[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to item dispenser, and
in particular, to automated vending machines for dispensing items.
BACKGROUND
[0002] With increasing awareness about food hygiene, rising labour costs,
and busy schedule of consumers, automated order handling and delivery system, such as vending machines, have attained great importance. For example, the vending machines are increasingly becoming popular as a point of purchasing food items in cafeterias, workplaces, and airports. The vending machines may store a variety of food items in large quantities at one time. Depending on the item selected by a requester, the same may be retrieved from the appropriate location within the vending system and provided to the requester.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the
accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of the system(s) in accordance with the present subject matter are described, by way of examples only, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example system for
dispensing items; and
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a flow chart of an example method for dispensing
items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0006] Automated order handling and delivery systems may be employed
for serving on demand food items to customers, at locations, such as cafeterias, workplaces, and airports where manual serving may not be feasible due to

shortage of labour or demand, and high costs. The vending machines may serve
ready-to-serve items or unprocessed food items which may be first subjected to a
processing operation, such as heating and cooling before being served to a user.
[0007] The packaging of each of the stored food items may include
information about the food items packaged within, such as type of the food item, type of processing required, date of manufacture, and date on which the item was inducted in the vending machine. The information may be provided in form of a machine-readable data representation, such as barcode and QR (Quick Response) Code. The barcode, typically, includes parallel lines with varying width and thickness. Each unique barcode, therefore, may include combination of a plurality of parallel lines with varying width and thickness. However, the machine-readable data representation may include other types of machine-readable codes known in the art and/or which can be generated by various scanning techniques known in the art. Data pertaining to each unique barcode may be stored in a central data repository.
[0008] The barcodes may be optically scanned by an imaging device,
typically known as barcode reader. The vending machines may include one or more barcode reader. As the items are inducted in the vending machine, the barcode reader may scan each of the item. Upon scanning the stored items, the barcode reader may create a scan map of the items recording the position with respect the to the vending machine and time tag of the each of the items. The time tag may define the time when the item was inducted in the vending machine, and may be later referred to determine the length of time the item has stayed in the vending machine before being dispensed.
[0009] A typical barcode reader may be capable of scanning a single unique
barcode at one time. As the stored items may distributed over a large area in the vending machine, the bar code scanner may have to be moved across the vending machine to scan each of the item stored in the vending machine. Hence, to capture all the barcodes provided on all the items stored in the vending machine, the barcode scanner may have to obtain a large number of images corresponding to each individual item stored. This may lead to an extravagant amount of image

data being generated. Further, there may be problems with respect to storage and processing of the large amount of data, which may make the overall process of dispensing items complicated and slow.
[0010] Furthermore, a movable bar code scanner may involve a complicated
construction and may require a track path for moving across the vending machine. As such, a sophisticated barcode scanner may be required and a complicated construction of the vending machine becomes inevitable that may add to the manufacturing and maintenance cost of the vending machine and also may call for frequent servicing and repair.
[0011] The present subject matter describes a system for dispensing items.
Each of the items is provided with one or more machine-readable codes. The system stores a plurality of items in chambers provided in the system, a processing chamber and an imaging device. The imaging device is preferably stationary and fixed at one position with respect to the system. Further, the imagining device obtains an image including all the machine-readable codes provided on each of the plurality of items.
[0012] The image captured by the imaging device is then processed to detect
all the machine-readable codes in the image. Based on the machine-readable code detected in the image, the item type and location of the item in the system is determined. Thereafter, based on the item type and location of the item, a scan map of the plurality of times is generated. A time-tag associated with each item may additionally be recorded with the scan map based on information captured or encoded within the machine-readable code. The time tag may include information regarding when item was inducted in to the system and manufacturing date of the item. Furthermore, information regarding type of processing required for the item may be recorded with the scan map.
[0013] In one embodiment, a user may request for dispensing one or more
items of the plurality of items stored in the chambers of the system. Upon receiving the request for dispensing an item type, an item is selected for dispensing based on a criterion set. In an example, the criterion set includes the time-tag, and an item satisfying the criterion set is selected for dispensing. Upon

selecting the item, the processing method for the item is determined based on the scan map. Accordingly, the item is subjected to the determined processing method to process the item. The processed item is then dispensed and delivered to the requester.
[0014] In another embodiment, each of the chambers may be individually
temperature-controlled. Based on the scan map, each of the individually
temperature-controlled chambers may be maintained at a predefined temperature.
Each of the chambers may include a heating mechanism, a cooling mechanism,
and a temperature control mechanism for heating and cooling each of the
chambers to the predefined temperature and maintaining each of the chambers at
the predefined temperature, based on the scan map. Therefore, in the present
embodiment, in contradistinction to the previous embodiment, the item is
maintained at the desired temperature in storage, instead of being brought to that
desired temperature at the time of delivery or dispensing the item to the user.
[0015] The present subject matter typically employs an imaging device
fixed at one position with respect to the system for disposing items. The imaging device is configured to obtain images of one side of the items positioned within various chambers within the vending system. The various items may be so positioned such that the side of the item carrying the machine-readable code is directed towards the imaging device. In one example, the imaging device captures an image such that a plurality of machine-readable codes provided on a plurality of items are captured in a single image.
[0016] Further, the system is able to scan the items in a shorter duration of
time, which makes the overall process of dispensing items quicker. Furthermore, the system may not require complicated construction or a track path for enabling movement of the imaging device, thereby saving on manufacturing and maintenance cost, and requiring lesser servicing and repair of the system. The system is, thus, able to scan a large number of machine-readable codes in a single or few images.
[0017] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be
described in a greater detail in conjunction with the Figs. 1-2 in the following

description. The manner in which the item dispenser is implemented and operated shall be explained in detail with respect to the Figs. 1-2.
[0018] It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the
principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are intended only to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0019] Fig. 1 illustrates a block diagram representation of a system 100 for
dispensing items, as per an example. It should be noted that Fig. 1 provides various functional blocks and should not be construed as a limitation. The system 100 includes a plurality of chambers 102i...l02N storing a plurality of items 104I...104N, a processing chamber 106, an imaging unit 108, and engines 110. Further, the system 100 may include interface 118, memory 120, and data 122. Furthermore, the engines 110 may include a mapping engine 112, a treatment engine 114 and other engine(s) 116. The data 122 may include detected machine-readable code 124, predefined item data 126, scan map 128 and other data 130. It should be noted that such exemplifications are only indicative and should not be construed as limitation. The interface(s) 118 may include a variety of interfaces, for example, interfaces for data input and output devices, referred to as I/O devices, storage devices, network devices, and the like. The interface(s) 118 facilitates communication between the engine(s) 110 and various devices, such as imaging device 108 connected in system 100. In some cases, the interface 118 may also facilitate communications between the system 100 and one or more other computing devices.
[0020] The memory 120 may store one or more computer-readable
instructions, which may be fetched and executed so as to provide access to digital content using a machine-readable link. The memory 120 may include any non-

transitory computer-readable medium including, for example, volatile memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like.
[0021] The engine(s) 110 may be implemented as a combination of
hardware and programming (for example, programmable instructions) to
implement one or more functionalities of the engine(s) 110. In examples described
herein, such combinations of hardware and programming may be implemented in
a number of different ways. For example, the programming for the engine(s) 110
may be processor executable instructions stored on a non-transitory machine-
readable storage medium and the hardware for the engine(s) 110 may include 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
engine(s) 110. In such examples, the system 100 may include 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 system 100 and the processing resource. In other examples,
engine(s) 110 may be implemented by electronic circuitry.
[0022] The data 122 includes data that is either predefined or generated as a
result of the functionalities implemented by any of the engine(s) 110. In an example, the engine(s) 110 may further include a mapping engine 112, a treatment engine 114, and other engine(s) 116. The other engine(s) 116 may implement functionalities that supplement applications or functions performed by the system 100. Further, the data 122 may include detected machine-readable code 124, predefined item data 126, scan map 128 and other data 130. The other data 130 may include data generated and saved by the engine(s) 110 for implementing various functionalities of the system 100.
[0023] The plurality of chambers 102i...l02N, collectively referred to as
chambers 102 may be in form of horizontally arranged shelves for storing of items 104i... 104N, collectively referred to as items 104. In an example, the system 100 is a vending machine for storing and dispensing items 104. Further, the plurality

of items 104 may be food items. Furthermore, the food items may be ready-to-
serve food items, such as biscuits, or unprocessed ready-to-cook food items, such
as instant noodles and flattened rice (for 'poha'). In an example, the vending
machine 100 may store a large number of different varieties of food items.
[0024] The system 100 further includes a processing chamber 106 for
processing the items 104 though one of processing methods, such as heating by microwaves, convention heating and blast-chilling. In an example, the system 100 includes plurality of dedicated processing chambers for performing a particular processing method. The processing chamber 106 may be coupled to the chambers 102 by conveyor system. The conveyor system may be a belt conveyor or a telescopic arm conveyor system or any other conventionally known conveyor system. The conveyor system may convey the items 104 from the chambers 102 to the processing chamber 106. In another example, each of the chambers 102 may be individually controlled and may be enabled to perform processing of the items 104 through one of processing methods based on the scan map. The system 100 may include the plurality of chambers 102 for storing the items 104, such that each of the chambers 102 is configured to be maintained at a predefined temperature. The system may further include a mapping engine 112. The mapping engine 112 may receive a plurality of machine-readable codes provided on a plurality of items 104 positioned in various chambers 102, process the machine-readable codes to detect the item type and location of each of the items 104, and based on the machine-readable codes received, generate a scan map 128 of the items 104 stored in the system 100. The system 100 may further include a treatment engine 114 coupled to the mapping engine 112, such that the treatment engine 114 is to receive the scan map 128, and based on the scan map 128, maintain each of the chambers 102 at the predefined temperature. Each of the chambers 102 may include one or more of a heating mechanism, a cooling mechanism, and a temperature control mechanism for heating and cooling each of the chambers 102 to the predefined temperature and maintaining each of the chambers 102 at the predefined temperature.

[0025] The information about the temperature that a chamber is to be
maintained at for processing the item 104 may be received from the scan map, i.e., based on the item that is to be stored in that chamber. Accordingly, each of the chambers 102 may be enabled to maintain a predefined temperature of the respective items stored in the chamber. For instance, each chamber may be equipped with one or more of a heating mechanism, a cooling mechanism, and a temperature control mechanism for performing heating and/or cooling of the item 104 stored in the chamber 102. For example, the item stored in a chamber may be a ready-to-serve soup which is to be heated and maintained at a temperature higher than room temperature while serving, say for best flavour. Therefore, based on the scan map, the chamber storing the ready-to-serve soup may be heated and maintained at a desired temperature by the heating mechanism. In another example, if the item stored in the chamber 102 is a ready-to-serve cereal, then based on the scan map, the respective chamber may be refrigerated and maintained at a cold temperature.
[0026] The imaging device 108 may capture an image of the plurality of
items 104 stored in the plurality of chambers 102 so as to obtain images of the
machine-readable code provided on the each of the items 104. In an example,
imaging device 108 is a high-power camera. In another example, the, the imaging
device 108 may be implemented as a barcode scanner. In a preferred embodiment,
the imaging device 108 is configured to be stationary and is fixed at one position
with respect to the system 100. The position of fixing the imaging device 108 may
be suitably selected so that the imaging device has in its field of view all the
machine-readable codes provided on the plurality of items 104.
[0027] In another example, the imaging device 108 may be movable with
respect to the system 100. As the imaging device 108 which is fixed at one position may not be able to capture all the machine-readable codes of the items 104, the imaging device 108 may be configured to move along a track path to traverse multiple positions. The imaging device may, therefore, obtain multiple number of images obtained from different positions so as to capture all the machine-readable codes provided on all the items 104.

[0028] The mapping engine 112 may receive an image of all the machine-
readable codes provided on the items 104 stored in the chambers 102 of the system 100. Further, the imaging device may be configured to obtain images of one side of the items positioned within various chambers within the vending system. The various items may be positioned in such a manner that the side of the item carrying the machine-readable code is directed towards the imaging device. The imaging device may capture an image such that a plurality of machine-readable codes provided on a plurality of items are captured in a single image or a few images.
[0029] In an example, the mapping engine 112 receives the image from the
imaging unit 108. However, in other examples, the mapping engine 112 may receive the images from any other source or may retrieve the images from the stored images. Upon receiving the images, the mapping engine 112 processes the images to determine machine-readable code included in the received image. The mapping engine 112 may process the image using one or more conventional techniques for detecting presence of one or more machine-readable code in the image. An example of such technique is edge detection. However, other techniques may also be used without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.
[0030] Based on the machine-readable code detected in the received image,
the mapping engine 112 may determine the item type. The determination of the item type may be based on a mapping between the information encoded in the machine-readable code and the appropriate item type. In one example, the mapping may be defined in the predefined item data 126. As mentioned above, the system 100 may store different item types and multiple number of items of each item type. Information about the item types corresponding to various machine-readable codes may be recorded and stored as predefined item data 126 in a centrally located server. The mapping engine 112 may, therefore, compare the detected machine-readable code of each item with the predefined item data 126 to determine the item type of each of the item 104. Further, based on the detected

machine-readable code of each item, the mapping engine 112 may also determine the location of each of the item 104 in the system 100.
[0031] The mapping engine 112 may then generate a scan map 128 based on
the determined item type and the determined location of each of the items 104. Further, the mapping engine 112 may record a time-tag associated with each item 104 with the scan map 128. The time tag may include the time at which the item was inducted in to the system and manufacturing date of the item. Further, other characteristics associated with each item 104 may be stored in the scan map 128. The other characteristics may include the type of processing required for the item 104. The type of processing may include heating by microwaves, convection heating and cooling by blast-chilling.
[0032] The system 100 further includes a treatment engine 114 coupled to
the mapping engine 112. The treatment engine 114 may receive a request from a
requester 132 intending to purchase an item for dispensing a type of item. The
requester 132 may approach the system 100, and interact with the system 100
through an interface 118 to make the request. The interface 118 may present to the
requester options of various type of items stored and available in the system 100.
[0033] Upon receiving the request from the requester 132, the treatment
engine 114 may select the item to be dispensed based on a criterion set. In an example, the criterion set includes time tag associated with the item. As mentioned earlier, the time tag may include the time frame at which the item was inducted into the system and manufacturing date of the item. Upon receiving the request for an item type to be dispensed, the treatment engine 114 may select from a number of items belonging to that item type an item satisfying the criterion set. In an example, the item inducted first in the system 100 may be selected for dispensing.
[0034] Once the item to dispensed has been selected, the treatment engine
114 may further determine a processing method for the selected item. The processing method may include one of heating with microwaves, convection heating and cooling. The treatment engine may determine the type processing method based on the scan map 128. For example, for the selected item being

instant noodles, the determined processing method may include heating with
microwaves. The treatment engine 114 may generate control signals for
conveying the selected item to a processing chamber 106 of the system 100. When
the selected item has been conveyed to the processing chamber 106, the treatment
engine 114 may initiate performing of the determined processing method. In
another example, the system 100 includes various different processing chambers
each dedicated for performing a processing method. The treatment engine 114, for
such a system, may select one of the processing chambers for the selected item
based on the determined processing method and generate control signals to
convey the selected item to the processing chamber and initiate the processing
method. The selected item may be subjected to the processing method until the
item is processed and ready for dispensing. For example, the instant noodles may
be heated with microwaves, until completely cooked and ready for consumption.
[0035] In another example, the chambers 102 may store ready to serve item
and each of the chambers may be individually temperature-controlled and maintained at a predefined temperature. The information about the temperature required to be maintained at a certain chamber may be received from the scan map, i.e., based on the item that is to be stored in that chamber. The chambers may be equipped with a heating mechanism, a cooling mechanism, and a temperature control mechanism for heating and/or refrigerating the item stored in the chambers and maintaining the items individually at their respective predefined temperatures, based on the scan map.
[0036] Once the selected item is processed, the processed item may be
dispensed and delivered to the requester 132. The processed item may be dispensed through a delivery window of the system 100, and the requester may manually lift and receive the processed item. In the other example discussed above, in contradistinction, the item is maintained at the desired temperature in storage and directly delivered to the requester without being processed. In yet another example, the item may be processed in spite of it being maintained at the desired temperature. For instance, the system 100 may be capable of assessing the condition of the item at the time of delivery and the processing can be done

accordingly. However, the processing of the item may be done without such assessment also.
[0037] The working of the system 100 is further explained in conjunction
with Fig. 2, which illustrates an example method 200 dispensing items. The order
in which the method 200 is described is not intended to be construed as a
limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in
any appropriate order to execute the method 200 or an alternative method.
Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method 200 without
departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0038] In an example, at block 202, an image including a plurality of a
machine-readable codes provided on a plurality of items 104i... 104N, hereinafter referred to as items 104, positioned in various chambers 102i... 102N, hereinafter referred to as chambers 102, of a system 100 are received. In an example the image is received by a mapping engine 112. As mentioned earlier, the system 100, may store a multiple number of items belonging to each of various item types. The items 104 may be arranged in various chambers of the system 100. Further, each item stored in the system 100 may include a machine-readable code, such as a barcode and QR code. In an example, the machine-readable code is printed on the packaging of the item 104.
[0039] In an example, the 100 is a vending machine storing a plurality of
items 104. The items 104 may be food items. Further, the food items may be unprocessed ready-to-cook food items, such as instant noodles and flattened rice ('poha'). The vending machine 100 may be capable of processing the unprocessed ready-to-cook food items and dispensing the processed food item to a requester 132.
[0040] Returning to block 202, the image may be received by the mapping
engine 112 from an imaging device 108. In an example, the imaging device 108 is a high-power camera. In a further example, the imaging device 108 is a barcode scanner. Further, the imaging device 108 may be stationary and fixed at one position with respect to the system 100. The imaging device 108 may be fixed at a

suitable position to have in its field of view all the machine-readable codes provided on all the items 104.
[0041] Alternatively, if the imaging device is not able to capture all the
machine-readable codes of the items 104 from one position, the imaging device
108 may be movable with respect to the system 100. The imaging device 108 may
move along a track path to traverse multiple positions to capture all the machine-
readable codes provided on all the items 104 stored in the system 100.
[0042] At decision block 204, it is determined if any more machine-readable
codes are present other than those included in the image
[0043] If it is determined that no more machine-readable codes are present
('No' path from block 202), the method proceeds to block 206. At block 206, the
various machine-readable codes of items 104 in the image are detected. The
mapping engine 112 upon receiving the image of the machine-readable codes of
items 104, may process the image to detect each of the machine-readable codes in
the image received. For example, the mapping engine 112 may process the image
using one or more conventional techniques for detecting presence of one or more
machine-readable code in the image. The techniques may include, edge detection.
It should be noted that this is only one of the possible techniques. Other technique
may also be used without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.
[0044] However, if at decision block 204, it is determined that more
machine-readable codes are present other than those captured in the image ('Yes' path from block 202), the method proceeds to block 224. Accordingly, another image may be acquired to capture the machine-readable codes provided on all the items 104 stored in the system 100. At block 224, a subsequent image of the machine-readable codes provided on the items 104 may be received. Again, the subsequent image may be obtained by and received from an imaging device 108. The subsequent image may be obtained by the imaging device 108 upon moving to a different location.
[0045] Thereafter, the method proceeds to decision block 226 where it is
once again determined if yet more machine-readable codes are present other than those captured in the subsequently image. If it is determined that more machine-

readable codes are present ('Yes path from block 226), the method again proceeds back to block 224. Accordingly, a yet another subsequent image of the machine-readable codes provided on the items 104 is received. This time, the image may be received from the imaging device 108, such that the imaging device obtains the image from a yet another location.
[0046] At block 226, it is once again determined if any more machine-
readable codes are present other than those captured in the various images
received hitherto. If it is determined that more machine-readable codes are present
('Yes' Path from block 226), the method once again proceeds to block 224. As
such, the method between the block 224 and 226 may be repeated until, until at
block 224 it is determined that no more machine-readable codes are present.
[0047] Once it is determined that no more machine-readable codes are
present ('No path from block 226), the method 200 proceeds to block 228. At block 228, the various images received hitherto are integrated to obtain an integrated image, such that the all the machine-readable codes present on the items 104 are exhaustively captured in the integrated image. Thereafter, the method proceeds to block 206.
[0048] Returning to block 206, the various machine-readable codes of items
104 in the image (the image received at block 202 or the integrated image received at block 228) are detected by the mapping engine 112. The detected machine-readable code 124 may be stored as data. Further, location of each of the corresponding item 104 is determined.
[0049] At block 208, the detected machine-readable codes 124 are further
processed to determine the item type. In an example, the item type along with the machine-readable code provided to each of the item may be recorded and stored in a centrally-located storage server as predetermined item data 126. The mapping engine 112 may process the machine-readable code by comparing the detected machine-readable code 124 with the predetermined item data 126 to determine the item type. Further, based on the position of the plurality of machine-readable code on the image, the location of each of the corresponding item 104 is determined.

[0050] At block 210, based on the determined item type and the determined
location of each of the items 104, a scan map is generated. The scan map may further record a time-tag associated with each item 104. The time-tag may define the time frame at which the item was inducted in to the system and manufacturing date of the item. Further, based on the type of the item determined, other characteristics associated with each item 104 may be determined and stored with the scan map. The other characteristics may include the type of processing required for the item 104. For example, the type of processing may include heating by microwaves, convection heating and cooling. The generated scan map may be stored in the system memory 120.
[0051] At block 212, a request is received, by a treatment engine 114, from
a requester for dispensing a type of item 104 from the system 100. It should be noted that the present step may immediately follow from the preceding step or may occur after lapse of a certain time interval. The present step, as would be noted, would be initiated when any user intending to purchase a food item approaches and interacts with the system for dispensing items 100. The request may be received through an interface 118, such that a requester is presented with options of type of items stored and available in the system 100 that the requester may choose from.
[0052] At block 214, one of the items belonging to the item type requested
by requester is selected, by the treatment engine 114, for dispensing based on a
criterion set. In an example, the criterion set includes time-tag associated with the
item. The time-tag may further define the time frame at which the item was
inducted into the system and manufacturing date of the item. Thus, an item
belonging to the item type requested by the requester satisfying the criterion set is
dispensed from the system 100. For example, as per the criterion set, the item to
have been inducted first in the system 100 may be dispensed. Accordingly, among
the various items belonging to the item type requested by the requester, the item
which was inducted in to the system first is selected for dispensing.
[0053] At block 216, a processing method may be determined, by the
treatment engine 114, for the selected item. For example, the processing method

may include one of heating with microwaves, convection heating and cooling by blast-chilling. The information about the processing method for the item may be obtained by determining the item type upon processing the machine-readable code provided to the item. As mentioned earlier, the characteristics associated with each of the items 104, such as type of processing required for the item may be recorded and stored in the scan map 128. The treatment engine 114 may therefore, based on the scan map 128, determine the processing method required for the selected item. For example, the processing method required for instant noodles may be heating with microwaves.
[0054] At block 218, the selected item may be conveyed to a processing
chamber 106 of the system 100. In an example, the processing chamber may be
configured for performing one of various processing methods, such as heating
with microwaves, convection heating and cooling. In a separate example, the
system 100 may include different processing chambers each dedicated for
performing a processing method. The selected item may be conveyed by way of a
conveyor system, such as belt conveyor and telescopic arm conveyor system.
[0055] Alternately, each of the chambers 102 may store ready-to-serve item
and each chamber may be enabled to be individually controlled for processing the items stored. The information regarding the processing, for instance, the temperature at which the item is to be maintained, is obtained from the scan map, i.e., based on the item that is to be stored in that chamber identified from, say the barcode. The processing may include heating and cooling of the item and maintaining the item at a predefined temperature. Therefore, in another example, at block 218, the temperature to which the item is to be heated or refrigerated and to be maintained is selected.
[0056] Thereafter, at block 220, the processing is initiated, and the selected
item is subjected to processing. For example, the item instant noodles may be subjected to heating by microwaves, causing the instant noodles to cook. By the time the processing method is finished, the item is prepared and ready for delivery. The processed item is, thereafter, dispensed at block 222 to the requester. The item may be dispensed through a delivery window of the system

100, wherefrom the requester may manually lift and receive the processed item. In another example, at step 220, the ready-to-serve item is subjected to the heating and/or cooling so as to be maintained at a predefined temperature. In the alternate example, at block 220, the processing of the ready-to-serve item is initiated, so as to heat or cool and thereby maintain the ready-to-serve item at a predefined temperature based on the individual-temperature controllability of each of the chambers 102. Accordingly, the item may be ready to be served to a user as soon as the request is received from the requestor and may not require any processing at the time of delivery. As explained earlier, in certain cases, the processing of the item may be done at the time of delivery notwithstanding the fact that the individual chambers 102 are temperature-controlled to maintain the item at a desired temperature for it to be readily servable.
[0057] Although examples for the present disclosure have been described in
language specific to structural features and/or methods, it should be understood
that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or
methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed and
explained as examples of the present disclosure.

I/We Claim;
1. A system (100) for dispensing an item (104i... 104N), the system (100)
comprising:
chambers (102i... 102N) for storing the items (104i... 104N); a mapping engine (112) to:
receive an image including a plurality of machine-readable codes provided on a plurality of items (104i... 104N) positioned in various chambers (102i... 102N) of the system (100);
process the image to detect each of the machine-readable codes included in the image received; and
further process the machine-readable codes to detect the item type and location of each of the items (104i... 104N); and
based on the machine-readable codes detected, generate a scan map (128) of the items (104i... 104N) stored in the system (100).
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising:
a treatment engine (114) coupled to the mapping engine (112), wherein the treatment engine (114) is to:
receive a request from a requester for a type of item to be dispensed; and
based on the requested type of item to be dispensed, determine a criterion set for dispensing an item belonging to the requested type of item
wherein the criterion set includes time tag, wherein the time tag
defines one of the time at which the item was inducted in to the system
and manufacturing date of the item; and
generate control signals for dispensing an item satisfying the criterion set.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the treatment engine (114) is
to:
upon determining the item to be dispensed, determine the type of processing required for the item (104i... 104N) based on the machine-readable codes provided on the item (104i... 104N); and

based on the determined type of processing, generate signals for conveying the item (104i... 104N) to a processing chamber (106) and activating the determined processing in the processing chamber (106).
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mapping engine (112) is to receive the image capturing a plurality of machine-readable codes from an imaging device (108), wherein the imaging device (108) is a high-power camera.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imaging device (108) is stationary with respect to the system (100).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the imaging device (108) is movable with respect to the system (100).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein machine-readable code is one of a barcode and QR (Quick Response) code.
8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the imaging device (108) is a barcode scanner.
9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) is a vending machine.
10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the item (104i... 104N) is one
of ready-to-serve food item and ready-to-cook food item.
11. A system (100) for dispensing an item (104i... 104N), the system (100)
comprising:
a plurality of chambers (102i... 102N) for storing the items (104i... 104N), wherein each of the chamber (102i... 102N) is configured to be maintained at a predefined temperature;

a mapping engine (112) to:
receive a plurality of machine-readable codes provided on a plurality of items (104i... 104N) positioned in various chambers (102i...l02N);
process the machine-readable codes to detect the item type and location of each of the items (104i... 104N); and
based on the machine-readable codes received, generate a scan map (128) of the items (104i... 104N) stored in the system (100); and a treatment engine (112) coupled to the mapping engine (112), wherein the treatment engine (112) is to:
receive the scan map (128); and
based on the scan map (128), individually maintain each of the chambers (102i... 102N) at the predefined temperature.
12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of the chambers (102i... 102N) comprises one or more of a heating mechanism, a cooling mechanism, and a temperature control mechanism for heating and cooling each of the chambers (102i... 102N) to the predefined temperature and maintaining each of the chambers (102i... 102N) at the predefined temperature.
13. A method (200) of dispensing an item comprising:
receiving, by a mapping engine (112), an image capturing a plurality of a machine-readable codes provided on a plurality of items (104i... 104N) positioned in various chambers (102i... 102N) of a system (100);
processing, by the mapping engine (112), the received image to detect each of the machine-readable codes captured in the image; and
processing, by the mapping engine (112), the machine-readable codes to detect the item type and location of each of the items (104i... 104N); and
based on the machine-readable codes detected, generating, by the mapping engine (112), a scan map of the items stored in the system (100).

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 13 comprises:
upon receiving an image capturing a plurality of machine-readable codes, receiving a subsequent image, by the mapping engine (112) capturing a plurality of machine-readable codes provided on a plurality of items positioned in various chambers of a storage unit;
integrating, by the mapping engine (112), the various images received to obtain an integrated image;
processing, by the mapping engine (112), the integrated image to detect each of the machine-readable codes captured in the integrated image;
processing the machine-readable codes to detect the item type and location of each of the items (102i... 102N); and
based on the machine-readable codes detected, generating, by the mapping engine (112), a scan map of the items stored in the system (100).
15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 14 comprising:
receiving a request, by a treatment engine (114), from a requester (132) for a type of item to be dispensed; and
based on the requested item type, determining, by the treatment engine (114), a criterion set for selecting an item belonging to the requested item type:
wherein the criterion set includes time tag, wherein the time tag
defines one of the time at which the item was inducted in to the system
and manufacturing date of the item; and
dispensing an item satisfying the criterion set.
16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 15 comprising:
upon determining the item to be dispensed, determining, by the treatment engine (114), the type of processing required for the item (102i... 102N) based on the machine-readable codes provided on the item (102i... 102N); and based on the determined type of processing, generating signals for activating the determined processing in a processing chamber (106).

17. The method (200) as claimed in claim 15, the processing comprises one of heating with microwaves, convection heating and cooling.