Modular seating system

Abstract

A modular seating system, comprising: i) a frame 1 designed to be positioned on a floor surface, the frame 1 being provided with a platform 2 which a user can access in order to take a seat on the frame 1 in order to assume a seated position on the frame 1; ii) a backrest 3 which is arranged with the frame 1 at the rear of the board 8 to allow the accommodated user to rest their back on the backrest 3, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 is installed on the frame 1 and integrated with a processor to capture and process multiple images near the frame 1 and / or to determine the body dimensions of the accommodated user; iii) a pair of extendable L-shaped panels 5 arranged on the sides of the backrest 3 and actuated by an integrated microcontroller to extend in a forward direction to align themselves over the plank 8, a motorized pulley 6 being arranged below each of the panels 5, which is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate in order to wind / unwind a rope 7 wound on the pulley 6 and to position a padded board 8, attached to the ends of the rope 7, on the platform 2 to allow the user to sit on the board 8 to be accommodated on the frame 1; and iv) a microphone 9 integrated into the frame 1 to receive a voice command from the user regarding a desired posture to be assumed by the user, wherein, in the case that the desired posture specified by the user is a cross-legged position, the microcontroller instructs the actuation of the roller 6s to wind the rollers to raise the board 8, to raise the board 8 with the accommodated user to maintain an optimal gap between the platform 2 and the board 8, to enable the user to keep the user's legs in the gap to maintain a cross-legged sitting position on the frame 1.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular seating device capable of providing the user with a comfortable cross-legged sitting position. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of monitoring the user's weight and accordingly provides additional legroom when the user's weight exceeds a threshold. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In our fast-paced modern lifestyle, it's quite difficult to make time for relaxation. Resting solutions such as convertible chairs play a crucial role in addressing this need. These versatile seating options provide the required support and comfort, allowing for a range of activities such as lounging, reading, resting, or working in a relaxed posture. They are especially beneficial for individuals with specific comfort preferences or medical conditions. These chairs are not only multifunctional but also allow for seamless transitions between different modes to meet the diverse needs of users. This integration of various functions not only maximizes comfort but also optimizes space utilization, making them ideal for compact living areas.

[0003] Conventional seating lacks the comfort for the user to ensure flexibility in transforming furniture for different needs. Typically, these chairs utilize adjustable hinges, modular designs to convert into recliners, or other configurations. However, due to the design compromises necessary for transformation, discomfort often occurs with extended use. Furthermore, user dissatisfaction is caused by the discomfort and the need for frequent maintenance, undermining the overall usability and comfort of conventional convertible recliners.

[0004] US11590862B2 covers an invention that is a type of seating system that includes a seat assembly with a first seat, a track assembly, and / or an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to control movement of the first seat along the track assembly. The first seat may be configured to move along the track assembly in at least one direction. The ECU may be configured to communicate with an external network. The ECU may be configured to move the first seat into proximity of a door of a vehicle in response to information received from the external network. The first seat may include an actuator. The ECU may be configured to control movement of the first seat via the actuator, for example, in response to information received from the external network.The ECU may contain a first seat profile containing information corresponding to the first seat. The ECU may communicate with the external network regarding the first seat profile.

[0005] EP1214900A1 discloses a type of seating system comprising a backrest and a base support, a cushion base connected to the base support, and at least two different cushion back elements. Each back element is detachably connectable to the backrest, and the base and back element together form a seat. This allows the back elements to be quickly and easily exchanged without having to replace the entire seat to create different types of seating.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed for modular seating. However, these devices are unable to monitor the user's weight and therefore provide additional space for the user's legs. Furthermore, they may not allow the user to comfortably recline their back.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need in the art to develop a device capable of allowing the user to maintain a comfortable cross-legged sitting position. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of monitoring the user's weight and, accordingly, providing additional clearance for accommodating the user's legs if the user's weight exceeds a threshold. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main 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 helps the user to achieve a comfortable sitting position in a cross-legged position.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of monitoring the user's weight and providing additional clearances for accommodating the user's legs when the user's weight exceeds a threshold.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of allowing the accommodated user to comfortably lean the user's back.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination 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 seating device capable of aiding the user for providing cross-legged seating position to the user in a comfortable manner, also capable of monitoring the user's weight and accordingly providing additional clearance for accommodating the user's legs when the user's weight exceeds a threshold weight.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a modular seating device comprises a frame positioned on a floor surface and provided with a platform accessed by a user to sit on the frame to assume a sitting posture on the frame, a backrest arranged with the frame at the rear of the board to allow the accommodated user to rest the user's back on the backrest, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the frame to determine the body measurements of the accommodated user, and a pair of extendable L-shaped plates arranged on the sides of the backrest to extend in a forward direction to be aligned over the board.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a motorized pulley arranged below each of the plates to rotate to wind and unwind a rope wound on the pulley to position a padded board, attached to the ends of the rope, on the platform to allow the user to sit on the board, a microphone integrated into the frame to receive voice commands from the user regarding a required posture to be assumed by the user, an extendable L-shaped flap arranged below the platform to allow the user to place the user's legs on the flap to assume the cross-legged sitting posture, and a battery configured with the frame to provide a continuous power supply to electronically operated components connected to the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a modular seating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode for carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. 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 intended 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,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural unless explicitly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0021] The present invention relates to a modular seating device capable of providing the user with a comfortable cross-legged sitting position. Furthermore, the proposed device is also capable of monitoring the user's weight and accordingly provides additional legroom when the user's weight exceeds a threshold.

[0022] Referring to Fig.Figure 1 is an isometric view of a modular seating device comprising a frame 1 designed to be positioned on a floor surface, the frame 1 being provided with a platform 2, a backrest 3 arranged with the frame 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 installed on the frame 1, a pair of extendable L-shaped plates 5 arranged on the sides of the backrest 3, a motorized pulley 6 arranged below each of the plates 5, a rope 7 wound on the pulley 6, a padded board 8 fixed to the ends of the rope 7 on the platform 2, a microphone 9 integrated into the frame 1, and an extendable L-shaped flap 10 arranged below the platform 2.

[0023] The proposed device comprises a frame 1 designed for positioning on a floor surface. The frame 1 disclosed here is made of any material, including hard plastic or metallic material, suitable for positioning on a solid surface. The frame 1 is provided with a platform 2, which a user can access to sit down on the frame 1 to assume a sitting position.

[0024] The frame 1 includes an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4, which is installed on the frame 1 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing multiple images near the frame 1. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 is equipped with AI (artificial intelligence) protocols encoded in the microcontroller to process and analyze the images captured by the camera, allowing it to perform various tasks beyond conventional image acquisition. The AI ​​analysis is performed locally on the camera itself, and real-time processing on the camera enables immediate reactions and faster decision-making.

[0025] The camera captures images near frame 1 using special lenses designed for capturing high-quality images. The captured data is then preprocessed by the processor to improve its quality and prepare it for AI analysis. This preprocessing includes tasks such as noise reduction, image stabilization, and color correction. The processed data is fed into AI protocols for analysis, which use machine learning techniques, such as deep learning neural networks, to extract meaningful information from the images. Based on the data extracted from the captured images, the microcontroller determines the body measurements of the accommodated user.Based on the determined body measurements of the accommodated user, the microcontroller actuates a pair of extendable L-shaped plates 5, which are arranged on the sides of the backrest 3 and are actuated by a built-in microcontroller so that they extend forward to align themselves over the plank 8.

[0026] In synchronization, the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller located beneath each of the plates 5, which are actuated by the microcontroller to rotate to wind / unwind a rope 7 wound on the roller 6. The motorized roller 6 disclosed herein comprises a pulley coupled to a motor via a shaft. Upon receiving a command from the microcontroller, the motor begins to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise to move the pulley via the shaft. The pulley thus rotates the roller to wind / unwind a rope 7 wound on the rollers and position a padded board 8 attached to the ends of the rope 7 on the platform 2, allowing the user to sit on the board 8 to take up space on the frame 1.

[0027] A microphone 9 is then integrated into the frame 1 to receive a voice command from the user regarding a desired posture to be assumed by the user. The microphone 9 used here receives sound waves generated by the energy emitted by the voice command in the form of vibrations. The sound waves are then transmitted to a membrane equipped with a coil. As the waves are transmitted within the membrane, the membrane encounters the waves, causing the coil to move the membrane in a reciprocating motion in the presence of the magnetic field generated by the coil.Thereafter, the electrical signal is emitted from the coil due to the reciprocating movement of the diaphragm, which is further transmitted to a microcontroller connected to the microphone 9 to process the signal and analyze the signal to recognize a voice command given by the user regarding a required posture to be assumed by the user.

[0028] In the event that the desired posture indicated by the user corresponds to the cross-legged position, the microcontroller directs the actuation of the roller 6s to wind the rollers with a view to lifting the board 8 with the user accommodated, in order to maintain an optimal gap between the platform 2 and the board 8 to allow the user to keep the user's legs in the gap in order to maintain a cross-legged posture on the frame 1.

[0029] Furthermore, a weight sensor is integrated into the board 8 to monitor the weight of the accommodated user. The weight sensor consists of a coiled membrane and a sensor module. The user's weight in the board 8 causes the size of the membrane to change, which is detected by the sensor module. The sensor module detects the user's weight, and based on the changes in the size of the membrane, the detected data is transmitted in the form of a signal to the microcontroller for further processing. After processing the received signals, the microcontroller monitors the weight of the accommodated user. If the monitored weight exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates an extendable L-shaped flap 10 located below the platform 2 to allow the user to place their legs on the flap 10.

[0030] The extendable L-shaped flap 10 disclosed here is driven by a pneumatic unit consisting of an air compressor, an air cylinder, air valves, and a piston. The air valve allows the compressed air from the compressor to enter and exit. Furthermore, the valve opens, allowing compressed air to enter the cylinder, increasing the cylinder's air pressure. The piston is connected to the cylinder, and due to the increase in air pressure, the piston extends to accommodate the user's legs on the flap 10, allowing the user to assume a cross-legged sitting position.

[0031] Finally, a battery (not shown in the diagram) is connected to the device to power all the electrical and electronic components necessary for its proper operation. The battery is connected to the microcontroller and supplies it with direct current (DC). The microcontroller then sends this current to the specific electrical or electronic components, depending on the sequence of operations, so they can effectively perform their respective functions.

[0032] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the frame 1 as disclosed in the present invention is designed to be positioned on a floor surface, here the frame 1 is arranged with a platform 2 which is accessible by a user forever on the frame 1 with a view to obtaining a sitting posture on the frame 1. Further, the backrest 3 allows the accommodated user to support his back on the backrest 3. Subsequently, the frame 1 comprises an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 which acquires and processes a plurality of images in the vicinity of the frame 1 to determine the body measurements of the accommodated user. After determining the body measurements of the user, the microcontroller actuates the pair of extendable L-shaped plates 5 which extend forward to align themselves over the plank 8.Subsequently, the motorized pulley is actuated, which rotates to wind or unwind a rope 7 wound on the pulleys to position a padded board 8 so that the user can sit on the board 8 to find space on the frame 1. After that, the microphone 9 receives a voice command from the user regarding a desired posture that the user should assume. And if the desired posture indicated by the user corresponds to the cross-legged position, the microcontroller instructs the actuation of the pulley 6s to wind the pulleys with a view to lifting the board 8 with the accommodated user, in order to maintain an optimal gap between the platform 2 and the board 8 so that the user can keep their legs in the gap to maintain a cross-legged posture on the frame 1. In addition, the weight sensor monitors the user's weight.If the monitored weight exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller actuates an extendable L-shaped flap 10, which allows the user to place the user's legs on the flap 10 to assume the cross-legged sitting posture.

[0033] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 11590862B2

[0004] EP 1214900A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] A modular seating device comprising: i) a frame 1 designed to be positioned on a floor surface, the frame 1 being provided with a platform 2 which a user can access to sit on the frame 1 to assume a sitting position on the frame 1; ii) a backrest 3 arranged with the frame 1 at the rear part of the board 8 to allow the accommodated user to rest the user's back on the backrest 3, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 4 is installed on the frame 1 and integrated with a processor to capture and process a plurality of images in the vicinity of the frame 1 or to determine the body measurements of the accommodated user; iii) a pair of extendable L-shaped plates 5 arranged on the sides of the backrest 3 and actuated by a built-in microcontroller to extend in a forward direction to be aligned over the plank 8, with a motorized pulley 6 arranged below each of the plates 5, actuated by the microcontroller to rotate to wind / unwind a rope 7 wound on the pulley 6 and to position a padded board 8, attached to the ends of the rope 7, on the platform 2 to allow the user to sit on the board 8 to be accommodated on the frame 1; and iv) a microphone 9 integrated into the frame 1 for receiving a voice command from the user regarding a desired posture to be adopted by the user, wherein, in the event that the desired posture indicated by the user corresponds to a cross-legged posture, the microcontroller instructs the actuation of the pulley 6s to wind the pulleys to raise the board 8 with the user accommodated, to maintain an optimal gap between the platform 2 and the board 8 to allow the user to keep the user's legs in the gap to maintain a cross-legged sitting posture on the frame 1. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is integrated on the board 8 to monitor the weight of the accommodated user, and if the monitored weight exceeds a weight threshold, the microcontroller actuates an extendable L-shaped flap 10 arranged below the platform 2 to allow the user to accommodate the user's legs on the flap 10 to achieve the crossed-legged sitting posture. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with the frame 1 to provide a continuous power supply for electronically operated components connected to the device.

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