Intelligent Umbrella with Integrated Telephony and Shading
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sun shading devices and mobile communication devices face challenges in hot and humid outdoor environments, where they may malfunction or get damaged, and users lack hands-free communication options.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent umbrella/robotic shading system with integrated AI computing devices and telephony capabilities, featuring microphones, processors, memory modules, and transceivers, allowing users to make and receive phone calls hands-free, using cellular or WiFi connectivity, and equipped with shading elements to protect both the user and the device from environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mobile communication devices are used in outdoor environments, then communication capability is provided, but the device may be damaged by environmental hazards (heat, humidity, sunlight, physical damage)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a mobile communication device with a shading system (umbrella or outdoor awning) into a single integrated unit. The shading system provides protective coverage while the communication device operates within the shaded environment, eliminating the need for separate protective measures against sunlight and heat.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sun shading/protection, mobile communication capabilities, and potentially other amenities. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace multiple separate devices, improving adaptability to outdoor environments.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional sun shading devices are used, then protection from environmental conditions is provided, but hands-free communication capability is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a mobile communication device with the shading system control mechanisms. The mobile device can be controlled through voice commands or remote interfaces, enabling hands-free operation while maintaining communication functionality within the shaded protective environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates intermediary interfaces such as voice recognition technology, remote controls, or touchless interfaces that allow communication device operation without physical contact. This mediator enables hands-free operation while the shading system provides environmental protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile communication devices are placed in outdoor environments without protection, then communication is enabled, but the device is exposed to harmful environmental factors (heat, humidity, physical damage)
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication device is merged with a shading system that provides physical protection. The shading structure creates a protected microenvironment that shields the communication device from harmful outdoor elements while maintaining its operational availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shading system provides beforehand protection by creating a protective environment before the communication device is exposed to harmful conditions. The shaded area acts as a buffer zone that prevents direct exposure to sunlight, heat, and other environmental hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent umbrella comprises shading elements, a support assembly, coupled to the one or more shading elements, to provide support for the one or more shading elements, the support assembly comprising one or more microphones to capture audio commands. The intelligent umbrella further includes one or more processors, one or more memory modules and a cellular telecommunications transceiver, and a base assembly, coupled to the support assembly, to provide contact with a surface. Computer-readable instructions stored in the memory modules are executed by a processor to convert the captured audio commands into one or more audio files, generate one or more analog and/or digital phone transmission files based at least in part on the converted one or more audio files, and communicate the one or more analog and/or digital phone transmission files via the cellular transceiver to a base station to initiate transmission of a telephone call.