Title of Invention	VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD OF DISPENSING PAPER SHEETS OF DIFFERENT SIZES AND TYPES IN SPECIFIED QUANTITIES
Abstract	The present invention relates to vending machines and particularly to paper vending machines. The patent publication describes a system and a method for dispensing paper sheets of different types and sizes. Further, the paper vending machine consists of a weighing mechanism for counting a stack of sheets loaded into the vending machine. Additionally, the paper vending machine comprises a sensor to count the number pf sheets being dispensed out. According to the invention, a user can dispense a particular type of sheet from the set of different types of sheets stored inside the vending machine. A user name and password is required to dispense the desired number of sheets. Further, the paper vending machine can keep a record of paper consumption of individual user. Moreover, the paper vending machine can also manage the inventory of the sheets.

Title of Invention

VENDING MACHINE AND METHOD OF DISPENSING PAPER SHEETS OF DIFFERENT SIZES AND TYPES IN SPECIFIED QUANTITIES

Abstract

The present invention relates to vending machines and particularly to paper vending machines. The patent publication describes a system and a method for dispensing paper sheets of different types and sizes. Further, the paper vending machine consists of a weighing mechanism for counting a stack of sheets loaded into the vending machine. Additionally, the paper vending machine comprises a sensor to count the number pf sheets being dispensed out. According to the invention, a user can dispense a particular type of sheet from the set of different types of sheets stored inside the vending machine. A user name and password is required to dispense the desired number of sheets. Further, the paper vending machine can keep a record of paper consumption of individual user. Moreover, the paper vending machine can also manage the inventory of the sheets.

Full Text	FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of vending machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interactive menu based vending machine which is used for dispensing a variety of papers having different sizes and types and in different quantities as specified by a customer. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART It is well known, in prior art related to vending machines, to employ a variety of computer-controlled machines for vending various products or the like. For example, U.S. Patent Number 5,036,472 issued to S. P. Buckley et al, entitled ‘Computer Controlled Machine for Vending Personalized Products or the Like1 discloses a machine for vending greeting cards and similar social occasion personalized products. The machine is readily operable by a customer without assistance to obtain personalized or customized products of his or her choice. The machine includes means for displaying identifications of available products and desirable attributes and features thereof and of modes of selection. However, the patent is more oriented towards personalization and customization and does not include the counting mechanism. U.S. Patent Number 6,908,007 issued to Hrdlicka; James T. and titled ‘Portable Paper Dispenser Apparatus describes a paper dispenser especially adapted for cutting off sheets of paper from the roll. It does not address the issue of dispensing sheets of paper. U.S. Patent Number 6,832,697 issued to Lai; Tun titled ‘Paper dispenser’ describes a paper dispenser, and more particularly a device that is capable of facilitating the dispensation of sheets or memos on the desk for purpose of writing some information down in case of a phone-call or the likes. This device can dispense only a single sheet of paper at a time and does not offer choice of different sizes to the user. U.S. Patent Number 6,830,151 issued to Spencer, et al. titled ‘Container For Dispensing Controlled Amounts Of Paper Products relates more particularly, to the field of devices and systems for dispensing products such as napkins, towels, bath tissue, etc. U.S. Patent Number 5,651,202 issued to Hewitt discloses an expandable sports card holding device with an expandable frame and finger slots to facilitate removal of sports cards. However, the patent publication does not disclose provisions for holding other size objects nor for dispensing objects. U.S. Patent Number 5,339,547 issued to Fogel discloses an apparatus for displaying greeting cards, sports cards photographs and the like. The apparatus described is a tabletop, floor or wall display rack having slots to hold articles of different size articles. However, the apparatus offers no protection for displayed articles. Additionally, the paten does not disclose a configuration in which a single slot may hold a number of objects for both display and dispensation purposes. U.S. Patent Number 5,067,605 issued to Gordon; Roger G. titled ‘Single Paper Dispenser1 relates to a dispenser of single paper, and in particular to a coin-operated paper dispenser in which the papers are individually dispensed upon insertion of the proper coinage. Similarly, attempts have been made to provide a paper counter machine as described below. U.S. Patent Number 6,324,237 issued to Price et al. describes a sheet counting apparatus comprising a sheet support for holding a stack of sheets to be counted. A sheet feed device moves the sheets individually from a first position to a second position while they remain held together in the stack. A counter monitor’s movement of the sheet as it is moved from the first position to the second position and increments a count when such movement is detected. However, the patent does not describe display and dispensing mechanisms. U.S. Patent Number 5,696,802 issued to Hafezan describes a counter for counting the number of sheets in a stack having a rotor which engages in an edge region of the stack and transfers sheets one at a time from one side of the rotor to the other upon rotor rotation. The rotor is mounted on a shaft carried by a carriage arranged for sliding movement on guides. A motor drives a lead screw, whereby the carriage is driven along the guides. The rotor may float on its shaft and its position is sensed by detector; the output of the detector is used to control motor whereby the carriage is driven substantially continuously and smoothly at a rate appropriate for a counting operation being performed. However, the patent does not allow the user to select the number of counts. U.S. Patent Number 4,504,916 issued to Oka describes a paper sheet counting machine for feeding paper sheets, one at a time, and counting the number of the paper sheets, includes a circuit for detecting an abnormal flow of the paper sheets. In the circuit, the lengths of paper sheets are detected. A predetermined number of the detected signals are averaged. The newest length value is compared with the averaged value to provide a difference signal which determines whether an abnormal flow of the paper sheet has occurred. The averaged value is renewed to compensate for deviation of the length values. The patent is more oriented towards detecting an abnormal flow of paper sheets and does not address the issue of presenting choices to the user or the issue of dispensing functionality. LIMITATIONS There are numerous apparatus for displaying and/or dispensing paper and like objects as already described earlier However, the presently available apparatus do not have the functionality ‘to display and/or dispense a collection of paper sheets of a variety of sizes and types in a flexible and variable configuration. More over, these apparatus do not give the user the choice to select the number of sheets desired. Additionally, such apparatus do not prompt the administrator to supply additional sheets of a particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of the particular size or type of paper falls below a pre-determined threshold. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a vending machine that enables a user to choose from a variety of sheets of different size and type based on his or her requirement through the use of a menu1 driven user interface. Additionally, the present invention incorporates a counting mechanism within the vending machine, which facilitates the user to specify and get the number of pages desired. Each user of the vending machine is prompted a user id and password before he or she starts using the vending machine. As a result, the individual consumption level of sheets for different users is tracked. This further helps in keeping track of consumption levels of sheets of different size and type. If the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a pre-determined threshold, the administrator is prompted to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper. Accordingly, this invention explains a method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine comprising the steps of: (a) holding papers in plurality of input trays where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type; (b) authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password; (c) requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user by a menu driven user interface if the user is authenticated; (d) taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user; (e) tracking continuously the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and (f) prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold. An initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papersare fed in the tray. The number of sheets of a particular type of paper is determined, by dividing the bulk weight of the particular type of paper by the weight of a single sheet of that paper. Determining the weight of a single sheet of paper is obtained by dividing the weight of the entire stack of papers obtained by the number of sheets inserted. The initial stack counter contains a digital weight meter that weighs each type of paper in each tray and the weight of a fixed number of sheets of the same paper type is ascertained. Tracking the number of sheets in the tray involves decrementing the number of sheets of the particular type of paper consumed during the course of operation of the vending device. The sheet counter counts the number of sheets requested by the user from the tray, which contains the paper having size and type as chosen, by the user. Accordingly, this invention explains a vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities comprising the steps of: (a) plurality of input trays for holding papers where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type; (b) means for authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password; (c) means for requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user if the user is authenticated; (d) means for taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user; (e) means for tracking continuously the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and (f) means for prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls be(ow a predetermined threshold. An initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray. The sheet counter comprises a paper pulling mechanism with a sensor which sense the paper movement and update a digital counter. An output tray is provided for collecting the chosen size or type of paper in the specified quantity. These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING Figure 1 depicts the working of the vending machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood however that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. The following description and drawings are not to be construed as limiting the invention and numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. However in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail. The present invention relates to vending machines and particularly to paper vending machines. The patent publication describes a system and a method for dispensing paper sheets of different types and sizes. Further, the paper vending machine consists of a weighing mechanism for counting a stack of sheets loaded into the vending machine. Additionally, the paper vending machine comprises a sensor to count the number of sheets being dispensed out. According to the invention, a user can dispense a particular type of sheet from the set of different types of sheets stored inside the vending machine. A user name and password is required to dispense the desired number of sheets. Further, the paper vending machine can keep a record of paper consumption of individual user. Moreover, the paper vending machine can also manage the inventory of the sheets. The objective of the invention is to provide a vending machine that enables a user to choose from a variety of sheets of different size and type based on his or her requirement through the use of a menu driven user interface. Another objective of the invention is to incorporate a counting mechanism within the vending machine which facilitates the user to get the number of pages desired. Another objective of the invention is to allow users to use the vending machine after entering a user id and password so that individual consumption level of sheets for different users is tracked. Yet another objective of the invention is to keep track of consumption levels of sheets of different size and type. If the consumption level of a particular size or type of pap^r falls beldw a predetermined threshold, the administrator is prompted to supply additional sheet of that particular size or type of paper. The present inventidn provides a vending machine that enables a user to choose from a variety of type or size of paper. The vending machine comprises input trays for holding papers of different size and type, a menu driven user interface that provides a user the options of selecting available size and type of paper and options for specifying required quantity, an initial stack counter for determining the numbers of sheets fed by the administrator, a sheet counter for counting the numbers of sheets desired by the user and a single output tray. Each of the input trays contains paper of a particular size and type. The initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as administrator feeds the papers in the tray according to the following principle. The initial stack counter contains a digital weight meter that can weigh the different types of paper. Initially, the administrator is asked to insert bulk amount of a particular type of paper and its weight is determined by the digital weight meter. Next, the weight of a fixed number of sheets of the same paper type is inserted and its weight is determined. Thus the weight of a single sheet of paper is determined by dividing the weight obtained with the number of sheets inserted. Finally, by dividing the bulk weight of the particular type of paper by the weight of a single sheet of that paper, the number of sheets of that particular type of paper is determined. The original number of sheets of a particular type of paper is continuously decremented by the number of sheets of the particular type of paper consumed during the course of operation of the vending device. As a result, the number of sheets of a particular type of paper is continuously kept track of. If the consumption level of the particular type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold, the administrator is prompted to supply additional sheet of that particular type of paper. A menu driven user interface gives the users the options for currently available sizes and types of papers to choose from. Additionally, the user can request a specified number of sheets of a particular type of paper. The sheet counter then counts the number of sheets requested by the user from the Tray which contains the paper having size and type as chosen by the user. The sheet counter comprises a paper pulling mechanism with a sensor which can sense the paper movement and update a digital counter. An output tray is provided for collecting the chosen size or type of paper in the specified quantity. A user of the vending machine is first requested to enter a user id and password before he or she can start using the vending machine. Once the login details are provided by the user, a menu driven user interface requests the user to choose from the list of available options for size and type of paper desired by the user. Additionally, the user is also requested to specify the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper. As already explained earlier, the number of sheets of a particular type of paper is continuously kept track of by using a sheet counter. The input trays hold the different types or sizes of paper. For example, as shown in the diagram the input tray 1 holds paper of type TypeT and size ‘ Size1\ Based on the choice given by the user, specified number of sheets of the specified paper type is taken from one of the input trays and sent to the output tray. Further, if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold, the administrator is prompted to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper. ADVANTAGES The present art replaces the time consuming manual tasks of organizing, counting and keeping an inventory of the available paper sheets of different sizes and types. Document handling and counting apparatus find wide-spread applications such as, for example, in printing stations and other commercial as well as industrial establishments and in institutions where it is desired to organize and count stacks of different sizes of sheets. The vending machine provides an accurate count of such sheets as desired by the user at high rates of speed. In the current scenario many organizations find it difficult to maintain the inventory of the paper sizes used in,the organization. The present invention helps in maintaining the inventory as well as organizing the workplace. Further, the present invention enables the administrator to keep track of number of sheets of different types or sizes of paper consumed. As a result, individual consumption levels for different users can be tracked. Additionally, the consumption levels of different types of paper can also be kept track of. This invention is however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that disclosed above which are fully equivalent. Consequently, it is not the intention to limit this invention to the particular embodiment disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally expressed by the following claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention. It will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that other control methods and apparatuses can be derived from the combinations of the various methods and apparatuses of the present invention as taught by the description and the accompanying drawings and these shall also be considered within the scope of the present invention. Further, description of such combinations and variations is therefore omitted above. It should also be noted that the host for storing the applications include but not limited to a microchip, microprocessor, handheld communication device, computer, rendering device or a multi function device. Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are possible and are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom. WE CLAIM 1. A method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine comprising the steps of: (a) holding papers in plurality of input trays where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type; (b) authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password; (c) requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user by a menu driven user interface if the user is authenticated; (d) taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user; (e) tracking contihuously thfe number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and (f) prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein an initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the number of sheets of a particular type of paper is determined, by dividing the bulk weight of the particular type of paper by the weight of a single sheet of that paper. 4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein determining the weight of a single sheet of paper is obtained by dividing the weight obtained with the number of sheets inserted where the initial stack counter contains a digital weight meter that weigh each types of paper in each tray and the weight of a fixed number of sheets of the same paper type is inserted. 5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein tracking the number of sheets in the tray involves decrementing the number of sheets of the particular type of paper consumed during the course of operation of the vending device. 6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheet counter counts the number of sheets requested by the user from the tray which contains the paper having size and type as chosen by the user. 7. A vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities comprising the steps of: (a) plurality of input trays for holding papers where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type; (b) means for authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password; (c) means for requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user if the user is authenticated; (d) means for taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user; (e) means for tracking continuously the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and (f) means for prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold. 8. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein an initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray. 9. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sheet counter comprises a paper pulling mechanism with a sensor which sense the paper movement and updates a digital counter. 10. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein an output tray is provided for collecting the chosen size or type of paper in the specified quantity. 11. A method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. 12. A vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. WE CLAIM 1. A method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine comprising the steps of: (a) holding papers in plurality of input trays where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type; (b) authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password; (c) requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user by a menu driven user interface if the user is authenticated; (d) taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user; (e) tracking contihuously thfe number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and (f) prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein an initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the number of sheets of a particular type of paper is determined, by dividing the bulk weight of the particular type of paper by the weight of a single sheet of that paper. 4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein determining the weight of a single sheet of paper is obtained by dividing the weight obtained with the number of sheets inserted where the initial stack counter contains a digital weight meter that weigh each types of paper in each tray and the weight of a fixed number of sheets of the same paper type is inserted. 5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein tracking the number of sheets in the tray involves decrementing the number of sheets of the particular type of paper consumed during the course of operation of the vending device. 6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheet counter counts the number of sheets requested by the user from the tray which contains the paper having size and type as chosen by the user. 7. A vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities comprising the steps of: (a) plurality of input trays for holding papers where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type; (b) means for authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password; (c) means for requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user if the user is authenticated; (d) means for taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user; (e) means for tracking continuously the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and (f) means for prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold. 8. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein an initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray. 9. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sheet counter comprises a paper pulling mechanism with a sensor which sense the paper movement and updates a digital counter. 10. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein an output tray is provided for collecting the chosen size or type of paper in the specified quantity. 11. A method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings. 12. A vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Full Text

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of vending machines. More specifically, the present invention relates to an interactive menu based vending machine which is used for dispensing a variety of papers having different sizes and types and in different quantities as specified by a customer.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
It is well known, in prior art related to vending machines, to employ a variety of computer-controlled machines for vending various products or the like. For example, U.S. Patent Number 5,036,472 issued to S. P. Buckley et al, entitled ‘Computer Controlled Machine for Vending Personalized Products or the Like1 discloses a machine for vending greeting cards and similar social occasion personalized products. The machine is readily operable by a customer without assistance to obtain personalized or customized products of his or her choice. The machine includes means for displaying identifications of available products and desirable attributes and features thereof and of modes of selection. However, the patent is more oriented towards personalization and customization and does not include the counting mechanism.
U.S. Patent Number 6,908,007 issued to Hrdlicka; James T. and titled ‘Portable Paper Dispenser Apparatus describes a paper dispenser especially adapted for cutting off sheets of paper from the roll. It does not address the issue of

dispensing sheets of paper.
U.S. Patent Number 6,832,697 issued to Lai; Tun titled ‘Paper dispenser’ describes a paper dispenser, and more particularly a device that is capable of facilitating the dispensation of sheets or memos on the desk for purpose of writing some information down in case of a phone-call or the likes. This device can dispense only a single sheet of paper at a time and does not offer choice of different sizes to the user.
U.S. Patent Number 6,830,151 issued to Spencer, et al. titled ‘Container For Dispensing Controlled Amounts Of Paper Products relates more particularly, to the field of devices and systems for dispensing products such as napkins, towels, bath tissue, etc.
U.S. Patent Number 5,651,202 issued to Hewitt discloses an expandable sports card holding device with an expandable frame and finger slots to facilitate removal of sports cards. However, the patent publication does not disclose provisions for holding other size objects nor for dispensing objects.
U.S. Patent Number 5,339,547 issued to Fogel discloses an apparatus for displaying greeting cards, sports cards photographs and the like. The apparatus described is a tabletop, floor or wall display rack having slots to hold articles of different size articles. However, the apparatus offers no protection for displayed articles. Additionally, the paten does not disclose a configuration in which a single

slot may hold a number of objects for both display and dispensation purposes.
U.S. Patent Number 5,067,605 issued to Gordon; Roger G. titled ‘Single Paper Dispenser1 relates to a dispenser of single paper, and in particular to a coin-operated paper dispenser in which the papers are individually dispensed upon insertion of the proper coinage.
Similarly, attempts have been made to provide a paper counter machine as described below.
U.S. Patent Number 6,324,237 issued to Price et al. describes a sheet counting apparatus comprising a sheet support for holding a stack of sheets to be counted. A sheet feed device moves the sheets individually from a first position to a second position while they remain held together in the stack. A counter monitor’s movement of the sheet as it is moved from the first position to the second position and increments a count when such movement is detected. However, the patent does not describe display and dispensing mechanisms.
U.S. Patent Number 5,696,802 issued to Hafezan describes a counter for counting the number of sheets in a stack having a rotor which engages in an edge region of the stack and transfers sheets one at a time from one side of the rotor to the other upon rotor rotation. The rotor is mounted on a shaft carried by a carriage arranged for sliding movement on guides. A motor drives a lead screw, whereby the carriage is driven along the guides. The rotor may float on its shaft and its

position is sensed by detector; the output of the detector is used to control motor whereby the carriage is driven substantially continuously and smoothly at a rate appropriate for a counting operation being performed. However, the patent does not allow the user to select the number of counts.
U.S. Patent Number 4,504,916 issued to Oka describes a paper sheet counting machine for feeding paper sheets, one at a time, and counting the number of the paper sheets, includes a circuit for detecting an abnormal flow of the paper sheets. In the circuit, the lengths of paper sheets are detected. A predetermined number of the detected signals are averaged. The newest length value is compared with the averaged value to provide a difference signal which determines whether an abnormal flow of the paper sheet has occurred. The averaged value is renewed to compensate for deviation of the length values. The patent is more oriented towards detecting an abnormal flow of paper sheets and does not address the issue of presenting choices to the user or the issue of dispensing functionality.
LIMITATIONS
There are numerous apparatus for displaying and/or dispensing paper and like objects as already described earlier However, the presently available apparatus do not have the functionality ‘to display and/or dispense a collection of paper sheets of a variety of sizes and types in a flexible and variable configuration. More over, these apparatus do not give the user the choice to select the number of

sheets desired. Additionally, such apparatus do not prompt the administrator to supply additional sheets of a particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of the particular size or type of paper falls below a pre-determined threshold.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a vending machine that enables a user to choose from a variety of sheets of different size and type based on his or her requirement through the use of a menu1 driven user interface. Additionally, the present invention incorporates a counting mechanism within the vending machine, which facilitates the user to specify and get the number of pages desired. Each user of the vending machine is prompted a user id and password before he or she starts using the vending machine. As a result, the individual consumption level of sheets for different users is tracked. This further helps in keeping track of consumption levels of sheets of different size and type. If the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a pre-determined threshold, the administrator is prompted to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper.
Accordingly, this invention explains a method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine comprising the steps of:
(a) holding papers in plurality of input trays where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type;

(b) authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password;
(c) requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user by a menu driven user interface if the user is authenticated;
(d) taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user;
(e) tracking continuously the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and
(f) prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold.
An initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers*are fed in the tray. The number of sheets of a particular type of paper is determined, by dividing the bulk weight of the particular type of paper by the weight of a single sheet of that paper. Determining the weight of a single sheet of paper is obtained by dividing the weight of the entire stack of papers obtained by the number of sheets inserted. The initial stack counter contains a digital weight meter that weighs each type of paper in each tray and the weight of a fixed number of sheets of the same paper type is ascertained. Tracking the number of sheets in the tray involves decrementing the number of sheets of the particular type of paper consumed during the course of operation of the vending device. The sheet counter counts the number of sheets requested by

the user from the tray, which contains the paper having size and type as chosen, by the user.
Accordingly, this invention explains a vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities comprising the steps of:
(a) plurality of input trays for holding papers where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type;
(b) means for authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password;
(c) means for requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user if the user is authenticated;
(d) means for taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user;
(e) means for tracking continuously the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and
(f) means for prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls be(ow a predetermined threshold.
An initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray. The sheet counter comprises a paper pulling mechanism with a sensor which sense the paper movement and

update a digital counter. An output tray is provided for collecting the chosen size or type of paper in the specified quantity.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings and the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
Figure 1 depicts the working of the vending machine.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood however that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various* forms. The following description and drawings are not to be construed as limiting the invention and numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention, as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention. However in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention in detail.

The present invention relates to vending machines and particularly to paper vending machines. The patent publication describes a system and a method for dispensing paper sheets of different types and sizes. Further, the paper vending machine consists of a weighing mechanism for counting a stack of sheets loaded into the vending machine. Additionally, the paper vending machine comprises a sensor to count the number of sheets being dispensed out. According to the invention, a user can dispense a particular type of sheet from the set of different types of sheets stored inside the vending machine. A user name and password is required to dispense the desired number of sheets. Further, the paper vending machine can keep a record of paper consumption of individual user. Moreover, the paper vending machine can also manage the inventory of the sheets.
The objective of the invention is to provide a vending machine that enables a user to choose from a variety of sheets of different size and type based on his or her requirement through the use of a menu driven user interface. Another objective of the invention is to incorporate a counting mechanism within the vending machine which facilitates the user to get the number of pages desired. Another objective of the invention is to allow users to use the vending machine after entering a user id and password so that individual consumption level of sheets for different users is tracked. Yet another objective of the invention is to keep track of consumption levels of sheets of different size and type. If the consumption level of a particular size or type of pap^r falls beldw a predetermined threshold, the administrator is prompted to supply additional sheet of that particular size or type of paper.

The present inventidn provides a vending machine that enables a user to choose from a variety of type or size of paper. The vending machine comprises input trays for holding papers of different size and type, a menu driven user interface that provides a user the options of selecting available size and type of paper and options for specifying required quantity, an initial stack counter for determining the numbers of sheets fed by the administrator, a sheet counter for counting the numbers of sheets desired by the user and a single output tray. Each of the input trays contains paper of a particular size and type. The initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as administrator feeds the papers in the tray according to the following principle. The initial stack counter contains a digital weight meter that can weigh the different types of paper. Initially, the administrator is asked to insert bulk amount of a particular type of paper and its weight is determined by the digital weight meter. Next, the weight of a fixed number of sheets of the same paper type is inserted and its weight is determined. Thus the weight of a single sheet of paper is determined by dividing the weight obtained with the number of sheets inserted. Finally, by dividing the bulk weight of the particular type of paper by the weight of a single sheet of that paper, the number of sheets of that particular type of paper is determined. The original number of sheets of a particular type of paper is continuously decremented by the number of sheets of the particular type of paper consumed during the course of operation of the vending device. As a result, the number of sheets of a particular type of paper is continuously kept track of. If the consumption level of the particular type of paper falls below a predetermined

threshold, the administrator is prompted to supply additional sheet of that particular type of paper. A menu driven user interface gives the users the options for currently available sizes and types of papers to choose from. Additionally, the user can request a specified number of sheets of a particular type of paper. The sheet counter then counts the number of sheets requested by the user from the Tray which contains the paper having size and type as chosen by the user. The sheet counter comprises a paper pulling mechanism with a sensor which can sense the paper movement and update a digital counter. An output tray is provided for collecting the chosen size or type of paper in the specified quantity.
A user of the vending machine is first requested to enter a user id and password before he or she can start using the vending machine. Once the login details are provided by the user, a menu driven user interface requests the user to choose from the list of available options for size and type of paper desired by the user. Additionally, the user is also requested to specify the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper. As already explained earlier, the number of sheets of a particular type of paper is continuously kept track of by using a sheet counter. The input trays hold the different types or sizes of paper. For example, as shown in the diagram the input tray 1 holds paper of type TypeT and size ‘ Size1\ Based on the choice given by the user, specified number of sheets of the specified paper type is taken from one of the input trays and sent to the output tray. Further, if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold, the administrator is prompted to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper.

ADVANTAGES
The present art replaces the time consuming manual tasks of organizing, counting and keeping an inventory of the available paper sheets of different sizes and types. Document handling and counting apparatus find wide-spread applications such as, for example, in printing stations and other commercial as well as industrial establishments and in institutions where it is desired to organize and count stacks of different sizes of sheets. The vending machine provides an accurate count of such sheets as desired by the user at high rates of speed. In the current scenario many organizations find it difficult to maintain the inventory of the paper sizes used in,the organization. The present invention helps in maintaining the inventory as well as organizing the workplace.
Further, the present invention enables the administrator to keep track of number of sheets of different types or sizes of paper consumed. As a result, individual consumption levels for different users can be tracked. Additionally, the consumption levels of different types of paper can also be kept track of.
This invention is however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that disclosed above which are fully equivalent. Consequently, it is not the intention to limit this invention to the particular embodiment disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally expressed by the

following claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention.
It will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that other control methods and apparatuses can be derived from the combinations of the various methods and apparatuses of the present invention as taught by the description and the accompanying drawings and these shall also be considered within the scope of the present invention. Further, description of such combinations and variations is therefore omitted above. It should also be noted that the host for storing the applications include but not limited to a microchip, microprocessor, handheld communication device, computer, rendering device or a multi function device.
Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications are possible and are apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as included within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

WE CLAIM
1. A method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine comprising the steps of:
(a) holding papers in plurality of input trays where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type;
(b) authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password;
(c) requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user by a menu driven user interface if the user is authenticated;
(d) taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user;
(e) tracking contihuously thfe number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and
(f) prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein an initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the number of sheets of a particular type of paper is determined, by dividing the bulk weight of the particular type of paper by the weight of a single sheet of that paper.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein determining the weight of a single sheet of paper is obtained by dividing the weight obtained with the number of sheets inserted where the initial stack counter contains a digital weight meter that weigh each types of paper in each tray and the weight of a fixed number of sheets of the same paper type is inserted.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein tracking the number of sheets in the tray involves decrementing the number of sheets of the particular type of paper consumed during the course of operation of the vending device.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheet counter counts the number of sheets requested by the user from the tray which contains the paper having size and type as chosen by the user.
7. A vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities comprising the steps of:
(a) plurality of input trays for holding papers where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type;
(b) means for authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password;

(c) means for requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user if the user is authenticated;
(d) means for taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user;
(e) means for tracking continuously the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and
(f) means for prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold.
8. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein an initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray.
9. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sheet counter comprises a paper pulling mechanism with a sensor which sense the paper movement and updates a digital counter.
10. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein an output tray is provided for collecting the chosen size or type of paper in the specified quantity.

11. A method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. A vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.

WE CLAIM
1. A method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine comprising the steps of:
(a) holding papers in plurality of input trays where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type;
(b) authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password;
(c) requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user by a menu driven user interface if the user is authenticated;
(d) taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user;
(e) tracking contihuously thfe number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and
(f) prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein an initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2 wherein the number of sheets of a particular type of paper is determined, by dividing the bulk weight of the particular type of paper by the weight of a single sheet of that paper.
4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein determining the weight of a single sheet of paper is obtained by dividing the weight obtained with the number of sheets inserted where the initial stack counter contains a digital weight meter that weigh each types of paper in each tray and the weight of a fixed number of sheets of the same paper type is inserted.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein tracking the number of sheets in the tray involves decrementing the number of sheets of the particular type of paper consumed during the course of operation of the vending device.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sheet counter counts the number of sheets requested by the user from the tray which contains the paper having size and type as chosen by the user.
7. A vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities comprising the steps of:
(a) plurality of input trays for holding papers where each tray carry papers of a specific size and type;
(b) means for authenticating the user of the vending machine by requesting the said user to enter a user id and password;

(c) means for requesting the user to choose from the list of available options for size, type and number of paper desired by the user if the user is authenticated;
(d) means for taking and sending the specified number of sheets of the specified paper type from one of the input trays to an output tray as requested by the user;
(e) means for tracking continuously the number of sheets desired of the particular type of paper by using a sheet counter; and
(f) means for prompting a message to supply additional sheets of that particular size or type of paper if the number of sheets of a particular size or type of paper falls below a predetermined threshold.
8. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein an initial stack counter counts the number of sheets present in each of the input trays as soon as the papers are fed in the tray.
9. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sheet counter comprises a paper pulling mechanism with a sensor which sense the paper movement and updates a digital counter.
10. A vending machine as claimed in claim 7 wherein an output tray is provided for collecting the chosen size or type of paper in the specified quantity.

11. A method of dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities using a vending machine substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.
12. A vending machine for dispensing paper sheets of different sizes and types in specified quantities substantially described particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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Patent Number

279583

Indian Patent Application Number

1742/CHE/2006

PG Journal Number

05/2017

Publication Date

03-Feb-2017

Grant Date

25-Jan-2017

Date of Filing

22-Sep-2006

Name of Patentee

SAMSUNG R& D INSTITUTE INDIA BANGALORE PRIVATE LIMITED

Applicant Address

#2870 ORION BUILDING BAGMANE CONSTELLATION BUSINESS PARK OUTER RING ROAD DODDANEKUNDI CIRCLE MARATHAHALLI POST BANGALORE -560037

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	NIKHIL AGARWAL	BAGMANE LAKEVIEW, BLOCK B, NO. 66/1, BAGMANE TECH PARK, C V RAMAN NAGAR, BYRASANDRA, BANGALORE -560093 KARNATAKA INDIA
2	LAKSHMI PRASANNA	BAGMANE LAKEVIEW, BLOCK B, NO. 66/1, BAGMANE TECH PARK, C V RAMAN NAGAR, BYRASANDRA, BANGALORE -560093 KARNATAKA INDIA

PCT International Classification Number

G07F4/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1			NA