[0001] The present disclosure relates, in general, to a vending machine, and more specifically, relates to an apparatus designed to support multiple users for dispensing or donating medical items.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Recently, Coronavirus pandemic has caused great damages to the entire human race without any discrimination. Almost every country got affected due to this invisible enemy called COVID-19. Many frontline warriors are helping communities and countries to protect from coronavirus. Doctors and paramedical staff are working tirelessly to control the virus from community transfer. Several educational and research institutes are in the process of discovery of vaccines to curb COVID-19
[0004] The outbreak of the COVID-19, an infectious disease, has forced and recommended people to wear face coverings in public. Every human being and the frontline workers cannot wear heavy-duty respirators, but a smart idea is to wear a face mask or wrap a clean scarf around their nose and mouth if one is going into a crowded place. And moreover, 80% of the diseases are spread through hands.
[0005] In many places, public has less access to all protective measures, therefore, there is a need for a means to provide medically sanitized products to the public by making a charitable donation and to support multiple users.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to a vending machine, and more specifically, relates to an apparatus designed to support multiple users for dispensing or donating medical items.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system with a vending machine that is partitioned into first and second compartments, wherein the first compartment can be configured to provide items to the user and the second compartment can be configured to accept donations from the user.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a vending machine that can provide and can donate multiple medical items e.g., face mask. Each user can locate the place of the vending machine using maps provided in the mobile computing device.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system in which the user can transfer money to donate items to the vending machine via online modes using mobile computing device.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates, in general, to a vending machine, and more specifically, relates to an apparatus designed to support multiple users for dispensing or donating medical items.
[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing one or more items, the apparatus including: a housing including one or more compartments, each of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of a corresponding one or more items to be dispensed, each the one or more compartments provided with a door of one or more doors operable to provide access to the corresponding one or more items stored in the one or more compartments; and a processor operatively coupled with the housing, the processor operable to operate the one or more doors, the processor configured to: receive a first input signal from a user from a user interface, the first input signal pertaining to identity of the user; extract, from the received first input signal, identity attributes of the user to generate a first signal; receive, on receipt of the generated first signal, a second input signal from the user, said second input signal pertaining to selection of any of the one or more items to generate a second signal; and extract, from the received second input signal, the selected item of the one or more items to generate a second signal, wherein, based on the generated second signal, the processor is configured to operate any of the one or more doors corresponding to the selected any of one or more items to facilitate access to the corresponding any of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of the selected item.
[0012] In an embodiment, based on a third signal, when access to one or more compartment is granted, an item can be added to the compartment.
[0013] In another embodiment, based on a third signal, when access to one or more compartment is granted, an item can be removed from the compartment.
[0014] In another embodiment, the items can be medical items that are any or a combination of face masks, gloves, and sanitizers.
[0015] In another embodiment, a solar powered battery can be installed in the housing to supply power to the apparatus.
[0016] In another embodiment, the user interface and scanner can be configured in the housing.
[0017] In another embodiment, edge computing mechanism can be used to open the door at the time of adding one or more items to the compartment.
[0018] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for dispensing one or more items, the system including: an apparatus including a housing with one or more compartments, each of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of a corresponding one or more items to be dispensed, each the one or more compartments provided with a door of one or more doors operable to provide access to the corresponding one or more items stored in the one or more compartments; and a processor operatively coupled with the housing, the processor operable to operate the one or more doors, the processor configured to: receive a first input signal from a user from a user interface, the first input signal pertaining to identity of the user; extract, from the received first input signal, identity attributes of the user to generate a first signal; receive, on receipt of the generated first signal, a second input signal from the user, said second input signal pertaining to selection of any of the one or more items to generate a second signal; and extract, from the received second input signal, the selected item of the one or more items to generate a second signal, wherein, based on the generated second signal, the processor is configured to operate any of the one or more doors corresponding to the selected any of one or more items to facilitate access to the corresponding any of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of the selected item.
[0019] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a vending machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a working components of a system of the vending machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] 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.
[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] 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.
[0027] The present disclosure relates, in general, to a vending machine, and more specifically, relates to an apparatus designed to support multiple users for dispensing or donating medical items.
[0028] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for dispensing one or more items, the apparatus including: a housing including one or more compartments, each of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of a corresponding one or more items to be dispensed, each the one or more compartments provided with a door of one or more doors operable to provide access to the corresponding one or more items stored in the one or more compartments; and a processor operatively coupled with the housing, the processor operable to operate the one or more doors, the processor configured to: receive a first input signal from a user from a user interface, the first input signal pertaining to identity of the user; extract, from the received first input signal, identity attributes of the user to generate a first signal; receive, on receipt of the generated first signal, a second input signal from the user, said second input signal pertaining to selection of any of the one or more items to generate a second signal; and extract, from the received second input signal, the selected item of the one or more items to generate a second signal, wherein, based on the generated second signal, the processor is configured to operate any of the one or more doors corresponding to the selected any of one or more items to facilitate access to the corresponding any of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of the selected item.
[0029] In an embodiment, based on a third signal, when access to one or more compartment is granted, an item can be added to the compartment.
[0030] In another embodiment, based on a third signal, when access to one or more compartment is granted, an item can be removed from the compartment.
[0031] In another embodiment, the items can be medical items that are any or a combination of face masks, gloves, and sanitizers.
[0032] In another embodiment, a solar powered battery can be installed in the housing to supply power to the apparatus.
[0033] In another embodiment, the user interface and scanner can be configured in the housing.
[0034] In another embodiment, edge computing mechanism can be used to open the door at the time of adding one or more items to the compartment.
[0035] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for dispensing one or more items, the system including: an apparatus including a housing with one or more compartments, each of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of a corresponding one or more items to be dispensed, each the one or more compartments provided with a door of one or more doors operable to provide access to the corresponding one or more items stored in the one or more compartments; and a processor operatively coupled with the housing, the processor operable to operate the one or more doors, the processor configured to: receive a first input signal from a user from a user interface, the first input signal pertaining to identity of the user; extract, from the received first input signal, identity attributes of the user to generate a first signal; receive, on receipt of the generated first signal, a second input signal from the user, said second input signal pertaining to selection of any of the one or more items to generate a second signal; and extract, from the received second input signal, the selected item of the one or more items to generate a second signal, wherein, based on the generated second signal, the processor is configured to operate any of the one or more doors corresponding to the selected any of one or more items to facilitate access to the corresponding any of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of the selected item.
[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a vending machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0037] Referring to FIG.1, apparatus that includes a vending machine 100 that can be installed in a premise to facilitate distribution of multiple items. The premise includes high-traffic areas, workplaces entrances and the like. The vending machine 100 includes housing 106 that incorporates one or more compartments (102, 104). Each of the first compartment 102 can be configured to dispense the necessary multiple items and each of the second compartment 104 can be configured to receive the multiple items. The multiple items include masks, personal protective equipment, gloves, sanitizers and other related equipment.
[0038] In an embodiment, a scanner 210 can be configured with the housing 106 and may be capable of receiving and scanning a user identification card or unique card. The user may use the scanner to log into the partitioned vending machine 100 and can access the first compartment 102.The user can collect the items by placing the unique card into the vending machine 100, which can be scanned by the scanner. The scanner can retrieve the user information from the unique card. Such an arrangement can provide the unexpected and unpredictable advantage of providing user identification methods to determine the true identity of the user.
[0039] In another embodiment, user interface 208can be configured to the housing to receive input from the user, wherein the user interface 208 includes multiple keypads to pick different items and to perform different functions. The keypad can be used to make a selection of a desired item, or for other user-input. The user can select the items based on the requirement of the user. The user interface may include a display. The display may be used by the vending machine to communicate with users. The display can include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, an electroluminescent display, or the like.
[0040] In another embodiment, processor 206 may be located at the vending machine 100 and communicatively coupled to the user interface and scanner respectively. A memory 212 may be located at the vending machine and communicatively coupled to the processor. Such a memory may include executable instructions, when executed by the processor to authorize the vending machine to dispense the items to the requested user. Such an arrangement can allow the vending machine to be used around the clock and on a cashless basis. The vending machine can allow a safe way to make a purchase especially during the night or at unsafe locations.
[0041] In an embodiment, the vending machine 100 includes items of two categories. The items pertaining to first category can be collected without any payment. To collect the items of first category, the user places the unique card into the vending machine. The unique card can be scanned by the scanner. And, this card facilitates a person to collect the pre-defined items in a day/week. They can keep an account of masks being dispensed. Additionally, to collect items from second category, payment may be required. The payment can be done by scanning a quick response (QR) code configured on the vending machine through an executable instructions of mobile computing device.
[0042] In an embodiment, second compartment 104 configured in the housing can be configured to receive multiple items. The second compartment 104 can be configured to accept donations. The second compartment 104 may accept donations for a charitable cause or other non-profit legal entity. The user can donate multiple items, to donate the items the donor scans the QR code through the executable instructions of mobile computing device to open the second compartment and can place the items in second compartment.
[0043] In another embodiment, the donor can donate the money through the executable instructions of mobile computing device and the items can be placed in the vending machine by an authorized person. For example, if the user 204 wants to donate face masks, then he/she can scan QR code and can select the specified compartment to open to fill the items e.g., masks. Alternatively, the user can also donate to the authorized person to fill the items by paying via online methods.
[0044] In an embodiment, the vending machine 100 may also be arranged to receive payment via online means e.g., users’ cellular phone. The user 204 can use his or her cellular phone 202 to initiate a payment to donate items to the vending machine 100. The user 204 then selects a product or products to be re-filled, and the cost of the product and/or information item is charged to the users account. Thus, the user 204 can initiate a payment via online to donate items.
[0045] In another embodiment, solar panel 214 can be installed on the vending machine 100 to facilitate power to the vending machine. The ability to use solar energy to power the system can allow the vending machine to be placed away from the store front and positioned in a parking lot or in remote areas such as state parks, camping sites and other recreational areas where alternating current (AC) power is not available, thereby substantially eliminating the need for AC power to power the system and the expenditure involved in using AC power. The installation of solar panel can save time, money, and storage space and provide a convenient, secure and reliable way to make large and bulky items available to the consumer every day, without the need for assistance or supervision.
[0046] In another embodiment, each user 204 can locate the place of the vending machine 100using maps provided in the mobile computing device. Edge computing can be used to open the door at the time of refilling the second compartment. With edge computing, endpoint devices send only information that is needed for cloud computing instead of raw data. It helps to cut costs for connectivity and redundant resources at cloud infrastructure. Security and privacy of data are achieved with edge computing. Furthermore, key is not required to open the door of the compartment.
[0047] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a working components of a system of the vending machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, the system includes vending machine 100 that includes housing that incorporates one or more compartments (102, 104). A scanner 210 can be configured with the housing and may be capable of receiving and scanning a user identification card or unique card. A user interface can be configured to the housing to receive input from the user, wherein the user interface includes multiple keypads to pick different items and to perform different functions. The user interface may include a display. The display may be used to by the vending machine to communicate with users.
[0049] In another embodiment, the system includes known hardware components, such as a processor 206 in communication with each of a memory 212, and input/output devices.The vending machine 100 includes user interface 208 for receiving input from the user indicating an item selection. User interface 208 may also be used for receiving input from an operator during re-filling of items into the vending machine 100. The user interface 208 includes a set of keypads for providing input to vending machine.
[0050] In an embodiment, user interface 208, scanner 210 and other components may be installed on a front panel of the vending machine 100. Two separate keypads e.g., cloth face and medical face mask can be provided for dispensing the items e.g., face mask. The cloth face key pad can be used by the common users by only scanning his/her ID proof. The medical face mask key pad can be used for frontline workers by paying via online methods or by scanning QR scan code. The system is self-dependent as it works on solar panels 214 to get electricity and use edge technology to open gates of the compartment for refilling the items.
[0051] In an embodiment, the vending machine 100 includes items of two categories. The items pertaining to first category can be collected without any payment. To collect the items of first category, the user places the unique card into the vending machine. The unique card can be scanned by the scanner. And, this card facilitates a person to collect the pre-defined items in a day/week. Additionally, to collect items from second category, payment may be required. The payment can be done by scanning a QR code configured on the vending machine through a executable instructions of mobile computing device. Thus, the vending machine can dispense and refill items that is accessible via a door.
[0052] The processor 206 is in communication with each of a memory 212, and input/output devices.The processor may include a microprocessor or other devices capable of being programmed or configured to perform computations and instruction processing in accordance with the disclosure. Such other devices may include microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSP), complex programmable logic device (CPLD), field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application-specific assimilated circuits (ASIC), discrete gate logic, and/or other assimilated circuits, hardware or firmware in lieu of or in addition to a microprocessor.
[0053] The memory 212 includes programmable software instructions that are executed by the processor. The processor may be embodied as a single processor or a number of processors. The processor and a memory may each be, for example located entirely within a single computer or other computing device. The memory, which enables storage of data and programs, may include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory and any other form of readable and writable storage medium.
[0054] The memory may be a separate component or an integral part of another component such as processor. The processor can further be operatively connected to standard computer components such as RAM, ROM, input device(s), output device(s) and memory. RAM may be one or more single inline memory module (SIMM) chips capable of storing a predetermined amount of data and used by the processor for temporary storage of processing instructions during operation of vending machine. ROM may be at least one permanent non-erasable and non-rewritable memory chip or flash memory chip that stores initializing instructions to be used by processor during a start-up routine performed by vending machine.
[0055] The memory may be located at the vending machine and communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory can store the transaction data. The memory may store information uploaded from the vending machines and representing transactions carried out in accordance with some embodiments at the vending machines.
[0056] In another embodiment, solar panel 214 can be installed on the vending machine 100 to facilitate power to the vending machine. The ability to use solar energy to power the system can allow the vending machine to be placed anywhere. The installation of solar panel can save time, money, and storage space and provide a convenient, secure and reliable way to make large and bulky items available to the consumer every day, without the need for assistance or supervision.
[0057] In another embodiment, each user 204 can locate the place of the vending machine 100 using maps provided in the mobile computing device 202. Edge computing can be used to open the door at the time of refilling the second compartment 106. With edge computing, endpoint devices send only information that is needed for cloud computing instead of raw data. It helps to cut costs for connectivity and redundant resources at cloud infrastructure. Security and privacy of data are achieved with edge computing. Furthermore, key is not required to open the door of the compartment.
[0058] The present invention, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present invention after understanding the present disclosure. The present invention, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g. for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.
[0059] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C … and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc. The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0060] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0061] The present disclosure provides a system with a first compartment to provide items to the user and the second compartment to accept donations from the user.
[0062] The present disclosure provides a vending machine that can provide and can donate multiple medical items e.g., face mask to the user. Each user can locate the place of the vending machine using maps provided in the mobile computing device effectively.
[0063] The present disclosure provides a system in which the user can transfer money to donate items to the vending machine via online modes using mobile computing device.

Claims:1. An apparatus (100) for dispensing one or more items, said apparatus comprising:
a housing (106) comprising one or more compartments (102, 104), each of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of a corresponding one or more items to be dispensed, each the one or more compartments provided with a door of one or more doors operable to provide access to the corresponding one or more items stored in the one or more compartments; and
a processor (206) operatively coupled with the housing, the processor operable to operate the one or more doors, the processor configured to:
receive a first input signal from a user from a user interface (208), the first input signal pertaining to identity of the user;
extract, from the received first input signal, identity attributes of the user to generate a first signal;
receive, on receipt of the generated first signal, a second input signal from the user, said second input signal pertaining to selection of any of the one or more items to generate a second signal; and
extract, from the received second input signal, the selected item of the one or more items to generate a second signal,
wherein, based on the generated second signal, the processor is configured to operate any of the one or more doors corresponding to the selected any of one or more items to facilitate access to the corresponding any of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of the selected item.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, based on a third signal, when access to one or more compartment is granted, an item is added to the compartment.
3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein, based on a third signal, when access to one or more compartment is granted, an item is removed from the compartment.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the items are medical items that are any or a combination of face masks, gloves, and sanitizers.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a solar powered battery is installed in the housing to supply power to the apparatus.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user interface and scanner are configured in the housing.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein edge computing mechanism is used to open the door at the time of adding one or more items to the compartment.
8. A system for dispensing one or more items, said system comprising:
an apparatus comprising a housing (106) with one or more compartments (102, 104), each of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of a corresponding one or more items to be dispensed, each the one or more compartments provided with a door of one or more doors operable to provide access to the corresponding one or more items stored in the one or more compartments; and
a processor (206) operatively coupled with the housing, the processor operable to operate the one or more doors, the processor configured to:
receive a first input signal from a user from a user interface (208), the first input signal pertaining to identity of the user;
extract, from the received first input signal, identity attributes of the user to generate a first signal;
receive, on receipt of the generated first signal, a second input signal from the user, said second input signal pertaining to selection of any of the one or more items to generate a second signal; and
extract, from the received second input signal, the selected item of the one or more items to generate a second signal,
wherein, based on the generated second signal, the processor is configured to operate any of the one or more doors corresponding to the selected any of one or more items to facilitate access to the corresponding any of the one or more compartments adapted for storage of the selected item.