BACKGROUND

Field

[0001] Disclosed subject matter relates to the field of vending machines. More particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosed subject matter relates to the field of controlling operation of vending machines remotely.

Discussion of related art

[0002] Conventionally, physical stores, such as small shops or super-markets have been the most prevalent means of enabling customers to buy products. Over the course of time, alternate means have evolved with the evolution of technology to enable customers to buy products.

[0003] One such alternate means is ecommerce. In a typical ecommerce application, customers place order online. The products ordered by the customer are shipped to the customer. While there are several advantages of ecommerce over physical stores, one of the primary disadvantages is that the customer must wait for and co-ordinate delivery of the products.

[0004] Another alternate means of enabling customers to buy products is vending machines. Vending machines overcome the disadvantages of physical stores, which require staff to interact with customers for a variety of reasons. Vending machines also overcome the disadvantages of typical ecommerce, which requires customers to wait for and co-ordinate delivery of the products.

[0005] A conventional vending machine is disclosed is US Patent No. 6957732. A conventional vending machine comprises trays to hold products. Further, a delivery port is provided through which a product is dispensed. Furthermore, user interface units are provided to enable a customer to select a product and to make payment. More importantly, such conventional vending machines have complex electro-mechanical systems that deliver a product from the tray to the delivery port. Often it is observed that delivery of the product to the delivery port fails, thereby preventing the customer from taking the product out of the vending machine. Such failures may be due to slight misplacement of the products in the tray or inadequate functioning of the electro-mechanical systems.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, one of the disadvantages of conventional vending machine is that they must be designed and manufactured with low tolerance to minimize such technical glitches. Further, cost of the vending machine also increases due to the electro-mechanical system that is required to deliver the products from the tray to the delivery port. Additionally, such machines require relatively excessive and expensive maintenance to ensure such electro- mechanical systems function appropriately.

[0007] Another disadvantage of conventional vending machine is that a customer becomes aware of the availability or unavailability of products in the vending machine only after the customer physically sees the vending machine.

[0008] Another disadvantage of conventional vending machine relates to restocking of the vending machine. Typically, the door of the vending machine is opened, which provides access to all the trays in the vending machine. A person who is stocking the trays may stock some of the products in the wrong tray. In such a situation, a wrong product may be delivered to the delivery port, which leads to customer complaints.

[0009] Yet another disadvantage of conventional vending machine is that, while the vending machine enables a customer to take out a product, it does not allow the customer to keep anything back into the vending machine in a reliable way. As an example, a product may be packaged in a container and conventional vending machine does not allow an empty container to be kept back into the vending machine in a reliable way. Hence, products that are sold through vending machines are typically packaged in a disposable container. Such a practice not only increases the cost of the product, but also adversely impacts environment. [0010] Still another disadvantage of conventional vending machine is that, the vending machines must be provided with user interface units to enable the customer to operate the vending machine. As example, a keypad may have to be provided to input a code or to select a product for purchase and a collection unit may have to be provided to enable a user to make payment. Such user interface units increase the cost of the vending machine. Further, several customers may refrain from or be hesitant in using such vending units, since they might find it unhygienic to excessively touch the user interface units, which hundreds if not thousands of other customers may have touched previously.

OBJECTIVE

[0011] In view of the foregoing discussion, an objective of the present endeavour is to present a vending machine which minimizes the possibility of technical failure, which prevents the product from being taken out of the vending machine.

[0012] Another obj ective of the present endeavour is to present a vending machine that can be manufactured with higher tolerance relative to conventional vending machines, while ensuring higher reliability of operation as compared to conventional vending machines.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present endeavour is to present a vending machine that requires lesser excessive and expensive maintenance relative to conventional vending machines, while ensuring higher reliability of operation as compared to conventional vending machines.

[0014] Still another obj ective of the present endeavour is to present a vending machine and technology to enable a customer to not just take out a product from the vending machine, but also keep items back into the vending machine in a reliable and verifiable way.

[0015] Still another objective of the present endeavour is to present technology to enable operation of the vending machine while minimizing the requirement of customers having to interface with the vending machine by touching the vending machine.

[0016] Still another objective of the present endeavour is to present technology to enable restocking of the vending machine in a reliable and verifiable way to minimize the chances of wrong product from being dispensed from the vending machine.

[0017] Still another obj ective of the present endeavour is to present technology that enables customers to be certain about availability of products in the vending machine without having to physically visit the vending machine.

SUMMARY

[0018] In one aspect, a vending machine comprises storage units, multiple doors, and locks to secure the door to the respective storage unit. A control unit is connected to the locks enables selective opening of the locks. The door physically covers only a portion of a front opening of the storage unit, thereby leaving a viewing section. The viewing section allow an item stored within the storage unit to be visible and touchable, while preventing the item stored from being taken out. An identification code, which is capable of being captured in an image, is provided on each of the storage units, wherein the item within the storage unit and the identification code are capable of being captured in a single image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] This disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the accompanying figures. Elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

[0020] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a system 10 for remotely controlling operation of vending machines 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of the vending machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the vending machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment; [0023] FIG. 2C is a front view of the vending machine 100 in which a single identification code 210 is provided, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 2D is a front view of the vending machine 100 in which multiple identification codes 210 are provided, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 2E is a front view of the vending machine 100 in which multiple identification codes 210 comprising human decipherable and machine decipherable portions, are provided, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a lock 108 used in the vending machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0027] FIGs. 4A-4E illustrate a method for controlling vending machines, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0028] FIGs. 6A-6B illustrate a method for enabling verification of actions connected to the vending machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0029] FIGs. 7A-7E illustrate a method for remotely controlling restocking of the vending machine 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 8 illustrate a first subset of storage units 202x of the vending machine 100 opened for restocking, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0031] FIGs. 9A-9C illustrate a method for communicating information corresponding to the vending machines 100, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 10 illustrates hardware configuration of a server 102 of the system 10, in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0033] FIG. 11 illustrates hardware configuration of mobile devices 104 and 106 of the system 10, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 a system 10 is disclosed for operating vending machines 100. The system 10 comprises multiple vending machines 100, a remote server 102, mobile devices 104 of customers and mobile devices 106 of replenishment staff. Each of the mobile devices 104, 106 and the vending machines 100 are configured to communicate wirelessly with the server 102.

[0035] Each of the vending machines 100 comprises multiple storage units secured by respective locks 108, which are controlled by a control unit 110 provided in the vending machine 100. The configuration of the control unit 110 is discussed later in this document. [0036] The mobile devices 104 of the customers are configured to operate the vending machines 100, by communicating with the server 102, to enable taking out items from the vending machines 100 and to also enable keeping empty containers back in the vending machine 100.

[0037] The mobile devices 106 of the replenishment staff are configured to operate the vending machines 100, by communicating with the server 102, to enable replenishment of the vending machine 100 with items and to enable picking up of empty containers from the vending machine 100.

VENDING MACHINE

[0038] We begin by describing the construction of the vending machine 100 in detail with reference to FIGs. 2A-2E. The vending machine 100 comprises multiple storage units 202 (may be referred as 202 and 202’ are those with empty containers 201 ’), multiple doors 204, multiple locks 108 (refer FIG. 2B) and a control unit 110.

[0039] Each of the storage units 202 is provided with a door 204 and a lock 108 (refer FIGs. 2B and 3). The lock 108 secures the door 204 to the storage unit 202. In other words, an item 201 kept in the storage unit 202 may be taken out only after the respective lock 108 is opened.

[0040] Referring to FIGs. 2A and 2C, the storage unit 202 comprises a first side wall 202a, a second side wall 202b, a bottom wall 202c, a top wall 202d and a back wall 202e, and defines a front opening 202f. The lock 108 may be fixed to the first side wall 202a.

[0041] In an embodiment, specifically referring to FIG. 2B, the storage units 202 are arranged in at least four columns. The lock 108 of the storage units 202 arranged in at least two of the adjacent columns are arranged in a common duct 206. Such a configuration greatly reduces the cost and time involved in the assembly process. The wiring leading from the locks 108 to the control unit 110 can be channeled through this vertically extending commun duct 206.

[0042] The second side wall 202b is opposite to the first side wall 202a. The bottom wall 202 and the top wall 202d are opposite each other and extends between the first side wall 202a and the second side wall 202b. The back wall 202e is opposite the front opening 202f and extends between the first side wall 202a and the second side wall 202b, and over the bottom wall 202c.

[0043] In an embodiment, the bottom wall 202c is flush, thereby preventing the need to lift the item 201 to overcome obstacles while sliding the item 201 (may be referred as 201 and 201 ’ for the empty container of the item) in or out of the storage unit 202. It may be noted that the meaning of flush means that the bottom wall 202c defines a flat plane at least in the area where the item 201 is slid in and out of the storage unit 202.

[0044] We now turn our attention to the construction of the door 204. The door 204 covers only a portion of the front opening 202f, thereby leaving a viewing section 202g in the front opening 202f. The viewing section 202g is provided to enable viewing and touching of an item

201 present in the storage unit 202 even when the door 204 is closed.

[0045] In an embodiment, viewing section 202g not only enables a user to view the item

202 in the storage unit 202, but also provides physical access (e.g., access using hand) to the item 201 in the storage unit 202.

[0046] In an embodiment, the entirety of the door 204 is made using a material that is oblique in nature. Hence, the viewing section 202g is made possible by the partial coverage of the front opening 202f, and not because the door 204 is made using transparent material. Such a configuration enables manufacturing of the vending machine 100 at a lower cost compared to providing a door that has a transparent portion to enable viewing, with a frame that is made of an opaque tougher material to provide stability and enable fabrication.

[0047] The viewing section 202g is dimensioned to allow an item 201 stored within the storage unit 202 to be visible and touchable from outside of the storage unit 202, while preventing the item 201 stored within the storage unit 202 from being taken out of the storage unit 202 without opening the door 204.

[0048] Having discussed the configuration of the viewing section 202g, we now discuss different identification code 210 (refer FIGs. 2D-2E) provided for each of the storage units 202, which will add to the significance of the viewing section 202g.

[0049] The identification code 210 may be provided on the door 204. Alternatively, the identification code 210 may be provided on the storage unit 202 in such a way that the identification code 210 is visible from outside of the vending machine 100. In essence, the identification code 210 is capable of being captured in an image, wherein the item 20 G within the storage unit 202 (as a result of the viewing section 202g) and the identification code 210 are capable of being captured in a single image, even when the door 204 is closed. The identification code 210 is human and machine decipherable (such as a code having alphanumeric characters or human interpretable symbols).

[0050] In an alternate embodiment, the identification code 210 is only machine decipherable (refer FIG. 2D).

[0051] In yet another alternate embodiment, the identification code 210 (refer FIG. 2E) comprises a first portion (e.g., alphanumeric code), which is human decipherable, and a second portion (e.g., barcode or QR code), which is only machine decipherable.

[0052] Moving on to the dimension of the storage unit 202, in an embodiment, each of the storage units 202 may be required to house a 20-liter water container 201. In this embodiment, the width and depth of the storage space defined by the storage unit 202 is at least 28 cm but not more than 40 cm, and the height of the storage space is at least 50 cm but not more than 65 cm. These dimensions ensure that the item 201 is not maneuvered in an undesirable manner by accessing the container via the viewing section 202g when the door 204 is closed. Further, in an embodiment, there are at least three rows and not more than five rows of storage unit 202. Such a configuration enables safe handling of the containers.

[0053] In another embodiment, the storage unit 202 defines a storage space, which has width and height of at least 28 cm but not more than 40 cm, and the depth of the storage space is at least 50 cm but not more than 65 cm. Such a configuration allows for resting the item 201 is a horizontal orientation instead of a vertical orientation.

[0054] Moving on to the installation of the vending machine 100, in an embodiment, the vending machine 100 comprises legs 208 that interfaces with ground. One or more of the legs 208 may be engaged to the ground. The engagement may be achieved using a nut and bolt mechanism. Further, the legs 208 elevate the bottom row of storage units 202 from the ground. Such an elevation prevents rusting of the bottom wall of the bottom row of storage units 202. [0055] We will now turn our attention to the operation of the locks 108. Referring specifically to FIG. 1 again, the locks 108 are controlled by the control unit 110, which in turn is controlled by the server 102. Any of the locks 108, is selectively opened by the operation of the control unit 110. The control unit 110 comprises a microcontroller 112, which may comprise a processor core, a wireless communication unit 114, a connector module 116, connecting cables 118 and 120, memory unit 122, display unit 124, utility power receiving unit 126 and energy storage unit 128.

[0056] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 may be made using ARDUINO UNO microcontroller board connected to ARDUINO GSM/GPRS shield (wireless communication unit 114) for wireless communication. Further, the connector module 116 enables connecting the locks 108 to the microcontroller 112 via the power cables 118 and feedback cables 120. [0057] Turning our attention to the energy storage unit 128, in an embodiment, the energy storage unit 128 may be configured to provide power when utility power supply, received by the utility power receiving unit 126, is unavailable, for the control unit 110 to be functional for a period. However, the locks 108 may not be operated to open or close using the power supplied by the energy storage unit 128. In an alternate embodiment, even the lock 108 may be operated to open or close using the power supplied by the energy storage unit 128. The memory unit 122 may be used for storing data and the display unit 124 may be used to display information. [0058] In view of the foregoing, it may be appreciated that the vending machine of this disclosure can be manufactured with higher tolerance relative to conventional vending machines, while ensuring higher reliability of operation as compared to conventional vending machines. Particularly, conventional vending machine require electro-mechanical systems working is low tolerance to bring the items from the tray to the vending port, which is not required in the vending machine of this disclosure.

[0059] Further, in view of the foregoing, it may be further appreciated that vending machine of this disclosure require lesser excessive and expensive maintenance relative to conventional vending machines, while ensuring higher reliability of operation as compared to conventional vending machines. Particularly, conventional vending machine require electro mechanical systems working is low tolerance to bring the items from the tray to the vending port, which require excessive and expensive maintenance, which is not required in the vending machine of this disclosure.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING VENDING MACHINES [0060] The foregoing disclosure explained the construction of the vending machine 100 in detail. We will now discuss the technology for controlling operation of the vending machines 100

[0061] At this juncture it may be pertinent to note that, as discussed earlier, one of the objectives of the present endeavour is to present a vending machine and technology to enable a customer to not just take out a product from the vending machine, but also keep items back into the vending machine in a reliable way. Another objective of the present endeavour is to present technology to enable operation of the vending machine while minimizing the requirement of customers having to interface with the vending machine by touching the vending machine. The technology presented in the following disclosure achieves the aforementioned objectives.

[0062] We refer to the figures, and more specifically to FIG. 4A-4E. There are four key types of hardware systems that are communicating. The communication between the control unit 110 of the vending machine 100 and its respective locks 108 is primarily wired. However, wireless communication between the control unit 110 and its respective locks 108 is apparent in view of the current disclosure. The communication between the control unit 110 and the server 102 is wireless. Likewise, the communication between the server 102 and the mobile device 104 of users is wireless. Further, the wireless communication between the server 102 and the mobile device 104 may be achieved via the control unit 110.

Step 402

[0063] A user who wishes to operate the vending machine 100 does so using the mobile device 104. The mobile device 104 scans an identification code 210 (refer FIG. 2C as an example) provided for the vending machine 100. The scanning of the identification code 210 is done using a camera provided in the mobile device 104. The identification code 210 can be a QR code, as indicated in the figures.

[0064] Alternatively, the identification code 210 can be a barcode. Alternatively, the identification code 210 can be any code that can be read by sensors or parts provided in the mobile device 104. An example of such a code is a code that may be communicated via RF or via soundwaves.

[0065] It may be noted that, in a preferred embodiment, each of the vending machines 100 has a different identification code 210, thereby enabling unique identification of the vending machine 100 among several vending machines 100.

[0066] The mobile device 104 communicates information obtained using the identification code 210 to the server 102.

Step 404

[0067] The server 102 identifies the vending machine 100, which the user is requesting to operate, among several vending machines 100. The server 102 identifies the vending machine 100 based on the information, corresponding to the identification code 210, received from the mobile device 104.

[0068] In an embodiment, the server 102 comprises a database stored in its memory unit memory module 1004 (refer FIG. 10). The database has a correction between the vending machines 100 and their respective identification code 210. The processor 1002 (refer FIG. 10) of the server 102 may use the information present in the database to identify the vending machine 100.

Step 406

[0069] It may be noted that, the vending machine 100 which the user wishes to operate may not be in a condition to be operated. As an example, the vending machine 100 may not be receiving electricity required for operation. Alternatively, although power supply is intact, the control unit 110 of the vending machine 100 may not be operating as desired. Hence, as can be understood, there can several factors that may adversely impact the operation of the vending machine 100. Therefore, when the mobile device 104 requests operation of the vending machine 100, the server 102 verifies whether the vending machine 100 is operational or not. [0070] The server 102 sends a communication, in the form of a ping as an example, to the control unit 110 of the identified vending machine 100. The communication is sent to verify whether the vending machine 100 is capable of being operated.

[0071] At this juncture, it may be pertinent to note that, although in this embodiment, the sever 102 verifies operation capability with the control unit 110 after a request is received from the mobile device 104, it may not be the case always, as explained below.

[0072] In an embodiment, the control unit 110 of each of the vending machines 100 may periodically communicate with the server 102 to indicate its readiness to be operated, even without an explicit request being originated from the mobile device 104. Alternatively, the control unit 110 may communicate to the server 102 that the vending machine 100 is not in a position to be operated. On the basis of such communication, the sever 102 may have categorized some of the vending machines 100 as being unavailable. In such a situation, in response to request from the mobile device 104, the server 102 may communicate unavailability of the vending machine 100 for operation. In yet another alternate embodiment, operation of the vending machine 100 may be disabled by the server 102.

Step 408

[0073] The control unit 110 of the vending machine 100 responds to the communication from the server 102. The response is sent wirelessly using the communication module 304 of the control unit 110. The response may indicate whether the vending machine 100 is ready to be operated or not.

[0074] In another embodiment, the control unit 110 may not have a power backup. In such a situation, if utility power supply to the vending machine 100 is absent, then even the control unit 110 will not be operational. Consequently, the question of responding to the server 102 does not even arise.

Step 410

[0075] The server 102 verifies whether the vending machine 100 is available or not for operation based on the response from the control unit 110.

[0076] Alternatively, as discussed earlier, the control unit 110 may not even be in a position to respond, in which case, the server 102 will wait for a response from the control unit 110 for a pre-set duration, after which the server 102 may declare that the vending machine 100 may not be ready for operation.

Step 412

[0077] In case the server 102 ascertains that the vending machine 100 is not ready to be operated, then the same is communicated to the mobile device 104. A session initiated by the mobile device 104 in connection with the scanned identification code 210 may be concluded after receiving the aforementioned communication from the server 102.

Step 414

[0078] In case the server 102 ascertains that the vending machine 100 is ready to be operated, then the same is communicated to the mobile device 104. In addition, the server 102 communicates the types of items present in the vending machine 100. The server 102, as mentioned earlier, maintains a database. The database may include information about the types of items, number of each of the types of items, and item present in each of the storage units 202 of the vending machine 100. It may be noted that only one item 201 is contained in each of the storage units 202. The significance of the same is that the storage unit 202 can be designed to secure that single item 201 and ensure that only that item is taken out when the storage unit 202 is opened.

[0079] As an example, the types of items can mean, water can of a first brand and water can of a second brand. Further, number of each of the types of items can mean, 10 filled water cans of the first brand and 8 filled water cans of the second brand. Furthermore, the server 102 also maintains information about the item present in each of the storage units 202.

[0080] In one embodiment, the server 102 may only communicate that item of first brand and item of second brand is present in the vending machine 100.

[0081] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the server 102 may communicate the number of items of the first brand and the number of items of the second brand present in the vending machine 100.

Step 416

[0082] The mobile device 104 communicates a request to the server 102. The request may include identification or selection of a type of item (e.g., water can of a first brand).

[0083] In an embodiment, the number of such items may also be selected, while that number being limited to, as an example the number of the selected type of item in the selected vending machine 100 or a preset limit, subj ect to the number of the selected type of item present in the vending machine 100. In an embodiment, multiple types of items may be identified. In the current example flow, we assume that one type of item and one number of that item is selected.

Step 418

[0084] The server 102 receives the request from the mobile device 104. In response, the server 102 blocks at least one storage unit 202 in the selected vending machine 100 for the user. The server 102, as discussed earlier, maintains a database that comprises information about the item stored in each of the storage units 202 of each of the vending machines 100. The server 102, based on the information stored in the database blocks a storage unit that has the type of item selected in the request from the mobile device 104. Blocking of the storage unit 202 may mean that the sever 102 may not, at least for a predefined duration of time, select the blocked storage unit 202 for a request originating from another user/mobile device 104.

[0085] In an embodiment, the server 102 selects the storage unit 202 based on first in first out (FIFO) basis. Selection of storage unit 202 on FIFO basis ensures that stock of the items 201 are cleared in a way that does not affect the usability of the item 201.

Step 420

[0086] The server 102 enables the mobile device 104 to complete a transaction, such as a purchase transaction, so that the blocked storage unit 202 can be opened. The mobile device 102 receives communication enabling purchase of the selected item.

Step 422

[0087] The server 102 awaits confirmation, so that the blocked storage unit 202 can be opened. The confirmation, as an example, can be triggered by a payment gateway server.

Step 424

[0088] The server 102 may be configured to await confirmation for a preconfigured period.

Step 426

[0089] The blocked storage unit 202 may be unblocked or released for a different transaction, if the server 102 fails to receive the confirmation within such period.

Step 428

[0090] The server 102 sends instruction to the control unit 110 of the vending machine 100 to unlock the blocked storage unit 428, if the server 102 receives the confirmation within such period.

[0091] The instruction from the server 102 identifies the storage unit 202 to be unlocked. The instruction may include information that is recognisable by the control unit 110 to identify the selected storage unit 202 among the multiple storage units 202 in the vending machine 100, which are controller by the control unit 110.

Step 430

[0092] The control unit 110 receives the instruction from the server 102. The instruction from the server 102 is used by the control unit 110 to identify the storage unit 202 to be opened among the multiple storage units 202 in the vending machine 100.

Step 432 [0093] The control unit 110 enables supply of power to the lock 108 of the selected storage unit 202. The supply of power to the lock 108 enables opening of the lock 108. The lock may be a solenoid driven lock that may support 12V and 24V.

Step 434

[0094] The lock 108 receives the power, and consequently, the lock 108 opens. The lock 108 enables feedback indicating the unlocked status to the control unit 110. It may be noted that the lock 108 may include a switch, wherein the operation of the lock 108 enables determination of the locking status of the lock 108 based on the status of the switch. Such a lock 108 typically has power supply wires and feedback wires from the control unit 110 to the lock 108.

[0095] In an embodiment, the lock 108 is a fail-secure lock. A fail-secure lock operates to open when power is supplied, and in the absence of power failure, the lock remains closed.

Step 436

[0096] The control unit 110 recognises the unlocked status of the lock 108. The unlocked status may be recognised as a result of the feedback loop discussed above.

Step 438

[0097] The control unit 110 communicates the unlocked status of the storage unit 202 to the server 102. The server 102 receives the communication from the control unit 108 and establishes that the storage unit 202 directed to be unlocked has been unlocked successfully.

Step 440

[0098] The server 102 communicates to the mobile device 104 indicating that the storage unit 202 has been unlocked. It may be noted that the server 102 may identify the identification code 210 (refer FIG. 2E) of the storage unit 202 which is unlocked. It may be noted that the database of the server may include the correlation between the storage units 202 and their respective identification code 210. The identification code 210 may be displayed on the mobile device 104. This way, the user known which among the storage units 202 in the vending machine is being or has been opened in response to the request generated by the mobile device 104. This may be especially helpful when multiple users are attempting to open storage units 202 of a single vending machine 100.

Step 442

[0099] Once the storage unit 202 is opened, the item 201 within the storage unit 202 may be taken out. In an embodiment, the user may need to close the storage unit 202. The mobile device 104 may display instruction to close the storage unit 202. The user may only have to push the door 204 back towards the lock 108, to enable looking of the door 204 to the storage unit 202.

Steps 444

[00100] The mobile device 104 awaits confirmation from the server 102 indicating that the lock 108, which was previously opened has been closed successfully.

Step 446

[00101] The server 102 has to receive confirmation from the control unit 110 of the vending machine 100 that the lock 108, which was previously opened has been closed successfully, so that the confirmation discussed in step 444 can be communicated to the mobile device 104. The server 102 may await confirmation from the control unit 110 for a preconfigured period.

Step 448

[00102] The user may push the door 204 towards the lock 108 enabling locking. In an embodiment, the locking is mechanical in nature, whereas unlocking may be electro mechanical.

Step 450

[00103] The lock 108 enables communication of the locked status to the control unit 110. The feedback concerning the locking status of the lock 108 was previously discussed in connection with step 434, and not repeated herein.

Step 452

[00104] The control unit 110 receives the feedback indicating the locked status of the lock 108. The control unit 110 communicates the locked status of the lock 108 to the server 102.

Step 454

[00105] The server 102, as discussed earlier, may be configured to await confirmation from the control unit 110 for a preconfigured period. During such a period, the control unit 110 may send the confirmation. It is also possible that the confirmation is not received within such period.

Step 456, 458 and 460

[00106] The server 102 updates its records with either the locked status or unlocked status of the lock 108 based on the above discussed steps. Further, the status may be communicated to the mobile device 104. The session may be concluded with recording of the locking status of the lock 108 by the server 102. The mobile device 104 may also be instructed to conclude the session.

[00107] In an embodiment, the server 102 may be configured to instruct the control unit 110 to open a subset of locks 108 among the multiple locks 108 present in the storage unit 202. The subset of locks 108 to be opened may be identified based on the identification of the type of product by the mobile device 104 or 106. In response, the control unit 110 may open the subset of locks 108 identified by the server 102.

[00108] In an embodiment, referring to FIG. 2E, instead of a single identification code 210, the vending machine 100a may include multiple machine-readable codes 502, each provided for a storage unit 202. Each of the multiple machine-readable codes 502 are associated with, the vending machine 100 and respective locks 108 within the associated vending machine 100. As an example, communicating information from the mobile device 104 or 106 based on scanning of one of the machine-readable codes enables the server 102 to identify the vending machine 100a and the specific storage unit 202 within the identified vending machine 100. [00109] In an embodiment, the identification code 210 is a machine identification code, which may be formed using alpha-numeric characters.

[00110] In another embodiment, the identification code 210 is a code that is decipherable by a computing machine. Example of such a code includes, but not limited to, QR code.

[00111] In an embodiment, the identification code 210 is a static code.

[00112] In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the machine-readable code 210 is a dynamic code displayed by a display unit 124 of the control unit 110. The identification code 210 may be communicated by the server 102 to the control unit 110 for display. A dynamic code may be the one that can be changed. An advantage of a dynamic code, as opposed to a static code, is that a user may not be able to transact relating to the vending machine 100 using an old identification code 210.

[00113] In view of the foregoing disclosure, it may be appreciated that the disclosed technology enables a customer to not just take out a product from the vending machine, but also keep items back into the vending machine in a reliable way (locking the storage units within an ongoing session, which is recorded by the remote server). Hence, the products that are dispensed via the vending machines of this disclosure may be packaged using reusable containers, thereby not only decreasing the cost of the product, but also positively impacting the environment.

[00114] It may be further appreciated that, the disclosed technology enabled operation of the vending machine while minimizing the requirement of customers having to interface with the vending machine by touching the vending machine. Particularly, the user was able to open the storage unit without ever touching the vending machine. Additionally, the user had to touch the vending machine to only push the door of the storage unit, which was opened.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENABLING VERIFICATION OF ACTIONS CONNECTED TO A VENDING MACHINE

[00115] In the foregoing disclosure we discussed how the storage units 202 of vending machines 100 are configured to be opened and locked back. Additionally, enabling of locking of the storage unit by a user within an ongoing session has the advantage of keeping back a used item container when the filled container is picked up. The advantages of the same were discussed in the previous two paragraphs. However, if the storage unit that was opened is locked back, without placing the used container when the user is expected to do so, then partly the purpose of implementing the disclosed solution may be lost. Therefore, a technical solution is required to address the instant problem, and such a technical solution is disclosed hereunder by referring to FIGs. 6A-6B in addition to other figures.

[00116] The configuration of system 10 to enable opening of the selected storage unit 202 of an identified vending machine 100 was discussed in detail in connection with FIGs. 4A-4E and will not be repeated herein in the interest of brevity. We will move on to the step of closing the door 204 of the storage unit 202, which was previously opened.

Step 602

[00117] The user may push the door 204 towards the lock 108 enabling locking. In an embodiment, the locking is mechanical in nature, whereas unlocking may be electro mechanical.

Step 604

[00118] The lock 108 enables communication of the locked status to the control unit 110. The feedback concerning the locking status of the lock 108 was previously discussed in connection with step 434, and not repeated herein.

Step 606

[00119] The control unit 110 receives the feedback indicating the locked status of the lock 108. The control unit 110 communicates the locked status of the lock 108 to the server 102.

Step 608

[00120] The server 102, as discussed earlier, may be configured to await confirmation from the control unit 110 for a preconfigured period. During such a period, the control unit 110 may send the confirmation. The server 102 updates its database that the storage unit 202 has been locked.

Step 610

[00121] The server 102 communicates the locked status to the mobile device 104. It may be noted that, the server 102 need not necessarily communicate the locked status to the mobile device 104. Alternatively, the server 102 can send a communication, based on which the mobile device 104 enables a verification feature on the mobile device 104.

Step 612

[00122] The mobile device 104 receives the communication from the server 102. As mentioned previously, the mobile device 104 may receive a confirmation from the server 102 that the storage unit 202 has been locked. Alternatively, the mobile device 104 may receive a communication from the server 102 to enable a verification feature on the mobile device 104.

Step 614

[00123] The mobile device 104 enables capturing of at least one image while the session is ongoing using its camera 1107. It may be noted that, the mobile device 104 may only allow using of the image captured during the ongoing session, and more importantly, the image captured with the application corresponding to the system 10. In other words, an image in the image gallery, which was previously captured may not be used. It is important to ensure the image is captured within the ongoing session to prevent a user from deceiving the system 10. [00124] In an embodiment, the mobile device 104 enables capturing of at least one image while the session is ongoing, only if the user has provided input that an empty container 20 will be kept back into the unlocked storage unit 202. It may be noted that unless the empty container 20 is being kept back, there is no need for verification, in accordance with an embodiment.

Step 616

[00125] The mobile device 104, in response to input from the user, captures an image using the camera 1107 and confirms that the image can be used for verification. The captured image is expected to capture the item container 20 placed inside the locked storage unit 202 along with the identification code 210. Such a way of capturing of the image, which includes the item container 20 placed inside the locked storage unit 202 is enabled by the viewing section 202g of the storage unit 202, which was discussed earlier.

[00126] In an embodiment, the identification codes 210 are decipherable by humans and computing machines.

[00127] In another embodiment, the identification code is decipherable solely by computing machines.

[00128] In yet another embodiment, the identification code comprises a first portion that is decipherable by humans and computing machines, and a second portion that is decipherable solely by computing machines.

[00129] In an embodiment, multiple images may be captured and submitted for the purposes of verification. Further, the user may also choose not to submit an image for verification, instead capture another image for the purposes of verification.

[00130] The image(s) captured during the session and confirmed by the user may be recorded by the mobile device 104.

Step 618

[00131] The mobile device 104 may process the verification image. Processing of the image may include reducing the size of the image. The processed image may be stored in the mobile device 104 against the session.

Step 620

[00132] The mobile device 104 communicates the verification image to the server 102. The verification image communicated to the server 102 may be processed or unprocessed before communicating to the server 102.

[00133] In an embodiment, the mobile device 104 communicates the image to the server 102 while the session is ongoing.

[00134] In another embodiment, the mobile device 104 communicates the image to the server 102 after the session is completed. In such an implementation, data identifying the session to which the image relates to may also be communicated to the server 102.

Step 622

[00135] The server 102 stores the image received from the mobile device 622 and correlates the image with the session and the user.

[00136] In an embodiment, the image undergoes image processing, which involves feature extraction. The extracted features are used to determine whether the expected identification code 210 and the container 20 is present in the image or not. Images and the corresponding session can be flagged for human verification if the score obtained from image processing is below a set threshold.

Step 624 and 626

[00137] The server 102 updates its database. Multiple fields may be updated. As an example, the content of the storage unit 202 that was operated may be updated. Likewise, the content of the vending machine 100 in which the storage unit 202 is present is updated. Similarly, data corresponding to the session may be updated, and the session may be concluded.

[00138] In the foregoing disclose we discussed capturing of the verification image after the storage unit 202 which was previously opened is locked back. In an embodiment, the mobile device 106 is configured to capture one or more primary images for verification even before the storage unit 202 is opened. In this embodiment, the remote server 102 is configured to identify the storage units to be captured in the one or more of the primary images and communicate, to the mobile device 106, information enabling identification of the storage units, which are to be captured in the one or more of the primary images. Subsequently, the mobile device 106 captures one or more primary images using its camera 1107 within the session, prior to opening of one or more of the locks 108 (storage units 202) in response to the request from the mobile device 106. The mobile device 106 enable access to the one or more primary images, confirmed by the user, by the remote server 102 to enable the verification. [00139] The above embodiment is particularly useful when a person has to stock the vending machine 100. The primary images enable verification of presence of items 20 , as expected in the storage units 202 before the storage units 202 are opened for restocking, as an example. In this example, the images captured after the storage units 202 are locked back enables verification of stocking of the items 201 in the opened storage units 202, as expected. Consequently, manual interventions to defraud the system 10 is greatly reduced.

[00140] In view of the foregoing disclosure, it may be appreciated that the disclosed technology enables a customer to not just take out a product from the vending machine, but also keep items back into the vending machine in a reliable and verifiable way. Further, attempts to manually defraud the system by users of the system is greatly reduced by automating the verification process and fixing accountability in an automated manner.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING RESTOCKING OF A VENDING MACHINE

[00141] In the foregoing disclosure we discussed how the storage units 202 of vending machines 100 are configured to be opened and locked back by users who wish to pick up items 201 from the vending machine 100 and also replace the items 201 picked up from the vending machine 100 with empty containers 201’ in an automated verifiable manner. However, if the vending machine 100 is not restocked with the right items 201 placed within the right storage units 202, then the users are negatively impacted. Earlier, in the background section we discussed the problem associated with wrong products being dispatched from the vending machine due to manual errors. In view of this, the technology disclosed herein, with reference to FIGs. 7A-7E, enables restocking of the vending machine 100 in a reliable and verifiable way to minimize the chances of wrong product from being dispensed from the vending machine 100. It may be noted that some of the configurations of system 10, discussed earlier, apply to the technology discussed herein as well, however such configurations are not discussed in detail in the interest of brevity.

Step 702 [00142] The server 102 selects a vending machine 100 among several vending machines 100 for configuration. The selection of the vending machine 100 by the server 102 may be in response to an explicit input from a user to select the vending machine 100. Alternatively, the sever 102 selects the vending machine 100 for configuration based on computation that results in selection of the vending machine 100 for configuration or reconfiguration for the purposes of restocking of the vending machine.

Step 704

[00143] The server 102 assigns a first subset of the storage units 202 in the selected vending machine 100 for receiving the first type of items 201. Likewise, the server 102 assigns a second subset of the storage units 202 in the selected vending machine 100 for receiving the second type of items 201.

[00144] As an example, the vending machine 100 may include 20 storage units 202. The server 102 assigns, as an example, 10 storage units 202 (e.g., storage units in the top two rows) for receiving the first type of item (e.g., water can of a first brand). Likewise, server 102 assigns, as an example, remaining 10 storage units 202 (e.g., storage units in the bottom two rows) for receiving the second type of item (e.g., water can of a second brand). It may be noted that in this example only two subsets of storage units 202 are being considered, however, it is understood that the same solution is scalable for more than two subsets as well.

[00145] The assignment of the first subset of the storage units 202x and the second subset of the storage units 202y may be in response to an input from a user. Alternatively, the assignment may be based on computation that results in assignment of the storage units 202. [00146] In an embodiment, the remote server 102 reconfigures the previously configured assignment of the storage units to the first subset and the second subset. In a reassignment, the server 102 reassign one or more storage units 202 of the first subset for receiving the second type of items, thereby the reassigned storage units are categorized into the second subset. As an example, storage unit 202, which was assigned for receiving the first type of items 201 may be reassigned by the server 102 for receiving the second type of items 201. Further, reassignment vice versa is possible.

[00147] As can be understood from the foregoing discussion, the assignment or reassignment of the storage units 202 in the vending machine 100 is for the purposes of stocking the vending machine 100. In an embodiment, the reassignment of the storage unit 202 is done even prior to the storage units 202 are available for restocking. In other words, the storage unit 202, which is reassigned to a different subset may still be carrying an item of the earlier type (hence not available for restocking yet) when the reassignment takes place. Step 706

[00148] As discussed earlier, the server 102 maintains a database that reflects the status of the each of the storage units 202 in each of the vending machines 100. Further, the server 102 is the one that selects which of the storage units 100 have to be opened in response to a request for an item 201 originating from a user’s mobile device 104. Therefore, the server 102 knows whether a particular storage unit 202 has an item 201 in it, has an empty container 20 or is just empty.

[00149] In essence, the remote server 102 is configured to communicate instructions to the control unit 110 to open at least one of the storage units 202, based on a request from a user mobile device 104 for a product, and set the storage unit 202, which is opened based on the request from the user mobile device 104 as being available for restocking.

[00150] Although some of the storage units 202 in a vending machine 100 may be set as available for restocking by the sever 102, it may not be practical to restock the vending machine 100 at each instance a storage unit 202 in the vending machine 100 becomes available for restocking.

[00151] In an embodiment, the sever 102 verifies whether the number of storage units 202 in the first subset or the second subset has reached a threshold. In case the number has reached a threshold, then the vending machine 100 may be considered for restocking.

[00152] In an embodiment, different threshold values can be set for the first subset and second sunset of storage units 202. Further, such a threshold can also vary from one vending machine to another.

Step 708

[00153] The server 102 may generate a notification for replenishment of the vending machine 100.

[00154] In an embodiment, the sever 102 makes a decision for replenishment of the vending machine 100 not solely based on the status of the storage units 202 in the instant vending machine 100, but also based on the status of the storage units 202 in other vending machines 100.

[00155] As an example, multiple vending machine 100 disposed in close geographic proximity may be grouped. The status of the storage units 202 in all of the grouped vending machines 100 may be considered by the server 102 to decide whether one or more of the vending machines 100 need to be restocked.

[00156] As an example, in one of the vending machines 100 in a group only three storage units 202 of the first subset may be available for restocking, whereas the number of storage units 202 assigned to the first subset across the vending machines 100 grouped together may have exceeded a preconfigured threshold number, in which case the vending machine with just three storage units 202 available for restocking may be scheduled for restocking along with one or more of the vending machine 100 in that group.

Step 710

[00157] The server 102 communicates a replenishment schedule to the mobile devices 106 of replenishment staff. The replenishment schedule may include the list of the vending machines 100 to be restocked. The schedule may also include the number each of the types of the products to be replenished in each of the vending machine. The schedule may also include the number of empty containers (of each type as an example) 20 to be collected from each of the vending machines 100 in the schedule. The schedule may also include the sequence in which the vending machines 100 have to be restocked.

[00158] In an embodiment, the server 102 automatically generates at least a part of the above schedule based on the data available in its database about each of the vending machine 100 and its storage units 202, assignment of the storage units 202 and the location of the storage units 202.

Step 712

[00159] The replenishment staff uses the mobile device 106 to communicate information enabling identification of the vending machine 100 that they wish to restock. The communication of the information enabling identification of the vending machine may be based on the identification code 210, which was discussed earlier, and not repeated herein.

Step 714

[00160] The server 102 identifies which among the first subset of the storage units 202 to open in the vending machine 100 for restocking. This identification of the storage units 202 for opening may be based on the assignment (discussed earlier) of the storage units 202 for receiving the first type of product and availability (discussed earlier) of the first subset of the storage units for restocking.

[00161] It may be noted that in this example, we refer to the first subset, it is understood that the same is applicable to another subset. Further, the identification could also be based on the item type selected by the mobile device 106 for restocking, although alternatively the server 102 could drive this selection.

Step 716

[00162] The sever 102 communicates instruction to the control unit 110 of the vending machine 100 to open the selected storage units 202. The sever 102 can send instructions one after the other to open the selected storage units 202 or at once.

Step 718

[00163] The control unit 110, based on the instruction from the server 102 enables opening of the locks 108 of the selected storage units 202 of the first subset. The opening of the locks 108 may be enabled by supply of power, e.g., 24 V, to each of the locks 108.

Step 720

[00164] The locks 108 of the selected first subset of storage units 202x open, as can be seen in FIG. 8. As can be seen there are multiple storage units 202x of the first subset, however, only a few of them are selected by the server 102 based on their availability for stocking. [00165] Further, some of the storage units 202x which are opened are empty, while other have empty containers 20G, which can be picked up by the replenishment stall. As can be recalled, the server 102 knows how may empty containers 20 G will have to be picked up from the opened storage units 202x, since the server 102 is aware of the status of each of the storage units 202.

[00166] The replenishment staff places the first type of items 201 in each of the opened first subset of storage units 202.

Step 722

[00167] The locks 108 enable feedback of the locking status of the locks 108, and the same was discussed earlier in detail, and hence not repeated.

Step 724

[00168] The control unit 110 identifies that the locks 108 of the selected storage units 202x have been opened, and the same is communicated to the server 102.

Step 726

[00169] The server 102 may in turn communicate to the mobile device 106 about the opening of the identified first subset of storage units 202x. The server 102 may also identify the storage units 202x, using identification codes 210 (discussed earlier), which have been opened.

Step 728

[00170] The mobile device 106 may receive the communication from the server 102 about opening of the identified first subset of the storage units 202x. The communication may also include the identification of the storage units 202x, which have been opened. Further, the communication may also include the number of empty containers 20 G expected to be picked up. The communication may also include which among the opened storage units 202x have to be restocked with the first product. It may be noted that, one of the storage units 202x may have been opened only for the purpose of collecting the empty container 20 , and not for restocking (it may be reassigned to a different type of item).

Step 730

[00171] As discussed earlier, once the identified storage units 202 have been opened, they may be restocked. The doors 204, which have been opened may be pushed back, resulting in locking of the of the opened locks 108.

Step 732

[00172] The lock 108 along with the feedback loop enables determination of the locking status of the locks 108, and the same has been discussed earlier.

Step 734

[00173] The control unit 110 realizes that the locks 108, which have been opened previously have been locked. The control unit 110 communicates this message to the server 102. It may be noted that, in an embodiment, the control unit 110 does not wait for all the locks 108 to be locked to send the communication to the server 102, instead as and when the control unit 110 realizes that a lock 108 is locked back, the communication is sent to the server 102. The server 102 in turn determines whether it has received confirmation regarding all the locks 108, which had to be locked back.

Step 736

[00174] As discussed above, based on the communication from the control unit 110, the server 102 records closure of all the identified first subset of storage units 202x.

Step 738 and 740

[00175] Once the restocking of the first subset of storage units 202x is completed, the server 102 may then enable restocking of selected second subset of storage units 202y, which can follow the same process as discussed above. Once the restocking of the vending machine 100 is completed, the session may be concluded.

[00176] It may be noted that in the above process, the first subset of storage units 202x are restocked, and thereafter, the second subset of storage units 202y are made available for restocking. Alternatively, instead of following the instant sequence, all of the storage units 202 which need to be restocked may be opened together, and the server 102 may communicate a schedule to the mobile device 106 identifying (using identification codes 210) which storage unit 202 is for which type of product.

[00177] It may be noted that, even in the restocking process, the image based verification (primary images and verification images discussed earlier) process may be implemented.

In the foregoing disclosure it may be appreciated that the disclosed solution applies technology to ensure that the vending machine is restocked with the right products within the right storage units, limiting the possibility of manual errors. Particularly, only those storage units that have to be stocked with a particular type of product is first opened, and once they are stocked, the next set of storage units are opened automatically for restocking with another type of products. Moreover, the solution is flexible in terms of assigning different storage units for different types of products, and yet minimises the chances of error.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATING INFORMATION CORRESPONDING TO VENDING MACHINES

[00178] In the foregoing disclosure we discussed the technology associated with construction of the vending machine, operation of the vending machine, verification of actions relating to the vending machine and restocking of the vending machine. The foregoing technical solutions addressed several objectives that were set out in the beginning of this disclosure. Among these objectives, there was an objective to present technology that enables customers to be certain about availability of products in the vending machine without having to physically visit the vending machine, which is a problem associated with conventional vending machines. We now discuss the technology, with reference to FIGS. 9A-9C, that enables customers to be certain about availability of products in the vending machine 100 without having to physically visit the vending machine.

Step 902

[00179] A mobile device 104 may communicate a request to the server 102 for operating a vending machine 100.

[00180] It may be noted that the server 102 may receive requests from several mobile devices 104 for operating a particular vending machine 100 among several vending machines 100

[00181] Likewise, a particular mobile device 104 may communicate requests to the sever 102 to operate several vending machines 100 over a period.

Step 904

[00182] The server 102 communicates an instruction to the control unit 110 of the vending machine to open a storage unit 202.

Step 906

[00183] The server 102 records the operation, or the attempted operation, of the vending machine 100 by the mobile device 104. It may be noted that such recording may be corresponding to an identity associated with the mobile device 104. As an example, a user may have logged into an application corresponding to the system 10 on the mobile device 104. Such a user may have a unique identifier. Hence, even if the user logs in using the same credentials using another mobile device, the identity of the user may still remain the same.

[00184] The server 102 may update its database to record the vending machines 100 operated, or attempted to be operated, by mobile devices 104.

[00185] The term operation may mean, as an example, opening of a storage unit 202 in the vending machine 100. The term operation may mean, as another example, attempt to open a storage unit 202 in the vending machine.

Step 908

[00186] In response to the instruction from the server 102, the control unit 110 operates the lock 108 of the storage unit to open the lock 108.

Step 910

[00187] The lock 108 is opened, as an example, in response to the voltage supplied to the lock 108.

[00188] It may be noted that the steps, 902, 904, 908 and 910 were discussed in detail earlier, particularly with reference to FIGs. 4A-4E, and those details are not repeated.

Step 912

[00189] The mobile device 104 opens an application of the system 100. Opening of the application may send a communication to the server 102 to indicate that such an application is being accessed by a user.

Step 914

[00190] The server 102 may query a database to identify which vending machine 100 was last operated by the mobile device 104. It may be noted that the mobile device 104 may have operated multiple vending machines 100 over a period. The server 102 determines which was the vending machine 100 that was last operated by the mobile device 104.

Step 916

[00191] Once the server 102 identifies the vending machine 100, which was last operated by the mobile device 104, the server 102 may query a database to identify items present in the vending machine 100, which was last operated by the mobile device 104. As an example, the server 102 may identify that the vending machine 100 may have water cans of a first brand and a second brand available in the vending machine 100. Alternatively, the server 102 may identify that the vending machine 100 may have a certain number of water cans of a first brand and a second brand available in the vending machine 100.

Step 918 [00192] The sever 102 communicates to the mobile device 104, information corresponding to the items present in the vending machine 100 last operated by the mobile device 104. The information communicated may be in terms of the items available in the vending machine 100, with or without the number of such items, or with or without an indication to the likelihood of exhausting of one or more of such items in the vending machine 100.

Step 920

[00193] The information communicated by the sever 102 is received by the mobile device 104.

Step 922

[00194] The mobile device 104 displays the information corresponding to the items present in the vending machine 100 last operated by the mobile device 104. The information displayed may be in accordance with the information communicated by the server 102 [00195] It may be noted that, in view of the foregoing the user of the mobile device 104 did not have to search for the vending machine 100 to know the inventory information corresponding to the vending machine 100. Instead, the system 10, as discussed above, provided information corresponding to the vending machine 100, last operated by the mobile device 104, without having the user select the vending machine 100.

[00196] In other words, the server 102 is configured to communicate information to the mobile device 104, indicating availability of the at least one item stored in any of the storage units 202 of the identified vending machine 100 without the mobile device 104 communicating to the remote server 102, information identifying the vending machine 100, after completing a session connected to last operation of the identified vending machine 100 based on the request associated with the identity connected to the mobile device 104.

[00197] It may be appreciated from the foregoing that a user is able to know about the information corresponding to the inventory of the vending machine 100 without having to physically visit the vending machine. Not just that, the user did not even have to take the strain of identifying the vending machine 100, which the user is likely be interested in. The server 102 was able to communicate inventory information of the vending machine 100 (last operated by the user), which the user is likely to be interested in.

[00198] In an embodiment, the server 102 is configured to store assignment of a set of the vending machines 100 to groups. Further, the server 102 is configured to enable disclosure of information, on the mobile device 104, about the vending machines 100 in a group, only if any of the vending machines 100 in the group is previously operated based on input from the mobile device 104. It may be noted that such a configuration has specific advantages especially when the vending machines 100 that are assigned to a group are disposed within a gated complex, such as an apartment complex in which access is restricted to outsiders.

[00199] In an embodiment, the mobile device 104 is configured to disclose information corresponding to a subset of the vending machines 100 in response to a request from a user of the mobile device 104. The subset of the vending machines may be selected by the server 102 based on power status of the vending machines 100, GPS location of the mobile device 102 and the vending machines, and pre-configured operation period of the vending machines 100. [00200] In view of the foregoing disclosure it may be appreciated that the disclosed technology enables users to be certain about availability of products in the vending machine 100 without having to physically visit the vending machine. Furthermore, such information is made available for the vending machines, which the user is likely to be most interested in even without explicit input from the user.

[00201] It may be noted that all the processes described above are described as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously. Further, in this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.

[00202] Moving on, we will now discuss the hardware configuration of the server 102 with reference to FIG 10, in accordance with an embodiment.

[00203] In an embodiment, the server 102 may include one or more processors 1002. The processor may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof. Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of the one or more processors 1002 may include computer-executable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described.

[00204] Further, the server 102 may include a memory module 1004. The memory module 504 may store additional data and program instructions that are loadable and executable on the one or more processors 1002, as well as data generated during the execution of these programs. Further, the memory module 1004 may be volatile memory, such as random-access memory and/or a disk drive, or non-volatile memory. The memory module 1004 may be removable memory such as a Compact Flash card, Memory Stick, Smart Media, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital memory, or any other memory storage that exists currently or will exist in the future. The memory module 1004 may store the databases referred to in connection with the server 102

[00205] Further, the server 102 may include an input/output module 1006. The input/output module 1006 may provide an interface for inputting devices such as keypad, touch screen, display, mouse, and stylus among other input devices; and output devices such as speakers, printer, and additional displays among other.

[00206] Further, the server 102 may include a communication interface 1008. The communication interface 1008 may include a modem, a network interface card (such as Ethernet card), a communication port, or a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot, among others. The communication interface 1008 may include devices supporting both wired and wireless protocols.

[00207] It may be noted that the foregoing disclosure refers to the server 102 carrying out certain actions, which in fact may be carried out using the hardware elements discussed above in coordination with other elements, which may not be illustrated, but is generally known. Furthermore, server 102 may not necessarily by a single unit, rather a platform, which is generally referred to a cloud platform, which can be scaled as per requirement.

[00208] Now referring to FIG. 11, hardware configuration of the mobile device 104 and 106 is discussed, in accordance with an embodiment. The mobile devices 104 and 106 may be smartphones or other smart devices, such as a smart watch or spectacles. The mobile devices 104 and 106 may comprise computing hardware in the form of processor module 1102 comprising applications processor, modem processor and DSP, wireless communication module 1104 comprising BLUETOOTH, Phone/EDGE radio and Wifi radio, storage module 1110 comprising SD card and flash, and EO module comprising microphone, keypad, camera 1107 and touch screen display 1108. It may be noted that the foregoing disclosure refers to the mobile devices 104 and 106 carrying out certain actions, which in fact may be carried out using the hardware elements discussed above in coordination with other elements, which may not be illustrated, but is generally known.