Patent Publication Number: US-2018042386-A1

Title: User-Identifying Adjustable Smart Footstool

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to the function and utility of footstools. 
     Background of the Invention 
     Footstools are a common household item that have remained relatively unimproved over time and relatively untouched by modern innovation. Current footstools lack user specific optimization and the convenience of automation. The innovation addresses the issue of user-identifying adjustable footstools. Previous art in the field of the present invention reflects interest in adjustable footstools and smart footstools. However, the field yet lacks a footstool that combines the processing power of modern computational tools, the precision of modern sensors, and the convenience of a smart footstool. 
     SUMMARY 
     This invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art and, in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available systems and methods. Accordingly, a user-identifying adjustable footstool has been developed. Features and advantages of different embodiments of the invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. 
     To address the issue of user-identifying adjustable footstools, a footstool may provide a combination of sensors on a surface that may identify a specific user. Such sensors may include strain sensors, aromatic sensors, bio-impedance sensors, biometric sensors, or audio sensors. Data collected from these sensors will be useful to create one or more unique classifications for each user and allow for specific identification of repeat users. 
     Classification and identification of users may be accomplished through a processor that is housed in the body of the user-identifying adjustable footstool. The data that is collected and sorted may be stored in the on-board memory, facilitated by the creation of a profile for each user. A profile may store preferences for each user and allow automatic adjustment of the footstool upon successful identification of a user. Fingerprint sensors, voice recognition, weight sensors, force sensors, and bio-impedance electrode sensors may also contribute to identification and classification of each user. 
     A footstool may also save preferences for other functions of the footstool, such as temperature, massage, or lighting preferences, all of which may be controlled by a user accessible controller and subsequently tethered to a user profile for convenient adjustment at a subsequent use. 
     Consistent with the foregoing, a user-identifying adjustable footstool is disclosed. In one embodiment the user-identifying adjustable footstool is used as a toilet footstool, capable of nesting with a toilet. In another embodiment the user-identifying adjustable footstool comprises speakers and lights. In other embodiments the user-identifying adjustable footstool may be attached securely to a wall for increased stability, the top surface of the user-identifying may be used as a scale. Varying lifting mechanisms are set forth herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a user-identifying adjustable footstool with sensors on a top surface; 
         FIG. 2  shows the user-identifying adjustable footstool with the top surface in the raised position; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the user-identifying adjustable footstool; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the user-identifying adjustable footstool nested with a toilet; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the user-identifying adjustable footstool with the top surface in an angled position; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the user-identifying adjustable footstool in a raised and angled position, being used in conjunction with a toilet; 
         FIG. 7  is a top-down view of the user-identifying adjustable footstool in use with a toilet; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of the user-identifying adjustable footstool mounted on wheels; 
         FIG. 9  is a view of the user-identifying adjustable footstool in use; and 
         FIG. 10  is a view of the user-identifying adjustable footstool with an attachment point proximate to a wall with a compatible attachment point. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the Figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, as represented in the Figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of certain examples of presently contemplated embodiments in accordance with the invention. The presently described embodiments will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     A detailed description of the claimed invention is provided below by example, with reference to embodiments in the appended figures. Those of skill in the art will recognize that the components of the invention as described by example in the figures below could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the detailed description of the embodiments in the figures is merely representative of embodiments of the invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed. 
     In some instances, features represented by numerical values, such as dimensions, mass, quantities, and other properties that can be represented numerically, are stated as approximations. Unless otherwise stated, an approximate value means “correct to within 50% of the stated value.” Thus, a length of approximately 1 inch should be read “1 inch +/−0.5 inch.” 
     Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. Those of skill in the art will understand that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer readable program instructions. Additionally, those of skill in the art will recognize that the system blocks and method flowcharts, though depicted in a certain order, may be organized in a different order and/or configuration without departing from the substance of the claimed invention. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , user-identifying adjustable footstool  102  may be powered or charged by an electric cable  106  that may plug into a port  104  for powering internal electrical systems of the user-identifying adjustable footstool  102 . Footpads  108  may comprise sensors and visible indicia indicating proper foot placement on a top surface of the footstool. Apparatus  100 , may be used in combination with a toilet, couch, and/or may be used individually as a step stool. 
       FIG. 2  shows a user-identifying adjustable footstool  202  in a raised position, supported by means of a lifting mechanism  206 . Top surface  208  may have multiple height position settings. Height position settings may be user defined settings or may be learned positions based on sensor data and user identification data associated with footstool  202 . Fingerprint sensors, voice recognition, weight sensors, force sensors, and bio-impedance electrode sensors may also contribute to identification and classification of each user. The lifting mechanism  206  may be comprised of rack and pinion mechanisms, screw drives, four-bar mechanisms, hydraulic lifts, motorized jack, or other mechanical systems known in the art of lifting mechanisms. The user-identifying adjustable footstool  202  may comprise an interior space  204  that may be used to house supplementary systems of the lifting mechanism  206 , such as a battery, motor, controller, processor, memory, or other systems. A top surface  208  may be supported by the lifting mechanism  206  and may comprise texturing  210  that increases friction on the top surface  208  in order to help a user maintain increased stability while using the user-identifying adjustable footstool  202 . The texturing  210  may comprise ridges, other raised figures, or any rough, high-friction surface. The top surface  208  may further comprise footpads and sensors  212  which may indicate to a user proper foot placement necessary for a user to be correctly identified. 
       FIG. 3  shows a side cross-sectional view of a user-identifying adjustable footstool  302  with the top surface  304  in a lowered position. The top surface  304  may further comprise a thermal pad or a massage pad for increased user comfort. Also visible are lifting mechanisms  312  and  314 , and contained within the user-identifying adjustable footstool  302  are stored components  306 ,  308 , and  310 . Stored components  306 ,  308 , and  310  may be any combination of batteries, inverters, memory, or processors, motherboards, computers, controllers, motor drives, Ethernet controllers and wireless transceivers. Wired or wireless transceivers may be connected to wide and local area networks such as the Internet and other networks. Software may be stored in one or more memory locations associated with a stool controller. Memory locations may include within the footstool, within a user device, or in a remote location such as a database server or remote computer. The memory may contain user identification data obtained from fingerprint sensors, voice recognition, weight sensors, force sensors, and bio-impedance electrode sensors allowing identification and classification of each footstool user. A controller  316  may communicate wirelessly with stored component  314  to allow control of the functions of the user-identifying adjustable footstool  302 . The controller  316  may be a user device such as a smartphone, iPad, laptop computer, remote control, etc. Functions of the user-identifying adjustable footstool  302  may include but are not limited to: adjustment of the height or angle of the the top surface, adjustment of the temperature of a thermal pad, or adjustment of the massage pattern of a massage pad. The memory may also save preferences of a user. Controller  316  may also be an application on a smartphone that allows for wireless control of the footstool. 
       FIG. 4  shows a user-identifying adjustable footstool  402  nested with a toilet. A top surface  404  may comprise sensors  414 ,  416 ,  418 , and  420 , which are used to specifically identify a user. They may be any combination of strain sensors, aromatic sensors, bio-impedance sensors, biometric sensors, or audio sensors. The shape and number of the sensors  414 ,  416 ,  418 , and  420  may vary with differing embodiments. A speaker  410  may be provided for the use of a user, and may be controlled wirelessly or by the use of an audio cable plugged into an audio port  412 . Lights  406 ,  408 ,  422 , and  424  may be attached to the user-identifying adjustable footstool  402  and may be manually activated or automatically activated by motion or pressure sensors. The lights  406 ,  408 ,  422 , and  424  may come in a variety of forms and colors. 
       FIG. 5  shows a user-identifying adjustable footstool  506  nested with a toilet. A top surface  502  may rotate on a hinge to an angled position as shown in  FIG. 5 , a function that is useful for improved user comfort. The top surface  502  is supported by a mechanical or automated lifter  504 . Lifter  504  may be connected to a controller and angled automatically to a user&#39;s preferred setting upon identification of a user. Software may be stored in one or more memory locations associated with a stool controller. Memory locations may include within the footstool, within a user device, or in a remote location such as a database server or remote computer. The memory may contain user identification data obtained from fingerprint sensors, voice recognition, weight sensors, force sensors, and bio-impedance electrode sensors allowing identification and classification of each footstool user. A user may also set an angle of the top surface by using a software application on a smartphone or other user device. Lifter  504  may also be mechanically adjusted by a user. Footpads and sensors  508  are present on the top surface  502 . The footpads and sensors  508  may also comprise contouring for increased comfort of the user. The top surface  502  may also be partially coated with electrically conductive silicon to form electrodes for a user&#39;s feet. 
       FIG. 6  shows a side view of a user-identifying adjustable footstool  602  being used in conjunction with a toilet. A top surface  606  is in an elevated and angled position, supported and adjusted by mechanical lifters  604  and  608 . The angled nature and height of top surface  606  may be optimally adjusted to a toilet user&#39;s preference allowing for comfort and easier bowel movements. For example, a child may need assistance sitting on a toilet and the footstool  602  may recognize the child&#39;s voice and automatically lower and wait for the child to climb on top of the footstool and then lift the child to a position where the child can safely and accurately use the toilet. 
       FIG. 7  shows a user-identifying adjustable footstool  710  from a top-down view. Foot pads and sensors  714  may be part of the top surface of the user-identifying footstool  710 , the top surface of user-identifying footstool  710  may further comprise a screen or display for relaying data or other information to a user such as weight, body temperature, angle of the top surface, and height of the stool. Sensors  714  may be used to obtain weight, body temperature, and bio-impedance of a user. Concave side  712  comprises an attachment mechanism  704  that allows the user-identifying adjustable footstool to be attached or connected to a toilet  708  by means of an interface between attachment mechanisms  704  and  706 . The attachment mechanisms  704  and  706  may be latching mechanism, magnets, electrical mechanical, optical (IR), clips, or some other means of attachment. They may also include conductive pins that could charge the user-identifying adjustable footstool  710  from a power source in the toilet  708 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a side view of a user-identifying adjustable footstool  802  with a top surface  804  in a raised position, supported by a motorized jack  806 . The user-identifying adjustable footstool  802  may be supported by locking rollers  808  and  810 . The locking rollers  808  and  810  may also comprise a suction device to increase stability. Rollers  808  and  810  may be powered rollers allowing the stool to reposition itself. Proximity sensors, GPS coordinates, gyroscopes, accelerometer, and optical transmitters and receivers may be used to determine position and location of a footstool and used to control direction and speed of movement of stool  802 . For instance, a footstool controller, located within footstool  802 , may contain cameras, GPS sensors, and acoustic sensors which may be used to automatically direct footstool  802  to a toilet or other power source for recharging when a battery supply within footstool  802  is low. Foot stool  802  may also contain a vacuum on a bottom side of the footstool which is used to clean floors and carpets in a home. The footstool may be able to located trash cans and dump a vacuum bag in a trash can autonomously. 
       FIG. 9  shows an isometric view of a user-identifying adjustable footstool  902  in use by a user  904 . The top surface  912  is in a raised position, supported by lifting mechanisms  910 ,  924 ,  926 , and  928 . The lifting mechanisms  910 ,  924 ,  926 , and  928  may be moved by an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic motor  916 . Motor  916  may also be a plurality of motors that work in unison. Electronic components  914  may be housed within the body of the user-identifying adjustable footstool  902 . The user  904  is shown utilizing the footpads  918  and  920  such that sensors within the footpads  918  and  920  may successfully identify the user  904  and adjust according to the user&#39;s  904  preference. Two speakers  908  and  906  are a part of the top surface  912  and a screen  922  is also a part of the top surface  912  for display of information sent from the electronic components  914  that may include weight, body temperature, or other data collected by sensors in the footpads  918  and  920 . Here the user is using the footstool  902  to elevate the user so the user can perform a function or task while elevated, similar to a ladder. 
       FIG. 10  shows a user-identifying adjustable footstool  1002  that comprises a top surface  1006 , the top surface  1006  further comprising footpads with sensors  1010  and  1008 . The body of the user-identifying adjustable footstool comprises an attachment mechanism  1004  that may attach to a compatible attachment mechanism  1012  that is fixed to a surface  1014  to allow for immobilization of the user-identifying adjustable footstool  1002 . The attachment mechanisms  1004  and  1012  may also be used to charge the user-identifying footstool  1002  from a power source that may be attached to the attachment mechanism  1012 . 
     The systems and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from their spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.