WO2011138794A1

WO2011138794A1 - A breath actuated system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2011138794A1
Application number: PCT/IN2011/000296
Authority: WO
Inventors: Narasingh Pattnaik; Susant Pattnaik
Original assignee: Narasingh Pattnaik; Susant Pattnaik
Priority date: 2010-04-29
Filing date: 2011-04-28
Publication date: 2011-11-10

Abstract

A system and method for controlling equipments using breath is described. In one embodiment, the system operates based on the breathing of a user and is used to control various day-to-day equipments. In another embodiment the system is used to operate a personal moving device.

Description

TITLE:

A BREATH ACTUATED SYSTEM AND METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments herein relate generally to equipment actuating system and, more particularly to actuating system without use of limbs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In this era our lives are intertwined with machines around us. These machines may be mechanical, electronic, electrical etc. Usually switches are available to enable us switch them ON or OFF as per our convenience or to choose among various choices of operation they provide.

In various cases such as with users having disability the option of doing even the switching ON or OFF may be difficult or impossible. Physically handicapped people or paralyzed people therefore generally require an aid to assist them in most basic activities of day-to-day life. Also, the option of having an aid may not be available to people living alone or economically poorer society people.

Furthermore, in various situations such as in case of a bank robbery happening at a gun point the option of using limbs may not be available to a subject. The emergency button systems may be present which require the subject to press button by leg or by hand. In lot of cases even a slightest movement may lead to a disaster.

There is therefore a requirement of a system, which is effective yet economic in operating various equipments including the ones used during emergency situations such as medical emergencies or robberies in presence of the subject. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments herein provide a system and method for controlling equipments using breath. In one embodiment, the system operates based on the breathing of a user and is used to control various day-to-day equipments such as for example fan, light, mobile phone etc. In another embodiment the system is used to operate a personal moving device.

In one embodiment a breath actuated system comprises of a breathing recognition system configured to sense and recognize a breathing pattern and generate an actuating signal. A transmitter is provided configured to be activated on receiving the actuating signal from said breathing recognition system and transmit a signal. Further a receiver configured to receive the signal from said transmitter is provided. A choice activation system configured to be actuated by a relay based on the signal received from said receiver where the choice activation system comprises of a rotating choice display and a choice commander. The said rotating choice display is configured to periodically point out an activity option and the choice commander configured to signal execution of the activity as decided based on the breathing of the user through breathing recognition system and the chosen activity option at that instant in the rotating choice display.

Some of the activity choices that are performed are: intimating the aid of the needs such as food, water, assistance for washroom, any other help and calling the emergency mobile call system, moving the personal moving device in various directions. The embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method to allow a paralyzed or other physically handicapped person to carry out the day-to-day activity without continuous help from others/aid.

Other features of the embodiments herein will be apparent from the drawings, and from the detailed description that follows below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

Figure 1 is a general block diagram of a system for controlling equipments using breath according to one embodiment herein.

Figure 2 shows a method for controlling equipments using breath as per an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A system and method for controlling equipments using breath is described. In one embodiment, the system operates based on the breathing of a user and is used to control various day-to-day equipments such as for example fan, light, mobile phone etc. In another embodiment the system is used to operate a personal moving device.

In one embodiment of the present invention the system may be used by a paralyzed person to carry out his day-to-day need.

In the following description, for purpose of explanation, specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of the embodiments herein. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the embodiments herein may be practiced without these details. One skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein, some of which are described below, may be incorporated into a number of systems which can be operated without using hands or legs. Structures and devices described herein and provided in the accompanying block diagrams are illustrative of exemplary embodiments and descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Furthermore, connections between components within the figures are not intended to be limited to direct connections. Rather, data between these components may be modified, reformatted, or otherwise changed by intermediary components.

Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one aspect of the embodiments herein. Furthermore, the appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Figure 1 illustrates a general block diagram of the breath actuated system 100 according to one embodiment herein. The system 100 may comprise of a breathing recognition system 103. The breathing recognition system may be configured to sense and recognize a breathing pattern and generate an actuating signal. A transmitter 105 configured to be activated on receiving the actuating signal from said breathing recognition system and transmit a signal is provided in communication with the breathing recognition system. The breathing recognition system may comprise of a breathing sensor 103a which may be fitted in proximity to user's nostrils to allow sensing the breathing pattern. In one embodiment the breathing sensor may be a microphone. The breathing sensor is further connected to a timer 103b which is used to determine the frequency of the breath. The breathing recognition system may be configured to allow only certain frequency and intensity of the breath to generate the actuating signal. For ex. a clap or other activities generating air pressure or noise do not activate the breathing recognition system. In one embodiment the breathing sensor 103a may be located beneath a band-aid fixed on the nose of the user in order to conceal the sensor. The system 100 as described may be used by a paralyzed person as well as person with physical disabilities of various kinds. The system 100 further comprises a receiver 107 configured to receive the signal from said transmitter. The transmitter 105 and the receiver 107 may be set to be operating in a narrow band of aligned frequency between them. In one embodiment the transmitter and the receiver may have wireless connection between them such as for example a radio frequency connection, accordingly the said transmitter 105 and the said receiver 107 may be Radio frequency devices. Alternatively, the connection between the said transmitter 105 and receiver 107 may be a wired connection.

A choice activation system 111 is provided, which may be used to allow user to see various activity options available and signal execution of the chosen activity. The choice activation system 111 may be configured to be actuated by a relay 109 based on the signal received from said receiver 107. The choice activation system 111 comprises of a rotating choice display 111a and a choice commander 111b. The rotating choice display may comprise of a set of LEDs pointing to a particular activity option that may be specified atop the rotating choice display. Each LED lights up for a predetermined time to allow user to breath in a pattern that signals choosing of that activity. The choice commander 111b processes the choice and signals execution of the activity as decided based on the signaling of the user through breathing recognition system and the chosen activity option at that instant in the rotating choice display. A different breathing pattern may be chosen to intimate choice of activity as compared to the actuating signal used for starting the transmitter and any reference to user breathing through the breathing recognition system should be construed as a breathing pattern for choice of activity unless specified otherwise. In one embodiment the choice commander may be a microcontroller or a microprocessor.

In one embodiment herein the said breathing recognition system and the said transmitter are mounted on the body of the user while the said receiver and choice activation system are mounted on a personal moving device. Mounting of said receiver and choice activation system may specifically be done when the user is a paralyzed person or a physically handicapped person.

In one embodiment an execution system 121 may be provided to execute the activity as signaled by the choice commander 111b. While the system is used over a personal moving device used for a paralyzed person, the execution system may comprise of motor for driving the said personal moving device. Based on the signal from the choice commander the execution system drives the motor in forward or backward direction. The same or a different motor may be used for directional motion of the personal moving device. The execution system 121 may also comprise of switches for remotely operating electrical equipments and appliances including fan, light etc. In an exemplary embodiment an infrared remote control may be provided in the execution system along with switching device corresponding to each activity choice. An accident control system 151 may be provided to prevent said personal moving device from an accident. In one embodiment the accident control system may comprise of infrared proximity sensors fitted to extended portions of the personal moving device. The proximity sensors keep checking the proximity of various ends of the personal moving device to the ground over which the personal moving device moves, as well as the various objects it encounters such as wall or any other obstacle and signals halting of the personal moving device based on proximity of the subject. In cases such as where a pit is encountered the proximity with ground as sensed by the sensor increases. Therefore the personal moving device halts if proximity to ground surface reduces. Whereas in cases of obstacles the personal moving device halts if proximity to any dangerous surface increases i.e. if the said dangerous surface or obstacle gets closer.

As per one embodiment of the present invention an intimation system 141 may be provided interfaced with the choice activation system 111 to intimate an aid of the need of a user based on the signaling from the choice commander. In one embodiment the intimation system may be in wireless communication with the choice activation system 111. Alternatively the intimation system 141 may be physically linked to the choice activation system and be located along with it. The intimation system may comprise of choice of activities which may be needed to be informed such as the need for food, water, assistance for washroom, any other help etc.

Further, an emergency mobile call system 171 may be provided linked to the choice activation system configured to actuate an emergency call based on the breathing of the user through breathing recognition system. This may be particularly helpful in cases of reaching geographically far off person or a person to reach in situations such as ICE (in-case-of-emergency).

As an example the activity choices may comprise of intimating the aid of the needs such as food, water, assistance for washroom, any other help and calling the emergency mobile call system, moving the personal moving device in various directions.

As per one embodiment of the present invention a method for controlling equipments using breath is shown with reference to figure 2. The method comprises the steps of user breathing 201 with a particular pattern to actuate a transmitter available with the user. The pattern may be decided based on the ease and chances to avoid faulty actuation based on breathing i.e. a breathing pattern which does not lead to a false signaling.

Further the step comprises of executing 203 an activity based on signal received from the transmitter. This step may be executed with help of electro-mechanical equipment such for example as described in the system of the present invention. As an exemplary application the method may be used in institutions such as banks where robbery may occur at a gun point. In such situations a predefined breathing pattern may be configured to actuate the transmitter which further activates the electro-mechanical devices. These electro-mechanical devices may then actuate a call to emergency number or to Police department.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A breath actuated system comprising:

a breathing recognition system configured to sense and recognize a breathing pattern and generate an actuating signal;

a transmitter configured to be activated on receiving the actuating signal from said breathing recognition system and transmit a signal;

a receiver configured to receive the signal from said transmitter;

a choice activation system configured to be actuated by a relay based on the signal received from said receiver;

the choice activation system comprising a rotating choice display and a choice commander, the said rotating choice display configured to periodically point out an activity option and the choice commander configured to signal execution of the activity as decided based on the breathing of the user through breathing recognition system and the chosen activity option at that instant in the rotating choice display.

The system as in claim 1, further comprising an intimation system configured to intimate an aid of the need of a user based on the signaling from the choice commander, (wired or wireless communication between choice commander and intimation system)

The system as in claim 1 , wherein said receiver, said choice activation system are mounted on a personal moving device.

The system as in claim 1, wherein the said breathing recognition system and the said transmitter are mounted on the body of the user. The system as in claim 1 , further comprising a execution system to execute the activity as signaled by the choice commander.

The system as in claim 3 and 5, wherein the execution system comprises of a means for controlled motion of personal moving device.

The system as in claim 6, further comprising an accident control system to prevent said personal moving device from an accident.

The system as in claim 7, wherein the accident control system comprises infrared proximity sensors fitted to extended portions of the personal moving device and signal halting of the personal moving device based on proximity of the subject. The system as in claim 8, wherein the personal moving device halts if proximity to ground surface reduces.

The system as in claim 8, wherein the personal moving device halts if proximity to any dangerous surface increases.

The system as in claim 1, further comprising an emergency mobile call system configured to actuate an emergency call based on the breathing of the user through breathing recognition system.

A method for controlling equipments using breath comprising the steps of: user breathing with a particular pattern to actuate a transmitter;

executing an activity based on signal received from the transmitter.

The method as in claim 12, wherein the activity is activating electrical or electronic equipment.

The method as in claim 12, wherein the activity is directing of a personal motion device.