DESC:SYSTEM FOR LOCATING MISSING PERSONS AND METHOD THEREFOR

Field of invention:

The present invention generally relates to a field of finding missing persons and more specifically, to a system and a method for searching and recovering the missing person.

Background of the invention:

India has a vast geography that is second largest in Asia and seventh largest across the globe. India has second largest population across the globe. India is ranked at 143rd rank amongst 163 countries in global peace index and ranks amongst the top 20 of the most violent countries across the world. Systems, organizations that depend on each other are not connected and neither communicates to each other. One of the most important challenges in today’s India is missing people and finding them. Missing of beloved person or child is very shattering. The socio-economic spectrum of missing children in India has great range and diversity.

Recent data on missing children put out by home ministry in Parliament shows that over 3.25 lakh children went missing between 2011 and 2014 (till June) at an average of nearly 1 lakh children going missing every year. National Crime Records Bureau, in fact, deciphers missing children figures in India in terms of one child going missing in the country every eight minutes. More worryingly, 55% per cent of those missing are girls and 45% of all missing children have remained untraceable as yet raising fears of them having been either killed or pushed into begging or prostitution rackets.

This is where we thought to make use of crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing is the process of obtaining needed services, ideas, or content by soliciting contributions from a large group of people, and especially from an online community, rather than from traditional employees or suppliers. India has more Mobile Subscribers than fixed line subscribers. Today people are interested in working on the real issues of the country and are participating actively in many of them and truly just need to be enabled to do so.

In early days, a search of the missing person is carried out by distributing and posting photographs of the missing person in public places to catch public attention and response. With the advancement in technology, various other means like radio, television and an internet have been used.

In a frequent way, the relative of the missing person files a missing report at the nearest local police station. The local police authority registers the information in two different formats as depicted below:
1) Missing People Register - This is a manual register used to capture the details of the missing people. In this register name, age, color, height, clothes worn, address and a photograph of the missing people is registered along with the details of a person filing the missing report including his/her contact number.
2) For minors and girls there is a new amendment which requires to file a First Information Report (FIR) of kidnapping for the missing person and this follows similar information as that of the missing people register but has an FIR number given and officers are required to search for the missing.

But these processes have drawbacks as mentioned below:
a) The manual register does not have any standard photograph policy.
b) A flow of information in the vicinity or other police stations not possible due to information being manual on registers which are physically stored at police stations.
c) There is no standard process of sharing the information amongst the police at a country level.
d) There is no standard process for reporting found as the police actually find a lot of people either in dead or alive state across the country.

Hence, there exists a need to provide a system and a method that assist relatives of a missing person for searching and locating the missing person or child and overcome above mentioned drawbacks of the prior art.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide a consolidated process for searching a missing person.

Another object of the present invention is to report a location of the missing person.

Summary of the invention:

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a system for searching and locating a missing person. The system comprises at least two communication terminals, a communication network, a web server, an image processing module and a local/central database. The at least two communication terminals includes a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal, each having a memory unit; a processor; an input/output unit having a microphone, a speaker, an imaging device to capture an image, a display unit for displaying the outcome of the imaging device and a keyboard. The memory unit stores a plurality of processing instructions for an operation of the communication terminal. The processor communicates with the memory unit to issue the plurality of processing instructions stored in the memory unit.

The communication network is adapted for communicating the processing instructions of the memory unit with the at least two communication terminals. The web server processes the instructions received from the communication network and delivers an output to the at least two communication terminals. The image processing module is adapted for processing images received from the web server by using algorithms such as segregating gender, age group, face detection, identification marks and the like. The local/central database generates a corresponding output related to processed instructions received from the web server and delivers the output to the web server.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for searching and locating a missing person. The method involves logging in a system for searching and locating a missing person by an authorized user using login credentials to access an application configured on the at least two communication terminals. The authorized user is selected from any one of a first user and a second user, wherein the first user is any one of relatives, parents, guardians, friends and neighbors of the missing person and the second user is any one of a volunteer, a finding people team and a vigilance team. The first user registers details of the missing person, details of the first user, details of a nearest police station where a missing case has been registered using the first communication terminal. The missing case is authenticated by using a Case_ID obtained by registering the missing case to the nearest police station. Further, mobile number and email address of the first user are verified and the first user receives a notification via SMS, email and any other notifying way known in the art.

Furthermore, the second user registers details of the second user using the second communication terminal, wherein the details entered by the second user are verified with entries stored in the database and marked as the new entry in the database. If the second user locates the missing person, the second user uploads image of the located missing person. The image processing module applies algorithms such as segregating gender, age group, face detection, identification marks and the like on the uploaded image to find a match between the uploaded image and the images stored in the database. If the match is found, the server locates and maps the GPS coordinate of the second communication terminal and sends an immediate notification via any one of the SMS, email and any other notifying way known in the art to the second user, to the reporting police station, the nearest police station in the periphery of the located person and to the first user.

Brief description of drawings:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a system used for searching and locating a missing person, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart of a method used for searching and locating the missing person, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a first phase of the method of figure 2;

Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a second phase of the method of figure 2;

Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart illustrating a second phase of the method of figure 2; and

Figure 6 illustrates a database structure of a method used for searching and locating the missing person, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for finding and locating a missing person. In another aspect, the present invention provides a consolidated method combined with the technology of communication for finding and locating the missing person. The method helps to improve communication link between a reporter of the missing person, local police authority and a spotter of the missing person.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in bracket in the following description.

Referring to figures 1-6, a block diagram of a system (100) for searching and locating a missing person in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. The system (100) comprises of at least two communication terminals including a first communication terminal (10) and a second communication terminal (20), a communication network (30), a web server (40) (hereinafter referred as ‘the server (40)’), an image processing module (50) and a local/central database (60) (hereinafter referred as ‘the database (60)’).

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the at least two communication terminals (10, 20) are selected from a group of communication devices including mobile cell phones, smartphones, iPhones®, computers, laptops, tablets, desktops and like, but not limited thereto. Each of the at least two communication terminals (10, 20) comprises a processor unit (not shown), a memory unit (not shown), an input and output unit (not shown) and means for obtaining a location (not shown). The memory unit includes a plurality of instructions/ programs necessary for the operation of the at least two communication terminals (10, 20). The input and output unit includes a camera (not shown), a display unit (not shown) and a keypad (not shown). In this preferred embodiment, the display is a touch or non-touch sensitive display and the keypad is a virtual or non-virtual type keypad. The means for obtaining the location includes Global Positioning System (GPS) or any other similar system.

The each of the at least two communication terminals (10, 20) is configured with an application (not shown). Specifically, the application is designed for searching and locating the missing person. The system (100) is accessed by a user using login credentials. The user then gets access to the application. The user is selected from any one of a first user and a second user. The first user is any one of relatives, parents, guardians, friends and neighbors of the missing person. When the first user registers a complaint about the missing person in a police station, the first user becomes a complainant. The second user is any one of a volunteer, a finding people team and a vigilance team. When the second user locates the missing person, then the second user becomes a spotter. The first communication terminal (10) is used by the first user for entering details of the missing person in the application. The second communication terminal (20) is used by the second user for uploading details of located missing person along with photo and details of location on the application. In the embodiment of the present invention, the second communication terminal (20) represents a plurality of communication terminals that may be used by a plurality of the second users.

The each of the at least two communication terminals (10, 20) is in communication with the server (40) via the communication network (30) for sending and receiving information about the missing person. The server (40) is also in communication with the image processing module (50) for sending and receiving images of the missing person. The image processing module (50) runs a plurality of algorithms to find a match between the images uploaded by the server (40) and the images stored in the database (60). Further, the server (40) is also in communication with the database (60) to dispatch the information and the images of the missing person. The database (60) stores all the information related to the missing person.

The database (60) (Refer Figure 6) comprises of various tables including ‘Missing_people’, ‘Missing_people_details’, ‘Complainant_details’, ‘Login_Details’, ‘Suspect’, ‘Suspect_details’, ‘Users’, ‘Volunteers’, ‘Image_details’ and the like, but not limited thereto. The Missing_people table has the data about the missing person that includes all personal information of the missing person, the police station where a missing case is being registered and a Case_ID acquired by the complainant after registering the complaint in the police station. The Missing_people_details table includes detailed information about the missing person including features like Aadhar card, Passport and the like. The Missing_people_details table is segregated from the Missing_people table to reduce null entries in case of minors. The Complainant_details table includes identity details and information of the complainant who registers the complaint of the missing person. The Login_Details table performs authentication of valid complainant, when the complainant logs into the application. The Suspect table includes suspect ids that are linked with all the cases in case if a suspect is involved in multiple cases. The Suspect_details table includes detailed information about the suspect including photo of the suspect. The Users table includes people who will be notified after progress on the missing case. The Volunteers table includes volunteers that are the ones who upload the photos in case of spotting any suspicious individuals. The Image_details table includes geographical tag information when the volunteer uploads any photo.

Again, referring to figures 1-6, a method for searching and locating the missing person (200) (hereinafter referred as “the method (200)”) and a number of steps an authorized application user takes, in accordance with the present invention is described. The method (200) is described in conjunction with the system (100). The method (200) starts at step (110). In next step, the method (200) involves choosing any one phase from a group of phases by a user. The user is selected from any one of a first user and a second user. In accordance with the present invention, the first user is any one of relatives, parents, guardians, friends and neighbors of the missing person. The second user is any one of a volunteer, a finding people team and a vigilance team.

In an embodiment, there are mainly three phases namely:
1. A first phase (130) that involves registering details of the missing person by the first user,
2. A second phase (160) that involves registering details of the second user, and
3. A third phase (190) that involves uploading images of the located missing person by the second user.

Now, referring to figure 3, the first phase (130) of the missing person by the first user is described. The first user post verifying all possible whereabouts, registers a complaint of the missing person with a nearest police station. A local police authority registers the complaint as a missing case and gives a complaint number (hereinafter refereed as “the Case_ID”). In the embodiment of the present invention, the Case_ID is FIR (First Information Report) number. The system (100) is accessed by the first user using login credentials. The first user then gets access to the application configured on the first communication terminal (10).

At step (112), the first phase (130) involves authenticating the missing case using the Case_ID. The first user enters the Case_ID on the application to validate the missing case.

At step (114), the first phase (130) involves entering details of the missing person in the application by the first user. The details of the missing person includes name, age, color, height, clothes worn, address and a most recent photograph (straight face with both ears visible), identification marks of the missing person, date of missing and the like, but not limited thereto.

At step (116), the first phase (130) involves entering details of the first user in the application by the first user. The details of the first user includes name, age, residential address, contact details including phone number, mobile number, email address, relation with the missing person and the like, but not limited thereto.

At step (118), the first phase (130) involves entering details of the police station in the application by the first user. The details of the police station includes name, address, contact details including phone number, mobile number, email address of the police station where the complaint is register, contact person handling the missing case and the like, but not limited thereto.

At step (120), the first phase (130) involves reviewing the information entered by the first user. The server (40) reviews the information entered by the first user.

At step (122), the first phase (130) involves verifying the mobile number and email address of the first user by sending SMS and email to the logged in first user and also verifies the Case_ID with the police station where the complaint is registered via SMS and email. This is done to ensure no false reporting.

At step (124), the first phase (130) involves successfully registering the first user and the details of the missing person. When the first user gets successfully registered, a notification is sent to the first user by the server (40) via SMS, email and any other notifying way known in the art. All information entered by the first user is received by the server (40) via the communication network (30) from the first communication terminal (10). The information entered by the first user is stored in the database (60). In the embodiment, the information entered by the first user is forwarded to the plurality of communication terminals that may be used by the plurality of the second users by the server (40) via SMS, email and any other notifying way known in the art. The first phase ends at step 126.

Now, referring to figure 4, the second phase (160) of registering details of the second user is described. The system (100) is accessed by the second user using login credentials (Step 132). The second user then gets access to the application configured on the second communication terminal (20).

At step (134), the second phase (160) involves entering details of the second user in the application by the second user. The details of the second user includes name, age, residential address, contact details including phone number, mobile number, email address and the like, but not limited thereto.

At step (136), the second phase (160) involves verifying the information with entries stored in the database (60). The information of the second user is forwarded to the server (40) via the communication network (30) from the second communication terminal (20). The server (40) sends the information entered by the second user to the database (60). The information is verified with the entries stored in the database (60).

At step (138), the second phase (160) involves marking the information as new entry. If the information entered by the second user does not match with the entries stored in the database (60), then the information is marked as the new entry in the database (60).

At step (140), the second phase (160) involves verifying the mobile number and the email address of the second user. After marking the information of the second user as the new entry, the mobile number and the email address of the second user gets verified by the server (40) and the second user gets successfully registered.

At step (142), the second phase (160) involves sending a notification to the second user about the successful registration. After the successful registration of the second user, the server (40) send the notification by sending SMS and email via SMS, email and any other notifying way known in the art, to the registered second user. The second phase ends at step (144).

Now, referring to figure 5, the third phase (190) of uploading images of the located missing person by the second user is described.

At step (162), the third phase (190) involves entering into the application using login credentials. The system (100) is accessed by the second user using the login credentials. The second user then gets access to the application configured on the second communication terminal (20).

When the second user locates the missing person, the second user takes photo of the located missing person (step 164) and uploads the details along with the photo and details of location on the application (step 166)

At step (168), the third phase (190) involves applying the image standardization. The image processing module (50) applies various image processing algorithms such as segregating gender, age group, face detection, identification marks and the like on the photo uploaded by the second user.

At step (170), the third phase (190) involves checking for a match with that of the uploaded photo in the database (60). The application automatically verifies the photo with the existing information in the database (60). If any match does not found, then no action is carried out (step 172).

If there is a match found, the server (40) locates and maps the GPS coordinate of the second communication terminal (20) that uploaded the photos of the located person (step 174).

The server (30) server locates and maps the GPS coordinate of the second communication terminal (step 176) and sends an immediate notification via any one of the SMS, email and any other notifying way known in the art to the second user, to the reporting police station and the nearest police station and to the first user (step 178).

After receiving the notification, the second user keeps a track of the located person. In the notification, the reporting police station and the nearest police station receive details of the GPS coordinates of the second communication terminal (20) including the mobile number of the second user. The first user receives the location of the located person and coordinates of person (if opted for) via the notification. The third phase (190) ends at step 180

In this way, the method (200) is used for locating the missing person.

Advantages of the invention:
1. The system (100) includes one single consolidated database (60) that stores the information of found and missing persons.
2. The method (200) is an organized process for tracking of the missing and reporting the found persons.
3. The method (200) achieves an immediate connectivity and communication.
4. The system (100) is a full proof mechanism to trace the missing person and report the found person.
5. The method (200) allows an efficient public attempt to help the police and family members to find the missing and is able to report the found as well.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A system for searching and locating a missing person comprising:
at least two communication terminals including a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal, the at least two communication terminals having
a memory unit being capable of storing a plurality of processing instructions for an operation of the communication terminal;
a processor being capable of communicating with the memory unit, the processor configured to issue the plurality of processing instructions stored in the memory unit;
an input/output unit having,
• a microphone;
• a speaker;
• an imaging device to capture an image;
• a display unit for displaying the outcome of the imaging device; and
• a keyboard;
a communication network adapted for communicating the processing instructions of the memory unit with the at least two communication terminals;
a web server adapted for processing the instructions received from the communication network and delivering output to the at least two communication terminals;
an image processing module adapted for processing images received from the web server by using algorithms such as segregating gender, age group, face detection, identification marks and the like; and
a local/central database adapted for generating a corresponding output related to processed instructions received from the web server and delivering the output to the web server.

2. The system for searching and locating a missing person as claimed in claim 1, wherein the web server delivers the output to the at least two communication terminals in a form selected from a text, a pictorial representation and a combination thereof.

3. The system for searching and locating a missing person as claimed in claim 1, wherein the display unit is selected from a group comprising a non-touch sensitive display and a touch sensitive display.

4. A method for searching and locating a missing person comprising the steps of:
logging in a system for searching and locating a missing person by an authorized user, selected from any one of a first user and a second user, using login credentials to access an application configured on at least two communication terminals including a first communication terminal and a second communication terminal;
registering details of the missing person, details of the first user, details of a nearest police station where a missing case has been registered by the first user using the first communication terminal;
authenticating the missing case using a Case_ID obtained by registering the missing case to the nearest police station;
verifying mobile number and email address of the first user and notifying the first user via SMS, email and any other notifying way known in the art;
registering details of the second user by the second user using the second communication terminal, wherein the details entered by the second user are verified with entries stored in the database and marked as the new entry in the database;
uploading image of the located missing person by the second user if the second user locates the missing person;
wherein an image processing module applies algorithms such as segregating gender, age group, face detection, identification marks and the like on the uploaded image to find a match between the uploaded image and the images stored in the database and if the match found, the server locates and maps the GPS coordinate of the second communication terminal and sends an immediate notification via any one of the SMS, email and any other notifying way known in the art to the second user, to the reporting police station, to the nearest police station in the periphery of the located person and to the first user.

5. The method for searching and locating a missing person as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first user is any one of relatives, parents, guardians, friends and neighbors of the missing person and the second user is any one of a volunteer, a finding people team and a vigilance team.

6. The method for searching and locating a missing person as claimed in claim 4, wherein the details of the missing person includes name, age, color, height, clothes worn, address and a most recent photograph (straight face with both ears visible), identification marks of the missing person, date of missing and the like, but not limited thereto.

7. The method for searching and locating a missing person as claimed in claim 4, wherein the details of the first user includes name, age, residential address, contact details including phone number, mobile number, email address, relation with the missing person and the like, but not limited thereto.

8. The method for searching and locating a missing person as claimed in claim 4, wherein the details of the second user includes name, age, residential address, contact details including phone number, mobile number, email address and the like, but not limited thereto.