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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
QIBLA DIRECTION INDICATOR DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2024/039347
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The invention is a Qibla direction indicator (A) designed to enable individuals performing prayer in places where the Qibla direction is not known to see the correct Qibla direction on the ground.

Inventors:
İMREK HÜSEYIN (TR)
TABAKCIOĞLU MEHMET BARIŞ (TR)
Application Number:
PCT/TR2023/050817
Publication Date:
February 22, 2024
Filing Date:
August 16, 2023
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
BURSA TEKNIK UENIVERSITESI (TR)
International Classes:
F21V33/00; G01C21/08; G09F13/06
Foreign References:
US20140278079A12014-09-18
US20180013986A12018-01-11
CN203336359U2013-12-11
CN107525012A2017-12-29
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BİLEN SINAİ MÜLK. HİZ. DAN. MÜH. İTH. İHR. TİC. LTD. ŞTİ. (TR)
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Claims:
CLAIMS

1. Containing at least one compass (10) to enable the direction of the Qibla to be adjusted and established to enable people to perform their prayers properly and Qibla direction indicator (A) that allows the direction of the Qibla to be displayed on the ground characterized in that; o An energy source (2) to power the Qibla direction indicator (A), o A laser pointer (6) to project the direction of the Qibla onto the ground after the Qibla direction indicator (A) is activated, o A laser head (62) to ensure the images created by the laser pointer (6) are reflected onto the ground, o A pattern (621 ) projected onto the ground to aid users in understanding the Qibla direction, o A sensor (7) that detects when someone enters through the door and triggers the system, o An integrated circuit (3) that receives the electrical signal from the sensor (7) and activates the system, determining when and for how long the pattern (621 ) will be projected, o A manual switch (9) to manually activate and deactivate the Qibla direction indicator (A),

2. The Qibla direction indicator (A) according to claim 1 , further includes a stabilizing apparatus (8) that allows the indicator to be attached to the ceiling of the room, enabling it to rotate freely in two dimensions and be adjusted to the desired position before being fixed.

3. The Qibla direction indicator (A) according to claim 1 , is equipped with a battery as the energy source (2).

4. The Qibla direction indicator (A) according to claim 1 , includes a photodetector as the sensor (7).

5. The Qibla direction indicator (A) according to claim 1 , and its feature is; in case of using alternating current as the energy source (2), it includes an AC/DC converter (4) to provide the necessary power for operation. The Qibla direction indicator (A) according to claim 5, includes a voltage regulator (5) within the AC/DC converter (4) to ensure the produced voltage is adjusted to appropriate values for use within the invention. The Qibla direction indicator (A) according to claim 1 , includes a pattern (621 ) in the form of an arrow.

Description:
DESCRIPTION

QIBLA DIRECTION INDICATOR DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a Qibla direction indicator device that enables the determination of the Qibla direction on the prayer ground in places where the Qibla direction is not specified, such as prayer areas other than mosques and large places of worship, and especially in designated prayer areas during travel breaks.

STATE OF THE ART

Determining the correct direction during prayers has always been a problem for people from the past to the present, and various solutions have been proposed over the years to solve these problems. However, it is always challenging to determine the Qibla direction accurately, and the desired result is not always achieved. For example, not being able to determine the correct direction within the available means and deviating towards different directions can lead to deficiencies in prayers.

The determination of direction was initially based on the sides of trees, rocks, and stones that grow moss. It is known that the sides of trees, rocks, and stones that grow moss indicate the north direction. Based on this method, by standing in the opposite position to our current location, we find the south direction. As it is known that the sun rises from the east, it was estimated by following the mentioned steps to find the Qibla direction.

With the advancement of technology, the compass was invented. The positions of the four main directions are indicated on the compass. To determine the Qibla direction using a compass, the compass needle should be rotated until it coincides with the north (N) in the compass, and the compass degrees corresponding to the city you are in, starting from the north direction (N), are found on the compass to obtain the direction indicated by the Qibla angle. Thus, the obtained direction indicates the Qibla direction.

Based on the compass method of determining direction, Qibla clocks were created. With the advancement of technology, various applications have been developed for use on smartphones.

However, when the functionality, ease of use, and accurate results of the existing Qibla direction determination devices are considered, it is understood that there are some deficiencies.

The disadvantages of previous uses include the fact that, in cases where people living in the city or people who are devoid of trees in their location use the devices, the mentioned method has lost its validity. In addition to this disadvantage, it becomes difficult to determine the direction of the Qibla because the Qibla is not in the southern direction and/or because the determination of the side from which the sun rises is not always possible.

Another disadvantage of previous uses is that people need to carry a compass constantly to determine the Qibla direction and they need to know the degree of their location each time. This method is difficult and challenging to use.

Another disadvantage of previous uses is that people need to carry and keep Qibla clocks with them for daily life. This process has become both costly and exhausting.

Another disadvantage of previous uses is that internet connection is required for the operation of these applications. It becomes difficult for people who do not have a smartphone or do not have the right to use the internet on their existing smartphone to determine the direction of the Qibla to fulfill their religious duties.

In order to eliminate the mentioned drawbacks, it has been stated in Turkish document with application number TR201106426U that the Qibla direction is achieved by making vibrations until the device finds the Qibla based on the location determined by the device. However, continuous vibrations of the device during worship can cause distraction, and it is evident that people are likely to deviate from the specified location since the determined location is not permanent. Moreover, since this device is designed for singleperson use, it is not possible for everyone praying to carry this device. In another product designed to eliminate the mentioned drawbacks and stated in the Turkish document with application number 2015/06651 , Qibla direction is determined through the apparatus placed on the prayer rug. However, again, each person needs to carry the prayer rug everywhere, and this is quite difficult. It is not very feasible to use this device during travels or in social environments.

The invention has been developed to eliminate the mentioned drawbacks and bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to ensure that the Qibla direction is determined on the ground through markings to be projected onto the ground in places where people will perform their prayers but the Qibla direction is not specified.

Another purpose of the invention is to enable people to perform their prayer rituals correctly and without deficiencies.

Another purpose of the invention is to present a device structure that is small in size, portable, and can be fixed to the ceiling of the location where prayers will be performed.

As a result, it has been understood that it is appropriate to innovate in the relevant technical field with the alternative solutions produced for the above-mentioned problems.

INVENTIONS’ SHORT DESCRIPTION

The invention is a qibla direction indicator designed to facilitate the adjustment of the qibla direction, containing at least one compass, and created to enable people to perform their prayer worship flawlessly by displaying the qibla direction on the ground.

An alternative application of the invention includes an energy source to ensure the operation of the mentioned qibla direction indicator. Another alternative application involves a laser pointer on the ground to create an image on the ground after the qibla direction indicator's operation, facilitating the understanding of the qibla direction.

In another alternative application, a laser head is included to reflect the images generated by the laser pointer onto the ground.

To aid the user in understanding the qibla direction, another alternative application includes a pattern projected on the ground.

Another alternative application of the invention incorporates a sensor that detects entry through a door and triggers the system.

In yet another alternative application, an integrated circuit triggered by the electric signal sent to the laser pointer box by the mentioned sensor controls when and how long the pattern will be reflected.

An alternative application includes a button to manually activate the qibla direction indicator.

In one possible application, the qibla direction indicator is connected to the ceiling in the environment where it is located, enabling two-plane free rotational movement to adjust the qibla direction and a stabilization mechanism to hold it in that position.

Another possible application involves a battery as an energy source.

In another possible application, the invention includes a photodetector sensor.

In another possible application, an AC/DC converter is included to provide the necessary power for the operation of the invention when using alternative current instead of a battery or DC power source.

The mentioned AC/DC converter includes a voltage regulator to adjust the voltage value to suitable levels for the use of the generated voltage. One more possible application of the invention includes a pattern with an arrow sign.

EXPLANATION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 a shows the schematic views of the interior design of the qibla direction indicator for alternative current.

Figure 1 b illustrates the alternative configuration for direct current.

In Figure 2a, the signal structure reflected by the qibla direction indicator is depicted.

Figure 2b displays an alternative representation of the signal structure reflected by the qibla direction indicator.

Figure 3 presents the general appearance of the qibla direction indicator along with the stabilization apparatus.

Figure 4 demonstrates the implementation method of the qibla direction indicator.

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCES IN THE FIGURES

A. Qibla direction indicator

1 . Laser pointer box

2. Energy source

3. Integrated circuit

4. AC/DC converter

5. Voltage regulator

6. Laser pointer

62. Laser head

621 . Pattern

7. Sensor 8. Stabilization apparatus

9. Button

10. Compass

DETAILED EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed explanation, the subject of the invention is described with non-limiting examples to enhance understanding of the concept.

The invention relates to a qibla direction indicator (A) designed to assist people in performing their prayer rituals and to ensure that they face the Kaaba correctly during worship.

The invention comprises the following factors:

• An energy source (2) is provided to power the operation of the qibla direction indicator (A). The mentioned energy source (2) is a battery, and in an alternative application of the invention, an accumulator is used as the energy source (2). o In another alternative application, when the energy source (2) is selected as alternative current, an AC/DC converter (4) and a voltage regulator (5) of appropriate specifications are included in the system. The AC/DC converter (4) is used to convert the alternative current into direct current, while the voltage regulator (5) is used to adjust the produced DC voltage to suitable levels for the operation of the device.

• The qibla direction indicator (A) includes a laser pointer (6) that shows the direction of qibla on the floor through the direction signals reflected from it. o The invention involves a laser head (62) that enables the emission of rays from the laser pointer (6).

♦ Various patterns (621 ) are generated on the floor through the laser head (62) to help users understand the direction of qibla. • The invention incorporates a sensor (7) that generates an electrical signal output when someone enters the room, triggering the qibla direction indicator to become active.

• The data received from the sensor (7) is transmitted to the laser pointer box (1) through the integrated circuit (3) connected to the sensor (7).

• The system can also be activated and deactivated manually using a button (9) located next to the electrical button at the entrance door, after the qibla direction has been observed.

The detailed operation of the elements responsible for the functioning of the invention is as follows:

As shown in Figure 1 a, the laser pointer box (1 ) is placed inside a protected and enclosed area to safeguard it from external hazards and to ensure its stable positioning when necessary. The necessary energy source (2) is connected to the laser pointer box (1 ). The integrated circuit (3) connected to the energy source enables the system to become active automatically based on the information received from the sensor (7). The laser pointer (6) emits rays and creates patterns (621 ) for the desired duration and then deactivates the system. This process is repeated each time the sensor (7) detects someone entering the room.

During the operation of the invention, if the energy source (2) is selected as alternative current, the integrated circuit (3) is connected between the energy source and the laser pointer (6) along with an AC/DC converter (4) and a voltage regulator (5). The AC/DC converter (4) utilizes the alternative current to generate the required energy for the invention to function. However, the generated energy may have voltage values different from the operating voltage of the laser pointer (6), which could potentially damage the materials within the invention. To prevent this, the voltage regulator (5), connected to the AC/DC converter (4), is utilized to adjust the voltage of the produced energy within the appropriate range for the materials present in the invention. By utilizing the generated energy, the laser pointer (6) in conjunction with the connected laser head (62) will project geometric shapes onto the ground, assisting the user in seeing the direction of the Qibla.

Figure 2a and Figure 2b display the patterns (621 ) emitted from the laser pointer (6) and the laser head, respectively.

In the alternative application, the patterns (621 ) can be different geometric shapes.

For attention-catching purposes, the pattern (621 ) is programmed to flash for a certain duration through the integrated circuit (3) and then go inactive.

In Figure 1 b, during the operation of the invention when the energy source (2) is selected as direct current, the AC/DC converter (4) and voltage regulator (5) are removed from the circuit. Instead, the integrated circuit (3) will be activated to ensure the functionality of the invention. After a certain period of operation, the system can be deactivated again.

In Figure 3, the laser pointer box (1 ) is connected to the mounting apparatus (8) through a screw. The direction adjustment of the Qibla indicator (A) is achieved through two planes of freely movable elements on the mounting apparatus (8), and the desired position is fixed with the help of screws. The mounting apparatus (8) also serves as a connection between the invention and the ceiling.

In Figure 4, the way the direction of the Qibla is indicated in the environment during the operation of the invention is depicted. The Qibla direction indicator (A) is mounted to the ceiling through the mounting apparatus (8) as shown in the figure. Initially, the correct direction of the Qibla is determined using an external compass (10). The direction of the Qibla direction indicator (A) is then adjusted towards the direction indicated by the compass (10) using the freely movable elements on the mounting apparatus (8) and fixed in that position with the screws. The laser pointer (6) connected to the Qibla direction indicator (A) and the laser head (62) connected to the laser pointer (6) emit beams that show the direction of the kiblah on the ground with the help of reflected patterns (621 ). In an alternative implementation of the invention, the operation of the sensors (7) can be disabled, and the invention can be controlled by the user using the switch (9) located next to the electrical button at the entrance of the door. The invention can be activated or deactivated as desired by the user.

In another alternative application of the invention, after the Qibla direction indicator (A) is turned on, it can be connected to an audible warning box that reminds the user of the next prayer time.

The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the claims provided in the attachment and is not limited to the examples given in this detailed description. It is evident that a person skilled in the art can come up with similar implementations while staying within the main purpose of the invention based on the descriptions given above.