Dispensing device

Abstract

An article sorting and dispensing device includes a pick-and-place mechanism having a nozzle and a metallic can. The tip of the nozzle is replaceable, and the pick-and-place mechanism is configured to move the nozzle in translational and rotational directions along at least one axis. Further, the metallic can is in fluid communication with the nozzle through at least one conduit. The device further comprises at least one article container, wherein the article container can contain small articles and can rotate around a preset axis; a control unit that controls the pick-and-place mechanism and the items, where the control unit includes a processor and a memory unit in electronic communication with the processor. Here, the memory unit is configured as a module having stored instructions for execution by the processor. Further, the instructions include rules of translational and rotational movement of the pick-and-place mechanism and the container to pick and dispense small items from the item container. The apparatus also includes a feedback mechanism to generate feedback of the control unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article dispenser, and in particular to an electronic article dispenser that uses a pneumatic pick and place mechanism to retrieve and dispense articles. Background Art

[0002] We have seen that small items (e.g., supplement tablets or capsules) become difficult to manage once they are removed from their packaging. Similarly, small electronic or mechanical items such as resistors, diodes, chips, capacitors, nuts bolts, screws, etc. become difficult to manage once they are removed from their packaging. It is difficult for users to identify between items, especially when the items have similar shapes, sizes, or colors. In one example, it is difficult for a user to distinguish between two items of the same color that may be used for different purposes. Similarly, in one example, a user may find it difficult to distinguish between two diodes that look similar. The problem becomes more serious when the user is elderly or may have cognitive problems. In addition, some disabled people cannot handle small items precisely. In one example, a Parkinson's patient may not be able to hold a small item in his / her hands even with great effort. In another example, a user with dementia may forget the whereabouts of these items. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object dispensing device may use a pneumatic pick-and-place mechanism to pick up the objects and dispense the objects. The object dispensing device may also include a pick-and-place mechanism.

[0004] The pick and place mechanism may include an arm disposed vertically and may be configured to move in the Z and X axes using a stepper motor. In addition, the arm is movably coupled to the stepper motor using a rack and pinion transmission. The teeth of the arm may be disposed on an outer surface to form a vertical rack. In addition, the vertical rack of the movable arm may engage with a Z pinion coupled to the shaft of the Z stepper motor to form a rack and pinion transmission system. The Z stepper motor may allow the Z pinion to rotate, thereby moving the arm in a vertical direction (i.e., the Z axis) due to the engagement of the first pinion with the vertical rack of the movable arm.

[0005] In addition, the pick-and-place mechanism may further include an X stepper motor movably coupled to the arm. In addition, the pick-and-place mechanism may further include a horizontal rack, which may be configured to engage with an X pinion gear disposed on a shaft of the X stepper motor. In addition, since the X pinion gear engages with the horizontal rack, the X stepper motor may be configured to move the arm and the Z stepper motor together in a horizontal direction (i.e., an X-axis).

[0006] In addition, the arm can be configured to include at least one nozzle at the bottom end. In addition, the tip of the nozzle can be configured to include different types of nozzle tips. In one example, the tip of the nozzle can include, but is not limited to, a rubber gasket tip, a bellows tip, a magnetic tip, a tip with opening diameters of different sizes, and the like.

[0007] In addition, the article dispensing device may include an article box assembly. The article box assembly may also include at least one article box and a box rotating member. The article box is configured to accommodate small articles to be distributed by the article dispensing device. The box rotating member may be configured as a circular plate for accommodating at least one article box. In addition, the article box may include a magnet disposed at the bottom of the article support, and the box rotating member may include at least a portion of the support rotating member being ferrous, thereby allowing the article support to be magnetically engaged with the support rotating member.

[0008] In addition, the article dispensing device may include a container assembly. The container assembly may further include at least one article container and a container rotating member. The container is configured to accommodate articles that have been dispensed by the article dispensing device. The container rotating member may be configured as a circular plate for accommodating at least one container. In addition, the container may include a magnet disposed at the bottom of the container, and the container rotating member may include at least a portion of the container rotating member being ferrous, thereby allowing the container to be magnetically engaged with the container rotating member.

[0009] In addition, the object dispensing device may include a feedback mechanism configured to provide feedback during various processes of the object dispensing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, together with the following detailed description, are incorporated into and form a part of the specification and are used to further illustrate embodiments of the concepts of the claimed invention and to explain the various principles and advantages of those embodiments, wherein like reference numerals represent identical or functionally similar elements throughout the individual views.

[0011] Figure 1a and FIG. 1 b show different perspective views of the object sorting and dispensing device.

[0012] Figure 2 A front view of the interior of the object sorting and dispensing device is shown.

[0013] Figure 3 An isolated perspective view of a pick and place mechanism is shown.

[0014] Figure 4 An isolated perspective view of the upper support plate is shown.

[0015] Figure 5 A perspective view of the pick and place mechanism is shown without the housing.

[0016] Figure 6a and Figure 6b The article sorting and dispensing device is shown without the upper support plate.

[0017] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Assembled and disassembled views of the container rotator and the article container are shown respectively.

[0018] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the object sorting and dispensing device is shown.

[0019] Fig. 9 A perspective view of an unassembled article box and box rotator is shown.

[0020] Fig.10a and Fig.10b An isolated perspective view of the locking mechanism is shown.

[0021] Fig.11 A block diagram of an article sorting and allocating device is shown.

[0022] Fig.12 A block diagram of an item sorting and allocation apparatus in communication with a database and other computing devices is shown.

[0023] Fig.13 A flow chart showing the process involved in loading or refilling small items in an item sorting and dispensing device.

[0024] Fig.14 A flow chart is shown describing the steps when an item allocation mechanism receives an allocation order.

[0025] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the sizes of some elements in the drawings may be enlarged relative to other elements to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Where appropriate, apparatus and method components are represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the disclosure are shown so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] In order to promote an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to various embodiments and specific language will be used to describe them. However, it should be understood that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is intended and that such changes and further modifications of the present disclosure as shown herein are common to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure relates.

[0028] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or more than one (ie, at least one) of the grammatical object of the item. For example, "an element" means at least one element and may include more than one element.

[0029] In the present disclosure, words such as “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing,” and “having” may have the meanings assigned to them, and may mean “includes,” “including,” etc.; “consisting essentially of” or “consisting essentially of” also have the meanings assigned to them, and the term is open-ended, allowing for more than what is described, as long as the basic or novel features of the described content are not changed by the presence of the more than what is described, but does not include prior art embodiments.

[0030] Here, an "item" may be defined as a small object that has a defined shape and form and is uniform. An "item" may be defined as a plurality of such objects grouped together. In one example, an item may include, but is not limited to, screws, nuts, bolts, plates, pins, buttons; and may also be electronic components, such as capacitors, resistors, diodes; and may be food, such as chocolate, toffee, etc. In addition, the items defined above may also be interpreted in a wider range of other small objects.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1a 1b shows different perspective views of the article sorting and distribution device 100. Figure 1a It can be seen that the article sorting and distributing device 100 is box-shaped. Figure 1a As shown in FIG. 1 b, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a housing 102 having a first side wall 104 and a front wall 106, a second side wall 108 and a rear wall 110, a top wall 112, and a bottom wall 114. When these walls are connected together, the housing 102 of the object sorting and dispensing device 100 is formed. In addition, the front wall 106 includes a passage door 116 and a button 118. The button 118 is configured to open the passage door 116 of the housing 102 to the user. In addition, the cavity 710 can be seen inside the housing 102 through the front wall 106, forming a retaining housing 120. The object box 122 is installed inside the retaining housing 120 to facilitate picking and placing objects from the object sorting and dispensing device 100. In addition, a belt 124 can be attached to the edge of the top wall 112, preferably toward the front wall 106. The housing 102 of the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may also include a touch screen 126 mounted on the top wall 112.

[0033] Figure 2 A front view of the interior of the item sorting and dispensing device 100 is shown, wherein the housing 102 is removed (except for the top wall 112). Here, the item sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a pick-and-place mechanism 200 for picking up and dispensing small items in accordance with instructions from a user. The pick-and-place mechanism 200 may be pneumatically operable. In addition, the item sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a container assembly 202. In addition, the container assembly 202 may include at least one item container 204, which may be detachably mounted on a container rotating member 206, such that the item container 204 can be rotated by rotation of the container rotating member 206 of the container assembly 202. In addition, the container rotating member 206 may be configured to have a divider 208 to mount the item container 204 on the container rotating member 206 (such as Figure 5 In one example, the article sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 includes a plurality of article containers 204 mounted in a circular manner in a divider 208 of a container rotating member 206 .

[0034] In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include an object box assembly (as explained in FIG. 6 ), wherein the object box assembly may include an object box 122 for storing the objects dispensed from the pick-and-place mechanism 200. According to the user's instructions to the object sorting and dispensing device 100, the object box 122 may also have a slot 318 for accommodating different objects. In addition, the object box assembly may include a box rotating member 210. In addition, the object box 122 may be mounted on the box rotating member 210 so that the object box 122 can be rotated by rotating the box rotating member 210. In addition, the object box 122 may be located inside the retaining housing 120.

[0035] In addition, the article sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a touch screen 126 as a medium for user input instructions and display information for the user. In addition, the upper support plate 212 can be used to install the pick-and-place mechanism 200. In addition, the lower support plate 214 can be used to install the container rotating member 206. The upper support plate 212 and the lower support plate 214 can be connected to each other by at least one pillar 216. In one example, the upper support plate 212 and the lower support plate 214 are connected to each other by four pillars 216. The pillars 216 for connection can be equal in shape, size and weight. In addition, the box rotating member 210 can be installed above the bottom wall 114 of the housing 102.

[0036] In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a button 118 that can open the access door 116 to facilitate access to the object container 204 inside the housing 102. In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a conveying chute 218 (as shown in FIG. 6 ) that connects the object container 204 with the object box 122. According to the user's instructions, the objects picked up from the object container 204 by the pick-and-place mechanism 200 are distributed into the object box 122 via the chute outlet 220 through the conveying chute 218. The user can be visually instructed to distribute the objects via the touch screen 126 or audibly via a speaker 222 in the housing 120. In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a dehumidifier compartment 224 molded at the rear wall 110 of the housing 102.

[0037] Figure 3 An isolated perspective view of the pick and place mechanism 200 is shown. As shown, the pick and place mechanism 200 includes a frame 300 that holds all of the components of the pick and place mechanism 200 together. In addition, the pick and place mechanism 200 may include a vertically disposed arm 302 that may be used to pick up and place small items. In addition, the pick and place mechanism 200 may include a Z stepper motor 304 movably coupled to the arm 302 to allow the arm 302 to move along the Z axis. In addition, the pick and place mechanism 200 may also include an X stepper motor 306 that may be movably coupled to the upper support plate 212 (e.g., Figure 4 212 ), thereby allowing the pick and place mechanism 200 to move along the X axis. In addition, it can be seen from the figure that the X stepper motor 306 and the Z stepper motor 304 are fixedly coupled to the frame 300. In another embodiment, the X stepper motor 306 and the Z stepper motor 304 are detachably coupled to the frame 300. In addition, the pick and place mechanism 200 can be moved independently of the upper support plate 212.

[0038] In addition, the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 can be configured to have a U-shaped cross-section or a U-shaped channel 308. In another embodiment, the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 can be configured to have a cylindrical or relatively rectangular cross-section or a T-shaped channel. In addition, the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 can be configured to have a vertical rack 310, which is built on one of the three outer surfaces of the arm. In one example, the transmission device of the vertical rack 310 can be customized to better accommodate the operation of picking and placing. In addition, the shaft of the Z stepper motor 304 can be movably coupled to the Z pinion 312. The Z pinion 312 can be coupled to the vertical rack 310 of the arm. In one example, the Z pinion 312 can be formed as a helical gear or a spur gear to correspond to the gear of the vertical rack 310 used for the rack and pinion transmission system. Since the Z pinion 312 is movably coupled to the vertical rack 310 of the arm, the rotation of the Z pinion 312 allows the arm 302 to move up and down in the vertical direction. In addition, the movement of the arm 302 is limited by the arm stop 314, which prevents the arm 302 from moving in the vertical direction beyond the length of the arm 302. The arm stop 314 can be formed at the end of the arm 302 facing the vertical rack 310, which can block the rotation of the Z pinion 312. In addition, the pick-and-place mechanism 200 can also include an arm plate 316, which is mounted on the frame 300 between the Z stepper motor 304 and the Z pinion 312. The arm plate 316 is configured to be connected to the arm cover 404 (at Figure 4 316) coupling is used to prevent any unwanted movement of the arm 302 except for the Z-axis movement. In addition, the arm plate 316 includes a slot 318 in the vertical direction, and corresponding to the slot, the arm 302 includes at least one slot slider 320 stamped on the vertical length of the arm. In addition, there can be a similar slot 318 on the arm cover 404, and a similar slot slider 320 on the other side of the arm. The slot slider 320 slides in the slot 318 of the arm plate 316 and the cover plate to prevent any movement except the Z-axis movement. In addition, the arm plate 316 can be detachably connected to the frame 300 of the pick and place mechanism 200 using a spacer.

[0039] In addition, the shaft of the X stepper motor 306 of the pick and place mechanism 200 can be fixedly coupled to the X pinion 322. The X pinion 322 can be movably coupled to the horizontal rack 324 (such as Figure 4). In one example, the X pinion 322 can be formed as a helical gear or a spur gear to correspond to a gear of a horizontal rack 324 for a rack and pinion transmission system. The horizontal rack 324 can be configured to be formed on the upper support plate 212 and can be fixed. The X pinion 322 coupled to the horizontal rack 324 can allow the frame 300 to move horizontally relative to the horizontal rack 324 when rotated. Therefore, the pick and place mechanism 200 can move along the X axis because the frame 300 (together with the mounted components) can move laterally along the X axis due to the relative movement between the horizontal rack 324 and the X pinion 322 of the X stepper motor 306. Similarly, the pick and place mechanism 200 can move along the Z axis because the arm 302 (together with the mounted components) can move along the Z axis due to the relative movement between the vertical rack 310 and the Z pinion 312 of the Z stepper motor 304.

[0040] In addition, the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 may include a nozzle 326 at the bottom end of the arm 302. The nozzle 326 may be configured to have a nozzle tip 328 that may be removably mounted to the nozzle 326. The tip of the nozzle 326 (i.e., the nozzle tip 328) may be replaced as required for small items. In one example, the tip of the nozzle 326 may be rubber-padded, magnetic, metallic, or the like. For example, if the item is metallic in nature, a magnetic tip may be employed. However, if the item is non-magnetic, the tip may be rubber-padded, which may hold the item with negative pressure. In addition, in another configuration, the pick-and-place mechanism 200 may employ a plurality of nozzles 326 that may be mounted with the same or different types of nozzle tips 328 so that multiple items may be picked up and dispensed at once. In another example, the nozzle 326 can be, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: an electric clamp, a pneumatic clamp, a suction cup, a magnetic clamp, a mechanical clamp, an impact clamp, an intrusion clamp, a shrink clamp, an abutment clamp, a Bernoulli clamp, an electrostatic clamp, a capillary clamp, a cryogenic clamp, an ultrasonic clamp, an intrusion clamp, etc.

[0041] In addition, the pick-and-place mechanism 200 may also include a vacuum pump 330, which may be fluidically connected to the nozzle 326 of the arm. The vacuum pump may include a metal can 336 with a thick wall, which can accommodate fluids at very high and very low pressures. The vacuum pump 330 may be used to generate negative air pressure in the nozzle 326 so that the pick-and-place mechanism 200 can generate suction between the nozzle tip 328 and the small items. This allows the tip to pick up small items, which can be retrieved by the vertical movement of the arm. In addition, the pick-and-place mechanism 200 may also include an air filter 332, which is used to clean the air before the air enters the vacuum pump 330. The air filter 332, the vacuum pump 330, and the nozzle 326 may be fluidically connected to each other via a conduit 334. In addition, the vacuum pump 330 is independent of the frame 300, and when the frame 300 moves relative to the upper support plate 212, the vacuum pump does not move. In another example, the nozzle 326 may be configured to operate using electrical energy rather than pneumatic energy by using various sensors and / or motors.

[0042] Figure 4An isolated perspective view of the upper support plate 212 is shown. As can be seen from the figure, the pick-and-place mechanism 200 is assembled on the upper support plate 212. The frame 300 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 can be detachably mounted on the upper support plate 212. In one example, the frame 300 is mounted on the upper support plate 212 using nuts and bolts. In addition, the X pinion 322 of the X stepper motor 306 can be engaged with a horizontal rack 324, which can be laterally mounted on the upper support plate 212. In addition, the side of the frame 300 opposite to the X pinion 322 rests on a sliding channel 400 extending parallel to the horizontal rack 324. The sliding channel 400 can be mounted on a channel mount 402, which can be placed at each end of the sliding channel 400. The sliding channel 400 can be, but is not limited to, circular, rectangular, or any desired shape. In one example, the shape of the sliding channel 400 can be cylindrical. The frame 300 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 can include a bearing that can slide on the sliding channel 400. In one example, the frame 300 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 includes a circular sliding bearing (not shown) fixedly coupled to the frame 300 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200, which can engage with the sliding channel 400 to slide in the direction of the sliding channel 400. In addition, one side of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 is supported by the horizontal rack 324 through the engagement of the X pinion 322 with the horizontal rack 324. In addition, the other side of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 slides over the sliding channel 400 through the sliding bearing of the frame 300 and is supported by the sliding channel 400. The support of either side of the frame 300 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 allows the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to be independent of the upper support plate 212 and to move independently along the X axis. In addition, the horizontal rack 324 can be mounted on the upper support plate 212 in a horizontal direction or in a transverse direction so that the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 can traverse a distance of at least half of the width of the upper support plate 212.

[0043] In addition, the item sorting and dispensing device 100 may include, but is not limited to, more than one pick-and-place mechanism 200. In one example, the item sorting and dispensing device 100 may employ two pick-and-place mechanisms 200 such that one pick-and-place mechanism 200 moves along the X-axis and the other pick-and-place mechanism 200 moves along the Y-axis. Similarly, in one example, the item sorting and dispensing device 100 may include two pick-and-place mechanisms 200 such that both pick-and-place mechanisms 200 can move on the X-axis or the Y-axis. In addition, the item sorting and dispensing device 100 may employ a pick-and-place mechanism 200 such that the horizontal rack 324 is formed in a circular manner, thereby allowing the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to rotate on a rotation axis. In another example, the pick-and-place mechanism 200 may be fixed and may rotate on a fixed Z-axis, thereby allowing the arm to tilt at a certain angle on the XY axis before extending into the item container. The above-described embodiments allow the item sorting and dispensing device 100 to approach the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis according to the requirements of the system. In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 can be optimized to approach the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the shortest possible time. In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 can include an NFC reader 406 near the pick-up position of the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200, which can be obtained from Figure 2 and Figure 4 It can be seen in.

[0044] also, Figure 4 Also shown is a locking mechanism 500 (in Fig.10a and 10b 316). The locking mechanism 500 includes, but is not limited to, a button 118 for opening the channel door 116 of the article sorting and dispensing device 100. In addition, it can be seen that the pick and place mechanism 200 has an arm cover 404, which can be removably coupled to the arm plate 316. In addition, the arm plate 316 and the arm cover 404 can include a slot 318 slotted in the vertical direction or depth direction. The slots 318 of the arm plate 316 and the arm cover 404 can engage with the slot slide 320 of the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 on either side of the arm to prevent movement of the arm 302 except for Z-axis movement.

[0045] Figure 5A perspective view of the pick and place device without the housing 102 is shown. As can be seen from the figure, the article sorting and dispensing device 100 includes a pick and place mechanism 200. In addition, the pick and place mechanism 200 includes a frame 300 mounted on an upper support plate 212. In addition, the pick and place mechanism 200 includes an arm 302 and an arm cover 404 mounted on an arm plate 316. In addition, the pick and place mechanism 200 includes a Z stepper motor 304 coupled to a vertical rack 310 of the arm 302 via a Z pinion 312 and an X stepper motor 306 coupled to a horizontal rack 324. In addition, the frame 300 of the pick and place mechanism 200 slides on a sliding channel 400 mounted on a channel mount 402 using a sliding bearing. The rotation of the Z pinion 312 allows the arm 302 to move along the Z axis, while the rotation of the X pinion 322 allows the pick and place mechanism 200 to move along the X axis. Furthermore, the nozzle 326 mounted on the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 may be fluidly connected to the vacuum pump 330 through the use of a conduit 334 .

[0046] In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include an NFC reader 406 near the pick-up position of the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200, which can be Figure 2 and Figure 4 The item sorting and dispensing device 100 is capable of reading the NFC tags of the item containers 204 (explained below) for the unique NFC identification of each item container via the NFC reader 406 in order to determine the correct item container 204 required for dispensing the item (explained in detail below).

[0047] In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may further include a Hall effect sensor 1032 (not shown), which may be located inside the arm cover 404. Accordingly, the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 may include a magnet 336a disposed on the arm, allowing the magnet 336a to move along the arm 302, thereby generating a magnetic field around it. In addition, the change in the magnetic field may be sensed by the Hall effect sensor 1032. In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 is able to know whether the arm 302 has moved through the Hall effect sensor 1032. In addition, in another embodiment, but not limited to, an optical sensor may be used instead of the Hall effect sensor 1032.

[0048] In addition, the item sorting and dispensing device 100 may also include a dehumidifier compartment 224 for maintaining the humidity level within the housing 102 of the item sorting and dispensing device 100. The dehumidifier compartment 224 may use any known dehumidification technology, such as refrigerant, desiccant, or whole-house dehumidification technology. In one example, the dehumidifier compartment 224 of the item sorting and dispensing device 100 includes a desiccant dehumidifier, such as silica gel beads. In addition, one of the walls of the dehumidifier compartment 224 may be separated from the other walls so that the separation wall can insert the slot 318 into the rest of the dehumidifier compartment 224. The separation wall of the dehumidifier compartment 224 allows easy access to the silica gel beads when the silica gel beads are removed when needed. In addition, the dehumidifier compartment 224 allows the components within the housing 102 of the item sorting and dispensing device 100 to be within the desired humidity level, including small items that can be dispensed.

[0049] In addition, the article sorting and dispensing device 100 includes a container assembly 202. The container assembly 202 may include a container rotating member 206 and at least one article container 204. The article container 204 may be formed so that a plurality of article containers 204 may be placed adjacent to each other in a circular manner. In one example, when viewed from a top view, the article container 204 may be formed into a relatively triangular shape, wherein one end of the article container 204 is wider than the other end, so that the article container 204 may be arranged in a circular manner. In addition, the container rotating member 206 may include at least one partition, which may be used as a receiving area for mounting the article container 204 on the container rotating member 206. In another embodiment, but not limited to, the article rotating member 206 inherently includes the article container 204 constructed as a single component.

[0050] The object sorting and dispensing device 100 further includes a locking mechanism 500 (at the position of the locking mechanism 500) for the access door 116 mounted on the front wall 106 of the housing 102 of the object sorting and dispensing device 100. Fig.10a and 10b). The locking mechanism 500 may include a mechanical lock or an electromechanical lock or both, for example, a bolt-type lock or a push-button lock. In one example, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 includes a mechanical and electromechanical lock for the channel door 116. In addition, it can be seen from the figure that the object sorting and dispensing device 100 includes a lower support plate 214. In addition, as shown in the figure, the lower support plate 214 may include a protrusion 502 toward the front side of the object sorting and dispensing device 100, which forms a part of the retaining housing 120. In addition, the channel door 116 is installed in a manner such that the edge of the channel door 116 is hinged to the protrusion 502 in the lower support plate 214. In addition, the channel door 116 is hinged to the protrusion 502 of the lower support plate 214 using a door hinge 504. In addition, any edge of the channel door 116 can be used to hinge the channel door 116. In addition, the door hinge 504 can be one of a belt 124 hinge, a butt hinge, a spring-loaded hinge, a hidden hinge, a piano hinge, an overlay hinge, a hidden barrel hinge, etc. In one example, the passage door 116 of the object sorting and dispensing device 100 uses a spring-loaded hinge to open and close the passage door 116. In another example, the locking mechanism 500 can include a biometric authentication sensor, such as but not limited to a fingerprint reader mounted on the passage door 116, allowing a user to unlock the locking mechanism 500 using the biometric authentication sensor. In addition, such a sensor can also be used for authentication of the user.

[0051] Figure 6a and Figure 6b The article sorting and distributing device 100 without the upper support plate 212 and the components mounted on the upper support plate 212 are shown. Figure 6a and Figure 6bIt can be seen that the article sorting and dispensing device 100 includes a lower support plate 214. In addition, as shown in the figure, the lower support plate 214 may include a protrusion 502 toward the front side of the article sorting and dispensing device 100, which forms a part of the retaining housing 120. In addition, the article sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a Y stepper motor 600. The Y stepper motor 600 may allow the article sorting and dispensing device 100 to shift the article along the Y axis. In addition, it can be seen that the container rotating member 206 is assembled on the lower support plate 214. The container rotating member 206 may be rotatably coupled to the Y stepper motor 600. In addition, the shaft of the Y stepper motor 600 is fixedly connected to the Y pinion 602. In one example, the Y pinion 602 may be formed as a pinion for an internal gear, which may be a helical gear, a spur gear, etc. In addition, the bottom side of the container rotating member 206 may include an internal gear formed inside the periphery of the container rotating member 206, which may be a helical gear, a spur gear, etc. corresponding to the Y pinion 602 transmission. In one example, an internal gear inside the periphery of the bottom of the container rotating member 206 can be coupled to the Y pinion 602 of the Y stepper motor 600. In addition, the rotation of the shaft of the Y stepper motor 600 causes the Y pinion 602 to rotate, which in turn can rotate the internal gear of the container rotating member 206, thereby rotating the container rotating member 206.

[0052] In addition, the lower support plate 214 may include at least one support bushing 604 for supporting at least one support. The support bushing 604 may be an external bushing assembled to the top surface of the lower support plate 214 and the bottom surface of the upper support plate 212. In addition, the support bushing 604 may also be pre-formed on the top surface of the lower support plate 214 or the bottom surface of the upper support plate 212 during the manufacturing process of forming the support plate. In one example, the support bushing 604 is installed at the four corners of the top surface of the lower support plate 214 and the bottom surface of the upper support plate 212, so that each of the support bushings 604 on the top surface of the lower support plate 214 is axially aligned with each of the corresponding support bushings 604 on the bottom surface of the upper support plate 212. Since the support bushings 604 are axially aligned at each corner, the support bushing 604 installed at the top surface of the lower support plate 214 can receive one end of the support, and the other end of the support 216 can be received in the corresponding support bushing 604 installed at the bottom surface of the upper support plate 212 at the same corner, so that the axis of the bushing on the lower plate, the axis of the support 216 and the axis of the bushing on the upper support plate 212 are aligned in the vertical direction.

[0053] In addition, the container rotating member 206 may include at least one article container 204. The article container 204 may be formed so that a plurality of article containers 204 may be placed together in a circular manner. In one example, when viewed from a top view, the article container 204 may be formed into a relatively triangular shape, wherein one end of the article container 204 is wider than the other end, so that the article container 204 may be arranged in a circular manner. In addition, the container rotating member 206 may include at least one partition, which may be used as a receiving area for mounting the article container 204 on the container rotating member 206. As described above, the rotation of the shaft of the Y stepper motor 600 causes the Y pinion 602 to rotate, and the Y pinion can in turn rotate the inner gear of the container rotating member 206, thereby rotating the container rotating member 206. During the rotation of the container rotating member 206, the partition 208 can prevent any unwanted movement of the article container 204 on the XY axis. Therefore, the object sorting and distributing device 100 allows the objects to move along the X-axis by the pick-and-place mechanism 200 , along the Y-axis by the rotation of the container rotating member 206 , and along the Z-axis by the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 .

[0054] In addition, the article sorting and distributing device 100 may include a holding housing 120 for accommodating the article box assembly 606. In addition, the article box assembly 606 may also include a box rotating member 210 (from Figure 2 As can be seen). The box rotating member 210 can be formed as a circular plate rotating on a fixed axis. In addition, the bottom wall of the housing 120 can include a cutout 608, which connects the space inside the housing 120 to the space below the housing 120. In one example, the item box 122 is mounted on the box rotating member 210. The box rotating member 210 can be mounted below the lower support plate 214 and on the bottom wall 114 of the housing 120, wherein the bottom wall of the housing 120 is used as a support for the box rotating member 210. The item box assembly 606 can include an item box stepping motor 610, which can be mounted on the housing 120 and below the housing. Here, the box rotator 210 can be installed below the bottom wall 114 of the retaining shell 120, and the item box 122 can be installed above the bottom wall 114 of the retaining shell 120, wherein the cutout 608 in the bottom wall 114 of the retaining shell 120 allows the box rotator 210 to be exposed to the retaining shell 120 and connected to the item box 122.

[0055] In addition, the box rotating member 210 of the article box assembly 606 can also include a circular gear 614, which can be formed as an internal gear or an external gear. The circular gear 614 can be a gear formed outside and can be installed on the bottom side of the box rotating member 210, or the box rotating member 210 itself can be manufactured to have a circular gear 614 formed on the bottom side of the box rotating member 210. In addition, the shaft of the article box stepper motor 610 can have an article box pinion 612 installed at one end thereof. The article box pinion 612 can mesh with the circular gear 614 of the box rotating member 210 again. Therefore, whenever the shaft of the article box stepper motor 610 rotates, the pinion will rotate, allowing the circular gear 614 to rotate in turn, thereby rotating the box rotating member 210.

[0056] Figure 7a and Figure 7b Assembled and disassembled views of the container rotator 206 and the item container 204 are shown, respectively. Figure 7a Specifically, the article container 204 assembled in a circular manner is shown. It can be seen that the article container 204 can be formed so that a plurality of article containers 204 can be placed together in a circular manner. In one example, when viewed from a top view, the article container 204 can be formed into a relatively triangular shape, wherein one end of the article container 204 is wider than the other end, so that the article container 204 can be arranged in a circular manner. In addition, the container rotating member 206 may include at least one partition, which can be used as a receiving area for mounting the article container 204 on the container rotating member 206. In one example, the container rotating member 206 has a plurality of partitions, and each partition 208 has a space that can accommodate one article container 204. In addition, the article container 204 is assembled in such a way that the article container 204 does not occupy the space at the rotation axis of the container rotating member 206, thereby leaving a relatively cylindrical space at the rotation axis of the article rotating member. The relatively cylindrical space left can be occupied by the conveying chute 218 of the article sorting and distribution device 100.

[0057] also, Figure 7bThe disassembled view of the item container 204 is shown. The item container 204 may include a housing 700 that accommodates a receptacle 702. The receptacle 702 is configured to be accommodated in the housing 700 of the item container 204. The receptacle 702 may be formed into a relatively conical shape, wherein the inner end of the receptacle 702 is relatively smaller than the outer end. Here, when the item container 204 is assembled on the container rotating member 206, the inner end of the item container 204 may be an end close to the rotation axis of the container rotating member 206, and when the item container 204 is assembled on the item rotating member, the outer end of the item container 204 may be an end away from the rotation axis of the container rotating member 206. In addition, the outer end of the housing 700 and the item container 204 may be wider than the inner end. In addition, the bottom wall of the receptacle 702 may be formed into a slope 704. In one example, the bottom wall of the receptacle 702 is formed into a slope 704, wherein the receptacle 702 is deeper at the outer end than at the inner end. In addition, the slope 704 of the receptacle 702 increases from the inner end of the receptacle 702 to the outer end of the receptacle 702. In addition, the slope 704 of the bottom wall of the receptacle 702 causes the objects held in the receptacle 702 to slide from the inner end and gather at the outer end of the receptacle 702 due to the slope 704 of the bottom wall, thereby making the outer end of the receptacle 702 deeper than the inner end of the receptacle 702.

[0058] In addition, the receptor 702 may have a lip 706 extruded around the periphery of the receptor 702. Here, when the receptor 702 is contained in the housing 700, the lip 706 of the receptor 702 may be used as a support for the housing 700. In addition, the opening of the housing 700 may be configured to receive the lip 706 of the receptor 702, which may rest on the top edge of the four walls of the housing 700. In addition, the receptor 702 may include an NFC tag 708, which may be adhered to one wall of the receptor 702. In one example, the NFC tag 708 is attached to the outer surface of the wall at the outer end of the receptor 702. In addition, the NFC tag 708 may be configured to have a planar surface, wherein the outer surface of the tag may be configured to be used as a writing or printing surface. In addition, the housing 700 may be configured to be made of a transparent or translucent material so that the writing or printing surface of the NFC is visible from the outside of the housing 700.

[0059] In addition, as can be seen from the figure, the housing 700 can have a cavity 710 formed at the inner surface of the bottom wall. The cavity 710 can be configured to receive the magnet 336b inside the cavity 710. In one example, the inner surface of the bottom wall of the housing 700 has a cavity 710 for receiving the magnet 336b. In addition, the container rotating member 206 can also include an iron element corresponding to the position of the magnet 336b inside the housing 700 of the item container 204, thereby allowing the item container 204 to be magnetically attached to the container rotating member 206. This not only prevents the item container 204 from moving unnecessarily on the container rotating member 206 in the X and Y axes, but also prevents any movement of the item container 204 along the Z axis.

[0060] In addition, the item container 204 may include a container cover 712, which may be defined by the top wall 112 and the side walls derived from the top wall 112. In addition, the container cover 712 may be formed so that the container cover fits tightly at the opening at the top of the receptacle 702. In addition, the bottom edge of the side wall of the container cover 712 is configured to rest on the lip 706 of the receptacle 702. In one example, the container cover 712 is used to cover the receptacle 702 of the item container 204 so that the items that the receptacle 702 can hold are not displaced outside the item container 204. In addition, in another example, the housing 700 of the item container 204 receives the magnet 336c inside the cavity 710, the receptacle 702 may be mounted above the cavity, the lip 706 of the receptacle 702 is supported on the edge of the side wall of the housing 700, and the container cover 712 is used to close the opening at the top of the receptacle 702. Furthermore, the cap may be one of, but not limited to, a screw top cap, a flip top cap, a sports cap cap, a cork cap, and the like.

[0061] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the article sorting and dispensing device 100 is shown. As can be seen from the figure, the article sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a conveying chute 218. When instructed by a user, the conveying chute 218 can be used to convey articles, wherein the articles travel through the conveying chute 218. In addition, the article sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a chute slide 800, through which the articles conveyed to the article holder move. The chute slide 800 may be connected to the chute outlet 220, so that a path for article conveyance is formed using the conveying chute 218, the chute slide 800, and the chute outlet 220. In one example, the conveyed articles take a path in the following order before falling into the article box 122: the conveying chute 218, the chute slide 800, and the chute outlet 220. In addition, the retaining housing 120 may accommodate the chute slide 800 and the chute outlet 220, and the conveying chute 218 extends from the axis of the container rotating member 206 in a vertical direction toward the retaining housing 120.

[0062] In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a control compartment 802, which may house a control unit 804. The control unit 804 may include a processor 806, a memory unit 808, an Internet 810, etc. for controlling the object sorting and dispensing device 100. In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include an object box 122 mounted on a box rotating member 210 within a retaining housing 120. The box rotating member 210 may be driven by an object box stepper motor 610, which is connected to the box rotating member 210 via a gear set including an object box pinion 612. In addition, as can be seen from the figure, a cutout 608 in the retaining housing 120 enables the object box 122 to be mounted on the box rotating member 210, thereby allowing the object box 122 inside the retaining housing 120 to be mounted on the box rotating member 210 outside the retaining housing 120. In addition, the retaining housing 120 may include a speaker 222, allowing the user to be notified by sound.

[0063] Fig. 9 A perspective view of an unassembled item box 122 and a box rotating member 210 is shown. As can be seen from the figure, the item box 122 is formed on a relatively circular cross section. The item box 122 may have at least an item section 900. In one example, the item box 122 may have a plurality of item sections 900. In addition, the item box 122 may include a box cover 902, which may be used as a cover for the item box 122. The box cover 902 may be mounted on the item box 122, but is not limited to using a snap fit, or may be screwed on the item box 122. In addition, the box cover 902 may be one of the following, but is not limited to a screw top cover, a flip cover 706 top cover, a sports cap cover, a cork cover, etc. In addition, the item box 122 may be mounted on the box rotating member 210 using magnetic attachment. In addition, the magnet 336c may be mounted on the box rotating member 210, and corresponding to the box rotating member, the item box 122 may have one or more iron plates mounted on its bottom. Alternatively, the magnet 336c may be mounted at the bottom wall of the item box 122, corresponding to the iron plate that may be mounted in the box rotator 210. In addition, each item section 900 in the item box 122 may have an NFC tag mounted on the outer wall of each item section 900. Accordingly, the NFC reader 406 may be mounted below the item box 122. In one example, the NFC reader 406 may be mounted below the box rotator 210 so that the NFC reader 406 does not rotate with the item box 122 or the box rotator 210. In addition, the item box 122 may include a section indicator 904 that may be mounted at the center of the item box 122, which may associate each section of the item box 122 with a section number 906. The section number 906 may be associated with the items allocated in the item section 900 of the item box 122. Furthermore, for better understanding, Figure 8A cross-sectional view of an assembly object box 122 mounted on a swivel is shown.

[0064] Fig.10a and Fig.10b An isolated perspective view of a locking mechanism 500 of the object sorting and dispensing device 100 is shown. As shown, the locking mechanism 500 may include a channel door 116 for accessing the object container 204 on the container rotating member 206. As previously described, the channel door 116 may be hinged to the protrusion 502 of the lower support plate 214. The hinge by which the channel door 116 is mounted on the protrusion 502 of the lower support plate 214 may be a door hinge 504. The door hinge 504 may include a hinge mount 1000, which serves as a frame 300 on which the components of the door hinge 504 are assembled. The hinge mount 1000 may be mounted on the lower support plate 214, through which the channel door 116 may be mounted on the door hinge 504. In one example, the channel door 116 opens outward toward the object sorting and dispensing device 100, wherein the channel door 116 may be horizontally hinged using two door hinges 504 on both sides of the channel door 116. In addition, the access door 116 can be opened and closed using a hinge spring 1002 mounted on one hinge mount 1000, thereby allowing the access door 116 to be spring loaded. In addition, the door hinge 504 can include a hinge gear 1004 mounted in the hinge mount 1000. The hinge gear 1004 can mesh with a similar gear coupled to the access door 116 at the door hinge 504. The hinge gear 1004 can rotate to allow the access door 116 to open and close. In one example, the door hinge 504 on one side of the access door 116 can include a spring wound and mounted on the hinge mount 1000, while the door hinge 504 on the other side of the door can include a hinge gear 1004 mounted on the hinge mount 1000. In one example, the hinge spring 1002 allows spring loading to open and close the access door 116, and can also allow the access door 116 to have soft opening and soft closing.

[0065] In addition, the access door 116 may include a door tab 1006 at the top middle portion of the access door 116. The door tab 1006 may engage with the locking mechanism 500 to close the door. In addition, the inner side of the access door 116 may include a support rib 1008 across the area of ​​the access door 116. The support rib 1008 may resist any buckling or bending that may occur in the access door 116. In addition, the locking mechanism 500 may include a locking mount 1010. The locking mount 1010 may serve as a frame 300 to which the components of the locking mechanism 500 may be assembled. The locking mechanism 500 may be mounted on the front side of the upper support plate 212 using the locking mount 1010. In addition, the locking mechanism 500 may include a latch 1012 that may engage with the door tab 1006 of the access door 116. In addition, the locking mechanism 500 may include a latch pin 1014 mounted on the locking mount 1010, on which the latch 1012 may pivot. In addition, the locking mechanism 500 can include a button 118 mounted on the locking mount 1010. In addition, the button 118 can be spring-loaded, wherein a button spring 1016 can be wrapped around the button 118, thereby enabling the button 118 to retract to its original position without manual interference.

[0066] In addition, the locking mechanism 500 may include a button lever 1018 that may interact with the button 118 on one side thereof, while the button lever may also interact with the latch 1012 on the other side thereof. In addition, the button lever 1018 may pivot on the lever pin 1020. Here, the button lever 1018 and the lever pin 1020 are mounted on the locking mount 1010. In addition, pressing the button 118 may allow the button lever 1018, which may contact the button 118, to pivot on the lever pin 1020, thereby pushing the latch 1012. When pushed by the button lever 1018, the latch 1012 may pivot on the latch pin 1014, thereby allowing the latch 1012 to move and engage / disengage with the door tab 1006. In addition, the latch 1012 engages / disengages with the door tab 1006 and allows the passage door 116 to be opened / closed.

[0067] In addition, the locking mechanism 500 may further include a solenoid 1022 mounted on the locking mount 1010. The solenoid 1022 may further include a shaft 1024 that may reciprocate back and forth as long as the solenoid 1022 is energized. In addition, one end of the shaft 1024 may contact the latch 1012. This may allow the solenoid 1022 to move the shaft 1024 in such a direction that the latch 1012 is pushed by the shaft 1024, thereby causing the latch 1012 to pivot on the latch pin 1014, thereby allowing the latch 1012 to disengage from the door tab 1006. In addition, the locking mechanism 500 may further include an electromagnet 1026 mounted on the locking mount 1010. The electromagnet 1026 may be mounted on the locking mount 1010 so that the magnetic surface of the electromagnet 1026 faces the access door 116. Accordingly, the interior of the access door 116 includes an iron plate 1028 mounted on the door so that the magnetic surface of the electromagnet 1026 coincides with the iron plate 1028 mounted on the access door 116. Here, whenever the electromagnet 1026 is energized, the electromagnet 1026 can magnetically attach itself to the iron plate on the access door 116. The electromagnet 1026 allows the access door 116 to be closed and not opened when the electromagnet 1026 is energized. Conversely, when the electromagnet 1026 is not energized, the door can be opened.

[0068] In addition, the object sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a feedback mechanism 1030. The feedback mechanism 1030 may include, but is not limited to, sensing the movement of the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200, selecting the correct object container 204, removing objects from the object container 204, whether the object box 122 is present on the box rotating member 210, opening the channel door 116, etc. In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 may include an NFC tag 708 and an NFC reader 908. In addition, from Figure 7b It can be seen that the feedback mechanism 1030 may include an NFC tag 708 on the receptacle 702 of the item container 204, which may be adhered to one wall of the receptacle 702. In one example, the NFC tag 708 is adhered to the outer surface of the wall at the outer end of the receptacle 702. In addition, the NFC tag 708 may be configured to have a planar surface, wherein the outer surface of the tag may be configured to be used as a writing or printing surface. In addition, the housing 700 may be configured to be made of a transparent or translucent material so that the writing or printing surface of the NFC is visible from the outside of the housing 700. In addition, corresponding to the NFC tag 708 on the receptacle 702 of the item container 204, the feedback mechanism 1030 includes an NFC reader 406 near the pick-up area of ​​the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200, which can be seen from Figure 2 and Figure 4The pick-up zone can be defined by the volume of space occupied by the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 before it moves down to the item container 204. In one example, the pick-up zone is the volume of space around the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 when the arm 302 is fully retracted and when the trajectory of the arm 302 along the Z-axis substantially coincides with the opening of the item container 204. In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 is capable of reading the NFC tag 708 of the item container 204 via the NFC reader 406 for the unique NFC identification of each item container in order to determine the correct item container 204 required for dispensing the item.

[0069] In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 may include an NFC tag 708 on the item box 122 of the item sorting and dispensing device 100, which may be adhered to the bottom wall of each item section 900 in the item box 122. In one example, the NFC tag 708 is attached to the outer surface of the wall at the outer end of the receptacle 702. In addition, the NFC tag 708 may be configured to have a planar surface, wherein the outer surface of the tag may be configured to be used as a writing or printing surface. In addition, the item box 122 may be made of a transparent or translucent material so that the user can see the writing or printing surface of the NFC. Accordingly, from Fig. 9 As can be seen, feedback mechanism 1030 can include NFC reader 406 mounted below item box 122. In one example, NFC reader 406 can be mounted below box rotator 210 so that NFC reader 406 does not rotate with item box 122 or box rotator 210. In addition, feedback mechanism 1030 is capable of reading NFC tags 708 of item sections 900 of item box 122 via NFC reader 406 for a unique identification of each item section 900 in order to determine the correct item section 900 required to dispense the item. In one embodiment, the user can be notified of the dispensed item.

[0070] In addition, from Figure 4 It can be seen that the feedback mechanism 1030 can also include a Hall effect sensor 1032. Figure 4 It can be seen that the Hall effect sensor can be located inside the arm cover 404. Accordingly, the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 can include a magnet 336a disposed on the arm, allowing the magnet 336a to move along the arm 302, thereby generating a magnetic field around it. In addition, the change in the magnetic field can be sensed by the Hall effect sensor 1032. In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 can know whether the arm 302 has moved through the Hall effect sensor 1032.

[0071] In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 may include monitoring the current and resistance value of the Z stepper motor 304 and the vacuum pump 330. Specifically, the average value (or smoothed value) of the resistance supplied to the Z stepper motor 304 and the vacuum pump 330 may be predetermined. In one example, whether the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 has reached the object container 204 and whether the object has been picked up by the arm is determined based on the change in the resistance value of the Z stepper motor 304 and the vacuum pump 330. In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 monitors the resistance value of the Z stepper motor 304 and the vacuum pump 330, so that the change in the current value of the Z stepper motor can determine whether the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 has reached the bottom of the object container 204. Since the arm 302 may not pass through the bottom of the object container 204, the resistance value in the current supplied to the Z stepper motor 304 may change from the predetermined value due to the increase in the load of the motor. Thus, a change in the resistance value in the current supplied to the Z stepper motor 304 may indicate that the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 has reached the bottom of the object container 204 .

[0072] In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 may also monitor the resistance value of the current supplied to the vacuum pump 330. In one example, the change in the resistance value in the current supplied to the vacuum pump 330 is monitored by the feedback mechanism 1030 to determine whether the item has been picked up by the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200, specifically, whether it has been picked up by the nozzle 326 of the arm. When the arm 302 reaches the bottom of the item container 204, the item sorting and distributing device 100 allows the vacuum pump 330 to be turned on, thereby generating a negative pressure in the nozzle 326 of the arm 302, thereby allowing the nozzle 326 to perform suction. Here, the feedback mechanism 1030 may monitor the average value (or smoothed value) of the resistance in the current supplied to the vacuum pump 330. In addition, the suction at the nozzle tip 328 allows the items in the item container 204 to adhere to the nozzle tip 328 due to the negative pressure. In addition, the adhesion of the items to the nozzle tip 328 may cause a change in the load of the vacuum pump 330, thereby causing the resistance value in the current supplied to the vacuum pump 330 to change from a predetermined value. Thus, a change in the resistance value in the current supplied to the vacuum pump 330 may indicate that an item has been picked up from the item container 204 by the nozzle 326 of the arm 302 .

[0073] In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 can also include an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver. The infrared sensor can be installed below the box rotating member 210. In addition, the infrared receiver can be installed inside and on the top wall 112 of the retaining housing 120. In addition, the box rotating member 210 and the retaining housing 120 can be configured so that the infrared red light can travel from the infrared transmitter to the infrared receiver without any interference or obstruction. In addition, the article rotating member can be configured to accommodate a cup 1034 or any other similarly shaped article container 204 without an NFC tag 708, so that the infrared transmitter detects whether there is a cup 1034 on the box rotating member 210. In addition, placing the cup 1034 on the box rotating member 210 can block the infrared rays emitted by the infrared transmitter, thereby allowing the feedback mechanism 1030 to determine that the cup 1034 has been placed on the box rotating member 210, regardless of the feedback from the NFC reader 406.

[0074] In addition, the feedback mechanism 1030 may also include an optical sensor. The optical sensor may include, but is not limited to, sensing the size of the item, the shape of the item, the texture of the item, the number of items, etc. In addition, the optical sensor may be mounted on the upper support plate 212 and the lower support plate 214. In one example, the optical sensor of the feedback mechanism 1030 may be mounted on the bottom surface of the upper support plate 212, wherein the optical sensor may face the container rotating member 206. In addition, in one example, the optical sensor of the feedback mechanism 1030 may also be mounted on the bottom surface of the lower support plate 214, wherein the optical sensor may face the box rotating member 210. The optical sensor of the feedback mechanism 1030 may be, but is not limited to, a gas tube photoelectric sensor, a photovoltaic solar cell, a semiconductor light sensor (photodiode), an infrared sensor, a CMOS sensor, a camera sensor, etc. In one example, the optical sensor of the feedback mechanism 1030 includes a camera sensor. In one example, the feedback mechanism 1030 may also include a gyroscope sensor for determining the change in the rotation angle of the item sorting and dispensing device 100 per unit time, thereby determining whether there is already a tilt in the position of the item sorting and dispensing device 100.

[0075] Fig.11 1 shows a block diagram of an article sorting and dispensing device 100. As can be seen from the figure, the article sorting and dispensing device 100 may include a control unit 804 for controlling the operation of the device. The control unit 804 may include, but is not limited to, a processor 806, a memory unit 808, and a communication interface 1100. The processor 806 may be a general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip microprocessor 806 (e.g., an advanced RISC (reduced instruction set computer) machine (ARM)), a dedicated microprocessor 806 (e.g., a digital signal processor 806 (DSP)), a microcontroller, a programmable gate array, etc. Although in Fig.11Only a single processor 806 is shown in the article sorting and allocation device 100, but in another configuration, a combination of processors 806 (e.g., arm 302 and DSP) may be used.

[0076] The control unit 804 also includes a memory unit 808 in electronic communication with the processor 806. The memory unit 808 can be any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. For example, the memory unit 808 can be a random access memory unit 808 (RAM), a read-only memory unit 808 (ROM), a disk storage medium, an optical storage medium, a flash memory unit 808 device in a RAM, an onboard memory unit 808 in the processor 806, an erasable programmable read-only memory unit 808 (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory unit 808 (EEPROM) memory unit 808, a register, etc., including combinations thereof.

[0077] In one example, the memory unit 808 contains instructions for the processor 806 to operate the item sorting and dispensing device 100 according to the instructions. In addition, the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804 may contain a module with instructions for the processor 806 to execute. In one example, the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804 may include a pick and place module 1102, a feedback module 1104, a locking module 1106, and a rotation module 1108. Accordingly, the control unit 804 may be in electronic communication with the pick and place mechanism 200, the item box assembly 606, the container assembly 202, the locking mechanism 500, and the feedback mechanism 1030. In addition, the control unit 804 of the pick and place mechanism 200 may be in electronic communication with the database 1110 via the Internet 810. In addition, the control unit 804 may be in electronic communication with the user interface 1114 for the user to interact with it. In addition, in one example, the communication interface 1100 may be operably connected to the database 1110 via the Internet 810. In addition, the database 1110 may be the memory unit 808 for remotely storing data acquired from the object sorting and allocating apparatus 100 , and may include data required to indicate the object sorting and allocating apparatus 100 .

[0078] In one example, the operation of the pick and place mechanism 200 is governed by instructions contained in a pick and place module of the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804. Similarly, the operation of the container assembly 202 and the object box assembly 606 is governed by instructions contained in a rotation module 1108 of the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804. Furthermore, the operation of the locking mechanism 500 is governed by instructions contained in a rotation module 1108 of the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804. Furthermore, the feedback mechanism 1030 is governed by instructions contained in a feedback module 1104 of the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804. Furthermore, the feedback mechanism 1030 is operably connected to each of the pick and place mechanism 200, the container assembly 202, the object box assembly 606, and the locking mechanism 500.

[0079] In addition, various components of the computer system may be coupled together via one or more buses, which may include a power bus, a control signal bus, a status signal bus, a data bus, etc. For clarity, various buses are described in Fig.11 Shown in FIG. 1 is a bus system 1112 .

[0080] Instructions and data may be stored in the memory unit 808 and also stored on a database 1110, which may be electronically communicated with the control unit 804 via the Internet 810 through the communication interface 1100. The modules may be executed by the processor 806 to implement some or all of the functions disclosed herein. Executing instructions may involve using data stored in the memory unit 808. Any of the various examples of modules and components described herein may be partially or completely implemented as instructions stored in the memory unit 808 and executed by the processor 806. Any of the various examples of data described herein may be among the data stored in the memory unit 808 and used during the execution of instructions by the processor 806.

[0081] Fig.12 1 is a block diagram showing an item sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 in communication with a database 1110 and other computing devices 1200. As can be seen from the figure, the item sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 may include a pick-and-place mechanism 200, a container assembly 202, an item box assembly 606, a locking mechanism 500, a feedback mechanism 1030, a user interface 1114, and a control unit 804. The item sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 may electronically communicate with other computing devices 1200 using the Internet 810. In addition, the item sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 may electronically communicate with a database 1110. In one example, the database 1110 maintains records and stores data related to the distribution of small items. In addition, the database 1110 may also store data related to (but not limited to) schedules, user information, user history, distribution history, etc.

[0082] Fig.13 A flow chart showing the process involved in loading or refilling small items in the item sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 is shown.

[0083] Step 1300 indicates the start of a process for filling / refilling item container 204 .

[0084] Step 1302 indicates that the control unit 804 of the object sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 has received a load command. The command may be generated by a user using the computing device 1200 or by using the touch screen 126 of the object sorting and dispensing apparatus 100. In addition, the control unit 804 may also generate a command for loading based on instructions received by the processor 806 from the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804. The control unit 804 may access the database 1110 to determine whether the object container 204 is empty.

[0085] Step 1304 indicates the step of the control unit 804 accessing the database 1110 to find an empty object container 204. Because the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804 records each emptying of the object container 204 and sends the information to the database 1110 for recording. The information sent may contain a unique identification of the object container 204 and other data related to the object and the object container 204, such as the emptying time, the type of object contained, the schedule associated with the specific object, the position of the object container 204 on the container rotating member 206, etc. Once the control unit 804 identifies the empty object container 204, the control unit 804 further determines the rotation direction of the container rotating member 206 so that the desired object container 204 can be placed next to the passage door 116 of the object sorting and dispensing device 100.

[0086] Step 1306 indicates that the control unit 804 instructs the container rotating member 206 to rotate. In addition, the control unit 804 determines the shortest distance between the empty object container 204 and the passage door 116 of the object sorting and distributing device 100, and instructs the container rotating member 206 to rotate in the determined direction.

[0087] Step 1308 indicates the step of unlocking the access door 116. Once the container rotating member 206 rotates so that the empty object container 204 is adjacent to the access door 116, the control unit 804 instructs the locking mechanism 500 to disengage the electromagnet 1026. In addition, the locking mechanism 500 stops supplying current to the electromagnet 1026, thereby disengaging the electromagnet 1026 from the iron plate 1028 mounted on the access door 116. In addition, after the electromagnet 1026 is disengaged, the button 118 can be pressed to open the door. Alternatively, an external computing device can be used to instruct the control unit 804 to open the access door 116, and the external computing device can communicate electronically with the object sorting and dispensing device 100 through the Internet 810. In this case, the control unit 804 can instruct the locking mechanism 500 to energize the solenoid 1022 to push the latch 1012 of the locking mechanism 500, thereby allowing the access door 116 to open automatically.

[0088] Step 1310 indicates the step of removing and filling the empty item container 204. Once the access door 116 of the item sorting and dispensing device 100 is opened, the item container 204 can be removed and filled with items that need to be dispensed later. When the access door 116 is opened, the control unit 804 does not instruct the pick and place mechanism 200. In addition, the empty item container 204 can be filled / refilled with small items. This step includes removing the empty item container 204 from the container rotating member 206 of the item sorting and dispensing device 100, removing the receptacle 702 from the housing 700, filling the receptacle 702 with small items, writing the details of the small items on the writable / printable surface of the NFC tag 708 on the receptacle 702, placing the filled receptacle 702 back into the housing 700, and placing it back into the container rotating member 206 through the opened access door 116.

[0089] Step 1312 indicates the step of closing the access door 116. Additionally, once the control unit 804 recognizes that the locking mechanism 500 is engaged with the door tab 1006 of the access door 116, the control unit 804 instructs the feedback mechanism 1030 to check whether the item container 204 is in place.

[0090] Step 1314 indicates the step of the control unit 804 identifying the inserted item container 204. In addition, the control unit 804 instructs the container rotating member 206 to rotate and allows the feedback mechanism 1030 to read the NFC tag 708 of the item container 204 using the NFC reader 406. This allows the control unit 804 to check whether any new item container 204 with a new unique identification has been added, or whether an existing item container 204 has been removed from the container rotating member 206. In one example, the item sorting and allocation device 100 can notify the user whether an item container 204 is removed or added to the container rotating member 206, and save a record of each such activity in the database 1110. In addition, the items in the item container 204 are assigned to the unique identification of the item container 204.

[0091] Step 1316 indicates the step of assigning small items to the item container 204. In this step, once the control unit 804 recognizes that the channel door 116 has been closed and the item container 204 has been rescanned for its NFC ID, the control unit 804 prompts a notification on the touch screen 126 of the item sorting and assigning apparatus 100 or on the computing device 1200 at the remote location, asking the user for details about the items to be filled / refilled in the assigned item container 204. The data about the items entered by the user may include data related to the filling / refilling time, the type of items contained, the schedule associated with the items, the position of the item container 204 on the container rotating member 206, etc.

[0092] Step 1318 indicates a step of storing data associated with the item container 204 on the database 1110. In this step, the control unit 804 stores the data associated with the item container 204 in the memory unit 808 and transmits the data in a modified or unmodified form to the database 1110, which can be in electronic communication with the item sorting and allocation device 100 via the Internet 810.

[0093] Furthermore, step 1320 indicates the end of the process for loading or refilling small items in the object sorting and distributing device 100 .

[0094] Fig.14 A flow chart describing the steps when the item allocation mechanism receives an allocation command is shown. The command may be generated by a user using the computing device 1200 or by using the touch screen 126 of the item sorting and allocation apparatus 100. In addition, the control unit 804 may also generate a command for allocating items based on a schedule for allocating commands stored in the memory unit 808 according to instructions received by the processor 806 from the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804. The control unit 804 may access the database 1110 to determine whether the item container 204 is empty before executing the allocation command.

[0095] Step 1400 indicates the start of the process of the object sorting and assigning apparatus 100 assigning objects.

[0096] Step 1402 indicates a step in which the control unit 804 checks whether the access door 116 is closed. In this step, the control unit 804 checks with the locking mechanism 500 whether the locking mechanism 500 is engaged and whether the access door 116 is closed and locked. The control unit 804 can use the locking mechanism 500 to check whether the electromagnet 1026 is engaged, and monitor the current and resistance value of the electromagnet 1026 to determine whether the access door 116 is locked and move to step 1408. If not locked, the control moves to step 1406.

[0097] Step 1406 indicates a step in which, once it is determined that the passage door 116 is open, the control unit 804 requests the user to close the passage door 116 to further the dispensing process of interacting with the object sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 using the user interface 1114 enabled by the touch screen 126. Alternatively, the user may interact with the remote computing device 1200, which may electronically communicate with the control unit 804 via the Internet 810 to instruct the object sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 to automatically close the passage door 116 upon user intervention. Alternatively, the user may also manually close the passage door 116.

[0098] Step 1408 indicates a step in which the control unit 804 checks whether the item box 122 is in place. In this step, the control unit 804 uses the feedback mechanism 1030 to confirm whether the item box 122 has been placed on the box rotating member 210. In one example, the item box assembly 606 can be configured to hold the box rotating member 210 or a cup 1034 or any other container of similar shape without the NFC tag 708, so that the infrared transmitter detects the presence of such a cup 1034 on the item box 122 rotating member. In addition, placing such a cup 1034 on the box rotating member 210 can block the infrared rays emitted by the infrared transmitter, thereby allowing the feedback mechanism 1030 to determine that the cup 1034 has been placed on the box rotating member 210. If the item box 122 is detected on the box rotating member 210, the process moves to step 1412, otherwise it moves to step 1410.

[0099] Step 1410 indicates a step in which the control unit 804 asks the user to place the object box 122 on the box rotating member 210. In this step, once the control unit 804 determines that the object box 122 has not been placed on the box rotating member 210, the control unit 804 asks the user to place the object box 122 or the cup 1034 on the box rotating member 210 so that the object sorting and dispensing device 100 can dispense the objects in the object box 122 or the cup 1034. In addition, the control unit 804 can ask the user to place the object box 122 on the box rotating member 210 by notifying the user via the user interface 1114 enabled by the touch screen 126 to further the dispensing process. Alternatively, the control unit 804 can interact with the user using a remote computing device 1200, which can communicate electronically with the control unit 804 via the Internet 810 to notify the user of this situation. In addition, the user can manually place the object box 122 on the box rotating member 210.

[0100] Step 1412 indicates a step in which the control unit 804 determines whether the object sorting and distributing device 100 is upright or placed upright. In one example, the feedback mechanism 1030 may include a gyroscope sensor for determining the change in the rotation angle of the object sorting and distributing device 100 per unit time, thereby determining whether the position of the object sorting and distributing device 100 has tilted. In addition, the control unit 804 may use the feedback mechanism 1030 to check whether the object sorting and distributing device 100 is upright. If it is upright, control flows to step 1416, otherwise it flows to step 1414.

[0101] Step 1414 indicates a step in which the control unit 804 asks the user to place the object sorting and dispensing device 100 in an upright position. In this step, once the control unit 804 has determined that the object sorting and dispensing device 100 is placed upright, the control unit 804 may ask the user to place the object sorting and dispensing device 100 upright by notifying the user via the user interface 1114 enabled via the touch screen 126 to further the dispensing process. Alternatively, the control unit 804 may interact with the user using a remote computing device 1200, which may electronically communicate with the control unit 804 via the Internet 810 to notify the user of this situation. In addition, the user may manually adjust the position of the object sorting and dispensing device 100.

[0102] Step 1416 indicates the following steps, wherein the control unit 804 of the item sorting and allocation apparatus 100 accesses the database 1110 to identify the items to be allocated, the unique identifiers of the item containers 204 associated with the items to be allocated, the schedule associated with the items to be allocated, the locations of the item containers 204, etc.

[0103] Step 1418 indicates the step of rotating the container rotating member 206 to allow the picking of items from the item container 204. Once the control unit 804 identifies the unique identifier of the item container 204 to which the item is to be dispensed from the database 1110, the control unit 804 instructs the container rotating member 206 to rotate so that the identified item container 204 can be directly located under the picking area of ​​the pick and place mechanism 200. Alternatively, the control unit 804 can also instruct the container rotating member 206 to rotate and instruct the feedback mechanism 1030 to scan the unique identifier of each item container 204 until the item container 204 with the relevant item is identified.

[0104] Step 1420 indicates the step of turning on the vacuum pump 330. Once the control unit 804 determines that the object container 204 has been placed under the pick-up area of ​​the object to be picked up by the pick-and-place mechanism 200, the control unit 804 of the object sorting and distributing device 100 turns on the vacuum pump 330, thereby generating negative pressure at the nozzle tip 328 of the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200.

[0105] Step 1422 indicates a step of monitoring the current and resistance value of the vacuum pump 330 and the Z stepper motor 304. In one example, the feedback mechanism 1030 includes monitoring the current and resistance value of the Z stepper motor 304 and the vacuum pump 330 according to the instruction of the control unit 804 to the feedback mechanism 1030, specifically, the average value (or smooth value) of the resistance supplied to the Z stepper motor 304 and the vacuum pump 330 can be predetermined. These values ​​are stored in the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804.

[0106] Step 1424 indicates the step of moving the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 downward. Here, once the control unit 804 starts monitoring the current and resistance values ​​of the vacuum pump 330 and the Z stepper motor 304, the control unit 804 instructs the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to move to the pick-up area along the X axis. In addition, when the control unit 804 determines that the pick-and-place mechanism 200 has reached the pick-up area, the control unit 804 instructs the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to lower the arm 302 along the Z axis into the identified object container 204.

[0107] Step 1426 indicates whether the nozzle tip 328 of the nozzle 326 has contacted the item or has reached the bottom of the item container 204. Once the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 is lowered into the item container 204 along the X axis, the control unit 804 compares the existing current and resistance values ​​with the current and resistance values ​​of the Z stepper motor 304 and determines whether these values ​​have changed. In one example, the control unit 804 monitors the smoothed or averaged values ​​of the current and resistance of the vacuum pump 330 and the Z stepper motor 304. Changes in the current and resistance values ​​of the Z stepper motor 304 observed by the control unit 804 may indicate that the nozzle 326 of the arm 302 is in contact with the item or has reached the bottom surface of the item container 204 and cannot go down further and move to step 1428. In addition, the control unit 804 does not observe changes in the current and resistance values ​​of the Z stepper motor 304, which may indicate that the nozzle 326 of the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 has not reached the bottom of the item container 204 or is in contact with the item and moves to step 1430.

[0108] Step 1428 indicates a step of moving the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 upward along the Z axis. In this step, the control unit 804 instructs the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to move the arm 302 upward along the Z axis to try again to retrieve the item from the item container 204. In addition, the control unit 804 may also instruct the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to move along the X axis, so that the pick-up position of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 along the X axis is different from the position of the arm 302 as described in step 1410.

[0109] Step 1430 indicates whether the nozzle tip 328 of the nozzle 326 has picked up an item from the item container 204. Once the arm 302 of the pick and place mechanism 200 is lowered into the item container 204, the control unit 804 compares the existing current and resistance values ​​with the current and resistance values ​​of the vacuum pump 330 and determines whether the values ​​have changed. The change in the current and resistance values ​​of the vacuum pump 330 observed by the control unit 804 can indicate that the nozzle 326 of the arm 302 is in contact with the item and that the item has been picked up by the nozzle tip 328 and moved to step 1420. In addition, the control unit 804 observes that the current and resistance values ​​of the vacuum pump 330 have not changed, which can indicate that the item has not been picked up and moved to step 1416. In addition, the steps of the nozzle 326 of the arm moving downward and hitting the bottom of the receptacle 702 of the item container 204 and the steps of the nozzle 326 of the arm 302 moving upward to reposition for another test are cyclic processes and can be limited to a predetermined number of cycles. In one example, if the number of cycles exceeds a predetermined number, the control unit 804 identifies the item container 204 as empty.

[0110] Step 1432 indicates the step of moving the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to the drop zone. Here, the control unit 804 instructs the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to retract the arm 302 along the X-axis and move the pick-and-place mechanism 200 along the X-axis to the drop zone. The drop zone can be defined by the volume of space occupied by the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200, in which the item is dropped into the conveying chute 218. In one example, the drop zone is the volume of space around the arm 302 when the arm 302 of the pick-and-place mechanism 200 is fully retracted and the motion trajectory of the arm 302 along the Z-axis coincides with the axis of the conveying chute 218.

[0111] Step 1434 indicates the step of the nozzle 326 dropping the picked-up item into the conveying chute 218. In this step, when the control unit 804 identifies that the pick-and-place mechanism 200 is in the drop zone, the control unit 804 then further instructs the pick-and-place mechanism 200 to turn off the vacuum pump 330, thereby equalizing the pressure between the nozzle 326 and the picked-up item to the atmospheric pressure that allows the item to separate from the nozzle 326 and fall into the conveying chute 218 below the drop zone. Once the item is dropped into the conveying chute 218, the item will pass through the conveying chute 218 to the chute slide 800, pass through the chute outlet 220, and finally be dropped into the item box 122.

[0112] Step 1436 indicates the step of the control unit 804 notifying the user that the item has been allocated. In this step, once the control unit 804 recognizes that the item has been allocated to the item box 122, the control unit 804 instructs the feedback mechanism 1030 to notify the user of the allocated item by making the speaker 222 sound or flashing the touch screen 126. In one example, the feedback mechanism 1030 notifies the user of the allocated item by making the speaker 222 sound and flashing the touch screen 126. Alternatively, in another example, the control unit 804 notifies the user by generating a notification on a computing device 1200 at a remote location, which communicates electronically with the item sorting and allocation apparatus 100 via the Internet 810. The user can then choose to accept the notification, cancel the notification, or skip the notification by interacting with the user interface 1114 enabled by the touch screen 126 or by interacting with the computing device 1200 at the remote location.

[0113] Step 1438 indicates a step in which the control unit 804 saves the event in the database 1110. In this step, once the control unit 804 of the object sorting and dispensing apparatus 100 receives a command indicating whether the dispensing notification has been accepted, canceled, or skipped, the processor 806 of the control unit 804 stores the dispensing event on the memory unit 808 of the control unit 804, wherein the event details may include but are not limited to the dispensing time, the user's response, the number of items dispensed, the unique identification of the item container 204 from which the item is dispensed, the number of dispenses since the last refill, the update schedule of the item, etc. In addition, the processor 806 of the control unit 804 may also update the event on the database 1110, which may be in electronic communication with the control unit 804 of the object sorting and dispensing apparatus 100.

[0114] Step 1440 indicates the end of the flowchart and describes the steps when the item allocation mechanism receives an allocation command. In one example, the item sorting and allocation device 100 can allocate more than one item under one allocation request.

[0115] As referred to herein, a "user interface" is generally a system through which a user interacts with an item dispensing device. A user interface may include inputs for allowing a user to manipulate the item dispensing device, and may include outputs for allowing the item dispensing device to present information (e.g., electronic text) and / or data, indicate the effects of user manipulation, and the like. Examples of user interfaces on computing devices include graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that allow users to interact with programs in more ways than typing. Rather than text-based interfaces, typed command labels, or text navigation, a GUI may generally provide display objects and visual indicators to indicate information and actions available to a user. For example, a user interface may be a display window or display object that may be selected by a user of the item dispensing device for interaction. Display objects may be displayed on a display screen of the item dispensing device, and may be selected and interacted with by a user using the user interface. In one example, the display of the item dispensing device may be a touch screen that may display display icons. A user may press an area of ​​the display screen that displays icons to select a display icon. In another example, a user may use any other suitable interface of the item dispensing device, such as a keyboard, to select a display icon or a display object. For example, a user may use a trackball or arrow keys to move a cursor to highlight and select a display object. As another example, a user may use a pointing device (eg, a computer mouse) to select a displayed object.

[0116] The operating environment in which the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is also well known. In a representative embodiment, a mobile electronic device, such as an e-book reader, can be connected (e.g., via a WAP) to a transmission function that varies according to the implementation. Therefore, for example, in the case where the operating environment is a wide area wireless network (e.g., a 2.5G network, a 3G network, or a 4G network), the transmission function includes one or more components, such as a mobile switching center (MSC) (an enhanced ISDN switch responsible for call processing for mobile users), a visitor location register (VLR) (an intelligent database that temporarily stores data required for processing calls established or received by mobile devices registered to the VLR), a home location register (HLR) (an intelligent database responsible for managing each user's record), one or more base stations (which provide radio coverage for the cell), a base station controller (BSC) (a switch that acts as a local concentrator of services and provides local switching to achieve switching between base stations) and a packet control unit (PCU) (a device that separates data services from mobile devices). The HLR also controls certain services associated with incoming calls. Of course, embodiments according to the present disclosure can also be implemented in other and next-generation mobile networks and devices. A mobile device is a physical device used by an end user, typically a user of a wireless network. Typically, a mobile device is a 2.5G compatible device, a 3G compatible device, or a 4G compatible device that includes a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) (which is a smart card that carries user-specific information), mobile equipment (e.g., a radio and associated signal processing equipment), a user interface (or a Man-Machine Interface (MMI)), and one or more interfaces to external devices (e.g., a computer, tablet, smart phone, phablet, PDA, etc.). An electronic device may also include memory or data storage.

[0117] As mentioned herein, the term "computing device" should be interpreted broadly. Any type of device capable of distributing items as described herein may be included. In one example, the computing device or item dispensing device may be mobile. The computing device or item dispensing device may be a device for wireless data access, capable of wirelessly sending and receiving data using protocols such as Internet Protocol or IP and Wireless Application Protocol or WAP. This allows users to access information wirelessly. Many wireless networks support wireless data access, including but not limited to CDPD, CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX, ReFLEX, iDEN, TETRA, DECT, DataTAC, Mobitex, EDGE and other 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE technologies, and operate in conjunction with many handheld device operating systems, for example, PalmOS, EPOC, Windows, FLEXOS, OS / 9, JavaOS, iOS and Android. Typically, these devices use a graphical display and can access the Internet (or other communication networks) on a so-called mini or micro browser, which is a World Wide Web browser with a small file size that can adapt to the fewer memory constraints of mobile wireless devices.

[0118] The control unit of the item dispensing device may also include one or more communication interfaces for communicating with other electronic devices. The communication interface may be based on wired communication technology, wireless communication technology, or both. Some examples of communication interfaces include a universal serial bus (USB), an Ethernet adapter, a wireless adapter operating according to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless communication protocol, A wireless communication adapter and an infrared (IR) communication port. The computer system may also include one or more input devices and one or more output devices. Some examples of input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, a remote control device, a button, a joystick, a trackball, a touchpad, and a light pen. Some examples of output devices include speakers and printers. One specific type of output device that is often included in a computer system is a display device. The display device used with the embodiments disclosed herein can utilize any suitable image projection technology, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), a gas plasma, electroluminescence, etc. A display controller may also be provided for converting data stored in the memory into text, graphics, and / or moving images (as appropriate) displayed on the display device.

[0119] The techniques described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, unless specifically described as being implemented in a particular manner. Any features described as modules, components, etc. may also be implemented together in an integrated logic device or separately as discrete but interoperable logic devices. If implemented in software, the techniques may be implemented at least in part by a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium including instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, perform one or more of the methods described herein. Instructions may be organized into routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which may perform specific tasks and / or implement specific data types, and may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

[0120] As used herein, non-transitory computer-readable storage media (devices) may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, solid-state drives (“SSD”) (e.g., RAM-based), flash memory, phase change memory (“PCM”), other types of memory, other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general or special purpose computer.

[0121] Without departing from the scope of the claims, the steps and / or actions of the methods described herein may be interchanged with each other. In other words, unless the proper operation of the described method requires a specific order of steps or actions, the order and / or use of specific steps and / or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0122] The term "determining" encompasses various actions, and thus, "determining" may include calculating, computing, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database, or another data structure), determining, etc. Also, "determining" may include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), etc. Furthermore, "determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0123] The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be other elements in addition to the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the present disclosure is not intended to be interpreted to exclude the existence of other embodiments that also include the described features. For example, any element or feature described with respect to an embodiment of this document may be combined with any element or feature of any other embodiment described herein, where compatible.

[0124] Without departing from its spirit or characteristics, the present disclosure may be implemented in other specific forms. The described embodiments are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than by the previous description. Changes within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims will be included within their scope.

Claims

1. An article sorting and distributing device, comprising: A pick-and-place mechanism, the pick-and-place mechanism comprising: a nozzle, the tip of the nozzle being replaceable; a tank, the tank being in fluid communication with the nozzle through at least one conduit; wherein the pick-and-place mechanism is configured to move the nozzle in a translational direction and a rotational direction relative to at least one axis; at least one object container, the object container being used to contain at least one object, the object container being configured to rotate about a predetermined axis; a control unit in electronic communication with the pick and place mechanism and the item, wherein the control unit comprises: at least one processor; at least one memory unit having a module storing instructions, the memory unit being in electronic communication with the processor; a feedback mechanism in electronic communication with the pick and place mechanism, the item container, and the control unit, The instructions are executed by the processor so that small items are picked up and dispensed from the item container, and the feedback mechanism generates feedback to the control unit.

2. The article sorting and distributing device according to claim 1, further comprising a vacuum pump, wherein the vacuum pump comprises the tank of the pick-and-place mechanism; The tank is configured to contain high pressure fluid and low pressure fluid and is configured to increase or decrease gas pressure within the nozzle.

3. The article sorting and distributing device according to claim 1, wherein: The object container is shaped as an inclined surface, wherein a first end of the object container is deeper than a second end of the object container; and wherein the inclination of the object container increases from the first end to the second end of the object container.

4. The article sorting and distributing device according to claim 1, further comprising a container assembly, the container assembly comprising the article container; and a container rotating member, the container rotating member being configured to accommodate the article container; wherein, The container rotating member is configured to rotate around a predetermined axis by a Y stepping motor and to fix the article container in a proper position while rotating.

5. The article sorting and distributing device according to claim 1, further comprising an article box assembly, wherein the article box assembly is configured to receive the articles distributed from the pick-and-place mechanism; The article box assembly includes an article box and a box rotating member configured to fix the article box; wherein the box rotating member is configured to rotate around a predetermined axis by an article box stepping motor and fix the article box in a proper position when rotating.

6. The article sorting and distributing device according to claim 1, wherein: The feedback mechanism includes an NFC tag, an NFC reader, an optical sensor, a Hall Effect sensor, a magnet, and sensors and transducers configured to monitor the position of the item container and the item box and monitor the current and resistance value in the pick and place mechanism.

7. The article sorting and distributing device according to claim 1, wherein: The memory unit of the control unit is in electronic communication with a database stored on a remote server via the Internet, wherein the database is configured to store relevant data including but not limited to characteristics of the small items, rules and schedules for dispensing items, events during dispensing, instructions for dispensing, user data and user history, time of filling / refilling, types of items contained, schedules associated with the items, and positions of the item containers on the container carousel.

8. The article sorting and distributing device according to claim 3, wherein: The feedback mechanism monitors the current and resistance value of the vacuum pump to identify that the small object has been picked up by the nozzle.

9. The article sorting and dispensing device according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a mechanical and an electromechanical lock.

10. A method for distributing items, comprising: A pick-and-place mechanism is provided, the pick-and-place mechanism comprising: a nozzle, the tip of the nozzle being replaceable; a tank, the tank being in fluid communication with the nozzle through at least one conduit; wherein the pick-and-place mechanism is configured to move the nozzle in a translational direction and a rotational direction relative to at least one axis; moving the pick and place mechanism along an X-axis, wherein the pick and place mechanism is configured to move along the X-axis, and wherein the nozzle of the pick and place mechanism is configured to move along the Z-axis; rotating the article container about an axis so that the article container is aligned with the nozzle of the pick and place mechanism; moving the nozzle of the pick-and-place mechanism along the Z axis into the item container; executing instructions stored in a control unit in electronic communication with the pick and place mechanism and the object to cause the small object to be picked and dispensed from the object container; Feedback is generated to the control unit via a feedback mechanism in electronic communication with the pick and place mechanism, the container, and the control unit to monitor the current status of the item.

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