Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a disaster relief aid device that is capable of efficiently managing, monitoring, and distributing disaster relief resources in real-time to affected users, thereby ensuring timely delivery of essential supplies, maintaining accurate tracking of distributed items, improving coordination among relief units, and providing organized, transparent, and effective disaster response operations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In disaster-affected areas, timely and organized distribution of relief aid is critical to saving lives and minimizing suffering, yet conventional methods often face significant challenges, including delays, mismanagement, and lack of real-time tracking, which results in unequal distribution of resources. Affected users frequently struggle with identification, access to essential supplies, and navigating chaotic environments to receive assistance. Manual record-keeping and reliance on human personnel increase the risk of errors, theft, and inefficiency, while limited coordination between relief units hinders effective planning and resource allocation. These challenges highlight the urgent need for a relief aid device that ensures accurate, fair, and efficient distribution of resources, post disaster and address user identification issues, and provide timely support during emergencies.

[0003] There are a few existing devices aimed at automated resource dispensing during emergencies, but the existing devices have clear limitations. For instance, in Japan, specially configured vending machines automatically unlock and provide emergency food and water during earthquakes, but are largely limited to simple items and lack full user authentication or injury assessment capabilities. Similarly, automated dispensing systems used in hospitals or workplaces track inventory and issue items to authorized users, yet the existing devices are not designed for disaster zones or real time injury evaluation, nor do they integrate predictive analytics for resource demand. These devices therefore fall short in offering comprehensive relief they often do not authenticate users based on need, predict future demand, or manage complex kit allocations in dynamic disaster settings.

[0004] US8404113B2 discloses a transportable disaster-relief generating system is a power generated, multi-functional, and compact relief unit with means for providing area lighting via a power generator, purifying and storing potable water from a non-potable water source, and creating ice utilizing purified water. The disaster-relief unit of the present invention may further provide a portable ice storage bin in a knockdown configuration to hold a large quantity of ice. A bladder may be used to hold potable water produced. The equipment is physically protected by the structural framework and base. The device may comprise access doors and suitable paneling on the walls and roof of the device.

[0005] CN103150627A discloses a disaster relief resource allocation method and a disaster relief resource allocation device. The method comprises the following steps of: determining an affected department and a disaster relief department according to disaster information and stored department information, wherein the department information comprises disaster relief resources, affected resources and position information; and allocating the disaster relief resources stored in the department information according to affected resources corresponding to the affected department, disaster relief resources corresponding to the disaster relief department and a resource matching degree. According to the method and the device, the problems of incapability of determining loss caused by a disaster and unbalanced scheduling of the disaster relief resources in related technologies are solved, the loss caused by the disaster is quickly determined, the disaster relief resources are scheduled in a unified way and optimally allocated, and the disaster emergency commanding efficiency is improved.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are available for allocating relief aid during disaster. However, these cited inventions lack the capability to provide comprehensive user authentication, real-time injury assessment, predictive resource management, automated dispensing of complex relief kits, resulting in inefficient, delayed, and unequal delivery of essential supplies to affected users in dynamic disaster-affected environments.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of efficiently managing, monitoring, and distributing disaster relief resources in real-time, ensuring accurate user identification, need-based allocation, predictive stock replenishment, and organized delivery, thereby providing timely, fair, and effective disaster support while minimizing errors, delays, and resource mismanagement.

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 device that is capable of efficiently managing, monitoring, and distributing disaster relief resources in real-time to affected users ensuring timely and organized assistance.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that ensure accurate identification and authentication of users for fair and need-based allocation of disaster relief resources.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that predict and plan future resource requirements in disaster-affected areas to ensure timely replenishment and uninterrupted relief support.

[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 a disaster relief aid device that is capable of efficiently managing, monitoring, and distributing disaster relief resources in real-time to affected users, ensuring timely and organized assistance, while also providing accurate identification and authentication of users to enable fair, secure, and need-based allocation of relief resources during emergencies.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a disaster relief aid device a plurality of bodies installed in a disaster-prone area, each of the bodies including a microphone and speaker configured to receive voice commands from the user and provide step-by-step guidance for collecting disaster relief, a plurality of storage compartments provided within each of the body for storing disaster relief items, each storage compartment comprising a photoelectric counter sensor configured to monitor inventory levels and generate automatic refill notifications to authorized personnel when item counts fall below a predetermined threshold, a neural network camera associated with each of the bodies configured to analyse facial structures and official documents of users to authenticate and determine the appropriate relief, the neural network camera is further configured to analyses the severity of user injuries and provide real-time notifications to authorized medical personnel, the neural network camera cooperates with a database of verified government documents to automatically fetch household data of authenticated users for accurate kit preparation, an artificial intelligence and machine learning protocol integrated microcontroller configured to process user information in real-time, allocate appropriate disaster relief kits, dynamically generate a relief allocation report transmitted to a blockchain-secured cloud, and monitor real-time distribution, a pneumatic pusher via a motorized slider configured to dispense designated items, dedicated load cells for dynamic measurement, a conveyor belt translating items to a collection chamber, a spatial augmented reality projector for 3D guidance, a user-interface for officials to manage relief, IoT gateway modules interconnecting all bodies for coordination, and predictive analytics within the AI and ML microcontroller to forecast resource demand and adjust stock levels accordingly.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 a disaster relief aid device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a disaster relief aid device that is capable of efficiently managing, monitoring, and distributing disaster relief resources in real-time to affected users, ensuring timely and organized assistance, while also predicting and planning future resource requirements in disaster-affected areas to enable timely replenishment and uninterrupted relief support during emergencies.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a disaster relief aid device is illustrated, comprising a plurality of bodies 101 installed in a disaster prone area, each of the bodies 101 includes a microphone 102 and speaker 103, a plurality of storage compartments 104 provided within each of the body 101, a neural network camera 105 associated with each of the bodies 101, a pneumatic pusher 106 provided with each of the compartments 104, each via a motorized slider 107, a conveyor belt 108 disposed on frontal portion of each of the body 101, a collection chamber 109 disposed on a frontal section of the body 101 and a spatial augmented reality projector 110 is integrated with the body 101.

[0022] The device disclosed in the present invention comprises a plurality of bodies 101 installed across disaster prone zones, each of the body 101 functions as an autonomous relief unit capable of interacting with users, managing inventory, authenticating recipients, and dispensing appropriate relief kits.

[0023] Each body 101 includes a microphone 102, connected with an artificial intelligence and machine learning protocol integrated microcontroller to receive input commands from the user regarding disaster relief aids. The microphone 102 allows users to request specific relief items, ensuring accessibility even in stressful disaster scenarios. When the user speaks to give voice commands, the given commands are first captures by the microphone 102. These sound waves from the captured voice commands hit the diaphragm which vibrates back and forth in response to sound waves. The back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm is then transferred to a capacitor connected to the microphone 102 that converts the vibrations into an electrical signal that mirrors the pattern of the sound waves. The electrical signal is sent to the microcontroller for further processing.

[0024] A speaker 103 mounted on each of the body 101 is configured to provide step-by-step guidance for collecting disaster relief and interactive instructions. The speaker 103 works by converting the electrical signal into the audio signal. The speaker 103 consists of a cone known as a diaphragm attached to a coil-shaped wire placed between two magnets. When the electric signal is passed through the voice coil, a varying magnetic field is generated by the coil that interacts with the magnet causing the diaphragm to move back and forth. The movement of the diaphragm pushes and pulls air creating sound waves just like the electrical signal received and used to notify the user.

[0025] A plurality of storage compartments 104 is integrated with each of the body 101 for storing disaster relief items. These compartments 104 are designed to securely hold supplies, including food, water, medical kits, and other essentials, while maintaining organized storage for efficient dispensing and real-time tracking to maintain continuous availability of critical resources during disaster situations.

[0026] A neural network camera 105 is associated with each body 101 to analyze facial structures and official documents of users. Upon requesting the relief aids, the microcontroller activates the neural network camera 105 to authenticate the identity of the user and determine the appropriate relief items requested by the user. The neural network camera 105 is further configured to analyze the severity of user injuries and provide real-time notifications to authorized medical personnel for additional assistance, allowing urgent medical attention to be dispatched when needed, improving overall disaster response effectiveness.

[0027] The neural network camera 105 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the user and the captured images are stored within a memory of the neural network camera 105 in form of an optical data. The neural network camera 105 also comprises of a processor that employ computer vision and deep learning protocols, including object detection, segmentation, and edge detection, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller.

[0028] The neural network camera 105 works in conjunction with a database of verified government documents to automatically retrieve household data of authenticated users, enabling accurate preparation of relief kits. The database ensures that each kit is customized to meet the specific needs and requirements of the recipient household, improving efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness in disaster relief distribution.

[0029] The artificial intelligence and machine learning protocol integrated microcontroller process user information in real-time, allocate appropriate disaster relief kits based on the type of disaster and severity of user conditions, dynamically generate a relief allocation report based on distributed items, transmit the report to a blockchain-secured cloud for maintaining transparency and data integrity, and monitor the distribution of disaster relief in real-time. This microcontroller forms the core decision-making unit, optimizing resource allocation and reporting.

[0030] A pneumatic pusher 106 provided in each storage compartment 104 is connected via a motorized slider 107 to dispense a designated number of disaster relief items according to instructions from the AI and ML microcontroller. Based on the determined relief items required by the user, the slider 107 is actuated by the microcontroller to gather the relief items. The slider 107 consists of a sliding rail and a motorized slidable member connected to the sliding rail. The motorized slidable member is attached to the pusher 106 and sliding rail on both sides to make the pusher 106 slide. The slidable member is attached to a motor which provides movement to the member in a bi-directional manner.

[0031] The pusher 106 ensures precise and automated delivery of requested items to the user. The pneumatic pusher 106 is operated through a pneumatic actuator that is powered by a pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller, such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder from one end, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the pusher 106 and due to applied pressure the pusher 106 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the pusher 106 by pushing compressed air via the other end of the cylinder, by opening the corresponding valve resulting in retraction of the piston, and the retraction of the pusher 106.

[0032] Each storage compartment 104 is equipped with a photoelectric counter sensor to monitor inventory levels. In synchronization with the pusher 106, the microcontroller actuates the counter sensor to count the number of relief items dispensed. The photoelectric counter sensor counts the dispensed relief items by converting light interruptions into electrical signals. Internally, the counter sensor consists of a light emitter, preferably an LED, and a light receiver, usually a photodiode, aligned across a sensing path. When the relief item passes between the emitter and receiver, it interrupts the light beam, causing a change in the received signal. The counter sensor’s internal circuitry amplifies and processes this change to generate a digital pulse, which is sent to the controlling microcontroller.

[0033] The microcontroller compares the determined number of relief items dispensed against a pre-fed threshold range saved in a database. In case, the determined number recedes the pre-fed threshold range, the microcontroller generates automatic refill notifications to authorized personnel.

[0034] A user-interface installed in a computing unit is wirelessly connected with each body 101 for officials to update relief information and manage distribution. This interface allows real-time adjustments, reporting, and control over the relief process by authorized personnel. The officials interact with the interface through a touch screen, keyboard, or other input methods available on the computing unit. The computing unit mentioned herein includes, but not limited to smartphone, laptop, tablet. The wireless communication between the microcontroller of the device and the computing unit is achieved through a communication module.

[0035] The communication module mentioned herein includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication module used in the device is preferably the Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi module enables wireless communication by transmitting and receiving data over radio frequencies using IEEE 802.11 protocols. It connects to a network via an access point, converting digital data into radio signals. The module processes TCP/IP protocols for data exchange, interfaces with microcontrollers through UART/SPI, and ensures encrypted communication using WPA/WPA2 security standards for secure and efficient wireless connectivity.

[0036] Dedicated load cells are integrated into selected storage compartments 104 to precisely measure the weight of relief items, including grains, before allocation. Each load cell converts the applied weight into an electrical signal, which is processed by the AI and ML microcontroller to determine the exact quantity to dispense according to disaster type and user requirements. This enables dynamic, need-based distribution, ensuring that each recipient receives the correct amount of resources. By providing real-time weight monitoring, load cells prevent over- or under-dispensing, reduce wastage, and maintain accurate inventory records, thereby enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and transparency of disaster relief operations.

[0037] A conveyor belt 108 is disposed on the frontal portion of each body 101 to receive items dispensed via the pusher 106 and transport them toward the user. The conveyor belt 108 ensures smooth and controlled movement of relief items from storage compartments 104 to the collection area. The conveyor belt 108 works by using two motorized pulleys that loop over a long stretch of thick and durable material. The motor drives the pulley at the same speed and spin in the same. As the pulley turns, it pulls the belt 108 along its path. The belt 108 moves over a series of rollers, which reduce friction and support the belt 108. As the belt 108 moves, the items placed on the belt 108 is transported from one end to the other.

[0038] A collection chamber 109 is strategically positioned on the frontal section of each body 101 to allow users to safely and conveniently receive the disaster relief items delivered by the conveyor belt 108. The collection chamber 109 is constructed to provide easy access while preventing accidental spillage or loss, the chamber 109 acts as the final retrieval point in the distribution process. The collection chamber 109 is designed to accommodate various sizes and types of relief kits, including packaged food, medical supplies, and essential items. By guiding the items smoothly from the conveyor belt 108 into the chamber 109, it ensures organized, secure, and user-friendly collection, minimizing confusion and maintaining order during relief operations in disaster-affected areas.

[0039] A spatial augmented reality projector 110 is integrated with each body 101 to project step-by-step instructional guidance and 3D maps. The step-by-step instructional guidance assists the users in navigating safely through disaster-affected areas while collecting relief, reducing confusion and potential hazards in chaotic environments.

[0040] The spatial augmented reality projector 110 integrates a high-resolution projector 110, sensors, and a processing unit to display interactive 3D visuals onto real-world surfaces. Internally, the projector 110 emits structured light patterns, while depth and motion sensors capture the environment and user positions. The processing unit interprets this data to render step-by-step instructional guidance and 3D maps accurately aligned with the physical surroundings.

[0041] The plurality of bodies 101 are interconnected through IoT gateway modules, which act as communication hubs to facilitate seamless real-time data exchange between all the bodies 101. These modules enable coordination of relief distribution by sharing inventory levels, user requests, and operational status across multiple sites. The IoT network allows the AI and ML microcontrollers to synchronize actions, dynamically adjust dispensing schedules, and optimize resource allocation based on evolving needs in disaster-affected areas. This interconnected configuration ensures efficient, transparent, and responsive relief operations, preventing duplication, reducing delays, and enabling predictive maintenance and stock management for uninterrupted disaster support across the entire deployment region.

[0042] Finally, the AI and ML microcontroller employs predictive analytics to forecast resource demand in disaster-affected areas and automatically adjust stock levels in the storage compartments 104. This proactive feature ensures preparedness for changing conditions, enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of the disaster relief operations.

[0043] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the bodies 101 as disclosed in the invention is installed in the disaster-prone area, each body 101 being capable of interacting with users and managing relief distribution. Each body 101 receives voice commands via the microphone 102 and speaker 103, providing step-by-step guidance to users for collecting disaster relief. The stored disaster relief items within the plurality of storage compartments 104 are monitored by photoelectric counter sensors, which generate automatic refill notifications to authorized personnel when inventory falls below the predetermined threshold. A neural network camera 105 associated with each body 101 authenticates users by analyzing facial structures and official documents, determines appropriate relief items, assesses the severity of injuries, and notifies authorized medical personnel in real-time. The neural network camera 105 also cooperates with the database of verified government documents to fetch household data for accurate kit preparation. The artificial intelligence and machine learning protocol integrated microcontroller processes user information in real-time, allocates suitable disaster relief kits based on disaster type and user conditions, generates relief allocation reports transmitted to the blockchain-secured cloud, and monitors distribution. Pneumatic pushers 106 in each compartment 104, controlled via motorized sliders 107, dispense items according to AI instructions, while dedicated load cells ensure accurate measurement of items like grains. Items are transported to the user via the conveyor belt 108 into the collection chamber 109. The spatial augmented reality projector 110 provides instructional guidance and 3D maps, the user-interface allows officials to update relief information, and IoT gateway modules enable inter- body 101 coordination, while predictive analytics adjust stock levels based on anticipated demand.

[0044] 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) A disaster relief aid device, comprising:

i) a plurality of bodies 101 installed in a disaster-prone area;
ii) a plurality of storage compartments 104 provided within each of the body 101 for storing disaster relief items;
iii) a neural network camera 105 associated with each of the bodies 101 configured to analyses facial structures and official documents of users to authenticate and determine the appropriate relief;
iv) an artificial intelligence and machine learning protocol integrated microcontroller configured to:
a) process user information in real-time;
b) allocate appropriate disaster relief kits based on the type of disaster and severity of user conditions; and
c) monitor the distribution of disaster relief in real-time;
v) a pneumatic pusher 106 provided with each of the compartments 104, each via a motorized slider 107 configured to translate the pusher 106 to dispense a designated number disaster relief items according to instructions from the AI and ML controller;
vi) a conveyor belt 108 disposed on frontal portion of each of the body 101 configured to receive items via the pusher 106 and translate the items towards the user;
vii) a collection chamber 109 disposed on a frontal section of the body 101 for enabling user to receive disaster relief item requested by the user via the conveyor belt 108; and
viii) a user-interface wirelessly connected with body 101 configured with an authorised mode for officials to update relief information and manage distribution.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each storage compartment 104 comprises a photoelectric counter sensor configured to monitor inventory levels and generate automatic refill notifications to the authorised personnel when item counts fall below a predetermined threshold.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein dedicated load cells are provided in selected storage compartments 104 to measure and allocate relief items, including grains, dynamically based on disaster type and user requirements.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neural network camera 105 is further configured to analyse the severity of user injuries and provide real-time notifications to authorized medical personnel for additional assistance.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the AI and ML protocol dynamically generates a relief allocation report based on distributed items and transmits the report to a blockchain-secured cloud for maintaining transparency and data integrity.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the bodies 101 includes a microphone 102 and speaker 103 configured to receive voice commands from the user and provide step-by-step guidance for collecting disaster relief.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of bodies 101 are interconnected via IoT gateway modules to enable real-time data sharing, coordination of relief distribution, and predictive component operation across multiple sites.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a spatial augmented reality projector 110 is integrated with the body 101 to project step-by-step instructional guidance and 3D maps to guide users safely through disaster-affected areas while receiving relief.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the AI and ML microcontroller employs predictive analytics to forecast resource demand in affected areas and automatically adjust stock levels in the storage compartments 104.

10) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neural network camera 105 cooperates with a database of verified government documents to automatically fetch household data of authenticated users for accurate kit preparation.