Access blocking device for a couch

Abstract

An access blocking device for a couch, comprising: i) an L-shaped extendable panel 101, which a user accesses to position the panel 101 between the couch and a fixed surface to be blocked, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 is installed above the panel 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the surface, on the basis of which a microcontroller connected to the processor determines the length of the surface; ii) a motorized drawer arrangement 103 installed in the plate 101 and actuated by the microcontroller to extend the plate 101 according to the detected length to obstruct passage to the surface, wherein several wheels 104 are arranged under the plate 101 to move the plate 101 over the surface to assist in extending the plate 101; iii) several C-shaped extendable clamps 201 are arranged over the inner circumference of the vertical side of the plate 101, each designed to grip the outer circumference of several objects arranged over the inner circumference of the horizontal side of the plate 101, a laser sensor being installed over the plate 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to determine the dimensions of the objects, on the basis of which the microcontroller instructs the clamps 201 to grip the outer circumference, thereby restricting the movement of the objects; iv) a color sensor installed above the plate 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to monitor the color of the environment, wherein the microcontroller, based on the monitored color, controls an RGB LED light 105 installed above the plate 101 to emit a complementary light so that the plate 101 blends into the environment; and v) a motion sensor installed above the plate 101 to detect movement in the plate 101, wherein, in the event of motion being detected, the microcontroller controls a loudspeaker 106 installed above the plate 101 to generate a voice command to alert the user who assesses the detected movement.

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an access control device for a couch that determines the dimensions of objects in order to restrict movement in the space between the surface and the couch by providing an additional handle, and that detects abnormal objects and living beings and notifies the user accordingly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A couch, sofa, or sectional sofa is a piece of furniture designed for the comfortable seating of several people. It consists of a long, upholstered seat with a backrest and armrests, although there are variations in design and features. They are available in different sizes, styles, and materials to suit different preferences and furnishings. A clever access-blocking system is used to close the small gaps, preventing objects or living organisms from getting inside. Traditionally, rubber or felt pads are placed under the couch legs to provide support and prevent small items from entering the gap, and plastic or wooden blocks are placed over the gap to cover the open space.

[0003] While conventional methods are useful, they have their limitations. Couch locking devices may not be suitable for all types of couches or designs. Over time, dirt, dust, or debris can accumulate in these devices, reducing their effectiveness and requiring regular cleaning or replacement. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a device capable of determining the dimensions of objects in order to restrict their movement by providing an additional grip. Furthermore, the device should be able to detect abnormal objects and living beings and notify the user accordingly, allowing for remote monitoring of the environment.

[0004] US20120315434A1 discloses a device designed to prevent small objects (such as toys or balls) from entering the narrow space between furniture (such as armchairs or sofas) and the floor. The main features of the invention are its ease of manufacture and its simple adaptation to furniture of various shapes and sizes. US'434 is able to prevent small objects from entering the narrow space between furniture. However, the device is not able to restrict the object's movement by providing an additional handle.

[0005] US4252372A discloses a shield for covering an elongated, horizontal gap between the underside of the front end of a seat cushion and a frame element below it. The shield comprises a body portion for enclosing the frame element, a hook portion extending upward and forward over the frame element, and a flap portion extending upward and backward over the frame element to close the gap. The shield is made of elastic material. The flap portion has an upper end edge against which the bottom of the seat cushion rests to allow the flap portion to deform elastically. US'372 is capable of covering an elongated, horizontal gap between the undersides of the front end of a seat. However, the invention is not capable of detecting abnormal objects and living beings.

[0006] Many devices have been conventionally developed to prevent small objects from entering the narrow space between furniture and to cover an elongated, horizontal gap between the undersides of the front end of a seat. However, these devices lack the ability to determine the dimensions of objects in order to limit their movement by providing an additional grip, as well as the ability to generate a warning message for the user to remotely monitor the surroundings when an abnormal object or living being is detected.

[0007] To overcome the aforementioned disadvantages, the technology requires the development of a device capable of determining the dimensions of objects, restricting the object's movement in the space between the surface and the bed by providing an additional handle, and capable of generating an alarm message to the user to remotely monitor the environment when an abnormal object or living being is detected. OBJECTS OF INVENTION

[0008] The main objective of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] One objective of the present invention is to develop a device capable of determining the dimensions of objects in order to restrict the movement of the object in the space between the surface and the bed by providing an additional handle.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that allows the user to monitor the environment remotely.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable.

[0012] The aforementioned 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 an access control device for a couch that determines the dimensions of objects in order to restrict movement in the space between the surface and the couch by providing an additional grip, and detects abnormal objects and living beings and notifies the user accordingly.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an access blocking device for a couch comprises an L-shaped extendable panel, which a user accesses to position the panel between the couch and the solid surface to be blocked; an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed above the panel and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the surface; a motorized drawer assembly installed in the panel to extend the panel according to the detected length; a plurality of wheels arranged under the panel to move the panel across the surface to assist in extending the panel; and several C-shaped extendable clamps arranged around the inner circumference of the vertical side of the panel, designed to accommodate the outer circumference of multiple objects.which are positioned above the inner perimeter of the horizontal side of the plate, a laser sensor is installed above the plate and synchronized with the imaging unit to determine the dimensions of the objects, a color sensor is installed above the plate and synchronized with the imaging unit to monitor the color of the environment, an RGB LED light is installed above the plate to emit supplementary light to blend the plate with the environment.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a motion sensor installed above the plate to detect movement in the plate, a loudspeaker installed above the plate to generate a voice command to alert the user to the detected movement, several suction units installed above the horizontal side of the plate to create a vacuum to grasp objects above the horizontal side of the plate, a weight sensor installed above the horizontal side of the plate to monitor the weight of the objects being picked up, and a battery connected to the device to power electrical and electronic components connected to the device.

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

[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawings, wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an access control device for a couch; and Fig. Figure 2 shows a rear view of an L-shaped extendable plate connected to the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best embodiment of an embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, but that the invention also encompasses a multitude of modifications and embodiments thereof. Therefore, the present description should be regarded as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is open to various modifications and alternative designs, 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 designs, and equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the claims.

[0019] In each embodiment described herein, the open terms “comprising”, “comprises” and the like (which are synonymous with “including”, “with” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed expressions “consisting substantially of”, “consists substantially of” and the like, or the respective closed expressions “consisting of”, “consists of” and the like.

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

[0021] The present invention relates to an access blocking device for a couch, which is capable of determining the dimensions of objects in order to limit the movement of the object in the space between the surface and the couch by providing an additional handle. Additionally, the device is capable of detecting abnormal objects and living beings and notifying the user accordingly, enabling remote monitoring of the environment.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows an isometric view of an access blocking device for a couch and a rear view of an L-shaped extendable panel connected to the proposed device, each comprising an L-shaped extendable panel 101, which a user accesses to position the panel 101 over a fixed surface; an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102, installed above the panel 101; a motorized drawer assembly 103, installed in the panel 101; a plurality of wheels 104, arranged beneath the panel 101; a plurality of C-shaped extendable clamps 201, arranged over the inner circumference of the vertical side of the panel 101; an RGB LED light 105, installed above the panel 101; and a loudspeaker 106.which is installed above plate 101, a multitude of suction units 202, which are installed above the horizontal side of plate 101.

[0023] The disclosed device comprises an L-shaped extendable plate 101, which a user accesses to position the plate 101 between a couch and a fixed surface to be obstructed. When the plate 101 is positioned over a fixed surface, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102, installed above the plate 101, captures and processes images of the surface. Based on these images, a microcontroller connected to the processor determines the length of the surface. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 consists of a camera lens and a processor. The 360-degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the surface, and the processor then performs a series of steps, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and segmentation.During preprocessing, unwanted data such as noise and background are removed, and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. Features such as pixel intensities from the foreground image are extracted and passed on for classification to determine the surface length.

[0024] After the length of the surface is determined, the motorized drawer assembly 103, installed in the plate 101, is actuated by the microcontroller to extend the plate 101 to the detected length, thus obstructing passage to the surface. The extension of the L-shaped extendable plate 101 is actuated by a microcontroller using a drawer assembly installed in the plate 101. The drawer assembly consists of several plates 101 that overlap each other with a sliding unit. When the microcontroller actuates the drawer assembly, the motor in the sliding unit begins to rotate a wheel coupled via a shaft clockwise, which imparts movement to the slider in the drawer assembly to position the plate 101 over a fixed surface that is to be blocked.

[0025] A further set of wheels 104, arranged beneath the plate 101, facilitates the movement of the plate 101 across the surface to support its expansion. The majority of the wheels 104 are four in number. These wheels are designed to move the plate 101 in any direction without altering its orientation, thus providing exceptional maneuverability. The wheels 104 enable the plate 101 to move seamlessly in any direction, making them valuable for moving and positioning the plate 101 across a surface to aid in its expansion.

[0026] To support the extension of the plate 101, several C-shaped extendable clamps 201, arranged around the inner circumference of the vertical side of the plate 101, grip the outer circumference of several objects positioned around the inner circumference of the horizontal side of the plate 101. There are four C-shaped extendable clamps 201. The C-shaped extendable clamps 201 are driven by a DC motor, which is actuated by the microcontroller by supplying the required electrical current to the motor. The motor consists of a coil that converts the received electrical current into mechanical force by generating a magnetic field. This mechanical force provides the clamps 201 with the necessary force to extend and retract, gripping the outer circumference of several objects positioned around the inner circumference of the horizontal side of the plate 101.

[0027] When the outer circumference of multiple objects is picked up, several suction cups 202, installed above the horizontal side of the plate 101, are actuated by the microcontroller to create a vacuum that holds the objects in place above the horizontal side of the plate 101. The number of suction cups 202 ranges from four to six. Each suction cup includes a suction cup that provides additional support to the plate 101. When the suction cup is actuated by the microcontroller, it creates an airtight connection between the flexible rim of the suction cup and the plate 101, sealing the area within the suction cup. The flexible rim of the suction cup is designed to ensure an airtight seal between the plate 101 and the objects.The suction cups used here are made of silicone rubber, which slightly relieves the pressure inside the suction cup to create a vacuum between the suction cup and the objects, resisting any slippage or movement to grip the objects across the horizontal side of the plate 101.

[0028] When objects are gripped via the horizontal side of the plate 101, a laser sensor installed above the plate 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 determines the dimensions of the objects. The microcontroller then instructs the clamps 201 to grip the outer circumference, thus restricting the movement of the objects. The laser sensor consists of a transmitter and a receiver and operates on the principle of measuring the time delay between the outward and return path of the laser beam to the objects. The laser sensor emits light toward the surface of the objects, and when the laser beam strikes the surface, it is reflected back to the sensor's receiver. When the sensor detects the reflected beam, it precisely measures the time the laser beam takes to reach the surface of the object and return.The sensor then calculates the dimensions of the objects, and the calculated dimensions are converted into an electrical signal in the form of current and sent to the microcontroller, which then instructs terminals 201 to detect the outer circumference and thus restrict the movement of the objects.

[0029] Upon receiving signals, the microcontroller controls a color sensor installed above plate 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to monitor the ambient color. The color sensor operates by detecting and analyzing the wavelength of reflected or emitted light to determine the color of the environment. The sensor typically uses phototransistors that are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. When light strikes the environment, the sensor measures the intensity of the reflected light in specific color ranges. This information is then converted into an electrical signal and sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller further processes the signal to determine the ambient color.

[0030] Furthermore, the microcontroller, with the aid of the imaging unit 102, monitors the color of the surroundings and accordingly controls an RGB (red-green-blue) LED installed above the plate 101 to emit complementary light, thus blending the plate 101 with its environment. RGB LED stands for light-emitting diode. LED light is electric light generated using light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED lights are significantly more energy-efficient than comparable incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes. When current flows through an LED, the electrons recombine with holes, emitting light in the process. LEDs allow current to flow in the forward direction and block it in the reverse direction. Light-emitting diodes are heavily doped pn junctions. The wavelength of the emitted light depends on the energy band gap of the semiconductors used, which emit complementary light to blend the plate 101 with its surroundings.

[0031] Furthermore, a motion sensor is installed above plate 101 to detect its movement. The motion sensor typically consists of an infrared transmitter and a receiver for detecting the movement of plate 101. The infrared transmitter emits infrared radiation within the sensor's detection range. When plate 101 moves, the emitted infrared rays are either reflected back to the sensor or absorbed, depending on the movement. The sensor detects changes in the reflected or absorbed infrared radiation and signals to the microcontroller that movement has occurred. This information is then processed by the microcontroller to determine the movement of plate 101.

[0032] Furthermore, in the event of detected movement, the microcontroller activates a loudspeaker 106 installed above the plate 101 to generate a voice command that alerts the user to the detected movement. The loudspeaker 106 receives signals from the microcontroller, converts them into sound waves through the vibration of a diaphragm, and, with the aid of amplification and control circuits, generates audible tones to inform the user of the detected movement.

[0033] In the event that the microcontroller, using the imaging unit 102, monitors the environment and detects an abnormal object or living being, it sends an alert to a user-accessible computer unit, enabling remote monitoring. The computer unit has a user interface through which the microcontroller sends an alert upon detection of an abnormal object or living being. The computer unit is connected to a microcontroller embedded in the housing via an integrated communication module, which includes a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. This module establishes a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computer unit to send an alert for remote environmental monitoring upon detection of an abnormal object or living being.

[0034] Furthermore, a weight sensor installed above the horizontal side of the plate 101 monitors the weight of the objects placed on it. If the microcontroller detects the absence of an object from the plate 101 based on the output signal of the weight sensor, it activates the speaker 106 to generate an audible alert to inform the user of the missing object. The weight sensor consists of a coiled diaphragm and a sensor module. The size of the diaphragm changes due to the weight of the object on the plate 101, a change that is detected by the sensing unit.The sensor unit detects the weight of the object in the plate 101 and, based on the size changes of the membrane, the detected data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal for further processing, whereupon the microcontroller activates the speaker 106 to generate an audio notification informing the user about the missing object.

[0035] Finally, the device contains a battery connected to the microcontroller, which supplies power to all electrically operated components that require a certain amount of electrical energy to function efficiently. The battery used here is typically a dry-cell lithium-ion battery, providing the device with a long lifespan and an efficient direct current that helps all components function properly and efficiently. Because the device is battery-powered, it does not require an external electrical voltage to operate. The presence of a battery also makes the device portable, meaning the user can easily move and relocate it as needed.

[0036] The present invention works best in the following manner: The L-shaped extendable plate 101 is positioned by the user over a fixed surface that is to be concealed. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 captures and processes images of the surface, based on which the microcontroller determines the length of the surface. After the length of the surface has been determined, the motorized drawer assembly 103 is actuated by the microcontroller to extend the plate 101 according to the detected length in order to block access to the surface. A further plurality of wheels 104 is arranged to move the plate 101 across the surface to assist in extending the plate 101.To support the expansion of the plate 101, several C-shaped extendable clamps 201 grip the outer circumference of multiple objects positioned over the inner circumference of the horizontal side of the plate 101. Furthermore, the microcontroller actuates a multitude of suction units 202 to generate the negative pressure that grips the objects over the horizontal side of the plate 101. After the objects are gripped over the horizontal side of the plate 101, the laser sensor determines their dimensions. Based on these dimensions, the microcontroller instructs the clamps 201 to grip the outer circumference, thereby restricting the movement of the objects.When the movement of objects is restricted, the color sensor monitors the ambient color. Based on the monitored color, the microcontroller controls the RGB LED 105, which is installed above the panel 101, to emit the appropriate light so that the panel 101 blends into its surroundings. Furthermore, the motion sensor detects movement on the panel 101, and when movement is detected, the microcontroller activates the speaker 106 to generate an audio signal that alerts the user to the detected movement. Additionally, the weight sensor monitors the weight of the stored items. If the microcontroller determines, based on the weight sensor's output, that an item is not on the panel 101, it activates the speaker 106 to generate an audible notification to inform the user of the missing item.

[0037] Although the field of the invention has been described here with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will be obvious to the person skilled in the art by reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] US 20120315434A1

[0004] US 4252372A

[0005]

Claims

[1] An access blocking device for a bed, comprising: i) an L-shaped extendable plate 101 accessed by a user to position the plate 101 between the bed and a fixed surface to be blocked, wherein an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 102 is installed above the plate 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing and processing images of the surface, on the basis of which a microcontroller connected to the processor determines the length of the surface; ii) a motorized drawer assembly 103 installed in the plate 101 and actuated by the microcontroller to extend the plate 101 according to the detected length to obstruct the passage to the surface, wherein a plurality of wheels 104 are arranged below the plate 101 to translate the plate 101 across the surface to assist in the extension of the plate 101; iii) a plurality of C-shaped extendable clamps 201 are arranged over the inner periphery of the vertical side of the plate 101, each designed to grip the outer periphery of a plurality of objects arranged over the inner periphery of the horizontal side of the plate 101, wherein a laser sensor is installed over the plate 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to determine the dimensions of the objects, based on which the microcontroller instructs the clamps 201 to grip the outer periphery, thereby restricting the movement of the objects; iv) a color sensor installed above the plate 101 and synchronized with the imaging unit 102 to monitor the color of the environment, wherein the microcontroller, based on the monitored color, controls an RGB LED light 105 installed above the plate 101 to emit a complementary light to blend the plate 101 with the environment; and v) a motion sensor installed above the plate 101 to detect movement in the plate 101, wherein, in case of detection of movement, the microcontroller drives a loudspeaker 106 installed above the plate 101 to generate a voice command to alert the user who evaluates the detected movement. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of suction units 202 are installed above the horizontal side of the plate 101, which are actuated by the microcontroller to create a negative pressure to grip the objects above the horizontal side of the plate 101. [3] The device according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller monitors the environment with the aid of the imaging unit 102 and, in the event of detection of an abnormal object or living being, sends an alert message to a computer unit accessible to the user to enable the user to remotely monitor the environment. [4] The device according to claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is installed above the horizontal side of the plate 101 to monitor the weight of the accommodated objects, and if the microcontroller detects the absence of the object on the plate 101 based on the output signal of the weight sensor, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 106 to generate an audible notification to inform the user of the absence of the object. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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