Claims:1. A mobile cart device (108) remotely operable by a first entity (102) to provide contactless supply of an item (170) to a second entity (106) for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure therebetween, said mobile cart device (108) comprising:
a body (139) defining a receptacle portion (112) to accommodate the item (170);
one or more sensors (110) integrated with the device (108) to continuously sense one or more attributes associated with any of the second entity (106), the item (170) and an obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion; and
an actuator (140) integrated with the device (108) to enable movement of the mobile cart device (108) in a definite direction,
wherein the mobile cart device (108) is communicably coupled with a computing device (150) having one or more processors (202) coupled with a memory (204), said memory (204) storing instructions which when executed by said one or more processors (202) cause the computing device (150) to drive, based on a driving input by the first entity (102) and the sensed one or more attributes, the mobile cart device (108) to reach the second entity (106) to provide the contactless supply of the item (170) to the second entity (106) for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between first entity (102) and the second entity (106).
2. The device (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile cart device (108) comprises a mobile base (126) having one or more wheels (126a, 126b), an audio visual (AV) interface (114) integrated or coupled with the mobile cart device (108) to enable any of an audio communication or a visual communication between the second entity (106) and the first entity (102) and a switch lock for securing the items (170) in the receptacle portion (112), wherein access to the items (170) is enabled upon authentication of the second entity (106).
3. The device (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile cart device (108) comprises a power source (148) integrated with the mobile cart device (108) to power one or more components of the mobile cart device (108) and an indicator (116) integrated with the mobile cart device (108) to indicate one or more status of the mobile cart device (108).
4. The device (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the driving input is provided by the first entity (102) using one or more input devices coupled with the computing device (150).
5. The device (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (110) are any or a combination of a visual camera, an obstacle detection sensor, a motion sensor, a light sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor and a thermal sensor.
6. The device (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (110) is a visual camera (110a), provided on the body (139) to record visual information when the mobile cart device (108) is in motion.
7. The device (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (110) is a obstacle detection sensor (110b) to sense the obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion to prevent collision therebetween.
8. The device (108) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receptacle portion (112) includes one or more compartments (112a), or wherein the actuator (140) includes an electric motor.
9. A method (400) for providing a contactless supply of an item (170) to a second entity (106) by using a mobile cart device (108) remotely operable by a first entity (102) for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure therebetween, said method comprising the steps of:
loading physically (401), by the first entity (102), an item (170) in a receptacle portion of the mobile cart device (108);
actuating (402) an actuator (140) on the mobile cart device (108) to enable movement of the mobile cart device (108) in a definite direction, wherein actuating the actuator (140) is done manually or through remote control using the computing device (150);
sensing continuously (403), using one or more sensors of the mobile cart device (108), one or more attributes associated with any of the second entity (106), the item (170) and an obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion;
driving (404), using a computing device (150) communicably coupled with the mobile cart device (108), based on a driving input by the first entity (102) and the continuously sensed one or more attributes, the mobile cart device (108) to reach the second entity (106), wherein the driving input is provided using one or more input devices coupled with the computing device (150); and
allowing access (405), by the first entity (102) using the computing device (150), of the item (170) to the second entity (106) to unload from the receptacle portion (112) to provide the contactless supply of the item (170) to the second entity (106) for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between the first entity (102) and the second entity (106).
10. The method (400) as claimed in claim 9, wherein before allowing access to the item (170), the method comprising the step of:
authenticating, using a visual communication or an audio communication, one or more identity attributes associated with the second entity (106).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device and method for contactless supply of an item. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method to provide contactless supply of an item for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between entities or individuals.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] The recent era has witnessed an upsurge in occurrence of infectious diseases that necessitate contactless interaction between individuals. This becomes even more necessary in pandemic situations with high risk pathogenic exposure, such as coronavirus (COVID) caused by extremely fatal virus that is severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), wherein even a short distanced interaction may cause contraction of the virus by even an healthy individual that may result in fatal consequences. One category of individuals at high risk may include medical professionals such as nurses, doctors, medical staff other healthcare personnel or any person catering or taking care of the virus infected patients. Such individuals may require interacting with the infected patients on an everyday basis, which may put them at extremely high risk of infection.
[0004] To reduce the chances of the infection, usually protective products such as face masks, gloves, or sanitizing solutions are used, or isolation wards may be created to minimize interaction. However, the interactions may be impossible to be minimized beyond a certain extent since activities involving supply of food, medicine, clothes to and fro from the isolation wards are essential. The current devices or methods in the art do not address such limitations.
[0005] There is therefore a need in the art to provide a device, system, and a method to enable contactless supply of an item without having to face one or more of the above-mentioned problems and other limitations of the existing solutions and utilize techniques, which are robust, time-efficient, cost-effective for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between entities or individuals.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device, system, and a method for enabling contactless supply of an item.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a device, system, and a method for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between entities or individuals.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method for enabling an entity or an individual to supply essential items to another entity, which is less wearisome and faster while providing communication between entities.

SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for contactless supply of an item. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method to provide contactless supply of an item for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between entities or individuals.
[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a mobile cart device remotely operable by a first entity to provide contactless supply of an item to a second entity for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure therebetween. The mobile cart device includes a body defining a receptacle portion to accommodate the item, one or more sensors integrated with the device to continuously sense one or more attributes associated with any of the second entity, the item and an obstacle in path of the mobile cart device while in motion, and an actuator integrated with the device to enable movement of the mobile cart device in a definite direction. The mobile cart device may be communicably coupled with a computing device using a communication interface, wherein the computing device may have one or more processors coupled with a memory that may store instructions which when executed by the one or more processors may cause the computing device to drive, based on a driving input by the first entity and the continuously sensed one or more attributes, the mobile cart device to reach the second entity to provide the contactless supply of the item to the second entity for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between first entity and the second entity.
[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for providing a contactless supply of an item to a second entity by using a mobile cart device remotely operable by a first entity for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure therebetween. The method may include loading, by the first entity, an item in a receptacle portion of the mobile cart device; actuating an actuator on the mobile cart device to enable movement of the mobile cart device in a definite direction, wherein actuating the actuator may be done manually or through remote control using the computing device; driving, using a computing device communicably coupled with the mobile cart device, based on a driving input by the first entity and the continuously sensed one or more attributes, the mobile cart device to reach the second entity, wherein the driving input is provided using one or more input devices coupled with the computing device; and allowing access, by the first entity using the computing device, of the item to the second entity to provide the contactless supply of the item to the second entity for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure therebetween.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary network architecture in which or with which a mobile cart device (108) can be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation (200) of computing device (150) or a centralized server (190) to provide contactless supply of an item, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary representation for a front view of a mobile cart device (108), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary representation for a rear view of a mobile cart device (108), in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for providing a contactless supply of an item (170) using a mobile cart device (108), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 5 refers to the exemplary computer system in which or with which embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary representation (600) depicting communication between a first entity (102) and a second entity (106) to provide contactless supply of an item (170), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary representation (650) depicting an interface (206) of a computing device (100) for providing a driving input by a first entity (102), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0023] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.
[0024] If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0025] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0026] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications, and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For the purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[0027] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software.
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a computer program product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program the computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The term “machine-readable storage medium” or “computer-readable storage medium” includes, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware).A machine-readable medium may include a non-transitory medium in which data may be stored and that does not include carrier waves and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer program product may include code and/or machine-executable instructions that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.
[0029] Systems depicted in some of the figures may be provided in various configurations. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured as a distributed system where one or more components of the system are distributed across one or more networks in a cloud computing system.
[0030] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0031] All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
[0032] The present disclosure relates to a device, system and method for contactless supply of an item. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device, system and method to provide contactless supply of an item for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between entities or individuals.
[0033] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a mobile cart device remotely operable by a first entity to provide contactless supply of an item to a second entity for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure therebetween. The mobile cart device includes a body defining a receptacle portion to accommodate the item, one or more sensors integrated with the device to continuously sense one or more attributes associated with any of the second entity, the item and an obstacle in path of the mobile cart device while in motion, and an actuator integrated with the device to enable movement of the mobile cart device in a definite direction. The mobile cart device may be communicably coupled with a computing device using a communication interface, wherein the computing device may have one or more processors coupled with a memory that may store instructions which when executed by the one or more processors may cause the computing device to drive, based on a driving input by the first entity and the continuously sensed one or more attributes, the mobile cart device to reach the second entity to provide the contactless supply of the item to the second entity for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between first entity and the second entity.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary network architecture in which or with which proposed device can be implemented, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the exemplary architecture (100) includes a mobile cart device (108) that may be remotely operable by a first entity (102) to supply an item (170) to a second entity (106) for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure therebetween. The mobile cart device (108) may be remotely operable by a first entity (102) by using a computing device (150) that may communicate with a centralized server (190) through a network (160). The second entity (106) may interact with the mobile cart device (108) to access the item (170). In an exemplary embodiment, the centralized server (190) may be used for managing operation of plurality of such mobile cart devices (108), in places such as hospitals or healthcare clinics and to store an inventory of the items (170) supplied to the second entity (106) or other such entities.
[0035] In an embodiment, the mobile cart device (108) may be robotic and automatic cart remotely operated by the first entity (102), wherein the mobile cart device (108) may include a body (139) defining a receptacle portion (112) to accommodate the item (170). The mobile cart device (108) may include one or more sensors (110), an audio-visual (AV) interface (114), a mobile base (126), an indicator (116), an actuator (140), and a power source (148). In an embodiment, the mobile cart device (108) may include a switch lock for securing the items (170) in the receptacle portion (112) that is enabled access upon authentication of the second entity (106), such that the switch lock may be changed from a locked mode to an open mode by the first entity (102) when the second entity (106) may be authenticated.
[0036] The mobile cart device (108) may be capable of movement by means of mobile base (126). In an embodiment, the mobile base (126) may include a moving means including, but not limited to, a wheel. The receptacle portion (112) of the mobile cart device (108) may be any known shape, capable of holding/accommodating one or more items (170). In an embodiment, the receptacle portion (112) may include one or more compartments designed to accommodate either different types of the item (170) meant to be supplied to the same entity or items (170) for different entities. In an exemplary embodiment, items (170) in a particular compartment in the receptacle portion (112) may be given access to the second entity (106) based on authentication through an audio or visual communication between the first entity (102) and the second entity (106). This may be really helpful in a scenario wherein the second entity (106) may be a patient in an isolation ward or in a quarantined room for which the supply may include medicines and the appropriate medicine may be enabled access to after authenticating by visual or audio chat about the correct identity of the second entity (106).
[0037] In an embodiment, one or more sensors (110) of the mobile cart device (108) may be integrated with the device (108) to continuously sense one or more attributes associated with any of the second entity (106), the item (170) and an obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion. In an embodiment, the sensors (110) may be any or a combination of a visual camera, an obstacle detection sensor, a motion sensor, a light sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor and a thermal sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor (110) may be a visual camera (110a), provided on the body (139) to record visual information when the mobile cart device (108) is in motion. In an embodiment, the sensor (110) may be an obstacle detection sensor (110b) to sense the obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion to prevent collision therebetween. In another exemplary embodiment, the sensors (110) may be a combination of visual camera and an obstacle detection sensor to provide a clear visual view related to the attributes at interface (206) of the computing device (150). It may be appreciated that the sensors (110) may not be limited to the mentioned type, and several other varieties of sensors may be used. In an embodiment, the sensors (110) may include Internet of Things (IOT) device communicably coupled to the computing device 150. In an embodiment, the sensor 110 may be communicate to microprocessor(s), microcontroller or a control unit (232) of the computing device(s), for enabling driving of the mobile cart device (108).
[0038] In an embodiment, the one or more attributes sensed by the sensors (110) may be associated with any of the second entity (106), the item (170) and obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion. The attributes related to the second entity (106) may be any of a location identity such as an isolation ward number of the second entity (106), or detection of face or other identity attributes of the second entity (106) for verification. The attributes related to the item (170) may be physical attributes that may include any aesthetic property or characteristic including, but not limited to, nature and/or count of the item (170) loaded in the receptacle portion (112), or nature and/or count of the item (170) unloaded or accessed by the second entity (106) from the receptacle portion (112). The attributes related to the obstacle may include, but not limited to, the nature of the obstacle, distance of the obstacle from the mobile cart device (108), updates regarding obstacle getting removed or cleared or requirement of change in direction if the obstacle is an immovable object such as wall.
[0039] In an embodiment, the power source (148) may be disposed within the body (139) of the mobile cart device (108), wherein the power source may be any of a battery, a solar cell, a lithium battery, a rechargeable battery, or any other source of power. In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile cart device (108) may be a rechargeable battery that may function for duration of 4 to 5 hours, after which the battery may be recharged by an external plug attachment to the mobile cart device (108). In another exemplary embodiment, the power source or the battery may be hot swappable. In an embodiment, the one or more indicators (116) may indicate status of one or more operations associated with the mobile cart device (108). In an embodiment, the indicators (116) may be provided to indicate the status related to operations or actions including, but not limited to, motion of the mobile cart device (108) in a forward or a backward direction, motion of the mobile cart device (108) in a left direction, motion of the mobile cart device (108) in a right direction, mobile cart device (108) being stationary, mobile cart device (108) reaching the second entity (106) or having supplied the item (170) to the second entity (106), engaged status or in-use status of the mobile cart device (108), out of service indicator, low battery indicator or reminder for sanitizing after supply task may be complete. The indicators may include, but may not be limited to, any of a light indicator, a sound indicator and a voice indicator.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the indicators (116) may be provided with one or more light emitting diodes, wherein different colours may indicate the different status of operation. For example, motion of the mobile cart device (108) in a forward or backward direction may be indicated by blinking of a green color light, motion of mobile cart device (108) in a left direction may be indicated by blinking of a green color light on the left side only, motion of mobile cart device (108) in a right direction may be indicated by blinking of a green color light on the right side only, blinking of a red color light may indicate low battery status, an emergency or an operational error. In another exemplary embodiment, the indicator 116 may be a sound indicator for indicating any beep upon sensing, by the sensor 110, any obstacle or person in front or behind the mobile cart device (108) to provide an alert signal. In an embodiment, the indicator may be a voice indicator with pre-recorded messages to be played for notice of any person blocking the motion of the mobile cart device (108). In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile cart device (108) may be provided with a halt mechanism such that upon sensing, by any obstacle detection sensor (110), any obstacle or person in front or behind the mobile cart device (108), it may halt for a definite time duration while providing alert warning on the indicator for clearing the way of the mobile cart device (108).
[0041] In an embodiment, the computing device (150) may be accessed by applications residing on any operating system, including but not limited to, Android TM, iOS TM, and the like. In an embodiment, the computing device (150) may include, but not limited to, any of a smartphone, a mobile electronic device, and a smart computing device. The term “smart computing device” refers to a computing device that may be associated to other devices or networks via wireless protocols, and may operate interactively or independently. In a preferred embodiment, the computing device (150) may be a mobile phone or a tablet associated with one or more input devices. In an embodiment, the computing device (150) can include input device including, but not limited to, touch pad, touch enabled screen and the like that can be used to receive an input from the first entity (102). In an embodiment, the input device can be implemented such that it forms part of the computing device (150). For example, the input device can be a touch screen implemented with computing device (150). In another embodiment, the input device may be a peripheral device connected to the computing device such as a mouse, keyboard and the like. In an embodiment, the input device may be a joystick coupled to the computing device (150) such that the joystick may be used to providing a driving input. It may be appreciated that the computing device (150) may not be restricted to the mentioned devices and various other devices may be used.
[0042] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary representation (200) of computing device (150) or centralized server (190) to provide contactless supply of an item, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile cart device (108) may be communicably coupled to the computing device (150), using a communication interface, wherein the one or more processor(s) (202) may be coupled with a memory (204) that can store instructions which when executed by the one or more processors (202) may cause the computing device (150) to drive, based on a driving input by the first entity (102) and the continuously sensed one or more attributes, the mobile cart device (108) to reach the second entity (106) to provide the contactless supply of the item (170) to the second entity (106) for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between first entity (102) and the second entity (106).
[0043] The one or more processor(s) (202) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that process data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processor(s) (202) may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (204) of the system (102). The memory (204) may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines in a non-transitory computer readable storage medium, which may be fetched and executed to create or share data packets over a network service. The memory (206) may comprise any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
[0044] In an embodiment, the computing device (150) or centralized server (190) may include an interface(s) 206. The interface(s) 206 may comprise a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for visual communication, audio communication, displaying pre-recorded messages, data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, and the like. The interface(s) 206 may also provide a communication pathway for one or more components of the computing device (150). Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, processing engine(s) 208 and a database 230. The interface (206) may also enable audio and/or visual communication of the first entity (102) with the second entity (106) by the AV interface (114) on the mobile cart device (108).
[0045] The processing engine(s) 208 may be implemented as a combination of hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to implement one or more functionalities of the processing engine(s) 208. In examples described herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in several different ways. For example, the programming for the processing engine(s) 208 may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and the hardware for the processing engine(s) 208 may comprise a processing resource (for example, one or more processors), to execute such instructions. In the present examples, the machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when executed by the processing resource, implement the processing engine(s) 208. In such examples, the computing device 150 may comprise the machine-readable storage medium storing the instructions and the processing resource to execute the instructions, or the machine-readable storage medium may be separate but accessible to the computing device 150 and the processing resource. In other examples, the processing engine(s) 208 may be implemented by electronic circuitry. The processing engine 208 may include one or more engines selected from any of a driving input engine (210), an attribute engine (214), and other engines (215) for processing one or more instructions. In an embodiment, the driving input engine (210) may be configured to receive one or more instructions from the first entity (102) related to the driving input to enable appropriate actuation and driving of the mobile cart device (108). In an embodiment, the attribute engine (214) may be receive and process the one or more sensed attributes received from the sensors (110) of the mobile cart device (108), wherein the attributes may be associated with any of the second entity (106), the item (170) and an obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion. The database (230) may comprise data that may be either stored or generated as a result of functionalities implemented by any of the components of the processing engine(s) 208 or the computing device (150) or the centralized server (190).
[0046] In an embodiment, item (170) may be selected from at least one of a food item, a medicinal item, apparel, cosmetic items, a cutlery item and a fluid item such as water, juice or glucose or else any other daily usage related item. The item (170) may not be limited to that mentioned above and several other types of items may be possible.
[0047] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary representation for a front view of a mobile cart device (108), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary representation for a rear view of a mobile cart device (108), in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile cart device (108) may be robotic and automatic trolley remotely operated by the first entity (102).The mobile cart device (108) may include a body (139) defining a receptacle portion (112) to accommodate the item (170). The receptacle portion (112) may include multiple compartments such as an upper compartment (112a) and a lower compartment (112b). The items (170) stored in the upper compartment (112a) and the lower compartment (112b) may be for one or more different entities. In an embodiment, the receptacle portion (112) or the compartments (112a, 112b) may be locked by a switch lock for securing the items (170) stored therein, wherein access to the items (170) may be enabled based on verification or the authentication of the entity receiving the items (170) or the second entity (106). The receptacle portion (112) may also define an open tray region (304) for carrying free and readily accessible items such as newspapers, magazines and the like. The mobile cart device (108) may include one or more sensors (110) including a visual camera (110a) and three obstacle detection sensors (110b) on each of front side and back side of the mobile cart device (108) to continuously sense one or more attributes associated with any of the second entity (106), the item (170) and an obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion. The mobile cart device (108) may include a mobile base (126) including two front wheels (126a) and two rear wheels (126b) (only one front wheel and rear wheel is visible in FIGs. 3A and 3B). The exemplary representation (300) of the mobile cart device (108) may be further described by the specification details as provided in Table 1.

Table 1: Specification of an exemplary mobile cart device (108)

[0048] In the exemplary representation (300), the mobile cart device (108) may include an actuator (140) (not shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B) integrated with the device (108) to enable movement of the mobile cart device (108) in a definite direction. The actuator (140) may include an electric motor provided with one or more regulating devices, wherein the actuator (140) may be started or initiated manually by using a start button (146) on the mobile cart device (108) or through remote control using the computing device (150) for actuating and enabling motion of the wheels in a particular direction. In an embodiment, the actuator (140) may include a hub motor connected to the wheels (126a, 126b). The mobile cart device (108) may include a power source (148) (not shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B), an indicator (116), which may include side indicators (116a) positioned towards right and left side of the mobile cart device (108) and a central indicator (116b) provided on an interface support member (306). In an exemplary embodiment, the side indicator (116a) on the left side may provide an indication such as blinking of a green colour light when moving on the left side, and the side indicator (116a) on the right side may provide an indication such as blinking of a green colour light when moving or turning towards a right sided direction. The mobile cart device (108) may include an emergency stop button (302) for manual halting of the mobile cart device (108). In an embodiment, the manual halting of the mobile cart device (108) may cause the central indicator (116b) to indicate to blink a red light.
[0049] In an embodiment, the mobile cart device (108) may include any of the features including, but not limited to, the body (139) or other components made from stainless steel (SS 304L grade) as raw material, the body (139) and other components painted with a pharmaceutical grade paint, use of a 24 Volt rechargeable lithium ion batteries used with intrinsically safe battery management system, sufficient power safety systems used to ensure safety of the unit and human interaction, no interference with any external devices, protection from electromagnetic interference (EMI) or electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and standard wireless communication devices used at 2.4 GHz frequency in compliance of standard requirements. It may be appreciated that the mobile cart device (108) may not be limited to the configuration, shape or size as discussed in the above mentioned embodiments, and several other configurations, shapes or sizes are possible.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for providing a contactless supply of an item (170) to a second entity (106) by using a mobile cart device (108) remotely operable by a first entity (102) for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure therebetween, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 401, the method includes loading physically, by the first entity (102), an item (170) in a receptacle portion of the mobile cart device (108). At 402, the method includes actuating (402) an actuator (140) on the mobile cart device (108) to enable movement of the mobile cart device (108) in a definite direction, wherein actuating the actuator (140) is done manually or through remote control using the computing device (150). At 403, the method includes sensing continuously, using one or more sensors of the mobile cart device (108), one or more attributes associated with any of the second entity (106), the item (170) and an obstacle in path of the mobile cart device (108) while in motion. At 404, the method includes driving, using a computing device (150) communicably coupled with the mobile cart device (108), based on a driving input by the first entity (102) and the sensed one or more attributes, the mobile cart device (108) to reach the second entity (106), wherein the driving input is provided using one or more input devices coupled with the computing device (150). At 405, the method includes allowing access, by the first entity (102) using the computing device, of the item (170) to the second entity (106) to unload from the receptacle portion (112) to provide the contactless supply of the item (170) to the second entity (106) for reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between the first entity (102) and the second entity (106). In an embodiment, before allowing access to the item (170), the method includes authenticating, using a visual communication or an audio communication, one or more identity attributes associated with the second entity (106). In an exemplary embodiment, a switch lock of the mobile cart device (108) may secure the items (170) in the receptacle portion (112) and the authenticating step may enable opening of the switch lock by the first entity (102) from a locked mode to an open mode, thus enabling access of the items (170) to the second entity (106).
[0051] The device, system and method of the present disclosure may be used in multiple scenarios. In one such scenario and in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the second entity (106) may be a patient infected with fatal virus such as coronavirus (COVID) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In such a case, the second entity may be located or residing in an isolation ward or quarantined in any separate room in a house. The first entity (102) may be any individual at high risk of infection including, but not limited to, a medical professional such as a nurse, a doctor, a medical staff, a healthcare personnel or a family person or any family member/relative/friend catering or taking care of the virus infected patient (second entity). Using the device, system and method of the present disclosure, the first entity (102) may be able to supply of one or more items (170) selected from at least one of a food item, a medicinal item, apparel, a cutlery item and a fluid item such as water, juice or glucose. The first entity may load the necessary items (170) to be supplied to the second entity (106) in the receptacle portion (112). After loading step is complete, the first entity (102) may actuate the actuator (140) on the mobile cart device (108) by pressing a start button on the mobile cart device (108), which may initiate the actuator (140) or a motor, to enable movement of the mobile cart device (108) in any direction. The first entity (102) may access an application on the computing device (150) such as laptop, computer, tablet and the like, to get constant updates related to the one or more attributes continuously sensed by the sensors (110) during motion of the mobile cart device (108), wherein the computing device (150) may communicate with the mobile cart device (108) over a wireless communication network or by using a communication interface including, but not limited to, Bluetooth®, radiofrequency (RF) and near field communication (NFC). Depending on the location of the second entity (106), the first entity (102) may then provide a driving input or instructions by using either an integrated input device such as touch pad or a touch screen or by using any peripheral device such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a joystick connected to the computing device (150) using a wired or wireless connection. Based on the driving input and the continuously sensed attributes, the control unit (232) or microcontroller present in the processor (202) of the computing device (150) may enable driving of the mobile cart device (108) by remotely controlling/regulating an actuator on the mobile cart device (108). Once the mobile cart device (108) may reach near the second entity, the first entity may allow access of the item (170) to the second entity (106) so as to unload the items from the receptacle portion (112) to provide the contactless supply. The first entity (102) may also be able to communicate with the second entity (106) via a visual communication or an audio communication, wherein the first entity may interact using the interface (206) on the computing device (150) and the second entity (106) may interact using the audio visual interface (114) on the mobile cart device (108). This communication may be for authenticating one or more identity attributes associated with the second entity (106) such as facial features, verifying name of the second entity, and the like. This communication may also be for consultation purposes regarding medical needs or medical prescription wherein the first entity (102) may be a doctor or a nurse, or for causal interaction when the first entity (102) may be a relative or friend of the second entity (106) residing in a quarantine room.
[0052] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary computer system in which or with which embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, computer system 500 can include an external storage device 510, a bus 520, a main memory 530, a read only memory 540, a mass storage device 550, communication port 560, and a processor 570. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the computer system may include more than one processor and communication ports. Examples of processor 570 include, but are not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor(s), Motorola® lines of processors, FortiSOC™ system on chip processors or other future processors. Processor 570 may include various modules associated with embodiments of the present invention. Communication port 560 can be any of an RS-232 port for use with a modem based dialup connection, a 10/100 Ethernet port, a Gigabit or 10 Gigabit port using copper or fiber, a serial port, a parallel port, or other existing or future ports. Communication port 560 may be chosen depending on a network, such a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or any network to which computer system connects. Memory 530 can be Random Access Memory (RAM), or any other dynamic storage device commonly known in the art. Read-only memory 540 can be any static storage device(s) e.g., but not limited to, a Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) chips for storing static information e.g., start-up or BIOS instructions for processor 570. Mass storage 550 may be any current or future mass storage solution, which can be used to store information and/or instructions. Exemplary mass storage solutions include, but are not limited to, Parallel Advanced Technology Attachment (PATA) or Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) hard disk drives or solid-state drives (internal or external, e.g., having Universal Serial Bus (USB) and/or Firewire interfaces), e.g. those available from Seagate (e.g., the Seagate Barracuda 7102 family) or Hitachi (e.g., the Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000), one or more optical discs, Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) storage, e.g. an array of disks (e.g., SATA arrays), available from various vendors including Dot Hill Systems Corp., LaCie, Nexsan Technologies, Inc. and Enhance Technology, Inc.
[0053] Bus 520 communicatively couples processor(s) 570 with the other memory, storage and communication blocks. Bus 520 can be, e.g. a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) / PCI Extended (PCI-X) bus, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), USB or the like, for connecting expansion cards, drives and other subsystems as well as other buses, such a front side bus (FSB), which connects processor 570 to software system.
[0054] Optionally, operator and administrative interfaces, e.g. a display, keyboard, joystick and a cursor control device, may also be coupled to bus 520 to support direct operator interaction with a computer system. Other operator and administrative interfaces can be provided through network connections connected through communication port 560. The external storage device 510 can be any kind of external hard-drives, floppy drives, IOMEGA® Zip Drives, Compact Disc - Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Compact Disc-Re-Writable (CD-RW), Digital Video Disk-Read Only Memory (DVD-ROM). Components described above are meant only to exemplify various possibilities. In no way should the aforementioned exemplary computer system limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0055] FIG. 6A illustrates an exemplary representation (600) depicting communication between a first entity (102) and a second entity (106) to provide contactless supply of an item (170), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, during the communication, the interface (206) of the computing device (150) may display a continuous video of the second entity (106) as shown in 601 and the AV interface (114) may display any of a video or an audio of the first entity (102), as shown in the 603 and 604 respectively.
[0056] FIG. 6B illustrates an exemplary representation (650) depicting an interface (206) of a computing device for providing a driving input by a first entity (102), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first entity (102) may access an application on the interface (206) and may further provide login credentials to access a page as shown in (650) displaying all the necessary control buttons and settings. The page may include various features or buttons including, but not limited to, a front camera view of the mobile cart device (108), a rear camera view of the mobile cart device (108), speed modes to control speed as slow, medium, high or ultra high, sensor indicator display to show whether an obstacle is present or not, direction control (shown as four arrows indicating up, down , right and left) related to the direction of motion of the mobile cart device (108), a horn button that may be used to initiate sound alert to warn any obstacle or person that may come in front of the mobile cart device (108), a “drive” mode, a “view” mode, “robo log”, “robot off”, exit button and “settings” mode. In an embodiment, the sensor indicator display may be indicated as green if the way for the mobile cart device (108) may be clear. i.e. there may no obstacle in its way, or the indicator display on the screen may turn orange if the mobile cart device (108) may be approaching an obstacle or indicator display on the screen may turn red if there may an obstacle in front or back of the mobile cart device (108). The joystick speed can be selected by pressing one or more number buttons on the joystick. In the “robo log” mode, all system logs and errors logs may be shown. In the “view” mode the first entity (102) or a doctor may video chat or audio chat with the second entity (106) or the patient and also allow access to one or more compartment of the mobile cart device (108). The “settings” page may include IP of the front and rear cameras, IP of the mobile cart device (108), and server resource locator that may be filled before starting’ the mobile cart device (108). The mobile cart device (108) may be halted or paused using the “robot off” mode and the application may be closed using the exit button. Various other configurations are possible for the effective functioning of the mobile cart device (108), as per the present disclosure.
[0057] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0058] The present disclosure provides a device, system, and a method for enabling contactless supply of an item.
[0059] The present disclosure provides a mobile cart device that is robotic, automatic and remotely operated by an entity to supply one or more items to another entity.
[0060] The present disclosure provides a device, system, and a method for enabling an entity or an individual to supply essential items to another entity or individual, which is less wearisome and faster while providing communication between entities and reducing risk of pathogenic exposure between the entities or individuals.