Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vending machines and automated systems thereof, and more particularly, the present invention relates to the medicine wending machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] The following discussion of the background of the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known, or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as of the application’s priority date. The details provided herein the background if belongs to any publication is taken only as a reference for describing the problems, in general terminologies or principles or both of science and technology in the associated prior art.
[0003] Traditional vending machines are often limited to dispensing snacks or beverages, but the introduction of medicine vending machines has brought about a new level of convenience in healthcare. These machines are equipped with touch-screen interfaces that guide users through a straightforward selection process, ensuring ease of use. Additionally, multiple payment options—such as credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and contactless transactions—make them accessible to a broad range of users.
[0004] One of the challenges associated with dispensing medications through machines is ensuring the security, accuracy, and quality of the products. Medicine vending machines are designed with advanced technologies to monitor stock levels, prevent incorrect dispensing, and in some cases, maintain temperature control for sensitive products. These features contribute to the reliability and safety of the products offered, ensuring that medications dispensed are both accurate and preserved under appropriate conditions.
[0005] As the demand for convenient and reliable access to health products continues to grow, medicine vending machines provide an innovative solution that enhances public health, especially in environments where pharmacies are not readily available. By offering 24/7 access to essential health products, these machines play a crucial role in addressing minor health concerns in a quick, efficient, and private manner, ultimately improving the well-being of individuals in various locations.
[0006] The available systems are not economical, accurate and time efficient. Further, the available systems are not user-friendly as these systems take time to respond. Some of the systems are not effectively used for remote locations. Also, the available systems are provided with the wrong information, which may mislead the user.
[0007] Although, there are a number of solutions in the form of medicine wending machine, none of them are specially designed with an accurate solution. Although, some of the prior existing solutions attempt to create reliable and economical systems for, this solution fails to meet the user’s requirement. In view of the above prior art, it can be understood that many systems have been designed in an attempt to provide a similar solution, however, they are bulky, expensive, and inefficient.
[0008] In light of the foregoing, there is a need for Medicine wending machine that overcomes problems prevalent in the prior art associated with the traditionally available method or system, of the above-mentioned inventions that can be used with the presented disclosed technique with or without modification.
[0009] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies, and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a medicine wending machine.
[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide Medicine wending machine, wherein the system is user friendly and enhances the work productivity.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wending machine provides convenient access to OTC medications and essential health products through an automated vending machine that can be placed in high-traffic and remote locations such as airports, hill stations, and workplaces.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wending machine eliminates the need for pharmacist intervention by offering an automated solution that allows individuals to easily select and purchase common medications like pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, allergy treatments, and first aid supplies.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wending machine ensures 24/7 availability of essential health products, especially in locations or during times when traditional pharmacies may not be open or readily accessible.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wending machine enhances user convenience by incorporating a user-friendly touch-screen interface that guides individuals through the selection process, making it easy to find and purchase the desired medication or health product.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wending machine that offers multiple secure payment options including credit/debit card, mobile payments, and contactless transactions, ensuring that the machines are accessible to a wide range of users.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wending machine that ensures the accurate dispensing of medications by incorporating technology that monitors stock levels, prevents dispensing errors, and ensures that products are dispensed reliably.
[0018] To maintain the integrity of temperature-sensitive products by providing optional temperature control features that safeguard the quality of medications requiring specific storage conditions.
[0019] To improve public health by providing a quick, easy, and private way for individuals to address minor health concerns without the need for extended wait times or trips to the pharmacy.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wending machine that reduces the burden on healthcare systems and pharmacies by offering an alternative, self-service method for accessing common OTC medications, particularly in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a medicine wending machine that creates a scalable and adaptable solution that can be implemented in a variety of environments, addressing the specific needs of different locations while ensuring the same level of reliability and convenience.
[0022] The foregoing and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention relates to a medicine wending machine.
[0024] In one aspect of the present invention, the system includes an automated dispensing unit configured to provide over-the-counter (OTC) medications and essential health products; a touch-screen interface that guides a user through the selection and purchase process of said medications and health products; a storage system designed to hold a variety of medications, including pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, allergy treatments, and first aid supplies; and a payment system supporting multiple payment methods including credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and contactless transactions.
[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, the automated dispensing unit is configured for deployment in high-traffic or remote locations, including but not limited to airports, hill stations, and workplaces.
[0026] In another aspect of the present invention, the machine includes an error prevention mechanism to ensure the accurate dispensing of selected medications and prevent incorrect or incomplete dispensing.
[0027] In another aspect of the present invention, the machine includes a temperature control system designed to maintain optimal storage conditions for temperature-sensitive medications.
[0028] In another aspect of the present invention, the payment system is designed to process transactions securely and efficiently, incorporating encryption and fraud prevention features.
[0029] In another aspect of the present invention, the dispensing unit is operable 24/7, providing continuous access to OTC medications in locations where pharmacies may not be available.
[0030] In another aspect of the present invention, the machine is configured to provide privacy during the purchase process by allowing users to make selections and payments without intervention from third parties.
[0031] In another aspect of the present invention, the machine includes a maintenance alert system configured to notify operators when the machine requires service or restocking.
[0032] While the invention has been described and shown with reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0033] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0034] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:
[0035] Figure 1 shows a block diagram for medicine wending machine, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim.
[0037] As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Further, the words "a" or "an" mean "at least one” and the word “plurality” means “one or more” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein are solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including," "comprising," "having," "containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers, or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, and the like are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.
[0038] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element, or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0039] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0040] The present invention relates to a medicine wending machine.
[0041] In one aspect of the present invention, the system includes an automated dispensing unit configured to provide over-the-counter (OTC) medications and essential health products; a touch-screen interface that guides a user through the selection and purchase process of said medications and health products; a storage system designed to hold a variety of medications, including pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, allergy treatments, and first aid supplies; and a payment system supporting multiple payment methods including credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and contactless transactions.
[0042] In another aspect of the present invention, the automated dispensing unit is configured for deployment in high-traffic or remote locations, including but not limited to airports, hill stations, and workplaces.
[0043] In another aspect of the present invention, the machine includes an error prevention mechanism to ensure the accurate dispensing of selected medications and prevent incorrect or incomplete dispensing.
[0044] In another aspect of the present invention, the machine includes a temperature control system designed to maintain optimal storage conditions for temperature-sensitive medications.
[0045] In another aspect of the present invention, the payment system is designed to process transactions securely and efficiently, incorporating encryption and fraud prevention features.
[0046] In another aspect of the present invention, the dispensing unit is operable 24/7, providing continuous access to OTC medications in locations where pharmacies may not be available.
[0047] In another aspect of the present invention, the machine is configured to provide privacy during the purchase process by allowing users to make selections and payments without intervention from third parties.
[0048] In another aspect of the present invention, the machine includes a maintenance alert system configured to notify operators when the machine requires service or restocking.
[0049] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the 5 embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing the broadest scope consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and appended claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1) A medicine vending machine, the machine comprising:
- an automated dispensing unit configured to provide over-the-counter (OTC) medications and essential health products;
- a touch-screen interface that guides a user through the selection and purchase process of said medications and health products;
- a storage system designed to hold a variety of medications, including pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, allergy treatments, and first aid supplies; and
- a payment system supporting multiple payment methods including credit/debit cards, mobile payments, and contactless transactions.
2) The medicine vending machine of claim 1, wherein the automated dispensing unit is configured for deployment in high-traffic or remote locations, including but not limited to airports, hill stations, and workplaces.
3) The medicine vending machine of claim 1, further comprising an error prevention mechanism to ensure the accurate dispensing of selected medications and prevent incorrect or incomplete dispensing.
4) The medicine vending machine of claim 1, the machine comprising: a temperature control system designed to maintain optimal storage conditions for temperature-sensitive medications.
5) The medicine vending machine of claim 1, wherein the payment system is designed to process transactions securely and efficiently, incorporates encryption and fraud prevention features.
6) The medicine vending machine of claim 1, wherein the dispensing unit is operable 24/7, providing continuous access to OTC medications in locations where pharmacies may not be available.
7) The medicine vending machine of claim 1, wherein the machine is configured to provide privacy during the purchase process by allowing users to make selections and payments without intervention from third parties.
8) The medicine vending machine of claim 1, wherein the machine comprising a maintenance alert system configured to notify operators when the machine requires service or restocking.