WO2020115567A1

WO2020115567A1 - Offline vending machine

Info

Publication number: WO2020115567A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/052871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rajarshi PRATTIPATI
Original assignee: Prattipati Rajarshi
Priority date: 2018-12-04
Filing date: 2019-04-08
Publication date: 2020-06-11

Abstract

A method and system for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) using electronic payment means, the vending machine (140) having a communication interface (230). Communication session is established between the vending machine (140) and an internet enabled device (110). Further, requesting inventory of items present in the vending machine (140) and selecting one or more items from the inventory of items by internet enabled device (110). Token is generated by severer (310) for allowing the vending machine to dispense the one or more items after validating the token.

Description

OFFLINE VENDING MACHINE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an offline vending machine that allows users to perform online transactions to pay for items, through a mobile phone or other internet enabled device.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Vending machines are well known devices employed at various locations to store and dispense a vast array of merchandise, including beverages, snacks, video tapes and children's toys, in response to a customer request and appropriate payment. Vending machines provide numerous benefits to customers and operators alike. Vending machines typically provide customers with the convenience of self-service and twenty four-hour access. Likewise, operators benefit from the ability of vending machines to make automated sales of merchandise to customers, often at unconventional locations and times of day, without substantial labor costs.

[0003] For paying the items purchased, a vending machine includes a payment module, and the payment process may be implemented in different ways. The payment module is connected to the control unit via the control interface. When paying with cash, a cash amount is usually first the payment module fed, after which the payment module is the vending machine, a corresponding signal, and the vending machine releases a selected commodity. Then the purchase price of the supplied amount of money is deducted and any balance may be output from the payment module or to purchase one additional goods to the vending machine used.

[0004] The selection of goods may in principle take place before or after supplying the amount of money. The sale is always only complete when the payment module receives payment or sufficient amount of money for the selected product has been supplied previously. [0005] Currently, cashless transactions are mostly conducted with electronic payments such as payment cards or mobile payments instead of physical banknotes or coins are becoming more prevalent, customers tend to carry less physical banknotes or coins with them. As such, these customers face difficulties when they wish to purchase products from traditional vending machines that only accept physical banknotes or coins. These traditional vending machines are not able to accept electronic payments since they are“stand-alone” units that are not connected to an electronic payment network

[0006] It is common for a vending machine to be serviced by an individual to restock the vending machine with the elements that are dispensed therefrom. To minimize unnecessary costs, many vending machines now have an internal communication circuit through which the vending machine reports vending machine data, such as sales, inventory, and status to a remote location. Examples of such systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,181,981 and 5,207,784.

[0007] In the above mentioned systems, subsequent developments in communication circuit included TCP/IP interfaces on vending machines, but have still required a landline connection between the remote location and the vending machine. A more recent evolution in the vending machine world is the use of a cellular communication circuit that communicates vending machine data wirelessly through a cellular network to a remote location. This however, requires that the vending machine be positioned in a place that has cellular coverage.

[0008] Although the above prior art describes the wireless vending machine, the said vending machine system remains silent about online transactions to pay for items, through a mobile phone or other internet enabled device.

[0009] Accordingly, there is a need of system and method for wireless vending machine where payment may be made through mobile phone or internet enabled device.

[0010] There is a need of system and method for wireless vending machine where payment may be made through mobile phone or internet enabled device. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0011] The general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an offline vending machine where users are performing online transactions through a mobile phone or internet enabled device.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives and to fulfill the identified needs, in one aspect, the present invention provides an offline vending machine where user performs online transactions for the items where requested transaction is validated by server.

[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for dispensing items through a vending machine using electronic payment means. The method includes establishing a communication session between the vending machine and an internet enabled device of a user and requesting an inventory of items present in the vending machine. The method further includes selecting one or more items from the inventory of items, the said item being selected by the user by inputting in the application on the said internet enabled device.

[0014] Upon selection of the item, the method includes requesting a server to generate a token for allowing the vending machine to dispense the said one or more items and to issue the said token when the user makes a payment for the said item vide electronic payment means, sending the token to the internet enabled device, wherein the internet enabled device transmits the token to the vending machine, and dispensing the item from the said vending machine upon receipt of the token.

[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the said communication session is established by a wireless transmission or a wired transmission.

[0016] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the said wireless transmission is at least one of RFID, ad hoc network, ultrasonic, Bluetooth, Infra red, and NFC. [0017] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the internet enabled device is selected from a mobile phone, a laptop, a palmtop and personal digital assistant.

[0018] In an aspect of the present disclosure, loading the vending machine with plurality of items, the said method includes sending a request for unlocking the said machine through an authorized internet enabled device, validating a machine ID sent by the vending machine in response to the said request, the said validation being done by the server, allowing access to the vending machine upon successful validation, loading the inventory of items in the said vending machine, providing item IDs of the loaded inventory of items to the said server, and updating the list of inventory present in the vending machine, the updation being done on the said server.

[0019] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the method of generating the token includes issuing an invoice on receipt of request of the selected one or more items, and allowing the user to pay against the said invoice through the electronic payment means.

[0020] In an aspect of the present disclosure, wherein the electronic payment means includes at least one of electronic wallet payment, card payment means, and internet banking means.

[0021] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the said vending machine comprising a plurality of items stored therein, and the vending machine is capable of dispensing an item of purchase of a user, the said vending machine includes a processor and a module capable of executing instructions.

[0022] In an aspect of the present disclosure, system for dispensing items through a vending machine using electronic payment means, the said vending machine provided with a communication interface 230. The said system includes, an internet enabled device provided to a user, wherein the internet enabled device includes an application software configured to display inventory of items present in the vending machine and to allow the user to select an item of purchase from the displayed inventory of items. A server is included in the system for receiving a request for dispensing the item, allowing the user to pay for the item using electronic payment means, and generate a token when the user pays for the item using the electronic payment means, wherein the said token is transmitted to the vending machine via the internet enabled device, and the said vending machine dispenses the selected item on receipt of the token.

[0023] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the wireless vending machine is adapted to work in conjunction with cloud computing environment.

[0024] This together with the other aspects of the present invention along with the various features of novelty that characterized the present disclosure is pointed out with particularity in claims annexed hereto and forms a part of the present invention. For better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified objective attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram for the implementation offline vending machine, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 2 illustrates a the hardware architecture of the offline vending machine;

[0028] Fig. 3 illustrates a process of accepting payment and dispensing goods by the offline vending machine;

[0029] Fig. 4 illustrates a process of loading the offline vending machine using an authorized mobile device; [0030] Fig. 5 illustrates schematic diagram an offline vending machine system;

[0031] Fig. 6 illustrates a method for dispensing items through a vending machine using electronic payment means; and

[0032] Fig. 7 illustrates a method for loading items to the vending machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0033] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0034] The terms“a” and“an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0035] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.

[0036] The term“network” relates a network of computing devices which are capable of communicating with each other via the internet.

[0037] The term“electronic devices” relates to computing devices such as mobile phones, smart phones, laptops, desktops, tablets and the like. [0038] The present invention relates to an offline vending machine system and method. The said systems and methods shall now be explained in conjunction with Figs. 1-7.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown a schematic for the implementation of the offline vending machine system. There is shown system 100 comprising mobile/intemet enabled device 110, a communication network 120, a wireless network 130, a vending machine 140, a cloud computing environment 150, a web server 151, an application server 152 and a data storage unit 153.

[0040] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the user mobile/internet enabled device includes a display screen, an input/output unit and a processor capable of executing instructions for accessing or sending request to web server and application server.

[0041] In an embodiment, the wireless vending machine system may be embodied as a standalone application program or as a companion program to a web browser, for example, as a companion program to web browser or other type of web browser having messaging and storage capabilities. In a web browser embodiment, the wireless vending machine system uses the messaging and storage capabilities of the web browser to provide vending of items.

[0042] That is, the wireless vending machine system may provide a consistent user interface independent of merchant and service provider. While certain embodiments are described in which wireless vending machine system and method are implemented, it will be appreciated that one or more acts or functions of the vending machine may be performed by hardware, software, or a combination thereof, as may be embodied in one or more computing systems.

[0043] In an embodiment, the exemplary system 100 includes a user 101, the cloud computing environment 150, and the user device 110 associated with a user 101. The user device 110 may be a personal computer, mobile device, (for example, notebook computer, tablet computer, netbook computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), video game device, cellular telephone, smartphone, or other mobile device), or other appropriate technology that includes or is coupled to a web browser module.

[0044] In an embodiment, the web browser of the mobile/intemet enabled device 110 may interact with web servers 151(or other computing devices) connected to the network 120, such as web server 151 of the service provider system of the cloud computing environment 150.

[0045] In an embodiment, the user device 110 also includes an application installed in interned enabled device. The exemplary internet enabled device may interact with the web server 151 application or may be embodied as a companion application of the web browser application.

[0046] In an embodiment, the internet enabled device 110 also includes a data storage unit 153 accessible by application installed in internet enabled device 110. The data storage unit may include one or more tangible computer-readable storage devices. The data storage unit may be stored on the internet enabled device 110 or may be logically coupled to the user device 110. For example, the data storage unit may include on-board flash memory and/or one or more removable memory cards or removable flash memory.

[0047] In another implementation, “swipe to select” feature (or just

“swipe”) refers to a user's action implemented on his internet enabled device 110 in which he quickly brushes his finger on the touch screen (or other input device associated with the internet enabled device 110). From the user's perspective, when the user is within range, a pre-installed mobile application automatically connects to the offline vending machine through connection unit (550).

[0048] In an embodiment, user 101 may interact with offline vending machine through wireless network 130. Further preferably, the wireless communication network is RFID, ad hoc network, ultrasonic, Bluetooth, Infra red, and NFC. [0049] In an embodiment, user request is transferred to the cloud based server through the communication network 120. Further preferably, the communication network is wifi,3G, 4G, GPRS and zigbee.

[0050] In another embodiment, user request may be transferred to the centralized server through the communication network 120.

[0051] Now referring to Fig. 2 a block diagram of an offline vending machine 140 according to some embodiments is shown. The vending machine 140 include, for example, a clock, a timer, a detector, a wireless communication interface 230, at least a RAM, at least a ROM, an electromechanical dispenser mechanism and a storage unit. According to some embodiments, the vending machine 140 may be configured to perform and/or facilitate processes in accordance with embodiments described herein. The vending machine 140 may for example, be utilized to offer benefits in exchange for customer e-mail addresses, receive customer e-mail addresses, transmit promotional messages via e-mail to customers, dispense products, and manage customer accounts.

[0052] In an embodiment, the vending machine 140 may include the processor 250 that may be or include any type, or configuration of processor that is known. The processor 214 may include, for example, an Intel® IXP 2800 network processor or an Intel® XEON™ processor coupled with an Intel® E7501 chipset. In some embodiments, the processor 250 may include multiple inter-connected processors, microprocessors.

[0053] In an embodiment, the processor 250 coupled to the clock and the timer and to the wireless communication interface 230 through which the processor 250 communicate with mobile/intemet enabled device.

[0054] In an embodiment, the processor 250 is coupled to other components of the vending machine 140 such as the inventory database, transaction database input and output device 280 and electromechanical dispenser mechanism 290. [0055] In an embodiment, the vending machine 140 includes the inventory storage and dispensing mechanism 290. The inventory storage and dispensing mechanism 290. Product inventory storage and product dispensing functions of the vending machine 140 configured in accordance with a snack machine embodiment may include (i) a drive motor, (ii) metal shelves, (iii) a product delivery system (e.g., a chute, product tray, and/or product tray door), (iv) dual spiral (dispensing rods, (v) convertible shelves and a refrigeration unit.

[0056] In an embodiment, inventory storage and distribution functions of the vending machine 210 configured in accordance with a beverage machine embodiment may include one or more conventional components, including: (i) metal and/or plastic shelving, (ii) product dispensing actuators/motors, (iii) product delivery chutes, and/or (iv) a refrigeration unit.

[0057] In another embodiment, the program 201 may be stored in a compressed, un-compiled or encrypted format. The program 201 furthermore may include program elements that may be generally useful, such as an operating system, database management system device drivers for allowing the processor 250 to interface with computer peripheral devices and the various components of the vending machine 140.

[0058] In another embodiment, the instructions of the program 201 may be read into a main memory (not explicitly shown) of the processor 250 from another computer-readable medium like from a ROM 270 to a RAM 260. Execution of sequences of the instructions in the program 201 may cause the processor 250 to perform the process steps described herein.

[0059] In another embodiment, hard-wired circuitry or integrated circuits may be used in place of in combination with software instructions for implementation of the processes described herein.

[0060] In another embodiment, the data storage device 200 may also be operative to store one or more databases, files, tables, containing information such as (i) inventory database 202 and transaction database 203. These databases and other databases (not shown) may also or alternatively store information associated specifically with customer accounts and information useful in the management thereof. Product redemption codes or identifiers, account rules or parameters, account transaction history data, third party data, and other metrics are stored to facilitate the management of customer accounts via the vending machine 140.

[0061] Referring to Fig. 3, illustrates a process of accepting payment and dispensing goods by the offline vending machine. The process begins by sending service request by mobile/internet enable device to the vending machine 140, where vending machine sends item list/inventory list to the user mobile/internet enable device.

[0062] In an embodiment, item selection is done by user mobile/internet enabled device after getting item list from the vending machine. Payment server 310 is adapted to send the bill amount the user mobile/internet enable device and confirms the amount.

[0063] In an embodiment, after confirmation of amount by the payment server it sends payment request to the user mobile/internet enable device. Further, user confirms payment and payment server sends key/token to the user mobile/internet enable device.

[0064] In an embodiment, key/token is submitted by the user mobile/internet enabled device to the vending machine by wireless communication upon receiving of key/token by vending machine it dispense the selected item.

[0065] Referring to Fig.4, illustrates a process of loading the offline vending machine using an authorized mobile device. The process begins with sending unlock request by authorized mobile 410 to the vending machine 140. Further, vending machine 140 sends machine ID of the vending machine along with inventory list to the authorized mobile 410.

[0066] In an embodiment, authorized mobile 410 requests for the access key of the vending machine 140 from the payment server 310. [0067] In an embodiment, payment server 310 provide access key to the authorized mobile 410. Further, authorized mobile 410 request access to vending machine after providing access key to the vending machine 410.

[0068] In an embodiment, vending machine 140 allow access to the authorized mobile 410 and vending machine provides transaction history and updated inventory to the authorized mobile 140.

[0069] In an embodiment, payment server provide key dictionary to the authorized mobile 410. Further, authorized mobile upload key dictionary to the vending machine 140.

[0070] In an embodiment, vending machine 110 sends dictionary hash to the authorized mobile 410. Further, payments server 310 confirms the dictionary and loading of vending is completed.

[0071] Now referring to Fig. 5, illustrate a block diagram of vending machine system. There shown system 100 comprising mobile/intemet enabled device 110, the communication network 120, the wireless network 130, the vending machine 140, and the payment server 150,.

[0072] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the user mobile/internet enabled device 110 includes a display screen, an input/output unit and a processor capable of executing instructions for accessing or sending request to payment server.

[0073] In an embodiment, the vending machine 140 communicates with mobile/internet enabled device 110 through wireless network 130.

[0074] In an embodiment, the user selects the item from the list of inventory provided by the vending machine 140 to the user mobile/internet enabled device

110. [0075] In an embodiment, user mobile/internet enabled device 110 having preinstalled application of the vending machine system 100.

[0076] In an embodiment, user mobile/internet enabled device 110 communicates through payment server 310 via communication network 120.

[0077] In an embodiment, payment server 310 is adapted to execute the plurality of requests regarding vending machine by the user.

[0078] In an embodiment, payment server 310 having stored data of all transactions, customer detail, inventory history, updated inventory and ID of all inventory.

[0079] In an embodiment, vending machine 140 having exit gate 510 through which selected item is dispensed to the customer.

[0080] In an embodiment, vending machine 140 having plurality of tray for accommodating inventory items like snacks, water bottle and beverages.

[0081] In an embodiment, vending machine 140 having lock mechanism

540 controlled by the processor 250 provides access to the authorized person.

[0082] In an embodiment, vending machine 140 having connecting unit 550 through which mobile/internet enabled device is connected by wireless communication.

[0083] Now referring to Fig.6, Fig 6 illustrates a method for dispensing items through a vending machine using electronic payment means. At step 610, a communication session between the vending machine 140 and internet enabled device 110 is established. At step 620, user is requesting an inventory of items present in the vending machine. At step 630, list of item of inventory is displayed on the screen of internet enable device 110.

[0084] At step 640, item is selected by the user from list of inventory, the said item being selected by the user by inputting in the application on the said internet enabled device 110. At step 650, user is requesting the server to generate a token for allowing the vending machine to dispense the said one or more items.

[0085] At step 660, server 330 is sending the token to the internet enabled device, wherein the internet enabled device transmits the token to the vending machine at step 670, and dispensing the item from the said vending machine upon receipt of the token.

[0086] Now referring to Fig.6, Fig 6 illustrates a method loading the vending machine by authorized person. At step 710, sending a request for unlocking the said vending machine through an authorized internet enabled device. At step 720, validating a machine ID sent by the vending machine in response to the said request, the said validation being done by the server.

[0087] At step 730, allowing access to the vending machine upon getting access key. At step 740, loading the inventory of items in the said vending machine, providing item IDs of the loaded inventory of items to the said server, and updating the list of inventory present in the vending machine, the updation being done on the said server.

[0088] The present invention systems and methods are unique and novel.

The present systems and methods are capable of providing wireless vending machine system. The present systems and methods are offline vending machine that allows users to perform online transactions to pay for items, through a mobile phone or other internet enabled device.

[0089] Further, present invention systems and methods provide vending machine without having a persistent connection to the payment server, thus reducing the need more power source at vending machine end.

[0090] Moreover, present invention having mobile enabled payment system eliminating the need of cash collecting hardware module and cash verifying module at the vending machine. Above mentioned feature makes vending machine of the present invention compact, economical and easy to use at different locations. [0091] The system, as described in the disclosed teachings or any of its components, may be embodied in the form of a computer system. Typical examples of a computer system include a general-purpose computer, a PDA, a cell phone, a programmed microprocessor, a micro-controller, a peripheral integrated circuit element, and other devices or arrangements of devices that are capable of implementing the steps that constitute the method of the disclosed teachings.

[0092] The computer-based data processing system and method described above is for purposes of example only, and may be implemented in any type of computer system or programming or processing environment, or in a computer program, alone or in conjunction with hardware. The present invention may also be implemented in software stored on a computer-readable medium and executed as a computer program on a general purpose or special purpose computer. For clarity, only those aspects of the system germane to the invention are described, and product details well known in the art are omitted. For the same reason, the computer hardware is not described in further detail. It should thus be understood that the invention is not limited to any specific computer language, program, or computer.

[0093] In a computer system comprising a general-purpose computer, such may include an input device, and a display unit. Specifically, the computer may include a microprocessor, where the microprocessor is connected to a communication bus. The computer may also include a memory. The memory may include Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM). The computer system further includes a storage device, which may be a hard disk drive or a removable storage drive such as a floppy disk drive, optical disk drive, and the like. The storage device may also include other, similar means for loading computer programs or other instructions into the computer system.

[0094] The computer system may include a communication device to communicate with a remote computer through a network. The communication device may be a wireless communication port, a data cable connecting the computer system with the network, and the like. The network may be a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN) such as the Internet and the like. The remote computer that is connected to the network may be a general-purpose computer, a server, a PDA, and the like. Further, the computer system may access information from the remote computer through the network.

[0095] It is further contemplated that the present invention may be run on a stand-alone computer system, or may be run from a server computer system that may be accessed by a plurality of client computer systems interconnected over an intranet network, or that is accessible to clients over the Internet. In addition, many embodiments of the present invention have application to a wide range of industries. To the extent the present application discloses a system, the method implemented by that system, as well as software stored on a computer-readable medium and executed as a computer program to perform the method on a general purpose or special purpose computer, are within the scope of the present invention. Further, to the extent the present application discloses a method, a system of apparatus configured to implement the method are within the scope of the present invention.

[0096] 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 scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) using electronic payment means, the said vending machine (140) having a communication interface (230), the method comprising:

establishing a communication session between the vending machine (140) and an internet enabled device (110) of a user;

requesting an inventory of items present in the vending machine (140);

displaying the inventory of items in an application installed on the said internet enabled device (110);

selecting one or more items from the inventory of items, the said item being selected by the user by inputting in the application installed on the said internet enabled device (110);

requesting a server (310) to generate a token for allowing the vending machine (140) to dispense the said one or more items and to issue the said token when the user makes a payment for the said item vide electronic payment means;

sending the token to the internet enabled device (110), wherein the internet enabled device (110) transmits the token electronically to the vending machine (140); and

dispensing the item from the said vending machine (140) upon receipt of the token.

2. The method for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication session is established by a wireless transmission or a wired transmission.

3. The method for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wireless transmission is at least one of RFID, Bluetooth, Infra red, and NFC.

4. The method for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the internet enabled device (110) is selected from a mobile phone, a laptop, a palmtop and personal digital assistant.

5. The method for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) as claimed in claim 1 comprising loading the vending machine (140) with plurality of items, the said method of loading comprising,

sending a request for unlocking the said machine through an authorized internet enabled device (410),

validating a machine ID sent by the vending machine in response to the said request, the said validation being done by the server (310),

allowing access to the vending machine (140) upon successful validation, loading the inventory of items in the said vending machine (140),

providing item IDs of the loaded inventory of items to the said server (310), and updating the list of inventory present in the vending machine (140), the updation being done on the said server (310).

6. The method for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method of generating the token includes issuing an invoice on receipt of request of the selected one or more items, and allowing the user to pay against the said invoice through the electronic payment means.

7. The method for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the electronic payment means includes at least one of electronic wallet payment, card payment means, and internet banking means.

8. A vending machine (140) for dispensing items using electronic payment means, the said vending machine (140) comprising a plurality of items stored therein, the vending machine capable of dispensing an item of purchase of a user, the said vending machine comprising:

a processor (250); and

a module (200) capable of executing instructions as claimed in claims 1-7.

9. A system for dispensing items through a vending machine (140) using electronic payment means, the said vending machine (140) provided with a communication interface (230), the said system comprising:

an internet enabled device (110) provided to a user, wherein the internet enabled device (110) comprises an application software configured to display inventory of items present in the vending machine (140) and to allow the user to select an item of purchase from the displayed inventory of items; and a server (310) for,

receiving a request for dispensing the item,

allowing the user to pay for the item using electronic payment means, and generate an electronic token when the user pays for the item using the electronic payment means, wherein the said token is transmitted to the vending machine (140) via the internet enabled device (110), and the said vending machine (140) dispenses the selected item on receipt of the token.