WO2022058953A1

WO2022058953A1 - Fully automated dispensing mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2022058953A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/058495
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pravin Singh
Original assignee: Pravin Singh
Priority date: 2020-09-17
Filing date: 2021-09-17
Publication date: 2022-03-24

Abstract

An automatic dispensing system (1) includes a measurement module (2) and a dispenser (4). The measurement module (2) receives and processes a dispensing trigger (3) related to a quantity of one or more products to be dispensed, and measures the quantity of one or more products to be dispensed. The dispenser (4) is coupled to the measurement module (2), and dispenses the product measured by the measurement module (2). The dispensing trigger (3) is generated based on authentication of the person and for a quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for, or based on authentication of the person and payment of the quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for.

Description

FULLY AUTOMATED DISPENSING MECHANISM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to a dispensing mechanism. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an automated dispensing mechanism for commodities and products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the current world, for buying commodities and products, generally people have to go either to neighborhood shops or super markets. These super markets are run utilizing the human resource which is involved in stock maintenance, accounting, client support, etc., which total up to a huge expense for any company who is managing it. If such human resource involvement is substantially reduced than it may lead to a good cost saving by these companies, who can eventually push forward this cost saving to the end consumers to offer substantial discounts, which shall eventually help them to compete well with ecommerce platforms. Lesser involvement of human resources may also help to achieve error free processes.

Additionally, the ration dispensing system also faces challenges while dispensing rationed commodities to the beneficiaries. Primary challenges are due to involvement of human resources, more specifically the distribution channels. Generally, due to lack of accountabilities and authentications, there is always deficiencies while distributing the rations to the beneficiaries. Hence, it is desired to have a mechanism for distributing or retailing out the commodities and goods with least involvement of human resources, with a proper mechanism for authentication of beneficiaries or receivers of the commodities or goods.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a dispensing mechanism which is enabled to dispense goods or commodities with minimum human involvement and with a proper mechanism for authentication of buyer or receiver of the commodities and goods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is achieved by an automatic dispensing system, as claimed in claim 1.

The automatic dispensing system includes a measurement module, and a dispenser. The measurement module receives and processes a dispensing trigger related to a quantity of one or more products to be dispensed, and measures the quantity of one or more products to be dispensed. The dispenser is coupled to the measurement module, and dispenses the product measured by the measurement module. The dispensing trigger is generated based on authentication of the person and for a quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for, or based on authentication of the person and payment of the quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for.

According to one embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, the system includes an authentication module which receives an authentication data related to a person, matches the authentication data from a lookup table from a database for authenticating the person, and further looks up from the lookup table to determine an eligible quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for, and generates the dispensing trigger based on the eligible quantity. This embodiment provides for a full proof mechanism to determine how much quantity should be dispensed for each of the authenticated person.

According to another embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, the system includes an authentication module receives an authentication data related to a person, matches the authentication data from a lookup table from a database for authenticating the person, and further looks up from the lookup table to determine an eligible quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for, and generates a list of eligible quantity of products for the authenticated person. The system further includes a display, an input module, and a payment module. The display receives and displays the list of eligible quantity of products for the authenticated person. The input module receives a quantity input related to one or more of the products displayed on the display, wherein the quantity input should be less than or equal to the eligible quantity of the product. The payment module receives and processes the quantity input, and enable payment based on the quantity input, and on receiving the payment, generates the dispensing trigger. This embodiment, not only provides for a full proof mechanism to determine how much quantity should be dispensed for each of the authenticated person, but also provides a mechanism to enable payment before moving ahead to make automatic dispensing.

According to yet another embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, wherein the authentication module is a first electronic card reader adapted to read the authentication data encoded onto an electronically readable card. This embodiment provides for an automatic mechanism for authentication without any human involvement. Removal of human involvement reduces clerical errors and processing time during the dispensing of the products, and also prevents pilferages. It also helps in removing any malpractices involved during distributions involved in rationed products.

According to one embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, the system includes an identification module which receives and processes at least one of a human recognition data, and identifies the person, wherein the human recognition data is either an image of person or a biometric data. The authentication module authenticates the identified person to be rightful holder of the electronically readable card or any other physical card holding the authentication data. This embodiment reduces misuse of authentication cards or data, and further enables dispensing of goods only to the rightful owner or beneficiary of the products to be dispensed.

According to another embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, the system includes a second electronic card reader placed in proximity to the dispenser, which reads electronic data related to the dispensing trigger and processes the electronic data and sends the dispensing trigger to the measurement module. The dispensing trigger is either written onto the electronically readable card or issued onto an electronically readable token by either the authentication module or the payment module. This embodiment further helps in managing the dispensing of the products at the right time. In an environment where the authentication module or payment module are placed far away, it shall take time for the beneficiary to reach to the dispenser, and if the dispensing of the goods start before, he reaches, some part of the dispensed product may go for a waste. This embodiment helps to regulate the dispensing of the products only when the person is in proximity to the dispenser, and when he/she is ready for receiving the product to be dispensed. According to yet another embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, wherein each dispenser is provided with separate second electronic card readers. This embodiment is further helpful in scenario where multiple products are to be dispensed. In this case, each product is only dispensed when the beneficiary is near to each of the dispenser from which he is to receive the products. This shall help in reducing wastage of products from each of the dispensers.

According to one embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, the system includes a transaction database connected to at least one of the identification module, the authentication module, the payment module, the measurement module, the dispenser, the second electronic card reader, or combination thereof, and receives and stores an activity information related to activities performed by each of the connected modules. This embodiment helps to keep track of every transaction carried out by various modules of the system, which shall be helpful later on for any kind of audit purposes.

According to another embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, wherein the transaction database is connected on a computer network to a central database which is connected to multiple transaction database, and syncs with the central database at a predefined time intervals or in real time. This helps in reducing manual labor to collect all the data back to the server. Also, such syncing of data at the earliest can provide various insights for the whole distribution system networks involving many automatic dispensing systems in the network. According to yet another embodiment of the automatic dispensing system, the system includes one or more sensors onto the dispenser or in proximity to the dispenser and at least able to generate a sensor data determining presence of one or more container for dispensing products, quantity of product which can be hold by a space available inside the container, or combination thereof. The dispenser processes the sensor data and dispenses the product measured by the measurement module accordingly. This embodiment further helps in reducing any possible wastage of the products, which may have occurred due to wrongful placement of the containers or wrong sized placement of the containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an automatic dispensing system involved in the dispensing of goods and/or commodities.

FIG 2 illustrates a schematic of diagram of a computer network environment where multiple modules of the automatic dispensing system is connected to a transaction database, and the dispensing system is connected to a central server.

FIG 3 shows a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of the automatic dispensing system having multiple dispensers along with a kiosk for identification, authentication, payment and issuance of tokens according to one implementation of the invention.

FIG 4 shows a schematic representation of another exemplary embodiment of the automatic dispensing system having a single dispenser along with a kiosk for identification, authentication, payment and issuance of tokens according to one implementation of the invention. FIG 5 illustrates a flow diagram for an exemplary embodiment of a method of dispensing goods/ commodities using the automatic dispensing system.

DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

The invention illustrates a system which dispenses required quantity of commodities or goods to the Individuals after establishing their identity through prescribed multiple possible modes like National UID, PAN card, Face Recognition, Biometrics, Passwords, Mobile OTP or PIN or any other identification document or mechanisms. It is pertinent to be noted that in an embodiment where a smart card is used, the smart card also holds information regarding each individual’s eligibility for a quantity of the quantity to be dispensed. According, the system ensures that only the selected commodity in selected quantity is dispensed to the bona fide individuals. Accounting of the stores collected from central warehouses and dispensed through this system is also automatically maintained using the dispensing system. It facilitates collection and accounting of payment through cash or various digital modes. In one embodiment, where the system is mobile, it is integrated with GIS thereby location tracking, time stamping and location stamping of events/ transactions is ensured. All transactions are captured and recorded in the system, and as well in a central database.

Various technical features of the automatic dispensing system are further illustrated through FIG 1. The automatic dispensing system 1 includes various modules, namely, an identification module 15, an authentication module 5, a display 10, an input module 11, a payment module 13, a measurement module 2, and a second electronic card reader 17, which cooperates together to dispense the required amount of quantity of goods/commodities to a bona fide person. The automatic dispensing system 1 also has a transaction database 19, as illustrated in FIG 2, which is synced with above-mentioned modules, so as to collect records of all the transactions, including keeping record of the quantity of each of the goods or commodity dispensed to each of the individual, the quantity of goods/commodities dispensed or remaining in a particular dispensing device, quantity of each goods/commodities dispensed by all dispensers at a particular time period, all the payment and accountancy related data, etc. Further functioning of the system 1 is explained below.

The Identification module 15 establishes the identity of the individual through multiple options available, so as to establish the identity beyond doubt. The identification module 15 receives and processes a human recognition data 16, and identifies the person is bona fide or not. The human recognition data 16 is either an image of person or a biometric data. The other options for human recognition data can be can be Unique Passwords, PIN, Mobile OTP, etc. The biometric data can be fingerprints or Iris information which can be captured through a biometric reader. The image of the person can be captured using an integrated camera provided with input module 15. The captured image shall be further used for facial recognition of the person to identify the person.

Once the person is identified, further the person is authenticated using the authentication module 5. In the current embodiment, an authentication data 6 is encoded onto an electronically readable card 14. The authentication module 5 is a first electronic card reader which is enabled to read authentication data from the electronically readable card 14. The authentication module processes the read authentication data 6 by matching the authentication data 6 with a lookup table 7 which it fetches from a database 8 stored in a local memory 24. Once authenticated, the authentication module 5 further looks up from the lookup table 7 and determines an eligible quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for, and generates a list 9 of eligible quantity of products for the authenticated person. In alternate embodiment, the authentication module 6 can be a smart card reader enabled to read authentication data 6, such as national identification, like Aadhar number, Ration card number, Voter ID number, Social Security Number, PAN Number, embedded on smart card, or a OCR reader which is enabled to read any other prescribed document as approved by the authorities like Paper Based ID Card, PAN Card, Driving license, voter ID or passport as applicable. It is pertinent to be noted that in an alternate embodiment, the identification module 15 is not required, rather the system 1 just authenticates the person and his eligibility of goods to be dispensed using the authentication module 5.

Once the list 9 is generated it is further sent to the display 10 which displays the list 9 of eligible quantity of products for the authenticated person.

Further, the input module 11 is enabled to receive a quantity input 12 related to one or more of the products displayed on the display. The quantity input 12 should be less than or equal to the eligible quantity of the product.

Thereafter, the payment module 13 receives and process the quantity input 12, and to enable payment based on the quantity input 12, and on receiving the payment, generates and writes/embeds an electronic data 18 related to the dispensing trigger 3. In one embodiment, the payment module 13 may directly raise dispensing trigger 3 and send it to the measurement module 2, without any need for writing the electronic data 18 pertaining to it. In yet another embodiment, where the payment is not required to be made, rather all the eligible persons are dispensed the good directly based on there eligibility, or where the payment is settled later at the server, the payment module 13 may not be required, and the authentication module 5 may directly raise the trigger 3 for the eligible quantity of the goods. In such scenario, no display 10, or input module 11 are required.

It is pertinent to be noted that the input module 11 and payment module 13 are regularly coupled to the display 10. This helps in proper selection of the commodities and the quantities which the person shall like to get dispensed. The display 10 displays the unit price of the item selected and the total sum payable of each based on the quantity selected and grand total of the bill amount is displayed.

The payment module 13 may further enable collection of due amounts through multiple possible modes of payment like cash and other digital payment options. The payment module 13 may further provide receipt of the financial transaction and the list of goods and quantities to be dispensed. The payments made may further be accounted in a backend database. The ledger maintenance and accounting at the system level can also be integrated in the payment module 13. In one embodiment, the accounting may be carried out by a separate module which may be placed separately and in communication with the payment module 13. In another embodiment, the module for accounting may be placed onto a server, and the accounting shall be carried out when the system syncs with the server to update the server with all the transaction carried out by the dispensing system 1 in a predefined time frame. In yet another embodiment, this syncing can be real-time if the communication coupling in the server and the payment system is established and stable.

Further, the person collection the goods shall couple the electronically readable card 14 with the second electronic card reader 17 which placed in proximity to the dispenser 4. On coupling of the card 14, the second electronic card reader 17 reads the electronic data 18 related to the dispensing trigger 3 from the card 14 and processes the electronic data 18 and sends the dispensing trigger 3 to the measurement module 2. It is pertinent to be noted that in one embodiment, where the payment module 13 is not present, the electronic data 18 can be written onto the card 14 by the authentication module 5, and for that it needs to have both reading and writing capabilities. In another embodiment, the electronic data 18 can be written on a separate token, and not onto the card 14. This is specifically significant in the cases where the card 14 are document-based card, and has no capabilities to get electronic data written. In another embodiment, where the dispensing trigger 3 is directly sent by either payment module 13 or the authentication module 5, the second electronic card reader 17 is not required. This is specifically possible where the whole dispensing system is compactly placed and the authentication module 5 and the payment module 13 are placed in very close proximity to the dispenser 2.

Once the measurement module 2 receives the dispensing trigger 3, it processes the trigger 3, and measures a quantity of one or more products to be dispensed. Further, one or more sensors 21 placed onto the dispenser 4 or in proximity to the dispenser 4 generates a sensor data 22 determines presence of one or more container for dispensing products, quantity of product which can be hold by a space available inside the container, or combination thereof. In case, if only one dispenser is used for multiple goods, the sensors may even detect that another completely empty container is kept or not, and dispenses the goods/commodities only after such determination. In furtherance, the dispenser 4 processes the sensor data 22 and dispenses the product measured by the measurement module 2. In one embodiment, the sensors 21 are not provided, and the dispenser 4 is directly coupled to the measurement module 2, such that after measuring of the quantity of the product, the dispenser 4 dispenses the goods without further delay.

The measurement module 2 has an integral weighing and measurement mechanism which is integrated with silos of the dispenser, in a manner such that the hatchet of the dispenser opens only after the measurement is carried out and for only as long to dispense the selected commodity in only as much quantity that has been measured. The dispensation can be carried out through multiple modes like, from separate hatchets for separate commodities in immediate manner that is immediately after measurement of the goods or in sequential / random order from separate hatchets on validation of the electronic data 18 by the second electronic card reader 17 of the respective hatchet or from multiple nozzles integrated through a single hatchet which dispenses based on single reading of the electronic data 18 data from the card 14 by the second electronic card reader 17 on the hatchet. In one embodiment, the silos are further connected to a measurement zone, such that the goods or commodity is pushed to the measurement zone in a controlled fashion, such that once the specified quantity to be dispensed as per the dispensing trigger 3 has reached to the measurement zone, flow of the goods/commodity is stopped from silos and thereafter the goods/commodities from the measurement zone are dispensed through the nozzle. In one embodiment, storage for dispensing may not be silos, rather any other storage mechanism can be used according to particular goods and commodities, storage mechanism of each of the goods and commodities, or measurement mechanism of each of the goods/commodities. In another embodiment, separate measurement zone may not be required, rather measurement mechanism can be fitted inside the silos itself which may calculating in real time while dispensing the goods/commodities, and once the particular amount of the goods/commodities are dispensed, the hatchet is closed. It is pertinent to be noted that the system 1, as shown in FIG 1 has both data coupling and functional coupling. The data coupling is those where the data is transferred between one processing module to another. While, the functional couplings are those where a functional trigger is sent from one processing module to another one.

The functional couplings shown in the system 1 are as follows:

• Between identification module 15 and the authentication module 5, where one the identification is completed, the identification module 15 triggers authentication module 5 to start authentication.

• Between display 10 and input module 11, where as soon the list 9 of the eligible quantity of products is displayed on the display 9, the input module 11 is triggered for receiving the inputs to select the quantity of the products.

• Between measurement module 2 and dispenser 4, where as soon the measurement module measures the quantity of product to be dispensed, the dispenser 4 is triggered to dispense the product.

The data module are as follows:

• Between local memory 24 and the authentication module 5 to pass on lookup table 8.

• Between the authentication module 5 and the display 9 to display the list 9 of eligible quantity of products.

• Between input module 11 and the payment module 13 to transfer the quantity input 12. Between the second electronic card reader 17 and the measurement module 2 to transfer dispenser trigger 3.

• Between sensor 21 and the dispenser 4 to transfer sensor data 22.

• Between the Electronically readable card 14 and the authentication module 5 to enable reading of the authentication data 6.

• Between the Electronically readable card 14 and the payment module 13 to enable writing of the electronic data 18.

• Between the Electronically readable card 14 and the second electronic card reader 17 to enable reading of the electronic data 18.

The entire system maybe encapsulated in a ruggedized cabinet which is aesthetically and ergonomically designed to facilitate smooth functioning, easy access, and sustainability in the rough rural conditions/ terrain. The mountings are designed to facilitate transportation over long distances under bad road conditions also such that the subassemblies are not damaged, or their functionality is not hampered.

The system may include all or some of the below components for efficient functioning of the system. The mentioned components are significant where the implementation of a system is to be carried out for ration distribution, which has to be given to bona fide beneficiaries.

• Smart Card: A a customized smart card shall be issued to each beneficiary, and accordingly is an important component of the system. This personalized card would be either a single or multi interfaced system which will store the personal data and transaction data of the beneficiary. The card will have a Chip, Magnetic Strip and RFID or a combination of any of these data interchange. This card is a key component in establishing the identity and authenticate the beneficiary. The software to support the smart card operations would be a bespoke development tailormade for specific authentication.

• Smart Card Reader: The system will have integrated smart card readers for contact and contactless reading/ writing of data from the smart cards held with the beneficiaries.

• Fingerprint Reader: The system will have an integrated fingerprint reader which will establish the identity of the individual by matching it with the database. National UTD based authentication will be done through this.

• Touch Panel: The system will have an integrated touch panel screen for users interaction with the backend system and database. This will also facilitate digital modes of payment.

• Camera: The system will have the integrated camera to capture the image of the beneficiary.

Thermal Printer: The system will have an integrated thermal printer for generating receipts of transactions. Money Collection and Dispensing Subsystem: The system will have an integrated subsystem for collection of due amounts and return of balance to beneficiary if applicable.

• Subsystem for opening and closing of hatchet: The system will have an integrated subsystem for opening and closing of the hatchet of the silo for the designated duration to ensure that only the correct quantity of the selected commodity is dispensed.

• Weighing Scales/Measurements: The system will have integrated digital weighing scales or any other kind of measurement mechanisms, as required for each kind of goods/commodities, so as to ensure the correctness of the quantity of selected commodity to be dispensed by the system.

• Dispensing Assembly: Specifically designed dispensing assemblies integrated with the payment confirmation system, weighing scale and the silos are coupled in such a manner to facilitate auto dispensation and options to integrate with bigger silos should there be a requirement. These assemblies would consist of the nozzles, hatchets, weighing nodes, controllers, RFID readers and the software applications for seamless working and accounting. The hatchets and silos would be designed to be tamper proof and alarm system and messages to the designated persons will be sent in case of tampering attempts if any. Casing Mounting and Encapsulation: The system will be ergonomically designed, and all subcomponents and subsystems will be aesthetically housed within a ruggedized cabinet to ensure ease of access and usage.

FIG 2 shows a schematic of diagram of a computer network environment where multiple modules, namely, the second electronic reader 17, the identification module 15, the payment module 13, the authentication module 5, the dispenser 4, and the measurement module 2 are connected to the transaction database 19 which is stored in the local memory 24 of the dispensing system via a local processor 26. Every transaction carried out by these modules are stored in the transaction database 19. In further, the computer network has also a central processor 23 coupled to the local processor 26 such that both of them syncs in real time or in a predefined time interval to receive all the transaction data from the transaction database, and which is further stored into a central database 20 stored in a central memory 25 connected to the central processor 23. This transaction data is further useful for any backend settlement, audit, or stock conciliation, etc. of the automatic dispensing system is connected to a transaction database, and the dispensing system is connected to a central server. The computer network is enabled using a communication module which ensures connectivity to the internet and delivers the required bandwidth for the system to work. The modules and the transaction database 19 are designed for hybrid functionality to ensure that the system is not hostage to the internet availability and continues to function even if the internet access is not available. The authentication module 5 and the payment module 13 are designed to work in a hybrid manner so as to deliver the designed functionality even in the absence of internet and sync up with the master database as soon as the internet is available. The communication module can support GSM/3G/4G/5G/WiFi Hotspots/ LORAWAN. FIG 3 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the dispensing system having multiple dispensing nozzles of multiple dispenser 4 provided attached with a kiosk having identification module 15, authentication module 5, payment module 13 and token issuance module 27. Please note that all the modules are not shown in the representation, and only modules which shall be appearing to the person using the kiosk are shown. It shows five different good/products are being dispensed through five different dispensers 4 through five different nozzles. Adjacent to the dispenser 5, a kiosk is attached which has four different modules presented. Three of the modules are the same which were detailed in FIG 1, i.e., Identification module 15, Authentication module 5, and Payment Module 13. The token issuance module 27 is provided additionally which shall issue RFID enabled token which has capacity to hold data. The token issuance module 27, as per the eligibility of the beneficiary/consumer, and the payment made shall write data regarding amount of a particular goods/commodity is to be dispensed. The token issuance module 27 may issue different tokens for each of the dispenser 4, or it may issue one token for all types of goods/commodities. When the consumer engages the token to a particular second electronic reader 17, the reader reads the data, and identify the quantity of goods/commodities to be dispensed, and further initiate the dispensing of the goods/commodities. If only one token is issued, the same token has to be reengaged to other readers 17 too for dispensing the goods/commodities. In one embodiment, where the authentication is carried out through a SMART card already issued to the beneficiary by the authorized authority, then such token issuance module is not required, or shall not be involved in the goods dispensing process.

FIG 4 shows a schematic representation of another embodiment of the dispensing system having a single nozzle of a dispenser along with a kiosk having identification module 15, authentication module 5, payment module 13 and token issuance module 27. All the elements of this implementation are same with respect to FIG 3, except that it has single reader 17 and single nozzle for all the goods/commodities to be dispensed. In this implementation, the beneficiary/consumer has to engage the token only once with the reader 17, and the reader 17 shall read quantity of each product to be dispensed, and accordingly it shall activate dispensing of the goods/commodities one by one in a predefined fashion. In one embodiment, where only one goods/commodity is to be dispensed than multiple silos are not required.

FIG 5 illustrates a process flow carried out while goods/commodities are being dispensed by the dispensing system according to one embodiment of the system. The process steps are as follows:

In first step 101, identification of the individuals approaching for dispensing of goods/services is carried out. Individuals desirous of obtaining ration approach the system and are identified by the identification system through Facial Recognition, Biometrics, National UTD or any other prescribed document as approved by authorities to establish the identity of the individual.

In second step 102, authentication of individuals approached for dispensing of goods/commodities is carried out. Individuals having been correctly identified will authenticate themselves through a valid smart card and insert the card in the reader or place it near the contactless reading machine. There are other options for authentication also provided like he will select like- National UTD/ PIN/ Mobile OTP or any other valid document as approved by authorities. In third step 103, selection of goods/commodities is carried out by the individual. Once authenticated, the touch panel of the system will display the commodities available and the entitlement of the beneficiary (if applicable). The beneficiary then can make the selection of the commodities and the quantities on the touch panel. Once the choice is confirmed, the total amount payable will be displayed.

In fourth step 104, payment processing shall be carried. The beneficiaries will be presented options of making payment through multiple possible modes like cash/ digital/ Credit/Debit Card.

In fifth step 105, accounting of payment is carried out. The payment made by the beneficiary will be accounted for, and in case of cash, the due currency notes and coins will be accepted and balance if any will be automatically returned by the system.

In sixth step 106, dispensing of goods/commodities shall be carried out. Once the payment has been received and accounted for, the hatchets of respective silos will open and dispense the desired quantity in weight/volume as purchased. And once done, the hatchet of the silos will close. Dispensing assembly is integrated with the silos, in a manner such that the hatchet of the dispensing assembly opens only after the confirmation of payment and for only as long to dispense the selected good/commodity in only as much quantity that has been paid for. The dispensation can be carried out through multiple modes like, from separate hatchets for separate commodities in immediate manner that is immediately after payment or in sequent! al/random order from separate hatchets on validation of the RFID card data by the designated RFID reader of the respective hatchet or from multiple nozzles integrated through a single hatchet which dispenses based on single reading of the RFID data from the card by the reader on the hatchet. In one embodiment, the Smart Card issued to a beneficiary or the consumer, which is used for authentication purpose, has the RFID tag bearing the RFID card data. In an alternate embodiment, where a separate authentication mechanism is used, one or more token shall be issued to the beneficiary/consumer after payment. Such token can be either manually issued or issued by one of the modules integrated to the system. Accordingly, in certain embodiment, there is a pre-step to the sixth step, where the beneficiary/consumer taps or engages the Smart card or token to the RFID reader for enabling the dispensing of goods/commodities. In another embodiment, where any other authentication mechanism different from the smart card is used, another pre step of issuing an RFID enable token is present, where the tokens are issued after making the payment, and the token are either issued manually issued or issued by one of the modules integrated to the system.

In seventh step 107, accounting of goods/commodities dispensed is carried out. The dispensed goods/commodities will be accounted for by printing a receipt from the system for the beneficiary and recording the detail of transaction in the central database. All transactions will be recorded on the smart card.

List of Reference Numerals

1 System

2 Measurement module

3 Dispensing Trigger

4 Dispenser

5 Authentication module/ First electronic card reader

6 Authentication data

7 Lookup table

8 Database

9 List of eligible quantity of products

10 Display

11 Input module

12 Quantity input

13 Payment module

14 Electronically readable card

15 Identification module

16 Human recognition data

17 Second electronic card reader

18 Electronic data

19 Transaction database

20 Central database

21 Sensor

22 Sensor data

23 Central Processor

24 Local Memory

25 Central Memory

26 Local Processor 7 Token Issuance module

101 Identification

102 Authenti cati on

103 Selection of commodities/goods 104 Payment

105 Accounting of Payment

106 Dispensing of commodities

107 Accounting of commodities/goods dispensed

Claims

CLAIMS I/We claim:

1. An automatic dispensing system (1) comprising:

- a measurement module (2) adapted to receive and process a dispensing trigger (3) related to a quantity of one or more products to be dispensed, and to measure the quantity of one or more products to be dispensed; and

- a dispenser (4) coupled to the measurement module (2), and adapted to dispense the product measured by the measurement module (2), wherein the dispensing trigger (3) is generated based on authentication of the person and for a quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for, or based on authentication of the person and payment of the quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for.

2. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

- an authentication module (5) adapted to receive an authentication data (6) related to a person, to match the authentication data (6) from a lookup table (7) from a database (8) for authenticating the person, and further looking up from the lookup table (7) to determine an eligible quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for, and to generate the dispensing trigger (3) based on the eligible quantity.

3. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 1 comprising:

- an authentication module (5) adapted to receive an authentication data (6) related to a person, to match the authentication data (6) from a lookup table (7) from a database (8) for authenticating the person, and further looking up from the lookup table (7) to determine an

25 eligible quantity of one or more products the person is eligible for, and to generate a list (9) of eligible quantity of products for the authenticated person;

- a display (10) adapted to receive and display the list (9) of eligible quantity of products for the authenticated person;

- an input module (11) adapted to receive a quantity input (12) related to one or more of the products displayed on the display, wherein the quantity input (12) should be less than or equal to the eligible quantity of the product; and

- a payment module (13) adapted to receive and process the quantity input (12), and to enable payment based on the quantity input (12), and on receiving the payment, adapted to generate the dispensing trigger (3).

4. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the authentication module (5) is a first electronic card reader adapted to read the authentication data (6) encoded onto an electronically readable card (14).

5. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 1 to 4 comprising:

- a identification module (15) adapted to receive and process at least one of a human recognition data (16), and to identify the person, wherein the human recognition data (16) is either an image of person or a biometric data, wherein the authentication module (5) is adapted to authenticate the identified person to be rightful holder of the electronically readable card (14) or any other physical card holding the authentication data (6).

6. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 1 to 5 comprising: - a second electronic card reader (17) placed in proximity to the dispenser (4) adapted to read electronic data (18) related to the dispensing trigger (3) and to process the electronic data (18) to send the dispensing trigger (3) to the measurement module, wherein the dispensing trigger (3) is either written onto the electronically readable card (14) or issued onto an electronically readable token by wither the authentication module (5) or the payment module (13).

7. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 6, wherein each dispenser (4) is provided with separate second electronic card readers (17).

8. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 1 to 7 comprising:

- a transaction database (19) connected to at least one of the identification module (15), the authentication module (5), the payment module (13), the measurement module (2), the dispenser (4), the second electronic card reader (17), or combination thereof, and to receive and store an activity information related to activities performed by each of the connected modules.

9. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the transaction database (19) is adapted to be connected on a computer network to a central database (20) which is connected to multiple transaction database (19), and adapted to sync with the central database (20) at a predefined time intervals or in real time.

10. The automatic dispensing system (1) as claimed in claim 1 to 9 comprising:

- one or more sensors (21) onto the dispenser (4) or in proximity to the dispenser (4) and at least able to generate a sensor data (22) determining presence of one or more container for dispensing products, quantity of product which can be hold by a space available inside the container, or combination thereof, wherein the dispenser (4) is adapted to process the sensor data (22) and to dispense the product measured by the measurement module (2) accordingly.

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