Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an autonomous ticketing and authentication system for public transit that is capable of automatically managing ticketing for passengers boarding public transport based on their chosen destination stop, and further capable of searching for profiles of wanted individuals to support law enforcement. Additionally, the system detects intoxicated passengers and track their behavior to avoid disruption to others on board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The requirement for a ticketing service in public vehicles arises from the need to ensure organized, fair, and efficient transportation for all passengers. In a public transport system, managing the boarding and travel of numerous passengers requires a structured method to verify payment and determine travel routes. Ticketing not only serves as proof of fare payment but also plays a crucial role in operational planning, revenue collection, and passenger accountability. Traditional manual ticketing methods, although widely used in the past, are often time-consuming, prone to human error, and susceptible to fare evasion. With the increasing demand for urban mobility and the rising number of daily commuters, there is a strong need for automated and intelligent ticketing systems that streamline the boarding process while reducing human dependency. An advanced ticketing service also enhances passenger experience by allowing quicker access, reducing queues, and offering contactless options. Furthermore, in smart cities and integrated transport networks, digital ticketing systems connect with centralized databases, enabling real-time data tracking, travel pattern analysis, and even integration with law enforcement and safety monitoring tools. As public transport becomes more technologically driven, automated ticketing systems are essential for efficiency, transparency, security, and an overall improved commuting experience.

[0003] Ticketing services in public vehicles commonly use various equipment such as handheld ticketing machines, mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) devices, smart card readers, QR code scanners, and automated fare collection (AFC) systems. These tools streamline the fare collection process, reduce human error, and minimize cash handling. Handheld machines are portable and allow conductors to issue tickets quickly, while smart cards and QR scanners facilitate contactless payment, improving efficiency and hygiene. Additionally, GPS-enabled systems track routes and collect valuable data for service optimization. However, these systems also come with certain drawbacks. The initial cost of purchasing and maintaining such technology is high, particularly for developing regions. Technical issues, such as system crashes, software bugs, or connectivity problems, disrupt operations and cause delays. Some passengers, especially the elderly or those unfamiliar with digital technology, may find it challenging to adapt to these systems. Moreover, reliance on digital platforms may raise concerns about data privacy and security. There is also a risk of revenue leakage if the systems are not properly monitored or maintained. Therefore, while modern ticketing equipment offers many benefits, it is essential to address these limitations through proper training, maintenance, and user-friendly design.

[0004] US2008310901A1 discloses a method of issuing a printed ticket coming from a thermal printer, which printer comprises in a structure, a print head and a capstan for driving the ticket, a ticket travel guide being provided in the structure downstream from the print members, the method consisting in: a) storing in a memory of the printer the data for printing on the ticket; b) causing the ticket to advance by a determined amount so as to enable the user to grasp the ticket manually at the end of the guide; c) within a determined length of time from the end of step b), detecting the user applying a traction force to the ticket; and d) in response to said detection, simultaneously causing printing to take place on the ticket and the ticket to be ejected towards the user.

[0005] US2012085777A1 discloses an independently operable and serviceable ticket burster machine that properly handles perforated tickets of all shapes, sizes and thicknesses. The present invention includes a ticket burster element, an exit sensor with a mechanical flag switch, an inventory flag spanning the entire width of the ticket input slot and having an optical slot switch, a slidable ticket guide, one or more leaf spring arrangements and versatile and durable rollers.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems have been developed in order to manage ticketing operation in public transport, however the systems mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to assist law enforcement by identifying wanted suspects onboard and further recognizes travelers under the influence of alcohol and observes their actions to prevent any inconvenience to other commuters.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that is required to be capable of automatic ticket generation for boarding passengers in line with their intended stop, while also scanning for persons of interest to aid police actions. The system is further capable of detecting alcohol-impaired individuals during travel and keeps their activity in check to maintain order.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of providing a facility to perform automatic ticketing activity of boarder passengers of a public transport in accordance to destination stop.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of executing search operation for profiles of wanted suspects or persons of interest travelling in the vehicle to assist official in facilitating law enforcement intervention.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of identifying passengers under the influence of alcohol while traveling and accordingly monitor their activity to prevent any disturbances to co-passengers.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review 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 autonomous ticketing and authentication system for public transit that is capable of handling ticketing service autonomously for passengers according to their destination, and also performs real-time scans for suspects or wanted individuals to support law enforcement. In addition, the system monitors and identifies intoxicated travelers, to restrict any disturbances to fellow passenger.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an autonomous ticketing and authentication system for public transit is disclosed comprising of a body developed to be installed at an entry gate of a public transport vehicle, wherein a first artificial intelligence-based imaging unit configured with the body to detect and classify passengers entering the vehicle based on demographic and biometric attributes, a first fingerprint scanner provided on the body for biometric authentication of each passenger, a box mounted on a first motorized two-axis slider positioned along a ceiling of the vehicle, configured with a second artificial intelligence-based imaging unit configured to identify unauthenticated passengers and locate their position within the vehicle, a second fingerprint scanner configured with the box to allow unauthenticated passengers to authenticate post-boarding, and the microcontroller storing biometric and facial data of unauthenticated passengers for real-time verification, a touch interactive display panel provided with the box that is accessed by the passenger(s) to provide input details regarding desired destination stop, a motorized roller coiled with a paper strip is arranged within the box, that is actuated by the microcontroller to rotate for uncoiling the strip on a horizontal panel provided inside the box.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the present invention further comprises of a laser printing unit arranged with ceiling portion of the box to print relevant information over the strip to generate a travel ticket based on received data, an extendable horizontal blade is integrated within the box, over the panel to cut the strip, post printing of information, allowing the passenger to collect the printed ticket via slot provided on the box, a pair of rollers disposed at an opening of the slot to receive and guide a currency note upon insertion by passenger(s), an optical character recognition (OCR) module positioned adjacently after the rollers to identify denomination and authenticity of the currency note, a multi-compartment storage unit integrated within the box for storing specific currency denomination, the storage unit is mounted over a motorized linear sliding unit, to align corresponding section in front of the rollers for currency note placement, a suction unit mounted inside the box on via a second two-axis slider to selectively retrieve a note from a designated section and deliver to the rollers when a fare balance needs to be returned to the passenger.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that 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 become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of an autonomous ticketing and authentication system for public transit; and
Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a box associated with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, 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 to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to an autonomous ticketing and authentication system for public transit that is capable of facilitating automated ticket issuance aligned with each passenger’s stop, and also assists law enforcement by identifying wanted suspects onboard. The system further capable of recognizing travelers under the influence of alcohol and observes their actions to prevent any inconvenience to other commuters.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of an autonomous ticketing and authentication system for public transit and an isometric view of a box associated with the present invention, are illustrated, respectively comprises of a body 101 developed to be installed at an entry gate of a public transport vehicle 102, a first artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 configured with the body 101, a first fingerprint scanner 104 provided on the body 101, a box 108 mounted on a first motorized two-axis slider 105 positioned along a ceiling of the vehicle 102, telescopic rod 106 supports the box 108 connected to the first slider 105 through a ball-and-socket joint 107, the box 108 is configured with a second artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 202, a touch interactive display panel 203 provided with the box 108, a motorized roller 204 arranged within the box 108, a horizontal panel 205 provided inside the box 108.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, further comprises of, a laser printing unit 206 arranged with ceiling portion of the box 108, an extendable horizontal blade 207 integrated within the box 108, a slot 208 provided on the box 108, a pair of rollers 209 disposed at an opening of the slot 208, an optical character recognition (OCR) module 210 positioned adjacently after the rollers 209, a multi-compartment storage unit 211 integrated within the box 108, the storage unit 211 is mounted over a motorized linear sliding unit 212, a suction unit 213 mounted inside the box 108 on via a second two-axis slider 214, a holographic projector 215 configured on the box 108, a speaker 216 installed on the box 108, the box 108 incorporates a second fingerprint scanner 201 and.

[0024] The present invention includes a body 101 incorporating various components associated with the system, developed to be installed at an entry gate of a public transport vehicle 102. The body 101 is associated with a system, features to generate ticket for public transit.

[0025] A concerned official is required to access and presses a push button arranged on the body 101 to activate the system for associated processes of the system. The push button when pressed by the user, closes an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the system for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the linked components.

[0026] After the activation of the system, the microcontroller generates a command to activate a first artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 integrated on the body 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the body 101 to detect and classify passengers entering the vehicle 102 based on demographic and biometric attributes. The imaging unit 103 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 103 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller to detect and classify entry of passengers into the vehicle 102.

[0027] The body 101 is arranged with a first fingerprint scanner 104. During the entry into the vehicle 102, each passenger is required to provide biometric details by accessing the first fingerprint scanner 104. The first fingerprint sensor work by capturing the pattern of ridges and valleys on a finger. The information is then processed by the microcontroller, which compares the data with the registered fingerprints and pre-fed data. The passenger places the finger to allow the sensor to register the finger impression which is used by the microcontroller for processing. The microcontroller assesses the collected data of each of the passenger and compares with a linked centralized database having official records. The database maybe referred to as source of identity verification such as Voter ID, AADHAR etc.

[0028] The microcontroller accordingly tracks the detected passengers' identity and status in real-time, for differentiating between authenticated and unauthenticated passengers. Based upon the comparison results obtained by comparing input from the first fingerprint scanner 104 to biometric impressions stored in the database, the microcontroller detects the identity of the passenger.

[0029] An onboard GPS (Global Positioning System) module is integrated with the body 101 for detecting location of the vehicle 102. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module working in sync with a magnetometer provides enhanced positioning and orientation information of the vehicle 102. The GPS module receives signals from multiple satellites in orbit around the Earth. These satellites transmit precise timing and position information of the vehicle 102. The GPS module receives these signals and uses the time delay between transmission and reception to calculate the distance between the GPS module and each satellite. By triangulating the distances from multiple satellites, the GPS module determines its own position on the Earth's surface. This position is typically given in latitude and longitude coordinates.

[0030] The GPS module of the magnetometer measures the strength and direction of the magnetic field in its vicinity. The magnetometer detects the Earth's magnetic field, which is approximately aligned with the Earth's geographic north-south axis. By utilizing the magnetometer's measurements, the GPS module determine the band heading or orientation relative to magnetic north. The magnetometer provides information about the direction of the Earth's magnetic field, which is compared with the band position information obtained from the GPS module. The outputs of the GPS module and the magnetometer are combined and processed by the microcontroller in order to determine the location of the vehicle 102.

[0031] The ceiling portion of the vehicle 102 is integrated with a first motorized two-axis slider. A box 108 is mounted over the first slider 105 and configured with a second artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103. The working of the second imaging unit 202 is similar to the working of the first imaging unit 103 as mentioned above.

[0032] For providing ticketing service for respective journey of the passenger, the microcontroller actuates the first slider 105 to translate the second imaging unit 202, along the length of the vehicle 102. The first two-axis slider operates by moving the rod 106 along two perpendicular axes, typically using motors and linear actuators. The slider consists of two motors: one controls movement along the X-axis (horizontal), and the other along the Y-axis (vertical). These motors are synchronized to allow precise positioning of the rod 106 in any direction on the plane for detecting the passengers inside the vehicle 102. The motors are usually connected to the microcontroller, which receives commands to translate the box 108 along the length and the width of the vehicle 102 for monitoring status of the passengers.

[0033] The box 108 is supported with the first slider 105 via a telescopic rod 106. A pneumatic arrangement is associated with the system for providing extension / retraction of the rod 106 as per requirement. The microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rod 106. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the rod 106 and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension / retraction of the rod 106 for positioning the box 108 in proximity to the passenger(s). All the pneumatically operated components associated with the system comprises of the same type of pneumatic arrangement.

[0034] The telescopic rod 106 being connected to the first slider 105 through a ball-and-socket joint 107 which is configured to allow free rotational movement of the box 108 in all spatial directions. The ball and socket joint 107 provides a 360-degree rotation to the rod 106 for aiding the rod 106 to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint 107 is a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint 107, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the rod 106. The ball and socket joint 107 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the rod 106 for enhanced mobility during transit.

[0035] During the translation of the box 108, the microcontroller via the second imaging unit 202 identifies the unauthenticated passengers by the first fingerprint scanner 104 and locate their position within the vehicle 102. The box 108 incorporates a second fingerprint scanner 201 to allow unauthenticated passengers to authenticate post-boarding. The working of the second fingerprint scanner 201 is similar to the working of the first fingerprint scanner 104 as mentioned above. The microcontroller stores biometric and facial data of unauthenticated passengers into the linked database for real-time verification.

[0036] The microcontroller actuates the first slider 105 to translate the box 108 towards each of the passenger for ticketing operation, in sync with the second imaging unit 202. The box 108 is arranged with a speaker 216 and that is activated by the microcontroller to generate audio to notify the passenger to provide input related to the travel destination.

[0037] The speaker 216 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 216, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 216 for alerting the passenger(s) regarding input for travel destination stop.

[0038] The passenger(s) accesses a touch interactive display panel 203 installed over the box 108 for providing input regarding desired destination stop along the route of the vehicle 102. When the passenger(s)touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 203 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 203 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 203 in order to process the signal and determine the passenger(s)selection and store the user response to the linked database for further associated functions related to the user input.

[0039] The box 108 is arranged with a motorized roller 204 coiled with a paper strip. The microcontroller then actuates a direct current (DC) motor associated with the roller 204 such that rotates an integrated hub of the roller 204 consequently results in rotation of the roller 204 for uncoiling the strip on a horizontal panel 205 provided inside the box 108.

[0040] The ceiling portion of the box 108 is integrated with a laser printing unit 206. Based upon the user-selection of the destination stop, the microcontroller via the first imaging unit 103 identifies the boarding point of the passenger and accordingly evaluates distance to be travelled by the passenger to calculate the fare. The microcontroller actuates the laser printing unit 206 to print relevant information over the strip to generate a travel ticket based on received data.

[0041] The laser printing unit 206 works by using a focused laser beam to produce high-resolution text and graphics on the paper strip uncoiled by the motorized roller 204. The printing unit 206 then directs the laser to selectively heat and bond toner particles onto the surface of the paper strip, forming the ticket information such as passenger ID, fare, destination, and timestamp. This ensures quick, smudge-free, and durable printing, suitable for generating clear travel tickets within the transport environment.

[0042] During the printing of the ticket, the roller 204, and the laser printing unit 206 works in tandem and the printing of the ticket over the strip is supported by the horizontal panel 205. The box 108 is integrated with an extendable horizontal blade 207. The microcontroller triggers the extension and retraction of the blade 207 for cutting the printed strip having ticket.

[0043] The extension and retraction of the blade 207 is achieved through a telescoping arrangement consisting of multiple nested segments that slide in and out of each other. These segments are designed to smoothly extend or retract along a central axis. The microcontroller controls the movement by activating a motorized actuator connected to the blade 207. The actuator is typically a linear motor that applies force to the innermost segment, pushing it outward for extension or pulling it back inward for retraction. This motion is precise, allowing the blade 207 to extend and retract, over the horizontal panel 205 smoothly without jamming, such that cut the strip. The user is allowed to collect the printed ticket via slot 208 provided on the box 108.

[0044] The opening of the slot 208 is arranged with a pair of rollers 209. The microcontroller via the speaker 216 notifies the user to pay the evaluated travel fare as printed over the ticket and guides to positon currency denominations in the slot 208. The microcontroller via the second imaging unit 202 detects the placement of currency into the slot 208 and accordingly actuates the rollers 209 for retrieving the currency denominations into the box 108 to collect the travel fare from the passenger. The working of the rollers 209 is similar to the working of the roller 204 as mentioned above. The rollers 209 are bi-directionally rotatable, allowing the rollers 209 to guide the received currency into the storage unit 211 and to return the required change back to passenger by rotating in reverse direction.

[0045] An optical character recognition (OCR) module 210 is positioned adjacently after the rollers 209 and that works in collaboration with the second imaging unit 202 to identify denomination and authenticity of the currency note. The OCR module 210 analyzes the captures image of the alphabets/words and process that image on the basis of a pattern of black and white color intensity. After that OCR module 210 compares the detected pattern with the pre-stored data of alphabets in order to find out the alphabets/words and send the detected alphabets / words to the microcontroller. The microcontroller assesses the collected data of the second imaging unit 202 and the OCR module 210 to evaluate the denomination and authenticity of the currency note.

[0046] A multi-compartment storage unit 211 is integrated within the box 108. A motorized linear sliding unit 212 is configured at the base portion of the box 108. The storage unit 211 is mounted over the sliding unit 212. The multiple compartments of the storage unit 211 are designated for storing specific currency denomination.

[0047] Based upon the detected currency note, the microcontroller actuates the sliding unit 212 to position respective compartment of the storage unit 211 aligned with the slot 208, in front of the rollers 209, for storing the currency. The sliding unit 212 consists of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the sliding unit 212 results in the translation of the suction unit 213 to receive the currency note into the compartment.

[0048] The microcontroller determines the total amount of the collected currency note and evaluates a fare balance needs to be returned to the passenger. The box 108 incorporates a second two-axis slider 214 such that mounts a suction unit 213 mounted inside the box 108. The working of the second two-axis slider 214 is similar to the working of the first two-axis slider 105 as mentioned above. The microcontroller actuates the second two-axis slider 214 to position the suction unit 213 over the designated compartment for retrieving currency note to be returned.

[0049] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the suction unit 213 to pick the currency note from the compartment. The unit operates by creating negative pressure to draw in air or fluid through a suction inlet. It works on concept of a vacuum pump that generates the necessary suction force. When activated by the microcontroller, the pump evacuates air from the suction inlet, creating a vacuum that causes atmospheric pressure to pick the currency note by the inlet. The collected currency notes consequently directed towards the rollers 209 by the actuation of the second slider 214.

[0050] Post picking of the currency note, the microcontroller actuates the rollers 209 to rotate in anti-clockwise / reverse direction for returning the required change back to passenger by rotating in reverse direction.

[0051] In addition, the microcontroller compares real-time location data of the passenger with destination data inputted during ticketing process to determine unauthorized extended travel. The box 108 is configured with a holographic projector 215 and that is activated by the microcontroller to inform driver or conductor of the vehicle 102 regarding the extended travel of the passenger.

[0052] The holographic projection unit uses interference patterns of light to create realistic three-dimensional images in mid-air. It typically consists of a laser source, beam splitters, mirrors, and a holographic screen or projection surface. The projection unit projects light onto a surface from multiple angles, using the interference of light waves to produce 3D images visible from different perspectives. The projected visual comprises representation of the passenger, including a captured image obtained during ticketing. The microcontroller, also generate a real-time warning via the speaker 216 to driver or conductor of the vehicle 102. The driver or conductor of the vehicle 102 are required to take appropriate prompt action regarding the extended travel distance of the passenger.

[0053] The microcontroller is wirelessly connected and operatively coupled with the first slider 105, telescopic rod 106 and the associated components with the box 108 are via a communication module to execute respective functioning of the components in view of managing ticketing operation of the passengers of the vehicle 102.

[0054] In addition, the microcontroller via the first and second imaging unit 202 detects signs of disturbance, such as physical altercations, property damage, or other disruptive behavior. Accordingly, the microcontroller is configured to alert the driver or conductor in real-time upon detecting any identified disturbance, along with sending emergency notification to computing unit of concerned external authorities via the communication module.

[0055] The microcontroller is further integrated with a database storing profiles of wanted suspects or persons of interest. In case, the microcontroller detects a person matching any suspect profile, the microcontroller automatically generates a notification and transmits to computing unit of law enforcement official via the communication module, along with vehicle’s 102 current location as detected via the GPS (Global Positioning System) module, facilitating prompt law enforcement intervention.

[0056] During the course of travel by the passenger from the vehicle 102, a MQ3 sensor integrated with the box 108, identifies passengers who are under the influence of alcohol while traveling. The MQ3 sensor detects alcohol vapors in the breath of nearby passengers by analyzing the air for ethanol concentration. When the passenger exhales near the sensor, the MQ3 detects changes in resistance caused by the presence of alcohol and sends this data to the microcontroller. If the detected alcohol level exceeds a predefined threshold, the microcontroller identifies the passenger as potentially intoxicated. Based upon detection of a potentially intoxicated passenger, the microcontroller upon activates the speaker 216 for alerting the driver or conductor regarding the identified passenger and advising to keep a watchful eye on the passenger(s) to prevent any further disturbances.

[0057] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0058] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the present invention includes the body 101 installed at the entry gate of the public transport vehicle 102, where the first artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 detects and classifies incoming passengers by demographic and biometric traits, working in tandem with the first fingerprint scanner 104 for authentication. The microcontroller tracks each passenger’s identity in real-time by comparing fingerprint inputs to stored data, differentiating between authenticated and unauthenticated individuals. The ceiling-mounted box 108 on the motorized two-axis slider, embedded with the second imaging unit 202, identifies and locates unauthenticated passengers post-boarding, offering authentication via the second fingerprint scanner 201. This box 108 also includes the touch interactive display for destination input, which triggers the microcontroller-controlled motorized roller 204 to uncoil the paper strip across the horizontal panel 205. The ceiling-mounted laser printing unit 206 prints ticket data, and the horizontal blade 207 cuts the ticket, allowing passenger retrieval through the slot 208. Currency notes inserted at the slot 208 pass through rollers 209 to the OCR module 210 that verifies authenticity and denomination, enabling the microcontroller to actuate the motorized storage unit 211 to align appropriate currency compartments. The suction unit 213 on the second two-axis slider 214 retrieves change when needed, with bi-directional rollers 209 guiding notes into storage or returning change. The microcontroller monitors location data against destination input to detect unauthorized travel, prompting the holographic projector 215 and speaker 216 alert to the driver. It also analyzes input from the imaging unit 103 for signs of disturbance or identifies persons of interest via the suspect database, sending real-time alerts to authorities using GPS data. Additionally, the MQ3 sensor detects intoxicated passengers, prompting speaker 216 alerts for vigilance. The entire box 108 is supported by the telescopic rod 106 attached via the ball-and-socket joint 107 to the first slider 105, ensuring complete spatial mobility for enhanced functionality.

[0059] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) An autonomous ticketing and authentication system for public transit, comprising:

i) a body 101 developed to be installed at an entry gate of a public transport vehicle 102, wherein a first artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 is configured with said body 101 to detect and classify passengers entering said vehicle 102 based on demographic and biometric attributes;
ii) a first fingerprint scanner 104 provided on said body 101 for biometric authentication of each passenger, wherein said first imaging unit 103 communicates with a microcontroller to track detected passengers' identity and status in real-time, differentiating between authenticated and unauthenticated passengers based on comparison results obtained by comparing input from said first fingerprint scanner 104 to biometric impressions stored in a database integrated with said microcontroller;
iii) a box 108 mounted on a first motorized two-axis slider positioned along a ceiling of said vehicle 102, said first slider 105 enabling linear movement of said box 108 along length and width of said vehicle 102, wherein said box 108 is configured with a second artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 configured to identify unauthenticated passengers and locate their position within said vehicle 102;
iv) a second fingerprint scanner 201 configured with said box 108 to allow unauthenticated passengers to authenticate post-boarding, and said microcontroller stores biometric and facial data of unauthenticated passengers for real-time verification;
v) a touch interactive display panel 203 provided with said box 108 that is accessed by said passenger(s) to provide input details regarding desired destination stop, wherein a motorized roller 204 coiled with a paper strip is arranged within said box 108, that is actuated by said microcontroller to rotate for uncoiling said strip on a horizontal panel 205 provided inside said box 108;
vi) a laser printing unit 206 arranged with ceiling portion of said box 108 that is actuated by said microcontroller to print relevant information over said strip to generate a travel ticket based on received data, wherein an extendable horizontal blade 207 is integrated within said box 108, over said horizontal panel 205 that is actuated by said microcontroller to get extended on said horizontal panel 205 in order to cut said strip, post printing of information, allowing said passenger to collect said printed ticket via slot 208 provided on said box 108;
vii) a pair of rollers 209 disposed at an opening of said slot 208, said rollers 209 configured to receive and guide a currency note upon insertion by passenger(s), wherein an optical character recognition (OCR) module 210 is positioned adjacently after said rollers 209 that works in collaboration with said second imaging unit 202 to identify denomination and authenticity of said currency note;
viii) a multi-compartment storage unit 211 integrated within said box 108, each designated for a specific currency denomination, said storage unit 211 is mounted over a motorized linear sliding unit 212, wherein said microcontroller based on detected denomination of notes actuates said sliding unit 212 to align corresponding section in front of said rollers 209 for currency note placement; and
ix) a suction unit 213 mounted inside said box 108 on via a second two-axis slider 214, said suction unit 213 configured to selectively retrieve a note from a designated section and deliver to said rollers 209 when a fare balance needs to be returned to the passenger, wherein said rollers 209 are bi-directionally rotatable, allowing said rollers 209 to guide the received currency into said storage unit 211 and to return the required change back to passenger by rotating in reverse direction.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller compares real-time location data of said passenger with destination data inputted during ticketing process to determine unauthorized extended travel, and a holographic projector 215 is configured on said box 108 to project a three-dimensional visual representation of said passenger, including a captured image obtained during ticketing, along generate a real-time warning via a speaker 216 installed on said box 108 to driver or conductor of said vehicle 102.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second imaging unit 202 detects signs of disturbance, such as physical altercations, property damage, or other disruptive behavior, and said microcontroller is configured to alert said driver or conductor in real-time upon detecting any identified disturbance, along with sending emergency notification to concerned external authorities.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is further integrated with a database storing profiles of wanted suspects or persons of interest, and if said microcontroller detects a person matching any suspect profile, said microcontroller automatically generates a notification and transmits to law enforcement official along with vehicle’s 102 current location as detected via an onboard GPS (Global Positioning System) module, facilitating prompt law enforcement intervention.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a MQ3 sensor is integrated with said box 108 to identifying passengers who are under the influence of alcohol while traveling, and said microcontroller upon detection of a potentially intoxicated passenger sends activates said speaker 216, alerting of the identified passenger and advising to keep a watchful eye on said passenger(s) to prevent any further disturbances.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein telescopic rod 106 supports said box 108, said telescopic rod 106 being connected to said first slider 105 through a ball-and-socket joint 107 configured to allow free rotational movement of said box 108 in all spatial directions for enhanced mobility during transit.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said system for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said system.