[0001 ] The present application claims an earlier priority date of Singapore patent application Number 10201510778R that was filed on 30 December 2015. All subject matter or content of the earlier priority application is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0002] The present application relates to one or more vending machines. A vending machine is also known as an automated retail kiosk. The application also relates to one or more methods for making, maintaining, repairing, using, installing, configuring, upgrading, removing and dismantling the one or more vending machines.

[0003] A vending machine is a machine that automatically dispenses items such as snacks, beverages, alcohol, cigarettes, and lottery tickets to customers, after receiving payment via the machine. The first modern vending machines were developed in England in the early 20 ^th century and dispensed postcards. At present, most consumers prefer to purchase goods from counters with staffs because shopping experience with the staffs is more interactive and pleasing typically. However, employing and managing the staffs require financial expenses and logistic arrangement which adds to the complexity to management and cost to venders, and eventually passes cost to the consumers.

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a new and useful vending machine. The invention also wishes to offer one or more new and useful methods for using, maintaining, repairing, controlling, upgrading, downgrading or configuring the vending machine. Essential features of the invention are provided by an independent claim, whilst preferred features are presented dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the present application provides a vending machine that comprises a holder for holding and displaying products (also known as article of trade or goods); a payment terminal connected to the holder for accepting payment associated with the products; and a grabber further connected to the payment receiver for capturing one or more of the products and delivering to the customer after receiving the payment. Alternatively, the present application provides a vending machine that comprises a holder for holding products; a grabber for fetching one or more of the products; and a payment terminal connected to the grabber for accepting payment to the products. The products include food items, drinks, general goods (e.g. camera, gold bar, toy, clothe, bags, etc.). The grabber is also known as a gripper, a mechanical arm, a fetcher, a grabbing tool, a pickup tool, a manipulator or a claw, but not a feeder. A common type of feeder is a vibratory feeder that uses vibration and/or gravity to "feed" material to a process or machine. Gravity is used to determine the direction, either down, or down and to a side, and then vibration is used to move the material. Feeders are mainly used to transport a large number of smaller objects. In a known vending machine, a feeder typically pushes aligned products so that the goods are sequentially pressed forward, following receipt of payment by the known vending machine. In contrast, the grabber gives control to a customer so that the customer is able to operate the grabber to choose, move and reject a product, empowering the customer and giving much fun to the customer. The grabber can have one or more degrees of freedom, which comprise translation, rotation or a combination of both. [0006] The grabber is configured or operable to be operated automatically and/or by a customer who makes the payment for providing, selecting, transferring and/or delivering the product to the customer. For example, the grabber includes a mechanical arm or robotic arm that has several joints for turning or twisting. The grabber further includes one or more robot end effectors (e.g. force-closure end effector). In contrast to a feeder, the grabber is operable to choose and pick one or more products from a pile of unorganised products or an array of orderly products, whether by the customer, the vending machine itself (e.g. by a computer) or both (i.e. machined aided grabbing). The grabber can be mechanically powered (e.g. by spring force), electrically powered (e.g. by electric motor), hydraulically powered (e.g. by pump), or pneumatically powered (e.g. by pressurized air). In practice, the robotic arm or robotic hand take many forms, including Cartesian robot, cylindrical robot, spherical robot or polar robot, a SCARA robot, an articulated robot, a parallel robot and an anthropomorphic robot.

[0007] The payment terminal is a payment receiver that includes coin acceptor and/or a banknote acceptor. The payment terminal is configured to receive, examine, calculate, give changes or reject various currencies automatically, whether in bank notes or coins. Similar to a cash register or a till, the payment terminal is further able to handle transaction with bank cards, debit cards, credit cards and customer loyalty cards. The payment terminal is moreover able to handle cashless or wireless transactions, whether with contactless cards or personal communication devices (e.g. mobile phones).

[0008] The vending machine provides enjoyable experience to its customers. The customers also have sense of control by using the grabber to choose and snap their purchase. For example, the vending machine provides a grabber with two fingers such that the two fingers have to be properly oriented in order to capture a desired product. The slight difficulty or challenge encourages a customer to operate the grabber skilfully so that the customer finds joy in capturing her purchase in a fun way. The vending machine also places a customer in an active role for selecting her favourite product so that the customer is empowered to choose her purchase, instead of passively waiting for a product being dropped from a feeder.

[0009] In some embodiments, the grabber comprises one or more movable branches that are able to shift linearly, rotate or twist in order to capture one or more products. The movable branches are also known as mobile extensions, which may be in the form of fingers, limbs, flaps, scoops, forks, sticks, wings, subdivisions, arms or a combination of any of these forms. The one or more movable branches are able to coordinate with each other, either directly or in directly controlled by a user or customer of the vending machine. For example, the grabber is in the form of a wired glove, dataglove or cyberglove as an input device for human-computer interaction worn like a glove. Alternatively, the grabber has two or more fingers, appendages, a pincer or a claw for capturing one or products (e.g. bottle of water). The grabber allows a customer to selectively capture one or more desired product easily, possibly from a pile of unorganised products.

[0010] The vending machine can further comprise a control unit that is connected to the grabber for operating the grabber. The control unit can be embodied by a microprocessor or microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC) or programmable controller, a single-board computer or other types of digital computer, including mobile electronic devices (e.g. tablet computer). The control unit can be hardwired or programmed to operate the vending machine automatically. For example, the control unit is programmed to cause the grabber or claw to drop down automatically in order to fetch a product, if a user has not operated the control unit (e.g. joystick, button) after forty seconds. The control unit can be reprogrammed, upgraded, debugged or replaced in order to maintain or improve service quality of the vending machine. For example, the control unit is installed with a new firmware or software when the grabber is fitted with force sensors. The force sensors give feedback pressure or force to the grabber so that the grabber will hold a fragile product (e.g. an egg) without exerting excessive force to break the product.

[001 1 ] The control unit can comprise one or more input devices accessible to a user outside the vending machine for controlling movement of the grabber. For example, the input device includes a joystick, a button, a computer mouse, a keyboard, an illuminated button, a touchscreen, a gesture recognition device (e.g. wired gloves, depth-aware cameras, stereo cameras, gesture-based controllers) or other types of computer peripherals. These diverse types of input devices, computer peripherals or user interface devices facilitate a customer to operate the grabber with confidence, precision and freedom because even a handicapped customer is able to drive the grabber according to her preferences. Some embodiment of the application facilitates a customer who can use her voice to dictate the vending machine to reach her favourite product by saying "up", "down" or "grab" to the vending machine having voice recognition capability. [0012] The control unit may comprise a haptic, acoustic or visual guide for assisting a customer to capture the products. Since the customer is able to operate the grabber, the haptic, acoustic or visual guide assist the customer to seize the product with accuracy. For example, an acoustic guide increases volume or frequency of beep when the grabber is aligned to or approaches a product of choice. A visually impaired customer is able to rely on the acoustic guide to grasp her product, without seeing the product. These various types of guide provide additional feedback to the customer, enabling the customer to operate the grabber with confidence and joy. [0013] Optionally, the guide comprises a laser pointer or a touch light for targeting or illuminating a product with colour in the holder. The laser pointer gives a distinctively visible red, green or other coloured dot on a product so that a customer can aim her product at a distance. One or more laser pointers are able to be installed on a ceiling of the vending machine, on the grabber or another place. The one or more laser pointers can further project diverse patterns (e.g. circle, square, mesh, icon) onto the product so that the one or more laser pointers additionally provide decorative images, making purchasing experience with the vending machine with more fun.

[0014] The control unit can comprise a computer installed or preloaded algorithm, configurable for assisting the customer to capture the product (e.g. playing music, interact with the customer, or entertain the customer. The algorithm (alternatively known as software programme) can be configured to retrieve a product on behalf of the customer if the customer has failed to grab the product within certain times, avoiding disappointment of the customer. The algorithm can further fine-tune the grabber for assisting a child to get her product of choice. Hence, customers of diverse competencies or capabilities can enjoy purchasing and playing with the vending machine with the algorithm, receiving invisible assistance from the algorithm.

[0015] The computer may be installed with one or more algorithms or computer programmes for configuring movement of the grabber, such as giving luck draw, or random selection. Upon recognising a returning customer (e.g. by noticing an electronic identification of a mobile phone of the customer), the vending machine offers an additional chance to the returning customer so that the customer has an extra opportunity to take a product of her choice, on top of her purchase. The one or more algorithms may be operated locally at the vending machine or remotely by a computing server.

[0016] The vending machine can further comprise one or more sensors for monitoring internal or external condition of the vending machine. The one or more sensors are a type of transducer, including tactile sensor, potentiometer, force- sensing resistor, MARG (Magnetic, Angular Rate, and Gravity) sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, flow sensor, micro-sensor, analogue sensor (e.g. force- sensing resistor), optical/light sensor, which detect various physical properties. Examples of the physical properties are light, motion, temperature, magnetic fields, gravity, humidity, moisture, vibration, pressure, electrical fields and sound. For example, the one or more sensors comprise proximity sensor, light sensor, vibration sensor, haptic sensor, etc. that give electronic signals to the control unit or computer for operating the vending machine with ease or possibly intelligence.

[0017] The vending machine may further comprise one or more display screens (e.g. LED or LCD display, optionally connected to the control unit for presenting information. For example, a display screen is mounted on a back or front panel of the vending machine. The display screen may show a welcome message to a customer or operation guideline to a customer. The display screen may further presents reward points to the customer. Together with a speaker, the display screen offers "well done!" message to the customer upon successful capture of a product of choice. When the vending machine is under repair, the display screen offers an information portal to a technician for showing technical details of the vending machine.

[0018] The vending machine can further comprise one or more cameras optionally connected to the control unit and/or the grabber for monitoring the products, the vending machine and/or the customer. The one or more cameras facilitates security surveillance, product stock monitoring and/or customer face recognition, whether remotely or locally. Multiple cameras at different places of the vending machine provides stereo view or precision view to the vending machine, preventing potential theft or recording accidents to the vending machine.

[0019] The vending machine may further comprise an electric power supply unit (e.g. UPS or uninterruptible power supply) connected to the control unit and other parts of the vending machine for powering the grabber, the control unit or any other parts of the vending machine. The electric power supply unit helps the vending machine to operate throughout a day, a week or a month, requiring no rest. The constant availability of the vending machine provides convenience and abundant choices to customers.

[0020] The vending machine can further comprise a network connector (e.g. modem, router, antenna, ethernet port, network card for wired or wireless communication, such as Wireless Local Area Network as a local area network, cellular data network, Mobile Satellite Communications or Wireless Sensor Networks) for communication with a computer locally or remotely. The network connector allows the vending machine to communicate with a remote server, a neighbouring vending machine, a servicing computer, a mobile phone or tablet computer. Operators or technician of the vending machine do not have to travel to the vending machine onsite or physically for inspecting, repairing or upgrading the vending machine. Cost of usage or operation is much reduced by adopting the one or more network connector.

[0021 ] The holder may comprise a refrigerator (e.g. fridge or freezer) for keeping heat insulation of the products and viewing. The refrigerator possibly may have a movable transparent cover that encloses or conceals products inside the refrigerator so that the products will not be heated by ambient air. The refrigerator is able to preserve products sensitive to heat, such as ice-creams, frozen meat, yogurt, milk or fruits. Products may be kept over a prolonged period of time by adopting one or more refrigerators. The vending machine or refrigerator may additionally comprise a condensate drainage, a temperature indicator (e.g. thermometer or thermocouple), a thermostat, a temperature controller or a heat insulator (e.g. air gap, cover, cap, closing panels) to keep the products within specific temperature ranges. For example, walls or panels of the vending machine are glazed doubly or triply, with vacuum or other insulating materials between neighbouring walls or panels. The heat-insulating structures (e.g. by heat insulating materials) prevents external ambient from disturbing the products, making the vending machine more self- dependent.

[0022] The holder can be detachable from the vending machine so that the holder is able to be pulled out of the vending machine for repairing or replacement. For example, the refrigerator is detachable by supporting the refrigerator on wheels or rails. The refrigerator is more conveniently pulled out of the vending machine for replenishing the products.

[0023] The holder may comprise a platform (e.g. hopper, frame, feeder) for carrying one or more of the products. The platform may be raised up, becoming more prominent to the customer or easily accessible to the grabber. The platform may further be aesthetically appealing for showing the products, making purchase with the vending machine more enjoyable and interesting.

[0024] The vending machine can include one or more cookers for heating, defrosting or cooking food items or drinks (e.g. soup). The grabber can insert and remove food items from the cooker. The cooker includes microwave oven, gas stove, induction stove or other types of cooking appliances and devices used for cooking foods. The cooker is configured to receive a customer-chosen product for cooking, and releasing a cooked product to the customer. Accordingly, customers of the vending machine have wider choices of their purchasing, either cold food or hot meals. The cooker can be thermally insulated from the refrigerator to preserve energy.

[0025] The grabber may comprise a hoist, a robotic arm, mechanical arm, Cartesian robot, a cylindrical robot, a spherical/polar robot, a SCARA robot, an articulated robot, a parallel robot and an anthropomorphic robot. The robotic arm may be configured to follow or imitate movements of a hand of the customer for fetching the product, such as a wired glove. The hoist can comprise a grasp crane (i.e. claw crane), an electromagnetic crane, an overhead crane, a mobile crane, a telescopic handler crane, a fixed crane, a tower crane, a telescopic crane, a hammerhead crane, a level luffing crane, a gantry crane, a jib crane, a loader crane, a stacker crane or a combination of any of these types of cranes.

[0026] The vending machine can further comprise one or more illuminators for lighting parts of the vending machine during night or day. The illuminators (e.g. LED light bulbs) light up the vending machine so that the vending machine is visible during night inside a dark alley or basement, even from a distance. During festive seasons, the illuminators can shine light with different colours, frequencies, patterns, on-off rhythm or luminous intensity, sometimes accompanied by music or beep sounds.

[0027] The vending machine may further comprise one or more alarms optionally connected to the control unit for sending an alarm signal (e.g. audible, visible or radio transmitted if experiencing malfunction of the vending machine or requiring assistance. The alarm signified malfunction to customers, operators of the vending machine and passing pedestrians so that timely actions may be taken. For example, when detecting vandalising by a youth, the vending machine may take photos of the youth and send alarm signals to nearby police stations for immediately action.

[0028] The vending machine can further comprise a tunnel for transferring the product from an interior to an exterior of the vending machine. The tunnel is alternatively known as a chute, non-return channel, possibly equipped with one or more sensors or counters. The sensor or counter is triggered when a purchased products glides through the tunnel, triggering the sensor or counter mounted on a bottom wall of the tunnel. For example, the sensor includes flipper or board that is pushed by the product on its way from the receptacle to the product return box. The flipper can also act as a door, preventing hot air from entering the refrigerator. [0029] The vending machine may further comprise an energy harvester that is connected to the control unit for providing electricity to the vending machine. The energy harvester includes solar panel, wind turbine power generator, light or heat reflective panels, which collect renewable energy for the vending machine. Hence, the vending machine may be placed at remote places without electric power grids.

[0030] The vending machine can additionally have a panel for displaying advertisement or blocking light or sunshine, dynamic display. The vending machine can have a microphone for voice, sound control. The vending machine can have communication interface for mobile phone control application for downloading.

[0031 ] The vending machine may have waterproof gasket, dustproof sealing, fasteners for components for sealing the vending machine. Rain, flood, dust or pest are prevented from infiltrating the vending machine, making the vending machine more robust and secure. In one embodiment, the vending machine has multiple doors for accessing the refrigerator and the control parts separately. When replenishing the products, electronic components of the vending machine are not accessible to product suppliers of the vending machine, avoiding accidental damage to the vending machine.

[0032] The vending machine can have a hopper for sorting the products, a light illumination of diverse colour or a timer for limiting duration or attempt frequencies. The number of attempts can be easily calculated by calculating how many times the grabber moves away from its initial, starting or home position. Calculation of the attempts can be programmed in firmware of the control unit (e.g. game board or PCB board). The vending machine can further have multiple grabbers (e.g. two mechanical arms) so that two customers can operate them respectively, either with competition or cooperation for fetching their products. The vending machine can have power adapter or transformers for stepping up or down voltage so that the vending machine can be used countries with different types of main electricity supply. The vending machine can moreover have one or more ventilation fans so that heat of the vending machine may be extracted by discharging hot air. Conversely, the vending machine can have suction fans at opposite locations of the ventilation fans, either for injecting fresh air or assisting heat exchange. [0033] According to a second aspect, the present application provides a method for servicing a vending machine. The method comprises a first step of examining (e.g. resetting, diagnosing, moving) a grabber or a mechanical arm of the vending machine; a second step of collecting payment from a payment terminal of the vending machine; and a third step of stocktaking products of the vending machine. Some of these steps are optionally combined or changed in sequence.

[0034] The method may further comprise a step of replenishing products to a holder of the vending machine. The method may additionally comprise a step of communicating with the vending machine electronically (e.g. via a cable locally or wirelessly, or remotely). The method may comprise another step of self-diagnosing at least one component of the vending machine. The method may comprise yet a further step of repairing one or more components of the vending machine (e.g. by replacing a damaged component). The method may once more comprise a step of taking an image of the vending machine by the customer for showing the products from another angle, capturing the products by the mechanical arm, monitoring the vending machine by an operator, sorting the products automatically or remotely.

[0035] According to other aspect for making, maintaining, repairing, using, installing, configuring, upgrading, removing and dismantling the one or more vending machines, one or more methods include providing components of the vending machine for assembling, checking quality of the components and replacing faulty components. The vending machine is able to be maintained, upgraded, repaired and transformed, providing reliable, robust and interesting purchasing experience to its customers. Multiple parties of suppliers, machine makers, retailers and customers are enabled to enjoy the vending machine, more than simply purchasing products.

[0036] Alternatively speaking, according to an additional aspect, the present application provides a vending machine that comprises a platform for showing and carrying a product, a hoist for picking the product from the platform, a control unit connected to the hoist for controlling the hoist, a payment receiver that is connected to the control unit, and a stock monitoring camera for inspecting the product. The hoist has multiple degrees of freedom. The hoist may include an industrial robot which is programmable for fetching the product according to different schemes. The platform is a holder that supports, displays or keeps the product. For example, the platform includes a storage chamber or a freezer.

[0037] The vending machine allows a user to operate the industrial robot so that the user can manage operation of the vending machine, instead of being a passive receiver of the product. In the process of operating the industrial robot, the user is entertained in his purchasing process, thus attracting more users to operate the vending machine.

[0038] The industrial robot can comprise a claw crane that can grab or release the product. The claw crane is simple, reliable and low cost such that any user can operate the claw crane intuitively, providing no burden of learning to the user.

[0039] The three degrees of freedom may comprise translation, rotation or a combination of both. The translation includes three types of motion, namely moving up and down, moving left and right, and moving forward and backward. The rotation has another three types of motion, which consist of tilting forward and backward (pitching); swivelling left and right (yawing); and pivoting side to side (rolling). Accordingly, the industrial robot is versatile for handling a wide variety of products.

[0040] The vending machine can offer a very easy grabbing process. For example, a user or customer is allowed to press a downward control button of the control unit which will instruct the grabber or claw to move downwards. Once the button is depressed, the grabber or claw will stop moving down. The user can then move the grabber or claw to its preferred position by controlling the joystick or knob. The user can press the downward button again to further move the grabber or claw downward. If position of the grabber or claw is wrong again, the user can further adjust (also known as fine-tune) the position by using the joystick till reaching a correct position for capturing the product. Once the grabber touches the product of choice, the grabber will close its fingers and retrieve the product automatically. The method or process allows the user to change the grabber's or claw's position even after the catch button has been pressed. Using this method or process, successful rate of catching a product is further enhanced, thus giving the user sense of achievement and enjoyment.

[0041 ] The vending machine can further comprise a refrigerator for preserving the product. The refrigerator is an equipment that can preserve objects (e.g. food or drinks) at a cold temperature, such as a freezer and/or fridge. For example, the refrigerator is able to preserve the product from 8°C to 16°C (above zero degree Celsius), below -18°C (below zero degree Celsius), or both. Hence, the vending machine can store and dispense chilled soft drinks, frozen food or edible products with specific temperatures.

[0042] The control unit can comprise separated input devices for controlling the claw crane. The input device include a joy stick, a button or any other tools so that both hands of a customer or multiple customers can operate the industrial robot or claw crane simultaneously.

[0043] The product may be edible or drinkable, which requires an end effector or claws of the claw crane to be hygienic. Alternatively, the end effector or a claw of the claw crane may be washable or capable of being repeatedly cleaned.

[0044] The industrial robot or claw crane may be configured to operate according to a preloaded algorithm. The algorithm may enable the vending machine to dispense the product according to payment received. The algorithm may also enable the vending machine to dispense the product according to other schemes, such as by a random choice known as lucky draw. The preloaded algorithm can further be configured to deliver the product automatically according to payment received by the payment receiver or otherwise. Additionally, the algorithm may be configured to guide an unskilled user to fetch the product easily so that the user is assured to receive the purchased within a limited number of attempts. For example, an elderly person is able to obtain the product by merely pushing a large button on the vending machine so that the vending machine can deliver the product to the elderly customer directly, with or without manipulation of the claw crane.

[0045] The control unit further can comprise a touchscreen for showing a graphic user interface. The touchscreen offers an intuitive and interactive user interface that eases the usage of the vending machine.

[0046] The vending machine may further comprise one or more illuminators for illuminating parts of the vending machine. The illuminator may provide light of different colour or shades for presenting the products more interestingly. Illumination to the product may be dynamic or static.

[0047] The vending machine can further comprise an alarm connected to the control unit for sending a signal if experiencing malfunction. Technicians or customers can thus deal with the malfunction swiftly.

[0048] The vending machine may further comprise a modem connected to the control unit for transmitting information remotely. The modem facilitates electronic transmission of signals from the vending machine to external electronic devices, locally, via a local network, a wireless network, a telecommunication network or internet.

[0049] The vending machine can further comprise a non-return tunnel (e.g. chute) for transferring the product from an interior of the vending machine to an exterior. The non-return tunnel helps to transport the product to the customer, and yet prevent unlawful access to the interior of the vending machine.

[0050] The present application provides a vending machine that infuses fun-elements usually found in playing a claw crane. The vending machine enables a customer to control a claw crane using a joy stick or other control mechanism to pick up products especially ice cream in a storage chamber (or freezer) and deposit them in an outlet so as to make the products available to the customer. Unlike a conventional claw machine, the vending machine is configured in such a way that the customer has an unrestricted number of chance to operate the claw crane until at least one product is grabbed and placed in the outlet. Each of the customers is guaranteed of getting at least one product. With correct skill and timing, a customer has a chance to get more than one product as the claw crane might grab more than one product in one catch. The vending machine deactivates the claw crane once the vending machine detects at least an object has been placed inside the chute.

[0051 ] According to a third aspect, the present application provides a method of operating a vending machine that comprises a first step of installing a vending machine for selling products inside the vending machine; a second step of allowing access to a grabber of the vending machine by a customer after receiving payment; and a third step of moving the grabber to a predetermined location after dispatching a product to the customer. One or more operators of the vending machine are able to install the vending machine at a street side, inside office building, inside an office, on a campus, restaurant or a hawker centre. The vending machine can sell suitable to its circumstances, such as packages of tissue papers at a hawker centre, newspapers at a subway station or toys at a theme park. [0052] Optionally, the vending machine is able to refund the customer if the customer cannot catch any of the products beyond predetermined limits. Since the vending machine is able to monitor and calculate the times of attempt or duration of operating the grabber, the vending machine may offer help by displaying message on its display saying that "do you wish to refund or keep trying"? when detecting a prolonged period of attempts (e.g. fifteen minutes). To keep the customer's enthusiasm, the vending machine can return the money of purchase if the customer chooses to give up from further attempts.

[0053] The method may further comprise a step of rewarding to a customer who has successfully purchased a product below predetermined thresholds. For example, the vending machine may give the customer double portions (e.g. dual products) of his purchase if the customer has a records of two hundred times purchase at the vending machine or vending machines of the same vender. The vending machine recognises the loyal customer by face recognition to the customer, credit card transaction history of the customer or voice recognition of the customer. The vending machine may play music or colourful lighting to the loyal customer as programmed.

[0054] According to Fig. 1 , the vending machine comprises a sealed freezer that has heat-insulating glasses around its lateral sides. The vending machine further comprises a claw crane, a stock monitoring system, a LED display, a joystick, a catch button, a coin return box, a product exit chute and a bills, coins or cash card acceptor.

[0055] The vending machine still serves its primary purpose of vending products. However, the dispensing process of the product on sales is not automatic. A customer is required to operate claw crane in order to get the products. This vending machine injects fun and excitements found in playing a claw crane machine into a product vending process. The customers are able to purchase the products while getting entertainment.

[0056] In one embodiment, some products in a storage chamber of the vending machine have a token attached to its packaging and the token could be used to purchase one more product. In another embodiment, the vending machine can award a customer one more chance of controlling the claw-crane if the customer is able to retrieve the ice cream within a limited duration. This arrangement encourages the customer to purchase the products using the vending machine as compared to conventional product vending machines, which have very limited interaction between the customer and the machine.

[0057] According to a fourth aspect, the present application provides a method for making a vending machine. The method comprises a first step of providing a holder, a grabber and a payment terminal connected to the grabber; a second step of connecting a control unit to the grabber; and a third step of configuring the control unit for allowing a user to operate the grabber till grabbing a product from the holder. Some of these steps may be separated, combined or changed in sequence. For example, the control unit that has a read-only memory (e.g. flash memory) installed with a firmware or computer software that is able to detect, monitor or control movement of the grabber. Once receiving full payment according to price of a product (e.g. bottled wine), the control unit allows a user or customer to operate the grabber for capturing a desired product with an unlimited number of attempts. The control unit will prevent the user from further operating the grabber when detecting the desired product has been successfully dispatched. The detection, for example, can be achieved by an electronic sensor or counter that is installed on the chute, detecting movement of the product in the chute.

[0058] The method can further comprise a step of programming the grabber to capture a product with a limited number of attempts, a limited time duration or a combination of both the limited number of attempts or time. For example, the vending machine or control unit is programmed to allow a user to operate the grabber with three attempts of capturing a product or thirty seconds of using the grabber. In some popular places, the vending machine is programmed to control operation limit (e.g. times of attempts or duration of operation) so that queuing customers will not be worn out by a customer in front, who operates the grabber with a prolonged period of time.

[0059] The method may additionally comprise a step of arranging the grabber to fetch a product automatically. Since the vending machine aims to provide fun purchasing experience to customers, the vending machine may automatically set a limited number of attempts or time duration for capturing a product. For example, if the camera or control unit of the vending machine detects a child's face, the vending machine will automatically fine-tune the grabber for snatching a targeted product and then deliver the product to the child through the chute. Alternatively, a customer or the child has an option to instruct the vending machine (e.g. by voice, button or keyboard) for fetching a product on behalf, without any effort from the customer or user. Some embodiments of the application or invention provide that the control unit is installed with programmes of artificial intelligence so that the vending machine is able to assist, monitor or record customers when using the vending machine. [0060] The accompanying figure (Fig.) illustrates one or more embodiments and serves to explain principles of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the figure is presented for purposes of illustration only, and not for defining limits of relevant one or more inventions. Particularly,

Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an ice-cream vending machine; and

Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the ice-cream vending machine.

[0061 ] Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the present application will now be described with references to the above-mentioned figures. Specifically, Fig.1 illustrates an ice-cream vending machine 10 that comprises a holder cabinet 12, a payment terminal 14, an overhead crane 16, a control cabinet 18 and a camera 20. The holder cabinet 12 and the control cabinet 18 are attached to each other, although each of them 12, 18 have separate doors 22, 24. The holder cabinet 12 has a wide door 22, whilst the control cabinet 24 has a narrow door 24. Each of these doors 22, 24 have their hinges mounted at vertical side-edges of the ice-cream vending machine 10 such that they are able to be rotated and opened for exposing interiors of the two cabinets 12, 1 8. [0062] Moreover, the holder cabinet 12 includes Perspex windows 26, 28 and a refrigerator 30, which is filled with ice-cream cones 32. The Perspex windows 26, 28 contains a front window 26 on a front side of the ice-cream vending machine 10, and the side window 28 on a lateral side of the ice-cream vending machine 10. Perspex is also known as poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), acrylic, acrylic glass, Plexiglas, Acrylite and Lucite, which is a transparent thermoplastic in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass.

[0063] The payment terminal 14 is primarily mounted and concealed inside the holder cabinet 12. The payment terminal 14 includes a coin acceptor 34 and a bank note acceptor 36. The coin acceptor 34 and the bank note acceptor 36 are connected to each other such that they 34, 36 are operable to receive payment in bank notes or coins. [0064] The overhead crane 16 includes a claw 38 with three fingers 40, a longitudinal bridge 42 and a transverse bridge 44. The three fingers 40 jointly form the claw 38 that is able to open and close for capturing or releasing an ice-cream cone 32 or a doll. Moreover, the claw 38 is mounted onto the transverse bridge 44 whose opposite ends are moveably ridding onto the longitudinal bridge 42, which have two parallel chrome-plated steel bars. Hence, the claw 38 is able to move within a two dimensional plane as defined by the two bridges 42, 44. The claw 38 is further be able to lowered or lifted vertically by a power transmission system 46 (also known as transmission) of the overhead crane 16, whilst the power transmission system 46 is further configured to move the claw 38 along the transverse bridge 44 and carry the transverse bridge 44 along the longitudinal bridge 42.

[0065] The holder cabinet 12 comprises a computer 48, a joystick 50, a button 52, a laser pointer 54 (as a guide), sensors 56, a display screen 58, an electric power supply unit 60, a network connector 62 and a loud speaker 64 (e.g. alarm). The joystick 50, the button 52, the display screen 58 are peripherals that are connected to a CPU (not shown) and memory (e.g. ROM, RAM) of the computer 48. The electric power supply unit 60 is connected to the computer 48 and other parts the ice-cream vending machine 10 (e.g. refrigerator) for powering them. The network connector 62 comprises a network interface controller, terminal blocks, ports, plug and socket connectors, ring and spade terminals, USB connectors, DC connectors, radio frequency connectors, hybrid connectors and a RJ1 1 modular connector. The computer 48 is able to communicate with external electronic devices via wired cables or wirelessly. For example, the computer 48 is able to exchange data with a mobile phone via Bluetooth by using the network connector 62.

[0066] The ice-cream vending machine 10 additionally comprises a chute 66, a solar panel 68, mechanical seals 70, fasteners 72 and ventilation fans 74. The chute 66 provides a tunnel 66 that connects a receptacle 76 inside the holder cabinet 12 and a product return box 78 on a front panel 80 of the holder cabinet 12. The mechanical seals 70 include gaskets 82 that is situated along inner bezels of the wide door 22, sealing the refrigerator 30 from the ambient. The gaskets 82 moreover comprise O- rings 84 on pipes of the ice-cream vending machine 10. The refrigerator 30 has four wheels 86 attached to its four bottom corners 88 respectively. The four wheels 86 are fixed to the four bottom corners 88 by fasteners 90 (e.g. screws) so that the refrigerator 30 is able to be pulled out of the holder cabinet 12 on the wheels 86. The ice-cream vending machine 10 has several ventilation fans 92 at its sides. For example, one of the ventilation fans 74 is installed on the control cabinet 18 that extracts hot air away from the computer 48. [0067] In use, a customer 100 approaches the ice-cream vending machine 10 and see through the front window 26 for identifying products of interest. Once finding an ice-cream cone 32 of her favourite flavour, the customer 100 looks at the display screen 58 mounted on the back of the holder cabinet 12, again via the front window 26. The display screen 58 shows price of the ice-cream cone 32 as three dollars and fifty cents so that the customer picks a five-dollar bank note from her wallet. The customer 100 inserts the five-dollar bank note into the bank note acceptor 36 via its opening. The bank note acceptor 36 accepts the five-dollar bank note and validates authenticity of the five-dollar bank note. Once validated, the payment terminal 14 sends electronic signals to the computer 48 such that the overhead crane 16 is activated.

[0068] The display screen 58 projects a message as "welcome to play!", which is blinking and shifting in colour. In the meantime, the payment terminal 14 release a one-dollar bank note from the bank note acceptor 36 and five ten-cents coins from the coin acceptor 34 as changes. When dispensing the changes, the overhead crane 16, the joystick 50 and the button 52 are activated. Particularly, the joystick 50 and the button 52 are illuminated, which suggests the customer to grab.

[0069] Accordingly, a left hand of the customer holds the joystick 50, whilst a right hand of the customer is placed on top of the button 52. The laser pointer 54 projects a bright red dot onto an ice-cream cone 32 in the refrigerator 30, which indicates a target of the overhead crane 16. The customer continues to push the joystick 50 such that the overhead crane 16 roams over the ice-cream cones 32, followed by the illuminated red dot on the ice-cream cones 32. Once the laser pointer 54 projects the red dot onto an ice-cream cone 32 of her favourite flavour, a right hand of the customer smashes the button 52 such that the claw 38 is opened and lowered, approaching the ice-cream cone 32 of her favourite flavour. Upon reaching the icecream cone 32, the customer releases the button 52 so that the three fingers 40 of the claw 38 close in and grab the ice-cream cone 32. Following the capture, the customer presses the button 52 twice within a short time period (also known as double-click or double-press) so that the claw 38 raises the ice-cream cone 32, and stop moving vertically upon releasing of the button 52 by the customer. The customer continues to move the claw 38 by shifting the joystick 50 towards the receptacle 76.

[0070] Once above top of the receptacle 76, the customer holds the button 52 over a prolonged duration (i.e. longer than two seconds) so that the claw 38 opens and the selected ice-cream cone 32 drops into the receptacle 76. The selected ice-cream cone 32 rolls and glides inside the chute 66, which connects the receptacle 76 to the product return box 78. Hence, the customer reaches out to the product return box 78, and grasps the selected ice-cream cone 32 as her purchase. The overhead crane 16 resumes to its default place (i.e. top and back corner of the holder cabinet 12) after the joystick 50 and the button 52 are released after twenty seconds. The ice-cream vending machine 10 also resumes its default state, waiting for a next customer.

[0071 ] It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the application will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the application and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims. Reference Numerals

10 ice-cream vending machine

12 holder cabinet

14 payment terminal

16 overhead crane

18 control cabinet

20 camera

22 wide door

24 narrow door

26 front window

28 side window

30 refrigerator

32 ice-cream cones

34 coin acceptor

36 bank note acceptor

38 claw

40 fingers

42 longitudinal bridge

44 transverse bridge

46 power transmission system

48 computer

50 joystick

52 button

54 laser pointer

56 sensors

58 display screen

60 electric power supply unit

62 network connector

64 loud speaker

66 chute

68 solar panel

70 mechanical seals 72 fasteners

74 ventilation fans

76 receptacle

78 product return box 80 front panel

82 gaskets

84 O-rings

86 wheels

88 bottom corners 90 fasteners

00 customer