an information input device (50) for determining or adjusting the desired time to change the foot and/or the algorithm of the foot change moment, and/or other relevant parameters.

    10. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it further comprises an information output device (60) for providing information to the rider of the vehicle (20).

    11. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the said device measures and evaluates indicators including: the pushing foot and the duration of the foot strokes, and/or the number of the foot strokes, and/or the duration of use of the vehicle (20), and/or the distance travelled by the vehicle (20), and/or other indicators relevant to the user.

    12. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the foot change moment is determined by repetitive equal and/or variable cycles, where the said foot change moment is calculated and/or otherwise determined by means of a mechanical and/or electronic device, or a system of such devices.

    13. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the said device further comprises a lock preventing from unauthorized deactivation or modification of the rider’s foot change device of the vehicle (20) without the knowledge of a caregiver.

    14. The device under any of the above items, characterized in that the vehicle (20) is a scooter.

    Patent Application Published

    Here you can find full patent application – Patent Application # PCT/IB2021/054411 Device Encouraging Scooter Rider to Change Foot

  • Device Encouraging Scooter Rider to Change Foot

    Patent pending # PCT/IB2021/054411

    Our mission is to prevent asymmetrical physical activity of children at a very young age (up to 7-8 years old, while their skeleton and muscle system are still developing). Long exposure to asymmetrical physical activities as for example pushing a scooter with only one leg, may cause irreversible damage to a child’s growing body and such consequence may be felt for the rest of his/her life.

    Together with Scientists from Lithuanian Sport University we are searching for effective methods and devices to forestall the growing problem.

    Our patent application describes devices and ways of their implementation that may help parents to protect their children from related health problems in the future.

    State of Art

    Scooters have recently become extremely popular. Parents have started buying scooters for especially young children who are not yet sensible. Products for the children of this age are subject to especially stringent requirements, as the children are not yet able to comply with discipline, however one important aspect still remains unresolved. Usually, children ride scooters by using only one particular foot, left or right. Few parents know that constantly applying load to one part of the body can lead to skeletal distortions and irregular muscle formation. The younger the age of children, the greater is the risk of forming the irregular body structure as children’s bones, muscles and body tissues develop actively. Parents have no means to force or encourage their children to change their feet regularly while riding the scooter.

    The technical solutions presented in the patent application of the invention ensure that the scooter rider is encouraged to change the pushing foot regularly.

    Claims

    The components and the operation scheme of the device.



    Principle diagram of the foot change device, which is a braking mechanism with an additional audible alarm device
    Principle diagram of the limiter attached in the front part of the scooter.

    1. A device intended for vehicles that move by pushing with foot, characterized in that it comprises at least one limiting-warning module (10), which encourages the rider of the vehicle (20) to change his/her pushing foot.

    2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one limiting-warning module (10) is a limiter (101) and/or a braking mechanism (104), and/or an alarm device (105).

    3. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it further comprises the following elements:

    – at least one sensor (30) for determining which foot is the pushing one and the number of its strokes and other sensors for detecting the distance travelled, as well as other relevant indicators;

    – an information processing/management device (40) for processing of the information received from the sensor(s) (30) and determining the foot change moment based on the time set as the time to change foot and the information received from the sensor(s) (30), as well as activating of at least one limiting-warning module (10).

    4. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the limiter (101) comprises at least one protruding element (102) connected to the body of the limiter (101) preventing from proper pushing with a foot on the respective side of the vehicle (20).

    5. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the limiter (101) is mounted on the frame (201) in the front part of the vehicle (20) or on the fixed part of the steering column (203), or on the frame (201) in the rear part, or on any side of the frame (201), or on the footrest platform (202), or under the footrest platform (202).

    6. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the position of the protruding element (102) of the foot change device/limiter (101) is changed manually, where the rider of the vehicle (20) or another person changes the side of the protruding element (102) of the limiter (101), or automatically, where the limiter (101) is connected to the information processing/management device (40) and the side of the protruding element (102) of the limiter (101) is changed by means of a mechanism.

    7. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the braking mechanism (104) comprises at least one wheel, which is subject to braking, where the braking mechanism (104) is connected to the information processing device (40) and, when the latter determines that it is time to change the foot, the said braking mechanism (104) is activated and starts decelerating at least one wheel of the vehicle (20), thereby preventing from further proper use of the vehicle (20).

    8. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that its alarm device (105) is a device emitting light and/or sound (106), and/or vibration and other alarms, when it is time to change the foot, and the said device (105) is connected to the information processing device (40).

    9. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it further comprises an information input device (50) for determining or adjusting the desired time to change the foot and/or the algorithm of the foot change moment, and/or other relevant parameters.

    10. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that it further comprises an information output device (60) for providing information to the rider of the vehicle (20).

    11. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the said device measures and evaluates indicators including: the pushing foot and the duration of the foot strokes, and/or the number of the foot strokes, and/or the duration of use of the vehicle (20), and/or the distance travelled by the vehicle (20), and/or other indicators relevant to the user.

    12. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the foot change moment is determined by repetitive equal and/or variable cycles, where the said foot change moment is calculated and/or otherwise determined by means of a mechanical and/or electronic device, or a system of such devices.

    13. The device according to any of the above claims, characterized in that the said device further comprises a lock preventing from unauthorized deactivation or modification of the rider’s foot change device of the vehicle (20) without the knowledge of a caregiver.

    14. The device under any of the above items, characterized in that the vehicle (20) is a scooter.

  • System For Manual Control of Handheld Device That is Out of User’s Direct Vision

    Patent pending # PCT/IB2021/056658

    State of Art

    For many, even in the 21st century, time at the dentist chair feels like it stopped running.
    The ability to use smartphone will allow patients to make more efficient use of their time spent in dentist chair and will make the patient experience easier.

    A smartphone is an integral part of major people’s lives. People use it for work, entertainment, communication, information reception or just to “kill time”. It becomes a habit to constantly have a phone “at hand”, or rather, to always be able to see information on its screen and use it. This habit usually occurs in situations when a person has more free time. In most cases, the phone is accessible to a person, however there are circumstances or situations when it is very complicated or even impossible to use the phone. For example, during a visit to the dentist. When a dentist examines or treats a patient, the latter usually does not have access to the phone, since various dental equipment and tools, as well as the staff interfere with the direct vision of phone screen (in the case of smartphones – they can usually be applied by touching the screen with the fingers and with a need to see both the screen and one’s fingers). The ability to use a smartphone during dental treatment or other procedures would allow the patient to make effective use of his/her time, and the shift in focus from the treated area of the body to the contents of the phone will make the patient experience easier.

    The technical solution described in the Patent application # PCT/IB2021/056658 characterized in that a smart device (e.g. smartphone) is placed next to a holder equipped with camera coupled with a device mounted in front of the user’s eyes, in the screen therein (e.g. in VR glasses) the user can see a real image of his/her smart device screen (e.g. smartphone) as well as his/her fingers operating such smart device. Thereby the user can use his/her smart device (e.g. smartphone) as usual, i.e. viewing his/her fingers and the device screen, and, contrary to the closest patent document, the real images of the smart device screen and user’s fingers are displayed; the smart device screen rendered / overlaid by monochromatic screen is not required for detection of finger position, and the detection of physical objects between the head mounted device and smart device is not needed. Also, no additional training is required in the use of user interfaces and the control system of virtual reality glasses or other similar devices, and there is no need to install additional software on a smart device. In addition, the system described in the disclosure ensures the privacy of the smart device user since no additional software is required, and with addition of protective element, such as a hood, unauthorized persons cannot see the contents of the user’s smart device screen. Furthermore, the system is of closed type as it does not record or transmit the image (including screen content) of the user’s smart device to others, although it can do so if necessary. The described solution also allows using other tools that are out of direct vision of the user, for example, reading a book, taking notes, drawing sketches, etc.

    Claims

    Flowchart of system for manual control of a device out of user’s direct vision.

    1. System for manual control of a device that is out of user’s direct vision, characterized in that the above system comprises:

    – a holder (10) where at least one video camera attached to (30),

    – a handheld device (20), placed next to (under) camera (30),

    – a display device (40), coupled with video camera (30), to display the image of the handheld device (20) (in the case of a smartphone – its screen and the image of the position of user’s fingers operating the smartphone),

    – at least one image processor (60), connected between camera (30) and display device (40), and applied only when the compatibility of camera (30) and display device (40) interfaces is required,

    – video camera (30) and/or processor (60) parameters are adjusted, when needed.

    2. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that further comprises at least one power source (50) to feed video camera (30), display device (40) and image processor (60).

    3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that further comprises a protective element (103) to cover the handheld device (20) and, if needed, video camera (30) from prying eyes and/or surveillance cameras or similar equipment, and/or physical impact.

    4. The system according to Claim 3, characterized in that a protective element (103) is connected to the holder (10).

    5. The system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the holder (10) can be installed or placed on various objects, and the holder’s (10) size is fixed by rigid joint, or adjustable by sliding joint.

    6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that further comprises a retaining element of handheld device (20) to secure the handheld device (20) in stable position subject to camera or for other purposes.

    7. The system according to Claim 6, characterized in that a retaining element of handheld device (20) further comprises a hand and/or finger support to comfortably hold and/or operate the handheld device (20)

    8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally comprises a holder’s (10) locking element to fix camera (30) to user’s hand or other part of the body, or other nearby object.

    9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally comprises a switch integrated in the holder (10) or protective element (103) to turn on/off the video camera (30) and/or display device (40), and/or image processor (60), if the latter is applicable.

    10. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally comprises a control light to inform the user that video camera (30) is on and transmitting the image to the display device (40).

    11. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that additionally comprises an adjustment device for camera (30) and/or image processor (60) settings.

    12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera (30), display device (40) and image processor (60), when the latter is in use, are interconnected by physical connection or wireless connection.

    13. The system according to Claim 2, characterized in that a power source (50) additionally comprises an indicator showing the charge level of the power source (50) and warning the user about the necessity of power source charging (50).

    14. The system according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handheld device (20) is a smartphone or tablet.