System and method for semi-automated container presentation for dispensing product therein

Abstract

A system which automatically presents a cup 208 and fills it with a beverage before presenting the drink to a user. The system comprises: a fluid dispensing unit (102, figure 1) comprising a storage u

Description

The present disclosure relates to systems for semi-automated containers presentation for dispensing products therein. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to methods for semi-automated containers presentation for dispensing products therein. BACKGROUND Automatic dispensing devices often present the customers a single sized container regardless of selected products. For this, over the counter servicing is regarded positively in terms of customer satisfaction, where the customer is offered the selected products in different container size to raise satisfaction level. However, such practices are often manual and involve waiting after selecting the product, completion of dispensing process, and completing financial transaction for the purchase, because a staff member assisting the customers has to attend the dispensing devices at least twice, such as once to load the container and input required selection for the product and once the retrieve the dispensed product or just standing next to the dispensing devices whilst waiting for it to be completed. Further, there may be additional waiting for occasional cleaning for the dispensing devices. Furthermore, nowadays, customers prefer to bring their own containers and conventional dispensing devices lack features to accommodate such request from the customers. Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks. SUMMARY The aim of the present disclosure is to provide a system and a method for automation that allows a standard "place container here" type machine to be converted to a semi-automated container presentation machine. The aim of the present disclosure is achieved by a system and a method for semi-automated container presentation for dispensing a product therein as defined in the appended independent claims to which reference is made to. Advantageous features are set out in the appended dependent claims. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise", "include", "have", and "contain" and variations of these words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to", and do not exclude other components, items, integers or steps not explicitly disclosed also to be present. Moreover, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of a system for semiautomated presentation for dispensing a product therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a system for semiautomated presentation for dispensing a product therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 3 is an illustration of a flow chart depicting steps of a method for semi-automated container presentation for dispensing a product therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Although some modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible. In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for semiautomated container presentation for dispensing a product therein, the system comprising: - a dispensing unit comprising: - a storage unit for storing the product; - a dispensing channel for dispensing the product; - a stopper, operatively coupled to the dispensing channel, designed to block the dispensing channel from dispensing a further supply of the product, when actuated; - a collection unit comprising - a holder having a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of containers therein, wherein the holder is operatively coupled to the dispensing unit to present a first container from amongst the plurality of containers below the dispensing channel to receive the dispensed product therein; - a driving arrangement configured to drive the holder to move the holder relative to the dispensing unit to present the first container below the dispensing channel; - a sensor arrangement comprising a first sensor for measuring a positioning of the first container relative to the dispensing channel, and a second sensor for measuring the amount of the dispensed product in the first container; and - a control unit, operatively coupled to the dispensing unit, the collection unit, the driving arrangement, and the sensor arrangement, configured to: - receive a first user input corresponding to a selection of the product, wherein the user input is received via a user interface communicably coupled to the control unit; - receive first sensor data related to the position of the first container relative to the dispensing channel, wherein when the first sensor data identifies - the position of the first container below the dispensing channel, prepare the product for dispensing via the dispensing channel; or - the position of the first container at a first position relative to the dispensing channel, - move the holder from the first position to a second position, based on the user input, whereat the first container is presented below the dispensing channel, and - prepare the product for dispensing via the dispensing channel; - receive second sensor data related to the amount of the dispensed product in the first container, and when the amount of the dispensed product is same as the selection of the product, actuate the stopper to block the dispensing channel from dispensing the further supply of the product; and - move the holder from the second position to a third position to present the first container for collection. In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides to a method for semi-automated container presentation for dispensing a product therein, the method comprising: - receiving a first user input corresponding to a selection of the product; - receiving first sensor data related to a position of a first container presented in a holder relative to a dispensing channel of a dispensing unit, wherein when the first sensor data identifies - the position of the first container below the dispensing channel, preparing the product for dispensing via the dispensing channel; or - the position of the first container at a first position relative to the dispensing channel, - moving the holder from the first position to a second position, based on the user input, whereat the first container is presented below the dispensing channel, and - preparing the product for dispensing via the dispensing channel; - receiving second sensor data related to an amount of the dispensed product in the first container, and when the amount of the dispensed product is same as the selection of the product, actuate a stopper of the dispensing unit to block the dispensing channel from dispensing a further supply of the product; and - moving the holder from the second position to a third position to present the first container for collection. Advantageously, the system and the method disclosed herein incorporates the control unit which regulates movement of the holder to present the plurality of containers of suitable sizes corresponding to the product selected by a customer. The system is configured to remotely initiate a preparation of the product for dispensing while the transaction is still going on at a counter thereby reducing manual labour of a staff member and wait time of the staff member as well as the customer, significantly. Moreover, the system is operationally designed to provide a remote facility for selecting and initiating preparation of the product selected by the customer. The machine includes provision to represent plurality of containers consecutively or sequentially for dispensing the selected product, thereby reducing manual labour significantly. Optionally, the collection unit may be coupled with the dispensing unit via a coupling arrangement, for example the coupling arrangement may be an extension having one of a depression, a groove, a notch, a slit, an aperture, or an opening for receiving or admitting a shaft, a pier or any such suitable structure therein. Optionally, the collection unit is in a raised position than a horizontal plane of the dispensing unit which touches a surface where the dispensing unit is placed. The technical effect of providing a higher degree of freedom for the holder to move is achieved. A user or operator of the system, such as a staff member or the customer himself, at a till counter, receive or provide the user input or customer's order of a product, and remotely transmits the first user input to the control unit corresponding to a selected product. The system comprises the control unit configured to receive the first user input for the selected product via an interface of a till counter or a user interface of a user device remotely operated by the customer. The control unit is configured to position the container beneath or below the dispensing channel of the dispensing unit. In this regard, the control unit is configured to move the container holder comprising the plurality of containers placed in the plurality of slots, from the first position to the second position, to bring the container beneath or below the dispensing unit. Eventually, the control unit is configured to move the holder comprising the filled container, from the second position to the third position, to bring the container in an easily accessible position for collection thereof by the staff member or the customer himself. Optionally, the holder is movable in a circumferential trajectory either in a clockwise or anti-clockwise manner to switch between the first, second and third positions. It may be appreciated that in this regard, the control unit receives a sensor data from a sensor, such as a first sensor, related to the shortest path for the selected container size to reach the second position from the first position to reduce computational power. Optionally, the control unit is further configured to initiate a selfcleaning mode of the dispensing channel. Herein, the "self-cleaning" refers to the process of running a cleaning fluid, such as water or gas, through the dispensing unit, specifically, the dispensing channel to clean the passage for the subsequent selection of products, especially, beverage or food products. Self-cleaning of the dispensing channel may be performed in the first position. Optionally, the plurality of slots in the holder are designed for receiving a plurality of containers of similar or different sizes. In this regard, the plurality of slots may be of different shapes and sizes corresponding to shapes and sizes of containers that may be received in the slots. In this regard, each of the plurality slot is of a different size to accommodate a differently sized container, such as that ranging from a 'Small', a 'Medium', and a 'Large' sized container. Moreover, optionally, each of the plurality slot is designed to hold the container snuggly therein from a lower part, a middle part or a top part of the container. Optionally, each of the plurality slot is designed such that the rim of the container is not in contact with the slot. This endures hygiene for the customer of a dispensed beverage, for example. Optionally, at least one of the plurality of slots is implemented as a bounded slot and a semi-bounded slot. Herein, the term "bounded slot" refers to a slot with a closed boundary, and the term "semi-bounded slot" refers to a slot with at least partial boundary, so as to receive a wider container therein or provide a space to allow self-cleaning fluid to pass therethrough. It may be appreciated that passing the self-cleaning fluid through the semi-bounded slot prevents the self-cleaning fluid from entering containers already set in the slots of the holder. Optionally, shape of the plurality of slots and shape of the plurality of containers may be similar. For example, the slots may be shaped as circular, and the container may be cylindrical or having a radius complementary to the corresponding slot. Optionally, shape of the plurality of slots and shape of the plurality of containers may be different. For example, the slots may be shaped as square, rectangular or triangular, and the container may be cylindrical or like a trapezium. Optionally, shape of the different slots on the holder may be different. For example, the slots may be square, triangular, circular, or a bracket shaped. Herein, the bracket shaped slot is the semi-bounded slot, while the square, triangular, circular or rectangular or any other polygonal shaped slot is a bounded slot. The holder is moved via the driving arrangement. The driving arrangement may comprise shaft and gear arrangements, and a motor unit to induce movement in the container holder thereby changing a position of the holder with a desired size of the container from the first position to the second position thereof, or from the second position to the third position, or from the third position back to the second position. Notably, at the first position the dispensing unit is non-operating, and no drink is dispensed. The second position presents the desired container right beneath or below the dispensing channel and the product is dispensed into the container in the second position. Optionally, the driving arrangement is implemented as a conveyor. Optionally, based on the received first user input, the control unit is configured to initiate the preparation of the product selected by the customer by operating the dispensing unit. In this regard, the control unit is configured to trigger the preparation of the product inside or outside the dispensing unit. Optionally, the term "preparing" or "preparation" refer to the process of accumulating the parts of the product, such as ingredients of a food product, or procuring a whole product from a storage unit thereof. In an example, if the product is a food product, such as a beverage, then preparation of that beverage requires accumulating all ingredients, such as flavouring agent, solvent, condiments, etc., of the beverage, as per a pre-defined recipe including information on the ratio at which the ingredients are to be mixed to prepare the beverage. Optionally, the storage unit is configured to include a plurality of storage compartments each designed to store a particular ingredient therein, so that a plurality of drinks, as specified in a user interface for the customers to select from, can be prepared using different combinations of the provided set of ingredients. The control unit is configured to simultaneously dispense the drink into the container beneath or below the dispensing unit via the dispensing channel. In this regard, the storage unit is coupled to the dispensing unit which enables a flow of the prepared drink into the container via the dispensing channel. The system may further comprise a manifold, arranged between the storage unit and the dispensing channel. The manifold is designed to accommodate all ingredients for mixing to produce the final product, i.e., the selected beverage, before the beverage is dispensed via the dispensing channel. The stopper provided in the dispensing unit is utilized to regulate the dispensing of the product via the dispensing channel by allowing or cutting of the supply of the product via the dispensing unit. Optionally, the stopper is placed before the manifold. Alternatively, the stopper may be arranged between the manifold and the dispensing channel, or at the end of the dispensing channel. Optionally, the drink may be dispensed into the plurality of containers in the holder in a consecutive manner. Optionally, the plurality of container may be of different dimension or volumes. Optionally, the holder includes at least one adjustable slot which can accommodate a personal container brought by the customer. Optionally, the self-cleaning mode runs the cleaning fluid, such as water or gas, through the manifold and the dispensing channel to clean the passage for the subsequent selection of products, especially, beverage or food products. Optionally, the control unit is configured to operate the storage unit of the dispensing unit via a secondary driving arrangement. Optionally, the secondary driving arrangement may comprise a stepper motor driving the storage unit. Optionally, the secondary driving arrangement may comprise a universal motor, an induction motor, or any other suitable motor. The control unit is configured to determine if the container is filled or received the product therein in real time based on the second sensor data obtained from the second sensor. Based on the second sensor data, the control unit is configured to stop dispensing the product by utilizing the stopper when the container is determined to be filled or has received the product therein. The sensor arrangement refers to an arrangement of sensors selected from at least one of: a weight sensor, a depth sensor, an optical sensor, a distance sensor, a flow sensor, and any other suitable sensor. The second sensor of the sensor arrangement is configured to sense an amount, a volume or a level of the product in the container. In an example, the second sensor is a flow sensor, and avoids overspill of a fluid product from the container. In another example, the second sensor is a weight sensor, and avoids oversupply of number of units of a selected / given product into the container. The first and the second sensors of the sensor arrangement is configured to transmit the corresponding first and second sensor data to the control unit which regulates the stopper in the dispensing unit to stop the supply of the product into the container. Further, upon determining that the container has received the selected product, the control unit is configured to shift the filled container in an outward direction from the second position to the third position where the container is to be collected manually by the operator of the system, such as the staff member at a till or the customer himself. Optionally, the system further comprises an alert module, operatively coupled to the control unit, to notify the user when: the first container is presented below the dispensing channel, the amount of the dispensed product is same as the selection of the product, the holder is at the third position to present the first container for collection. The alert module is configured to raise an alarm to notify the user at the till regarding the completion of the process and that the container with the product therein, as selected, is ready to be collected. When the container is collected, the user or operator of the system is required to select a suitable size lid for the container and place a new container in the empty slot resulting from collecting the filled container therefrom. Subsequently, the control unit is configured to utilize the driving arrangement to return the holder to the first position from the third position, thereby providing a semi-automated container presentation for dispensing the product. It may be appreciated that the system further comprises a power adaptation unit which is configured to connect the system to a power source. The power adaptation unit may comprise a connection cable, a converter to convert an alternate current power (AC) to direct current (DC) when the power source is an AC power source, and a protection circuit to protect the system from electrical faults. The present disclosure also relates to the method as described above. Various embodiments and variants disclosed above, with respect to the aforementioned system and the aforementioned method, apply mutatis mutandis to the method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to FIG. 1, illustrated is a block diagram of a system 100 for semi-automated container presentation for dispensing a product therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A control unit 122 is communicatively coupled with a user interface 124. A dispensing unit 102 communicatively coupled with the control unit 122 comprises a storage unit 104, a dispensing channel 106, and a stopper 108. A collection unit 110 comprising a holder 112 and a driving arrangement 114, is communicatively coupled to the control unit 122 and the dispensing unit 102. A sensor arrangement 116 comprising a first sensor 118 and a second sensor 120 is communicatively coupled with the collection unit 110 and the control unit 122. FIG. 2 is an illustration of a schematic diagram of a system of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 comprises a holder 202 having a plurality of slots 204 for plurality of containers 208. A dispensing channel 206 is configured to dispense the product into at least one of the plurality of containers. Also shown is a plurality of lids 210 that are complementary to the rims of the containers 208 for sealing the container once the selected product is dispensed therein. Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a flow chart 300 depicting steps of a method for semi-automated container presentation for dispensing a product therein, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In step 302, a first user input corresponding to a selection of the product is received at the control unit via the user interface . At step 304, a first sensor data related to a position of a first container presented in a holder relative to a dispensing channel of a dispensing unit is received. At step 306, when the position of the first container below the dispensing channel is identified. At step 308, the position of 5 the first container at a first position relative to the dispensing channel is identified. At step 310, the holder is moved from the first position to a second position, based on the user input, whereat the first container is presented below the dispensing channel. At step 312, the product is prepared for dispensing via the dispensing channel. At step 314, a io second sensor data related to an amount of the dispensed product in the first container is received, and when the amount of the dispensed product is same as the selection of the product, a stopper of the dispensing unit is actuated to block the dispensing channel from dispensing a further supply of the product. At step 316, the holder is 15 moved from the second position to a third position to present the first container for collection.

Claims

1. A system (100, 200) for semi-automated container presentation for dispensing a product therein, the system comprising:- a dispensing unit (102) comprising:- a storage unit (104) for storing the product;- a dispensing channel (106,206) for dispensing the product;- a stopper (108), operatively coupled to the dispensing channel, designed to block the dispensing channel from dispensing a further supply of the product, when actuated;- a collection unit (110) comprising- a holder (112, 202) having a plurality of slots (204) for receiving a plurality of containers (208) therein, wherein the holder is operatively coupled to the dispensing unit to present a first container from amongst the plurality of containers below the dispensing channel to receive the dispensed product therein;- a driving arrangement (114) configured to drive the holder to move the holder relative to the dispensing unit to present the first container below the dispensing channel;- a sensor arrangement (116) comprising a first sensor (118) for measuring a positioning of the first container relative to the dispensing channel, and a second sensor (120) for measuring the amount of the dispensed product in the first container; and- a control unit (122), operatively coupled to the dispensing unit, the collection unit, the driving arrangement, and the sensor arrangement, configured to:- receive a first user input corresponding to a selection of the product, wherein the user input is received via a user interface (124) communicably coupled to the control unit;- receive first sensor data related to the position of the first container relative to the dispensing channel, wherein when the first sensor data identifies- the position of the first container below the dispensing channel, prepare the product for dispensing via the dispensing channel; or- the position of the first container at a first position relative to the dispensing channel,- move the holder from the first position to a second position, based on the user input, whereat the first container is presented below the dispensing channel, and- prepare the product for dispensing via the dispensing channel;- receive second sensor data related to the amount of the dispensed product in the first container, and when the amount of the dispensed product is same as the selection of the product, actuate the stopper to block the dispensing channel from dispensing the further supply of the product; and- move the holder from the second position to a third position to present the first container for collection.

2. The system (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of slots (204) in the holder (112, 202) are designed for receiving a plurality of containers (208) of similar or different sizes.

3. The system (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of slots (204) is implemented as a bounded slot and a semi-bounded slot.

4. The system (100, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (122) is further configured to initiate a self-cleaning mode of the dispensing channel (106, 206).

5. The system (100, 200) according to claim 1, further comprising an alert module, operatively coupled to the control unit (122), to notify the user when: the first container is presented below the dispensing channel (106, 206), the amount of the dispensed product is same as the selection of the product, the holder (112, 202) is at the third position to present the first container for collection.

6. A method for semi-automated container presentation for dispensing a product therein, the method comprising:- receiving a first user input corresponding to a selection of the product;- receiving first sensor (118) data related to a position of a first container presented in a holder (112, 202) relative to a dispensing channel (106, 206) of a dispensing unit (102), wherein when the first sensor data identifies- the position of the first container below the dispensing channel, preparing the product for dispensing via the dispensing channel; or- the position of the first container at a first position relative to the dispensing channel,- moving the holder from the first position to a second position, based on the user input, whereat the first container is presented below the dispensing channel, and- preparing the product for dispensing via the dispensing channel;- receiving second sensor (120) data related to an amount of the dispensed product in the first container, and when the amount of the dispensed product is same as the selection of the product, actuating astopper (108) of the dispensing unit to block the dispensing channel from dispensing a further supply of the product; and- moving the holder from the second position to a third position to present the first container for collection.5

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