Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a traveler assistive device that offers a customized and interactive service which adapts to each traveler’s specific needs, including real-time information, language preferences, and customized recommendations based on personal details such as budget and demographics.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Traveler assistance is essential for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey, particularly for those navigating unfamiliar places or facing unforeseen challenges. This plays a crucial role in helping travelers with practical needs such as booking accommodations, securing transportation, or providing language translation services. For many, especially those in foreign countries, understanding local customs, laws, and safety regulations is a daunting task, and reliable assistance help mitigate confusion or avoid potential pitfalls. Whether it’s navigating through airports, arranging emergency medical help, or managing travel delays, professional assistance reduce stress and make the experience more manageable. For travelers with special needs, such as elderly individuals, those with disabilities, or those carrying young children, personalized assistance becomes indispensable. In a world where time is often tight and expectations high, traveler assistance ensures that every aspect of the journey is taken care of, allowing the traveler to focus on their adventure or business. From pre-trip planning to in-destination support, having access to assistance ensures that any issues that arise are handled quickly and efficiently, contributing to a positive travel experience.

[0003] Traditional methods of travel assistance, such as travel agencies, printed guides, and in-person concierge services, have long been relied upon for helping travelers plan and navigate their journeys. Travel agencies provide expert advice, book transportation, and arrange accommodations, offering a personalized experience. Printed guides like travel books and maps give travelers valuable insights into destinations, attractions, and cultural norms. Concierge services, available in hotels or resorts, assist with booking tours, dining, and addressing other needs directly. While these methods have served travelers well, they come with significant drawbacks. Travel agencies are expensive, and their advice are limited or outdated especially as destinations and prices change frequently. Printed guides, although informative quickly become obsolete as they fail to account for last-minute changes in transport schedules, attractions, or local conditions. They also lack the real-time interactivity that travelers often need. Concierge services are also available at specific locations, leaving travelers without support in more remote areas. Moreover, all of these traditional methods are less flexible, relying on fixed schedules or limited information, which hinder spontaneous or on-the-go decisions. In today's fast-paced travel environment, these methods often feel cumbersome compared to the instant and accessible support available through modern digital tools.

[0004] US5948040A discloses about an invention that has a Computerized travel reservation information and planning system that generates "map ticket" output in various media, for guidance and transactions en route. Such print or electronic documents can include bar or alphanumeric codes for automated recognition and/or access. WHERE?, WHO/WHAT?, WHEN? and HOW? menus enable flexible user inquiries accessing selectable geographic, topical, temporal and transactional data records and relational processing. Sub-menus provide further capabilities: e.g. routing, topical searching; searches of events calendars, almanacs, appointment books, related itinerary scheduling; trip budgeting issues, plus travel arrangement availabilities or other goods/services offers. Online communications links access updated or supplemental information on places, times, topics and other provider goods/service offers. Online computer-aided routing system enables input of selectable travel origin, destination, and waypoints to compute travel routes, available transportation services, costs, options, and schedules. A point-of-interest database lets users pick types of attractions or accommodations within a user-selected region around routes of travel. Users engage in an iterative planning process, revising or editing travel plans, previewing travelogs of alternate routes, selecting point of interest parameters, comparing times and costs of transportation options, in order to achieve a satisfactory travel plan. The system provides printed or electronic output that may include any one or more of text itinerary, ordered set of travel maps, customized collection of information on points of interest information and a selected array of valid reservation confirmations, tickets and/or discount coupons coded with elements for automated recognition and processing. Mobile users, including GPS-linked users, can access the system via wireless communication units.

[0005] US7212983B2 discloses about an invention that has a method is disclosed for creating itineraries for a party of visitors to a facility, the facility having multiple attractions. Visitors give answers to questions about their preferences, which is combined with authoritative information about their admission privileges, and information stored about the attractions and facility, to generate an itinerary. The method can be executed by a portable, handheld computer which asks the questions, accepts the answers, and processes them into an itinerary which is both portable and dynamic, adjusting in real time to schedule changes and unscheduled attraction closures. In an alternative embodiment, the itinerary can be generated as the result of an Internet transaction, or through an interaction with a facility employee. The itinerary may be presented to the party in printed form, such as a schedule or ticket book. If a facility has an access control system that uses a central database, the itinerary can generated as records in the database, thereby allowing parallel use of prior art access methods.

[0006] Conventionally, many methods are available for providing travel guidance to people in various manner. However, the cited invention lacks in offering a seamless and personalized experience that adapts to real-time changes in a traveler’s journey and do not account for dynamic, on-the-go alterations such as unexpected delays or diversions in the travel schedule. As a result, the guidance provided by the cited inventions lack the flexibility required in fast-paced travel environments, where real-time adaptability and instant responses to changing conditions are crucial for efficient navigation and decision-making.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of offering a highly adaptive and intuitive travel assistance experience which aids in responding real time to a traveler’s changing needs and conditions. The device should integrate various services for providing dynamic recommendations that are personalized based on the traveler’s preferences, budget, and location alongside adjusting automatically to real-time changes, such as flight delays, itinerary modifications, or changes in a traveler’s schedule, ensuring that the guidance provided remains accurate and relevant.

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 creating an intuitive and user-friendly means that interacts with travelers based on their proximity, height, and language preference for ensuring an optimized and personalized experience at terminals.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of delivering real-time travel-related information such as journey details, restaurant options, shopping recommendations, and other services customized to the traveler's preferences for enhancing convenience and efficiency.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of enabling communication by detecting the traveler’s spoken language and adjusting the device’s language settings accordingly for ensuring ease of understanding for a diverse range of travelers.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of offering customized suggestions for accommodations, dining, and shopping based on the traveler's demographic profile and budget for improving the relevance and usefulness of the services provided.

[0013] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of facilitating smooth ticket processing by guiding travelers through the scanning process and ensuring accurate and efficient ticket verification.

[0014] 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

[0015] The present invention relates to a traveler assistive device that enhance traveler convenience by enabling easy communication through language detection and adjusting the device to provide clear, relevant information, as well as offering real-time guidance for ticket scanning and other essential services.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a traveler assistive device, comprising a vertical plate mounted on the floor with suction cups for stability, a touch-enabled display unit is attached to the plate via an articulated telescopic rod by means of ball and socket joint which adjusts the display’s position based on the traveler's height, detected by an ultrasonic sensor. An AI-based imaging unit installed on the plate and a proximity sensor which together identify the traveler’s presence and trigger the display to activate and orient itself towards the traveler, a microphone records the traveler's speech, enabling language detection and automatic adjustment of the display’s language settings. If no speech is detected, a speaker prompts the traveler to speak, a QR code scanner is integrated to scan the traveler's ticket, while a holographic projection unit provides visual guidance for the scanning process. Based on the scanned ticket, the device displays personalized information such as journey details, restaurant suggestions, and shopping recommendations customized to the traveler’s demographic profile and budget. The display unit also accepts budget input from the traveler to refine suggestions, including accommodations within a specified distance from the terminal.

[0017] 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

[0018] 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 traveler assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] The present invention relates to a traveler assistive device that is capable of ensuring a responsive and user-friendly interface for users by automatically adjusting the device's position and displays according to the traveler’s proximity and height for creating an optimal and comfortable experience.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a traveler assistive device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular vertical plate 101 having a plurality of suction cups 102 arranged along a bottom edge of the plate 101, a touch enabled display unit 103 mounted on the plate 101, by means of an articulated telescopic rod 104, the rod 104 is equipped with ball and socket joints 105 at the ends of the rod 104, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 installed on the plate 101, an ultrasonic sensor 107 provided in the plate 101, a microphone 108 provided on the plate 101, a speaker 109 provided on the plate 101, a scanner 110 disposed on the plate 101 to scan a ticket of the traveller and a holographic projection unit 111 mounted on the plate 101.

[0024] The device disclosed herein includes a rectangular vertical plate 101 that serves as the primary structure and the rectangular shape ensures the device is compact and easily visible while also offering ample space for integration of other components. The vertical orientation of the plate 101 allows the plate 101 to be positioned efficiently in public spaces like terminals, airports, or train stations, where travelers are likely to approach it. To facilitate stable installation, the plate 101 is equipped with a series of suction cups 102 along its bottom edge. These suction cups 102 are placed to enable the device to be mounted securely onto the floor of the terminal or any flat surface. The suction cups 102 serve as a non-permanent attachment method making the plate 101 easy to place, remove, or reposition the device without causing damage to the floor or requiring complex installation procedures.

[0025] The suction cups 102 operate on the principle of creating a vacuum between the cup and the surface to which they are attached. When the plate 101 is pressed against a flat surface, air is displaced from the inside of the suction cup, thus forming a vacuum seal that creates negative pressure. This negative pressure ensures that the suction cup adheres tightly to the surface for holding the plate 101 firmly in place. The strength of the attachment depends on the quality of the suction cup, the smoothness of the surface, and the amount of air removed. This configuration of suction cups 102 makes the device portable, thus allowing to be repositioned as needed in high-traffic environments such as terminals, while still ensuring stability and preventing accidental movement or tipping. This is crucial in public or high-traffic environments where the placement of the device need to be adjusted periodically. The suction cups 102 provide a strong grip that ensures the device remains stationary, even with vibrations or movements in the terminal in view of preventing accidental tipping or instability.

[0026] The plate 101 is made from material that include but not limited to durable, weather-resistant materials to withstand the demands of a public space. Given that terminals are subject to varying conditions, such as foot traffic, cleaning activities, and potential impacts, the materials used for the plate 101 are vigorous and able to endure these stresses while maintaining the structural integrity of the device. The use of such durable materials ensures longevity for reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.

[0027] A touch enabled display unit 103 is mounted on the rectangular vertical plate 101 using an articulated telescopic rod 104. The display unit 103 is the central interface for the traveler which offers them real-time and personalized information during their time at the terminal. The display unit 103 allows travelers to interact directly with the screen by tapping, swiping, or entering data which makes the display unit 103 intuitive and user-friendly. The display unit 103 provide essential travel-related information, such as journey details, schedules, restaurant suggestions, shopping recommendations, and other relevant services to make the traveler’s experience more convenient and efficient.

[0028] The articulated telescopic rod 104 allows the display to be moved horizontally and vertically to suit the traveler’s height and viewing angle. The rod 104 is equipped with ball and socket joints 105 at both ends which enable free articulation and movement. These joints offer the ability to rotate, tilt, or extend the display in multiple directions for ensuring that the screen is positioned at an optimal angle for the traveler. The adjustable nature of the display is particularly important because this allows for customization based on the traveler’s specific needs, such as their height, the space available, or the position from which they are approaching the device. The articulation feature ensures that the display is easily adjusted for comfort and accessibility, even if the traveler is standing or seated at varying distances from the device.

[0029] An artificial intelligence (AI)-based imaging unit 106 is installed on the plate 101 to enhance the device’s ability to recognize and interact with travelers in a dynamic environment. The imaging unit 106 is developed to record and process images of the surrounding area, specifically focusing on detecting travelers in the vicinity of the device. The imaging unit 106 allows to analyze the visual data in real-time by using protocols to recognize objects, identify the presence of the traveler, and interpret their proximity to the device. The AI-based imaging unit 106 works in close synchronization with a proximity sensor embedded in the plate 101. The proximity sensor serves as an initial detection method that is capable of identifying when the traveler has entered the device's near vicinity. Once the proximity sensor detects that the traveler is in close range, it triggers the imaging unit 106 to begin recording and processing images of the area that accurately detects traveler’s presence.

[0030] Once the traveler is detected, the device then utilizes an inbuilt microcontroller to activate the display unit 103 and initiate the process of adjusting the display for the traveler’s convenience. This activation includes turning on the display unit 103, so that the display is ready to provide information, and simultaneously articulating the mounted display unit 103 towards the traveler in view of ensuring that it is positioned correctly for optimal viewing. The adjustment of the display is made possible by the articulated telescopic rod 104 which includes ball and socket joints 105 that allow it to pivot and extend according to the traveler’s position.

[0031] An ultrasonic sensor 107 is provided on the plate 101 to measure the height of the traveler. The ultrasonic sensor 107 works by emitting high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the traveler and return to the sensor 107 for allowing to calculate the distance between the sensor 107 and the traveler. From this data, the microcontroller determines the traveler’s height accurately. The height detection is essential because this allows the device to adjust the display unit’s position based on the traveler’s stature in view of ensuring that the screen is positioned at an appropriate height for easy viewing.

[0032] A microphone 108 is integrated into the plate 101 to record the speech of the traveler. The microphone 108 aids in facilitating communication between the traveler and the device by enabling to detect the traveler’s spoken language. When the traveler approaches the device and begins interacting with it, the microphone 108 picks up their speech, processing the sound and transmitting it to the device’s processing unit. The microphone 108 is highly sensitive which is capable of picking up speech from a reasonable distance for ensuring that the microphone 108 capture the traveler’s voice clearly, even in environments with background noise typical of busy terminals. This ensures that the device effectively understand and respond to the traveler’s voice commands for providing a personalized and efficient interaction.

[0033] The microphone 108 detects the language being spoken by the traveler and using speech recognition module integrated with artificial intelligence, the device analyzes the speech input to identify the language. The artificial intelligence powered device is trained to detect and differentiate between various languages, thus allowing it to automatically adjust the display unit’s language settings to match that of the traveler. This adjustment significantly enhances the user experience by ensuring that the traveler receives information in their preferred language, promoting accessibility and ease of use. For example, if the traveler speaks Spanish, the device instantly recognize the language and switch the display unit’s interface to Spanish, making all information, including journey details, recommendations, and instructions, available in that language. This is particularly valuable in multicultural and international terminals where travelers from diverse linguistic backgrounds pass through.

[0034] In the event that the microphone 108 does not detect any speech from the traveler, a speaker 109 which is also mounted on the plate 101, is activated. The speaker 109 serves as an auditory prompt for encouraging the traveler to speak, if no voice input is detected. The device instructs the traveler in a friendly and polite tone to provide a voice command or ask a question to trigger the device’s language detection feature. For example, if the traveler is silent or hesitant, the speaker 109 prompts them with a message like, “Please speak your preferred language for assistance,” or “Can you tell me your language so that I assist you better?” This prompts the traveler to engage with the device for ensuring that the device remains interactive and responsive even if the initial input is not detected. The speaker 109, therefore, ensures that the device maintains its functionality and serves as a reminder for the traveler to provide input for preventing the device from remaining idle and ensuring that the traveler receives assistance in their preferred language.

[0035] A QR (Quick Response) code scanner 110 is integrated into the plate 101 for scanning and interpreting QR codes that travelers use for a variety of purposes, such as digital tickets, boarding passes, or other forms of identification that contain relevant travel data. QR codes are increasingly used in modern travel and ticketing methods due to their efficiency and ability to store a wide range of information in a compact, scannable format. The QR code scanner 110 works by emitting a LED (Light Emitting Diode) light onto the QR code, and then capturing the reflected light. The code is then decoded and processed by the microcontroller which interprets the data stored in the code and provides actionable information.

[0036] The QR scanner 110 streamlines the traveler’s experience at the terminal. Upon scanning the traveler’s ticket or other relevant QR-coded documentation, the device quickly retrieves and display essential details. These details include the traveler’s journey information, such as flight or train schedules, gate numbers, check-in times, or other travel-related notifications. The scanner 110 is used to access personalized recommendations based on the traveler’s demographic information, which are inferred from the QR code or entered by the traveler. The device then uses this data to offer customized suggestions for restaurants, shopping areas, or other services within the terminal that are of interest to the traveler. For example, if the traveler’s ticket indicates that they are flying to a specific destination, the device offers restaurant suggestions that cater to cuisines from that region, or shopping options based on popular products from the destination country.

[0037] To further assist the traveler in the scanning process, a holographic projection unit 111 is mounted on the plate 101. The projection unit 111 projects a visual guide for displaying helpful images or instructions that guide the user on how to position their ticket or QR code for optimal scanning. This is particularly useful for travelers who are not familiar with QR code scanning or who are in a rush and unsure of where to hold their ticket for the scanner 110 to work effectively. The holographic projection unit 111 show arrows, symbols, or other visual cues indicating the correct position for the ticket, making the scanning process intuitive and reducing the likelihood of errors or delays. The use of holographic projections ensures that travelers, regardless of their experience with digital means quickly and easily scan their tickets without confusion.

[0038] Once the ticket is successfully scanned and the data is processed, the display unit 103 immediately activates to present the traveler with relevant details and suggestions. These include journey information such as the traveler’s scheduled departure, updates on potential delays, gate information, or boarding instructions. For example, based on the traveler’s profile, the device suggests a nearby coffee shop if the traveler is in a rush, or a souvenir shop if they are looking to purchase gifts before their flight. The device offers location-based guidance, such as indicating the nearest restrooms, lounges, or ATM machines for enhancing the convenience and efficiency of the traveler’s experience.

[0039] In addition to this, the display unit 103 is developed to accept direct input from the traveler regarding their preferences, such as their budget. By entering their budget into the device, the traveler refines the suggestions the device offers for ensuring that recommendations for dining, shopping, or accommodations are tailored to their financial constraints. For example, if a traveler sets a specific budget limit, the device filter available options and provide only those services or accommodations that fall within the inputted budget. This functionality is especially valuable in busy terminal environments, where travelers have limited time and want to receive customized suggestions that match their personal preferences. The display unit 103 uses real-time data to dynamically adjust and refine its recommendations which creates a more personalized experience that enhances the convenience and relevance of the services provided.

[0040] Herein, the device is developed to provide personalized recommendations based on both the traveler’s demographic information and their travel details. If there is a mismatch between the traveler’s demographic details such as nationality or language and their departure location, the device prompts the traveler to choose which information to prioritize either the departure location or demographic details before displaying relevant suggestions. For example, if a traveler arriving from China selects a food option, the device initially suggests nearby Chinese restaurants. However, if the traveler’s demographic profile indicates they speak Japanese, the device suggests Japanese restaurants instead. The device analyzes the traveler’s seat and class information from the flight to determine their economic status using machine learning protocols. This allows the device to offer suggestions for restaurants, shopping, or other services that fit the traveler’s budget, such as recommending premium options for business-class passengers or more budget-friendly options for economy class passengers.

[0041] The device is also capable of customizing suggestions based on age. For example, if the traveler’s age is detected to be that of a child, the device recommends nearby toy shops. In cases where demographic information is not available, the device default to using travel details to make suggestions. However, demographic information is always prioritized over travel details when both are available. If the device is unable to accurately match preferences based on either parameter demographic or travel information, the traveler is given the option to bypass both parameters and manually input their preferences. The device then update its recommendations based on the traveler’s input, ensuring a personalized and customized experience.

[0042] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device 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 device.

[0043] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular vertical plate 101 equipped with multiple suction cups 102 to mount the plate 101 on the floor of the terminal as disclosed in the prosed invention. Initially, as the traveler’s approach, the proximity sensor detects their presence, triggering the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106 to capture and process images in the surrounding area. The ultrasonic sensor 107 measures the traveler’s height, and the display unit 103, mounted on the articulated telescopic rod 104 with ball and socket joints 105 to adjust to an optimal position for the traveler. The touch-enabled display unit 103 then activates, offering personalized services. The microphone 108 detects the traveler’s speech by identifying the spoken language and adjusting the display unit’s language accordingly. If no speech is detected, the speaker 109 prompts the traveler to speak. Meanwhile, the QR code scanner 110 is ready to scan the traveler’s ticket, with the holographic projection unit 111 providing visual instructions to guide the traveler through the scanning process. Once the ticket is scanned, the device displays relevant details such as journey information, restaurant suggestions, shopping options customized to the traveler’s demographic, and accommodation options within the specified distance. The device accepts input regarding the traveler’s budget, refining suggestions to match the provided parameters.

[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. , C , Claims:1) A traveler assistive device, comprising:

i) a rectangular vertical plate 101 having a plurality of suction cups 102 arranged along a bottom edge of said plate 101 to enable vertical mounting of said plate 101 on a floor of a terminal frequented by travelers;
ii) a touch enabled display unit 103 mounted on said plate 101, by means of an articulated telescopic rod 104, to display information to said travelers;
iii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 106, installed on said plate 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said plate 101, in synchronisation with a proximity sensor embedded on said plate 101, to determine a traveller in front of said plate 101 and in near proximity of said plate 101 to trigger a microcontroller to record said display unit 103 to switch on and said rod 104 to articulate said display unit 103 towards said traveller, as per height of said traveller detected by an ultrasonic sensor 107 provided in said plate 101;
iv) a microphone 108 provided on said plate 101 to record speech of said traveller to detect spoken language and accordingly set language of said display unit 103 to said language for convenience of said traveller, wherein a speaker 109 provided on said plate 101 is actuated to prompt said traveller to speak if no speech is detected; and
v) a scanner 110 disposed on said plate 101 to scan a ticket of said traveller, wherein a holographic projection unit 111, mounted on said plate 101, projects images to guide said user regarding scanning of said ticket, wherein based on scanned ticket captured by said scanner and demographic information captured via said imaging unit, details including restaurant suggestions, shopping suggestion, are provided via said display unit 103.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display unit 103 accepts input from said traveller regarding budget of said traveller to revise suggestions to be as per inputted budget.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller prioritizes said demographic information over ticket details and in case said microcontroller is not able to identify the demographic information, the suggestion is displayed based on the ticket details.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rod 104 comprises a motorized ball and socket joints 105 at the ends of said rod 104 for enabling articulation.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said scanner 110 is a QR (quick response) code scanner 110.