WO2023053141A1

WO2023053141A1 - An automatic modular product disburser and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2023053141A1
Application number: PCT/IN2022/050871
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anjali Patil
Original assignee: Anjali Patil
Priority date: 2021-09-30
Filing date: 2022-09-30
Publication date: 2023-04-06

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system (100) comprising an end customer (104) operating a user device (106) and using an ID token (108), and a merchant (110) operating a billing system (112). The Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) is used to dispense wet or dry items such as food products to end customers. The end customer provides at least one end customer input related to their order details to the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) by using their smart device (106) or an ID token (108). Thereafter, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) dispenses the desired product based on the received order details. The end customer's order details are stored on at least one of the smart device (106) or the ID token (108), and can be communicated to at least one of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) and the billing system (112) for completing payment for the products.

Description

An automatic modular product disburser and method thereof

The field of invention generally relates to product dispensers. More specifically, the invention relates to an automatic product dispensing device with in-built intelligence that automatically dispenses different types of products, provides inventory management and interacts with billing system at retail stores.

The threat around plastic pollution reported consistently from multiple organizations such as Ellen MacArthur Foundation, World Economic Forum, United Nations Environment program etc. A major contributor of the plastic waste comes from the retail packing. Every year over 13 million tons of plastic leaks into oceans endangering marine life. Microplastics pose a huge problem, and a solution is needed to stop their flow into oceans. Further, in cities, managing plastic waste is also a burden. Although recycling does help to a small extent, it accounts for only about 10% of the waste generated, while the remaining plastic waste is still unmanaged. Hence, there is a dire need to develop ways and methods to reduce such plastic pollution.

In the current retail and FMCG sector, FMCG products are typically shipped to retailers by enclosing multiple individual product units in a container, such as a carton, box, or a single use plastic bag. For example, canned foods may be shipped to a retailer in a box containing multiple individual cans. Then, the retailer removes the individual product units from the container and presents them to consumers for sale. The end consumer buys the product in the plastic bag or bottle, consumes the product and discards the outer plastic container without worrying about how the plastic waste is managed.

For bulk product dispensing, some systems use food dispensing machines with coin/money operated technologies such as vending machines. Numerous prior art vending machines are known for selling or vending diverse products through an automated or ‘self-service’ format. They typically include illuminated, visual displays that include touch screen interfaces. However, the disadvantage of these machines relates to their cumbersome and “mechanical” appearance. Further, these machines only eliminate the need of a human in assisting the sale of the product. Such machines only dispense products still packaged in an individual single use material like plastic, which is not environment-friendly.

Currently, existing systems include manual dispensing equipment, apart from providing low hygiene, which make it cumbersome to measure the quantity taken by the customer, especially if they have bought a container with significant weight to collect the product. Additionally, existing systems do not succeed in providing hygienic dispensing devices at retail stores with automated dispensing of different products desired by customers. These systems do not provide interaction between the dispensing device, customers and the merchants for providing an efficient shopping experience to the customers.

Other existing systems have tried to address this problem. However, their scope was limited to mechanical dispensing of products and required human intervention. Additionally, such systems do not meet hygiene standards to store and sell perishable products. Further, existing systems are independent and standalone and do not provide any communication with customers and merchants, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailer on the supply chain.

Further, existing systems do not calculate the positive impact on reducing plastic pollution, dollars spent on waste management, greenhouse gas emissions and positive impact on climate change.

Thus, in light of the above discussion, it is implied that there is a need for an automatic product dispensing device and method for dispensing different types of products which does not suffer from the problems discussed above.

Object of Invention

The principal object of this invention is to provide an automatic modular product disburser, hereafter called an Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (UADM), and method thereof that dispenses automatically different types of products at retail stores or warehouses catering to online sales, based on order details received from an end customer, either while they are present at the store or through an online e-commerce platform or any other similar transaction.

Another object of this invention is to provide an Universal Auto Disbursing Machine that dispenses products based on customer input to the product dispensing device.

Another object of this invention is to provide an Universal Auto Disbursing Machine that is modular.

Another object of this invention is to provide Universal Auto Disbursing Machines comprising conveyor belts which can be attached to form a product transport line.

Another object of this invention is to provide Universal Auto Disbursing Machines with temperature-controlled product containers.

Another object of this invention is to provide Universal Auto Disbursing Machines which can be operated by people with sight-disabilities.

Another object of this invention is to provide Universal Auto Disbursing Machines which can be operated by collecting and processing voice inputs from end customers.

Another object of this invention is to determine and provide data at various levels such as at the brand, city, state or country level, regarding the amount of savings, amount of plastic saved, greenhouse gas mitigation, number of plastics diverted/prevented from entering landfills and oceans, etc. that have a subsequent impact on climate change and bio-diversity preservation.

Another object of this invention is to provide Universal Auto Disbursing Machines which function as an IoT device, and are enabled to communicate with other UADMs used by the same FMCG manufacturer for inventory management, and sales improvement, while helping end customers make informed decisions about products they can buy.

This invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which, like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures.

The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1

illustrates a system comprising an Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 2

illustrates components of the system comprising the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 3

illustrates a method for automatic product disbursing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

illustrates a method for automatic product disbursing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

Fig. 6

illustrates a method for automatic product disbursing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Statement of Invention

The present invention discloses a system for an automatic modular product disburser, hereafter called a modular Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, and a method thereof. The system comprises a user device, at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, at least one billing system, and a location module. The user device is configured to receive input from an end customer. One or more Universal Auto Disbursing Machines are configured to comprise at least one product container. The at least one product container is configured to store at least one product, and measure the quantity of at least one stored product to be dispensed into a receptacle via a weighing platform, based on the end customer input.

In an embodiment, the receptacle is moved from one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine to another via a conveyor belt, based on the input. A billing system is configured to tally a total of one or more dispensed products in the receptacle, and generate a bill, via a billing generator, for the end customer to complete payment for the one or more dispensed products.

A packing module is configured to pack the dispensed products present in the receptacle to be shipped. A location module is configured to enable a merchant to track the location of one or more Universal Auto Disbursing Machines present in different locations.

The Universal Auto Disbursing Machine discloses a refill & reuse, IoT-based smart container which holds any product eg. shampoo, and is installed by a retailer or manufacturer in retail stores across cities. When the end customer is in the store, they instruct the container to disperse the product. The empty receptacles can be cleaned and reused by retailer or manufacturer.

As these containers can be reused, the UADM prevents the need for life-cycle management of every single plastic container of the product, which may have been bought by the end consumer.

The UADM can enable a circular consumer economy where Multinational FMCG companies rely the UADM to help them reduce use of single-use plastic. The innovation will reduce plastic waste & pollution, eliminate carbon emissions from production of plastic packaging, ensure FMCG manufacturers comply with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules and Environmental, Social and Governance ESG goals, reduce waste to be managed by city municipality, lesser leakage of micro/nano plastic particles into humans, land and oceans.

The UADMS are meant to be reused for refilling FMCG products sold in the market place. More specifically, the invention relates to an automatic product dispensing device with in-built intelligence (IoT based smart containers) that automatically dispenses different types of products, provides inventory management across the circular value chain from manufacturer (of product in the disburser) to the end customer buying the product that is dispensed, interacts with billing system at retail stores, provides data regarding amount of single-use plastic(or other single-use material saved), amount of greenhouse gas emissions mitigated, at various levels such as –

– savings by the FMCG brand in the city, state, country,

- savings by all brands in within a city, state or country.

The UADM dispensers will be interconnected and collect various information regarding the product sold, inventory management across value chain, customer buying history, plastic savings and greenhouse gas emissions savings made and as a result of this it will also calculate the economic gains made.

The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and/or detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

The present invention discloses a system comprising an end customer operating an automatic modular product disburser, hereafter called an Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, to dispense wet or dry items FMCG products such as food products to end customers. The end customer provides at least one end customer input related to their order details to the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine by using their smart device or an ID token. Thereafter, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine dispenses the desired product based on the received order details. The end customer’s order details are stored on at least one of the smart device or the ID token, and can be communicated to at least one of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine and the billing system for completing a payment for the products.

illustrates a system 100 comprising an Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102, in accordance with an embodiment.

The system 100 comprises an end customer 104 operating a user device 106 and/or using an identification (ID) token 108, and a merchant 110 operating a billing system 112, which communicate using a communication network 114.

The end customer may provide one or more pre-determined inputs comprising order details which are recorded on one or more of their user device 106, complete the payment for the same at the billing system 112, and thereafter approach each desired product dispenser 102 to collect the desired products. Alternatively, the end customer may approach each desired product dispenser 102, record their desired order details on one or more of their user devices 106 and ID token 108 while collecting their desired products, and thereafter approach the billing system 112 to complete the payment.

illustrates components of the system 100 comprising the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 is hereinafter called Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102. The Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 is used to dispense wet or dry items such as FMCG products or food products to end customers. The end customer provides at least one end customer input related to the end customer’s order details to the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 by using their smart device 106 or the ID token 108. Thereafter, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 dispenses the desired product based on the received order details.

In an embodiment, the end customer’s order details are stored on at least one of the smart device 106 or the ID token 108, and can be communicated to at least one of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 and the billing system 112. In an embodiment, the order details comprise one or more product name, product quantity, product price, end customer name, end customer account id, etc.

In an embodiment, the ID token 108 is a form of a recording device which may comprise an RFID chip or similar technology. The ID token 108 may be provided to each end customer to uniquely identify them. The ID token 108 may be used at one or more Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102, to record the order details of the end customer, comprising the type and quantity of products dispensed/bought by the end customer.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 is an IoT device and multiple Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102 can function together at a single or multiple locations of a merchant’s store.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 is modular such that multiple Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102 can function together to fulfil an end customer’s order details. The Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102 may comprise a conveyor belt which enables an end customer’s product receptacle to be passed from one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 to another, to complete the end customer’s order.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 comprises a product container 204, a weighing platform 206, an I/O module 208, a location module 210, a controller 212, a communication unit 214 and a memory unit 216.

In an embodiment, the product container 204 comprises a reusable storage container for storing the product. The product container 204 may be configured to collapse from a 3-dimensional configuration to a 2-dimensional configuration for ease of storage and saving storage space. The product container 204 may be configured to be air-tight and water-tight, to prevent leakage of liquid products as well as preventing moisture from entering the product container 204.

In an embodiment, the weighing platform 206 is positioned under the product container 204. The weighing platform 206 comprises a weighing scale for measuring a weight of a receptacle placed by the end customer on the weighing platform 206. Further, the weighing platform 206 comprises the conveyor belt which can transport the receptacle between two or more Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102. As an example, the conveyor belt may be used for bulk packing of products in case of multiple Universal Auto Disbursing Machines located in warehouses.

In an embodiment, the weighing platform 206 comprises a shelf space for allowing the end customer to place/deposit their empty receptacle. The weighing platform 206 resets the weighing scale to zero, before the product is disbursed, to account for the weight of the receptacle. Further, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 dispenses the product into the empty receptacle.

In an embodiment, the I/O module 208 is comprised within the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102. The I/O module 208 comprises at least one of a touch panel, touch screen, display, keypad, number pad, microphone, speaker, tactile smart Braille surface, scanner, camera, etc.

In an embodiment, the I/O module 208 is used to receive one or more order details from at least one of: the end customer, the ID token 108 and the smart device 106. Further, the I/O module 208 is configured to communicate one or more order details to at least one of the billing system 112, the smart device 106, and one or more external servers 202.

In an embodiment, the location module 208 comprises at least one of a Global Positioning System (GPS), wi-fi, magnetometer, inertial navigation, and other related technologies to determine a location of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102. Further, the location module 208 can track the location of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 from the warehouse to the merchant’s store. Additionally, the location module 208 is configured to periodically track and communicate the location of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 to the billing system 112 and the external server 202. Thus, the dispensed product quantities and product inventory may be tracked at individual locations of each Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102.

In an embodiment, the controller 212 provides the end customer with an electronic shopping cart for adding products related to their order detail.

In an embodiment, the controller 212 enables at least one function comprising billing, processing end customer data, updating product inventory of a retailer, distributor and product manufacturer. Additionally, the controller 212 may recommend products to the end customer based on the end customer’s past shopping history.

In an embodiment, the controller 212 is configured to calibrate the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102, based on units of measure (UoM) of various types of products. As an example, a Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 may dispense products such as rice, wheat, or oil, among others. Hence, the controller 212 may calculate and calibrate the Unit of Measure for each Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 based on the type of product dispensed.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 may be temperature-controlled by comprising one or more temperature control units such as a fan, cooler, air controller, fridge, and freezer, among others. Further, the controller 212 is configured to control the temperature of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 or the product container 204, based on the type of product being stored in the product container 204.

In an embodiment, the communication unit 214 comprises wired and wireless communication, including but not limited to, GPS, GSM, LAN, Wi-fi compatibility, Bluetooth low energy as well as NFC. The wireless communication may further comprise one or more of Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), a short-range wireless communication such as UWB, a medium-range wireless communication such as WiFi (registered trademark) or a long-range wireless communication such as 3G/4G or WiMAX (registered trademark), according to the usage environment.

In an embodiment, the memory unit 216 comprises one or more volatile and non-volatile memory components which are capable of storing data and instructions to be executed.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 may comprise multiple individual compartments in case of individually packed products such as soaps and chocolates. Additionally, the individual compartments may be customized based on one or more of product size, volume, and shape, among others.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 may enable end customers with sight disability to use the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102, by enabling one or more of a tactile braille display to provide braille outputs, and a speaker and microphone to produce and receive audio descriptions and inputs respectively.

In an embodiment, the controller 212 is configured to process one or more data from one or more of the camera, temperature control unit, and scanner, in order to determine one or more events such as an empty or near-empty product container and spillage of the product, among others. Further, the controller 212 is configured to raise one or more alerts based on the determined events.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 comprises a self-cleaning mechanism, which can be initiated based on an alert raised by the controller 212. The self-cleaning mechanism may be used for the receptacle in which the product is to be filled, and may comprise one or more of water-cleaning, air-cleaning, sterilization modules, among others.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 accepting used or store-bought containers or receptacles to collect the dispensed products.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 comprises a label printer which may be used by the end customer or the merchant upon the dispensing of products.

In an embodiment, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 comprises a packing module configured for packing/sealing which can be used by the end customer or the merchant to package or seal the dispensed product.

In an embodiment, the smart device 106 comprises a processing unit 218, a memory unit 220, a communication unit 222 and a product dispensing application 224. The memory unit 220 and communication unit 222 are similar to the memory unit 216 and communication unit 214 of the product dispenser 102.

The product dispensing application 224 may be used by the end customer to provide order details, view their shopping cart, and make payment for their orders. The provided end customer inputs may be communicated to one or more of the product dispenser 102 or the billing system 112, through one or more means such as scanning, reading a QR code or an OTP, or through regular network connections.

In an embodiment, the billing system 112 comprises a billing generator 226, a memory module 228, a communication module 230, and a dispensing application 232. The memory unit 228 and communication unit 230 are similar to the memory unit 216 and communication unit 214 of the product dispenser 102.

The dispensing application 232 comprises a code generator 234 and a billing module 236.

In an embodiment, the billing generator is configured to produce a virtual or offline bill corresponding to the end customer’s order details. The code generator 234 is configured to receive the end customer’s order details and record/communicate the same into one or more of a QR code, RFID token such as the ID token 108 or the user device 106. The end customer can further use the QR code, ID token 108 or their user device 106 to communicate their order details at the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102, through by scanning or entering the same. The billing module 236 is configured to tally a total of the dispensed products, and share the same with one or more of the billing generator 226 for creating a bill, and the external server 202 for storage or completing the payment transaction.

An example of the use of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 is as mentioned below. The product container 204 of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 is loaded with products which may be dry, wet, edible, or non-edible. Further, the product container 204 is sealed to be made air-tight to preserve the stored product. The controller 212 received one or more product information from the product manufacturer, such as date of packing, best before date, manufacturing or processing site, ingredients, technical details, and other mandatory product details. Thereafter, multiple such Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102 may be transported to assigned warehouses/merchant stores.

Further, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 may indicate or display details, brands, and labels of the product such as the name of product, packed at, expiry date, ingredients, etc, on a display comprised in the I/O module 208. The display may be configured to provide the end customer with informative videos such as the origin of the product, recipes, nutritional information, health benefits, etc.

Subsequently, the inventory system of the product manufacturer, wholesaler, and/or retailer may be updated according to the products filled in the Universal Auto Disbursing Machines. Additionally, the location module 210 within the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 tracks the location of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102. In case the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 is storing products such as milk or juice that require controlled temperatures, the temperature control unit can be set, configured and maintained by the controller 212.

Further, the location of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 is tracked from the manufacturing unit/ warehouse site to the merchant’s store. Thereafter, multiple Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102 may be stacked together and activated for disbursing and accepting orders from walk-in end customers or store staff who may pack online orders.

In particular, the multiple Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102 may be stacked together on suitable racks such that their conveyor belts are aligned for accepting bulk orders. This configuration may be suitable for a warehouse location.

In an embodiment, two or more Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 may be used to store the same product, such as a primary Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 and a secondary Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102. Advantageously, in case the primary Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 cannot fully disburse the end customer’s order, the order will be passed onto the secondary Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 which can complete the order for the end customer.

Further, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine is configured to compute the quantity of single use packaging material saved over a period of time, the greenhouse gas emissions saved from the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine and the net savings for the same. Further, the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine is configured to calculate and provide a breakdown of savings between each stakeholder, as well as cost saved from operations for each stakeholder.

As an example, a use-case of an end customer at a retail store is explained below. The end customer may enter the merchant’s store to buy products by using the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102. The end customer may enter their order details into a billing system 112 and complete the payment for the same. The billing system 112 may upload the end customer’s order details into an ID token 108 which, thereafter, is provided to the end customer. The end customer may approach and place their empty receptacle on the required Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102, and scan their ID token 108 at the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102. The Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 dispenses the product according into the receptacle to the scanned order details. Thus, the end customer can buy multiple products from multiple Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102 in this manner.

As an example, a use-case of a merchant at a warehouse is explained below. Multiple Universal Auto Disbursing Machines 102 may be attached to each other such that their conveyor belts are in sync. Further, the conveyor belt may comprise an input conveyor and an output conveyor to transport empty receptables and filled receptacles, respectively. In such a set-up, multiple orders of the same product may require to be packed, and the empty clean receptacles may be provided via the input conveyor belt. The accumulated orders of the product are fed to the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102 which fills the receptacles according to the entered product orders. The filled receptacles are covered with suitable lids and may be sealed with an eco-friendly tape for to ensure protection of the packaged products. Additionally, labels printed with details of the product may be attached to the filled receptacles. The label may display one or more required details of the product according to standard compliances. Further, the inventory and order management system are accordingly updated and made ready for dispatch to customer destination.

The Universal Auto Disbursing Machine 102, upon emptying the product container 204, may be re-filled with a new filled product container 204 or may be cleaned and the refilled. The inventory system may be updated at one or more checkpoints such as the manufacturing, warehouse, distributor or retail system.

illustrates a method 300 for automatic product disbursing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 300 comprises receiving, via a user device, an input from an end customer, at step 302. The method 300 comprises providing one or more Universal Auto Disbursing Machines configured to be connected via at least one conveyor belt, at step 304. The method 300 comprises storing at least one product in at least one product container, wherein the at least one product container is comprised in at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, at step 306. The method 300 comprises measuring the quantity of at least one stored product via a weighing platform, based on the end customer input, and dispensing the weighed product into a receptacle, at step 308. The method 300 comprises enabling the movement of the receptacle from one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine to another Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, via the conveyor belt, based on the input received, in step 310. The method 300 comprises tallying, via a billing system, a total of one or more dispensed products in the receptacle, in step 312. The method 300 further comprises generating a bill, via a billing generator, for the end customer to complete payment for the one or more dispensed products, in step 314. The method 300 comprises packing the dispensed products present in the receptacle to be shipped, at step 316. The method 300 comprises enabling a merchant to track the location of the one or more Universal Auto Disbursing Machines, at step 318.

illustrates a method 400 for automatic product disbursing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 400 comprises generating an end customer code for an end customer, as depicted at step 402. Further, the method 400 discloses receiving or reading the end customer code through an ID token or a smart device, as depicted at step 404. Thereafter, method 400 discloses receiving an empty receptacle on the weighing platform of a Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, as depicted at step 406. The method 400 then discloses receiving order details at the product dispending apparatus, as depicted at step 408. Further, the method 400 discloses determining type of the product and calculating required quantity of the product to be dispensed, from the order details, as depicted at step 410. Thereafter, method 400 discloses dispensing the product from the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine into the receptacle, as depicted at step 412.

illustrates a method 500 for automatic product disbursing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 500 discloses determining remaining product quantity in each product container, as depicted at step 502. Further, method 500 discloses communicating the determined quantity to the controller, as depicted at step 504. Method 500 then discloses raising refill alerts in case the product quantity is nil or below a predetermined level, as depicted at step 506. Further, method 500 discloses replacing the product container with a new filled product container, as depicted at step 508.

illustrates a method for automatic product disbursing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 600 discloses determining dispensed product details for each end customer code, as depicted at step 602. Further, method 600 discloses communicating the dispensed product details with the billing system, as depicted at step 604. Method 600 then discloses generating bills for the dispensed product details for each end customer code, as depicted at step 606. Thereafter, method 600 discloses communicating the generated bill to the end customer through a user device, as depicted at step 608.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the scope of the embodiments as described here.

Claims

A system (100) for a modular Universal Auto Disbursing Machine comprising:
at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) comprising:
at least one product container (204) for storing at least one product;
a weighing platform (206) configured to measure quantity of the at least one stored product to be dispensed in a receptacle, based on a received end customer input;
at least one conveyor belt configured to move the receptacle from a first Universal Auto Disbursing Machine to another Universal Auto Disbursing Machine, based on the received end customer input;
a billing system (112) configured to tally a total of products dispensed into the receptacle; and
a billing generator (226) configured to generate a bill, to complete payment for dispensed products.
The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one of:
at least one user device (106); and
at least one identification token (108), wherein at least one of the user device (106) and the identification token (108) are configured to receive and communicate end customer inputs from an end customer to the at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102).
The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a packing module configured to pack the dispensed products present in the receptacle to be shipped; and
a location module (210) configured to enable a merchant to track a location of the at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) present in different locations.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the end customer input comprises at least one of: product names, quantity of the one or more products, cost of the one or more products, end customer name, and end customer account id.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weighing platform (206) is comprised in the conveyor belt.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weighing platform (206) comprises a weighing scale for measuring weight of the receptacle, and wherein the weighing scale is reset to zero before the at least one product is dispensed, to account for the weight of the receptacle.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) comprises an I/O module (208) configured to:
receive the end customer input from the end customer; and
communicate the end customer input to at least one of the billing system (112), the user device (106), and one or more external servers (202).
The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the I/O module (208) comprises at least one of a touch panel, touch screen, display, keypad, number pad, microphone, speaker, tactile smart Braille surface, scanner, and camera.
The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the billing system (112) comprises:
a dispensing application comprising:
a code generator (234) configured to receive the input and record the input into at least one of a QR code, ID token (108) and the user device 106);
a billing module (236) configured to tally a total of the dispensed products, and share the total with at least one of the billing generator (226) for creating the bill, and an external server (202) for storage or completing the payment transaction; and
a billing generator (226) configured to generate at least one of a virtual bill or an offline bill corresponding to the end customer input.
The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a controller (212) configured to:
provide an end customer with an electronic shopping cart for adding products through the end customer input and viewing a past shopping history of the end customer;
enable at least one function comprising at least one of: billing, processing end customer data, updating product inventory of a retailer, distributor and product manufacturer;
calculate and calibrate a unit of measure for each Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) based on a type of product dispensed;
control temperature of at least one of: the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) or the product container (204), based on the type of product being stored in the product container (204);
process one or more data from the camera, a temperature control unit, a self-cleaning mechanism, and a scanner; and
determine at least one event comprising at least one of: an empty product container, near-empty product container and spillage of the product.
The system as claimed in claim 1, comprising a product dispensing application (232) configured to enable the end customer to achieve at least one of: viewing their shopping cart, making payments for the shopping cart, view savings related to single use materials or plastic in terms of weight, cost, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, biodiversity and marine life improvement.
A method for a modular Universal Auto Disbursing Machine comprising:
providing at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102),
storing at least one product in at least one product container (204);
measuring a quantity of at least one stored product to be dispensed in a receptacle, based on a received end customer input,
enabling movement of the receptacle from a first Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) to another Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102), via a conveyor belt, based on the received end customer input;
tallying, a total of dispensed products in the receptacle;
generating a bill, to complete payment for the dispensed products.
The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising receiving and communicating end customer inputs from an end customer to the at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) by using at least one of: a user device (106) and an identification token (108).
The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
packing the dispensed products present in the receptacle to be shipped; and
tracking a location of the at least one Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) present in different locations.
The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising positioning a weighing platform (206) in the conveyor belt.
The method as claimed in claim 12, comprising:
measuring weight of the receptacle by using a weighing scale; and
resetting the weighing scale to zero before dispensing the at least one product, to account for the weight of the receptacle.
The method as claimed in claim 11, comprising:
receiving the end customer input via an I/O module (208); and
communicating the input to at least one of a billing system (112), a user device (106), and one or more external servers (202).
The method as claimed in claim 11, comprising:
receiving the end customer input via a code generator (234), and recording the input into at least one of a QR code, ID token (108) and a user device (106);
tallying, via a billing module (236), a total of the dispensed products, and sharing the total with at least one of the billing generator (226) for creating the bill, and the external server (202) for storage or completing the payment transaction; and
generating, via the billing generator (226), at least one of a virtual bill or an offline bill corresponding to the end customer input.
The method as claimed in claim 11, comprising:
providing, via a controller (212), an end customer with an electronic shopping cart for adding products based on the end customer input;
enabling, via the controller (212), at least one function comprising billing, processing end customer data, updating product inventory of a retailer, distributor and product manufacturer;
calculating and calibrating, via the controller (212), a unit of measure for each Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) based on a type of product dispensed;
controlling, via the controller (212), temperature of the Universal Auto Disbursing Machine (102) or the product container (204), based on the type of product being stored in the product container (204); and
processing, via the controller (212), one or more data from the camera, a temperature control unit, a self-cleaning mechanism, and a scanner, configured to determine one or more events such as an empty or near-empty product container and spillage of the product.
The method as claimed in claim 11, comprising enabling the end customer to achieve at least one of:
viewing their shopping cart;
making payments for their shopping cart;
viewing savings related to single use materials or plastic in terms of weight, cost, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, biodiversity and marine life improvement, via a product dispensing application (232).