Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the storage equipment. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system and a box for collection of pharmaceutical items.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Some of the medicines, purchased by a person for consumption, often get expired when unused, and then finally are thrown out. On the other hand, many of the needy persons are not capable of buying required medicines. A few NGOs have got engaged in the noble cause of collecting unused medicines door to door in various localities and providing the same to the needy persons after confirmation about the usability of the collected medicine.
[0004] However, collecting medicine in this way is quite an exhausting task as it involves door to door visit, checking for the unused medicine availability, taking consent for donating the medicines, collecting the unused medicine after verification for its suitability for use by the needy persons, submission of the collection at the central office and further distribution on need basis. This whole process requires lots of manpower, travel, and time as it is a completely manual process. This process has many disadvantages which include – more time consumption, door to door visit adds to travel cost, requirement of manpower, etc. This makes it less efficient, less sustainable and the resulting delays in collection and distribution are directly hampering the ultimate goal of timely availability of medicines to the needy persons who can’t afford to buy these medicines on their own.
[0005] There is, therefore, a need in the art to provide an effective solution to overcome the above mentioned limitations, which can automate the whole process.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure a system and a box that facilitates significant reduction in collection and distribution time.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a box for real-time monitoring of donation and distribution of the collected medicines.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system and a box that aids in manpower reduction.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system enabling centralized remote monitoring of all the collection boxes on real-time basis.

SUMMARY
[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relates to the storage equipment. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system and a box for collection of pharmaceutical items.
[0012] According to an aspect, the present disclosure discloses a system for collection of pharmaceutical items, the system comprising: a plurality of boxes adapted to receive and store the pharmaceutical items, wherein each of the plurality of boxes comprises multiple sections, of pre-defined dimensions, for facilitating storage of the pharmaceutical items; a camera configured with each of the plurality of boxes for capturing one or more images; and a control unit coupled with the camera and the plurality of boxes, the control unit comprising one or more processors operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to: identify the pharmaceutical items from the captured one or more images, and corresponding compute a number of each of the pharmaceutical items in each of the plurality of boxes; and provide access, to an entity, of at least one of the plurality of boxes in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0013] In an aspect, the system may comprise an input unit coupled with each of the plurality of boxes, wherein the input unit facilitates the entity to enter an alphanumeric code; wherein the control unit can authenticate the entered alphanumeric code, and further provides access of the box coupled with said input unit to the entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0014] In an aspect, the system may comprise a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to communicatively couple a mobile computing device of the entity with the system.
[0015] In an aspect, the communication unit may form a communication channel between the mobile computing device and the system based on authentication of the entered alphanumeric code.
[0016] In an aspect, each of the plurality of boxes comprises a lid adapted to cover the multiple sections; and wherein, in response to the authentication of the entered alphanumeric code, the lid may move from a first pre-defined position to a second pre-defined positon.
[0017] In an aspect, at the first pre-defined position, the lid covers the multiple sections, and at the second pre-defined positon, the lid uncovers the multiple sections in each of the plurality of boxes.
[0018] In an aspect, the system may be configured to match the identified pharmaceutical items, from the captured one or more images, with details of the pharmaceutical items entered, through the mobile computing device, by the entity.
[0019] According to another aspect, the present disclosure discloses a box for collection of pharmaceutical items, the box comprising: multiple sections, of pre-defined dimensions, for facilitating receipt and storage of the pharmaceutical items; a camera configured for capturing one or more images; and a control unit coupled with the camera, the control unit comprising one or more processors operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to: identify the pharmaceutical items from the captured one or more images, and corresponding compute a number of each of the pharmaceutical items in the box; and provide access, to an entity, of the box in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0020] In an aspect, the box comprises an input unit configured to facilitate the entity to enter an alphanumeric code; wherein the control unit authenticates the entered alphanumeric code, and further provides access of the box to the entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0021] In an aspect, the box may comprise a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to communicatively couple a mobile computing device of the entity with the box, and wherein the communication unit can form a communication channel between the mobile computing device and the box based on authentication of the entered alphanumeric code.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.
[0023] The diagrams described herein are for illustration only, which thus are not limitations of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram representing the proposed box, to illustrate its overall working, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture representing the proposed system, to illustrate its overall working, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0027] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0028] As used herein the description and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0029] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in the accompanying drawings, the embodiments are offered only in as much detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure and are not intended to limit the numerous equivalents, changes, variations, substitutions and modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the storage equipment. In particular, the present disclosure provides a system and a box for collection of pharmaceutical items.
[0031] According to an embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a system for collection of pharmaceutical items, the system comprising: a plurality of boxes adapted to receive and store the pharmaceutical items, wherein each of the plurality of boxes comprises multiple sections, of pre-defined dimensions, for facilitating storage of the pharmaceutical items; a camera configured with each of the plurality of boxes for capturing one or more images; and a control unit coupled with the camera and the plurality of boxes, the control unit comprising one or more processors operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to: identify the pharmaceutical items from the captured one or more images, and corresponding compute a number of each of the pharmaceutical items in each of the plurality of boxes; and provide access, to an entity, of at least one of the plurality of boxes in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0032] In an embodiment, the system may comprise an input unit coupled with each of the plurality of boxes, wherein the input unit facilitates the entity to enter an alphanumeric code; wherein the control unit can authenticate the entered alphanumeric code, and further provides access of the box coupled with said input unit to the entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0033] In an embodiment, the system may comprise a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to communicatively couple a mobile computing device of the entity with the system.
[0034] In an embodiment, the communication unit may form a communication channel between the mobile computing device and the system based on authentication of the entered alphanumeric code.
[0035] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of boxes comprises a lid adapted to cover the multiple sections; and wherein, in response to the authentication of the entered alphanumeric code, the lid may move from a first pre-defined position to a second pre-defined positon.
[0036] In an embodiment, at the first pre-defined position, the lid covers the multiple sections, and at the second pre-defined positon, the lid uncovers the multiple sections in each of the plurality of boxes.
[0037] In an embodiment, the system may be configured to match the identified pharmaceutical items, from the captured one or more images, with details of the pharmaceutical items entered, through the mobile computing device, by the entity.
[0038] According to another embodiment, the present disclosure discloses a box for collection of pharmaceutical items, the box comprising: multiple sections, of pre-defined dimensions, for facilitating receipt and storage of the pharmaceutical items; a camera configured for capturing one or more images; and a control unit coupled with the camera, the control unit comprising one or more processors operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to: identify the pharmaceutical items from the captured one or more images, and corresponding compute a number of each of the pharmaceutical items in the box; and provide access, to an entity, of the box in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0039] In an embodiment, the box comprises an input unit configured to facilitate the entity to enter an alphanumeric code; wherein the control unit authenticates the entered alphanumeric code, and further provides access of the box to the entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0040] In an embodiment, the box may comprise a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to communicatively couple a mobile computing device of the entity with the box, and wherein the communication unit can form a communication channel between the mobile computing device and the box based on authentication of the entered alphanumeric code.
[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram representing the proposed box, to illustrate its overall working, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] In an embodiment, the proposed box 100 for collection of pharmaceutical items can include sections (interchangeably referred to as storage, herein) 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4… 104-N for facilitating receipt and storage of the pharmaceutical items, such as, medicines, syrup, thermometer, first aid kit, multivitamins, and the like. In one embodiment, the sections (collectively referred to as multiple sections 104, sections 104, and individually referred to as section 104, or storage 104, herein) can be of pre-defined dimensions.
[0043] In another embodiment, the proposed box 100 can include a camera 102 (also, referred to as security camera 102, herein) configured for capturing one or more images. Further, the proposed box 100 can include a control unit coupled with the camera, where the control unit includes one or more processors operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors.
[0044] In one embodiment, the control unit can identify the pharmaceutical items from the captured one or more images, and corresponding can compute a number of each of the pharmaceutical items in the box. In other embodiment, the control unit can provide access of the box to an entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0045] In an embodiment, the proposed box can include an input unit configured to facilitate the entity to enter an alphanumeric code. In an implementation, the control unit can authenticate the entered alphanumeric code, and further can provide access of the box to the entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items. In an exemplary embodiment, the input unit can include an alpha-numeric keypad, a GUI-based interface, and the like.
[0046] In another embodiment, the proposed box can include a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit can be configured to communicatively couple a mobile computing device, say smartphone, of the entity with the box. In an implementation, the communication unit can form a communication channel between the mobile computing device and the box based on authentication of the entered alphanumeric code.
[0047] In an embodiment, the box can include a lid adapted to cover the multiple sections of the box. In an implementation, in response to the authentication of the entered alphanumeric code, the lid may move from a first pre-defined position to a second pre-defined positon, wherein at the first pre-defined position, the lid covers the multiple sections, and at the second pre-defined positon, the lid uncovers the multiple sections of the box.
[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture representing the proposed system, to illustrate its overall working, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0049] In an embodiment, the proposed system 200, for collection of pharmaceutical items, can include box 1, box 2, box 3, box 4, box 5… box N (collectively referred to as plurality of boxes, or boxes, and individually to as box, herein) adapted to receive and store the pharmaceutical items, wherein each of the plurality of boxes can include multiple sections, of pre-defined dimensions, for facilitating storage of the pharmaceutical items. In another embodiment, the proposed system 200 can be IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled, which can enable efficient collection and distribution thus overcoming all the disadvantages and limitations of the manual process.
[0050] In an embodiment, the proposed system 200 can include a camera configured with each of the plurality of boxes for capturing one or more images. In an exemplary embodiment, high resolution camera can scan the medicine, capture the image of the donator as well as collector and ensure secure access to the box (also, referred to as medicine collection box, herein).
[0051] In an embodiment, the proposed system 200 can include a control unit coupled with the camera and the plurality of boxes, where the control unit can include one or more processors operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors. In an embodiment, the control unit can identify the pharmaceutical items from the captured one or more images, and corresponding can compute a number of each of the pharmaceutical items in each of the plurality of boxes. In another embodiment, the control unit can provide access, to an entity, of at least one of the plurality of boxes in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0052] In an embodiment, the proposed system 200 can include an input unit coupled with each of the plurality of boxes, wherein the input unit may facilitate the entity to enter an alphanumeric code; wherein the control unit can authenticate the entered alphanumeric code, and further can provide access of the box coupled with said input unit to the entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
[0053] In an embodiment, the proposed system 200 can include a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit can be configured to communicatively couple a mobile computing device of the entity with the system. In an implementation, the communication unit can form a communication channel between the mobile computing device and the system based on authentication of the entered alphanumeric code.
[0054] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of boxes can include a lid adapted to cover the multiple sections; wherein, in response to the authentication of the entered alphanumeric code, the lid can move from a first pre-defined position to a second pre-defined positon, wherein at the first pre-defined position, the lid covers the multiple sections, and at the second pre-defined positon, the lid uncovers the multiple sections in each of the plurality of boxes.
[0055] In an embodiment, the system can be configured to match the identified pharmaceutical items, from the captured one or more images, with details of the pharmaceutical items entered, through the mobile computing device, by the entity.
[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, microcontroller with alpha-numeric keypad 106 can be used for entering the entity (also, referred to as donator, herein) and medicine details manually and storing the important data related to person and medicines. Further, IoT functionality can be embedded in the microcontroller to monitor the medicine collection status on real-time basis. The system can support mobile application 204 based communication for data access and data entry locally i.e nearby to the medicine collection box. Multiple nodes of the IoT enabled medicine collection boxes installed at different locations can communicate on real-time basis with the central office 202, which ensures quick allocation of medicines to the needy persons as per the availability.
[0057] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[0058] The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only. Many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the subject matter, which is intended to be defined by the following claims and their equivalents in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.
[0059] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0060] The present disclosure provides a system and a box that facilitates significant reduction in collection and distribution time.
[0061] The present disclosure provides a system and a box for real-time monitoring of donation and distribution of the collected medicines.
[0062] The present disclosure provides a system and a box that aids in manpower reduction.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a system enabling centralized remote monitoring of all the collection boxes on real-time basis.

We Claims:

1. A system for collection of pharmaceutical items, the system comprising:
a plurality of boxes adapted to receive and store the pharmaceutical items, wherein each of the plurality of boxes comprises multiple sections, of pre-defined dimensions, for facilitating storage of the pharmaceutical items;
a camera configured with each of the plurality of boxes for capturing one or more images; and
a control unit coupled with the camera and the plurality of boxes, the control unit comprising one or more processors operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to:
identify the pharmaceutical items from the captured one or more images, and corresponding compute a number of each of the pharmaceutical items in each of the plurality of boxes; and
provide access, to an entity, of at least one of the plurality of boxes in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system comprises an input unit coupled with each of the plurality of boxes, wherein the input unit facilitates the entity to enter an alphanumeric code;
wherein the control unit authenticates the entered alphanumeric code, and further provides access of the box coupled with said input unit to the entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system comprises a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to communicatively couple a mobile computing device of the entity with the system.
4. The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the communication unit forms a communication channel between the mobile computing device and the system based on authentication of the entered alphanumeric code.
5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of boxes comprises a lid adapted to cover the multiple sections; and
wherein, in response to the authentication of the entered alphanumeric code, the lid moves from a first pre-defined position to a second pre-defined positon.
6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein at the first pre-defined position, the lid covers the multiple sections, and at the second pre-defined positon, the lid uncovers the multiple sections in each of the plurality of boxes.
7. The system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the system is configured to match the identified pharmaceutical items, from the captured one or more images, with details of the pharmaceutical items entered, through the mobile computing device, by the entity.
8. A box for collection of pharmaceutical items, the box comprising:
multiple sections, of pre-defined dimensions, for facilitating receipt and storage of the pharmaceutical items;
a camera configured for capturing one or more images; and
a control unit coupled with the camera, the control unit comprising one or more processors operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors to:
identify the pharmaceutical items from the captured one or more images, and corresponding compute a number of each of the pharmaceutical items in the box; and
provide access, to an entity, of the box in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
9. The box as claimed in claim 8, wherein the box comprises an input unit configured to facilitate the entity to enter an alphanumeric code;
wherein the control unit authenticates the entered alphanumeric code, and further provides access of the box to the entity, in order to facilitate storage of the pharmaceutical items.
10. The box as claimed in claim 9, wherein the box comprises a communication unit coupled to the control unit, wherein the communication unit is configured to communicatively couple a mobile computing device of the entity with the box, and
wherein the communication unit forms a communication channel between the mobile computing device and the box based on authentication of the entered alphanumeric code.