“SECURED PRINTED DOCUMENT VENDING SYSTEM”

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention is a secure printed document vending system designed for public and private spaces, enabling users to remotely upload documents, process payments, and retrieve printed materials through a secure authentication mechanism. After uploading documents via an intuitive interface, the system (100) calculates the cost and facilitates payment through an integrated gateway. Upon successful payment, a unique one-time password (OTP) is generated and sent to the user, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access the printed documents. The system (100) securely stores the documents until the correct OTP is entered and automatically deletes the documents post-printing to maintain privacy. Real-time alerts provide updates on the printing process, ensuring a user-friendly and efficient experience. Refer to Figure 1

Specification

Description:"SECURED PRINTED DOCUMENT VENDING SYSTEM"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention related to a secured printed document vending system, specifically focusing on secure and efficient printing solutions. It integrates user authentication and payment mechanisms to enhance privacy and convenience.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the current digital age, the demand for document printing remains significant across various sectors, including educational institutions, corporate environments, government offices, and public facilities. Despite the prevalence of digital communication, there are numerous scenarios in which physical documents are necessary, whether for legal, academic, or professional purposes. Traditional document printing methods, however, are often characterized by inefficiencies that can frustrate users and create operational bottlenecks.
[0003] One of the main challenges associated with conventional printing services is the manual nature of the process. Users typically must navigate through multiple steps to print a document, starting from locating a printing facility to uploading the required files. This often necessitates physical presence at the site, resulting in time lost and inconvenience, particularly for those who may need to print documents quickly or on-the-go. In busy environments, such as universities or corporate offices, long queues can exacerbate delays, hindering productivity and overall satisfaction.
[0004] Moreover, the handling of sensitive documents poses significant security risks in traditional printing scenarios. Users often leave sensitive documents unattended while waiting for printing, creating opportunities for unauthorized access or accidental retrieval by unintended individuals. This issue is particularly acute in shared environments where multiple users access printing facilities. The absence of robust security measures increases the likelihood of data breaches and the exposure of confidential information, leading to potential legal repercussions and loss of trust.
[0005] Additionally, the payment processes associated with conventional printing services can be cumbersome. Many facilities require cash payments or utilize outdated credit card processing systems that are slow and prone to errors. This can create frustration for users, particularly in high-traffic areas where efficiency is paramount. The lack of modern payment options, such as mobile wallets or instant payment methods, further complicates the user experience and can discourage individuals from utilizing printing services altogether.
[0006] Recognizing these limitations, there is an increasing demand for a more advanced document printing solution that can enhance security, streamline operations, and provide a user-friendly experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a secured printed document vending system, to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent in the prior art.
[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a secured printed document vending system.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a secure and efficient document printing solution, which ensures user authentication and protects sensitive data throughout the printing process.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to streamline the payment process by integrating a seamless payment method, reducing manual intervention and potential errors.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that authenticate the users before retrieval of printed documents as means of ensuring that the documents are retrieved by respective user.
[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that is versatile and can be implemented in a wide range of environments, including educational institutions, offices, and public facilities, addressing the need for a secure, fast, and user-friendly document printing solution.
[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
[0015] The secured printed documents vending system designed to offer a secure, automated solution for printing documents in public and private spaces. The system consists of a durable body that houses various components, including a printing unit, user interface, payment gateway, processor, authentication unit, tray, and audio unit.
[0016] Users upload documents through the user interface using a computing unit such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Once the document is uploaded, the system calculates the printing cost and generates a QR code for the user to complete the payment using a variety of methods, including digital wallets and UPI. Upon successful payment, a unique one-time password (OTP) is generated and sent to the user via SMS, email, or the interface. This OTP is required to retrieve the printed document from the machine, ensuring security and preventing unauthorized access.
[0017] The processor communicates with all the components, managing the printing process and ensuring data privacy by automatically deleting the uploaded documents after printing. The documents are securely stored in a tray within the body and are only released upon successful OTP authentication. An audio unit provides real-time alerts on the progress of the print job, enhancing the user experience.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of various embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the drawings provided herein. For the purposes of illustration, there are shown in the drawings exemplary embodiments; however, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed.
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the secured printed document vending system as disclosed in an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0020] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well- known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
[0022] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
[0023] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which similar elements in different drawings are identified with the same reference numbers. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
[0024] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word "a" or "an" means "at least one", and the use of "or" means "and/or", unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term "including", as well as other forms, such as "includes" and "included", is not limiting. Also, terms such as "element" or "component" encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements or components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise.
[0025] Furthermore, the term "module", as used herein, refers to logic embodied in hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions, written in a programming language, such as, Java, C, C++, python, or assembly. One or more software instructions in the modules can be embedded in firmware, such as in an EPROM. The modules described herein can be implemented as either software and/or hardware modules and can be stored in any type of non-transitory computer-readable medium or other storage device. Some non-limiting examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include CDs, DVDs, BLU-RAY, flash memory, and hard disk drives.
[0026] As illustrated in Figure 1, the proposed system comprises a body (110), which is the main framework designed to house all the essential components of the system (100). The body (110) is configured to be positioned securely on a ground surface, to function as a standalone unit. It is made from durable materials to protect the internal components from environmental conditions or tampering. The design of the body (110) also allows for ease of access during maintenance or servicing.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user interface (130) installed within a computing unit handled by a user allows the users to upload one or more documents that are to be printed. The computing unit herein used is selected from smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Through the user interface (130), users upload the documents they wish to print by selecting them from their device or through a cloud storage. The interface provides various options for document customization, such as choosing the number of copies, selecting between color and black-and-white printing, and deciding on the paper size. The user interface (130) is designed to be intuitive, ensuring that users can navigate through the process with ease, regardless of their technical skill level.
[0028] Once the document is uploaded, the user interface (130) moves to the payment process, which is handled through a payment gateway (118) coupled with the body (110). The payment gateway (118) is integrated into the body (110) and provides a fast, seamless payment experience. After uploading the document, the user is prompted to pay for the printing service based on factors such as the number of pages and printing options selected. The system (100) generates a QR code that is displayed on the user interface (130) along with a display unit installed at the body (110). The user then scans this QR code using their computing unit, which links them to a payment portal where they complete the transaction using various payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, or UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This QR-based payment system (100) enhances security by eliminating the need for users to input sensitive payment information directly into the body (110), reducing the risk of data theft.
[0029] Upon successful completion of the payment, the system (100) sends the user a confirmation message, along with a unique one-time password (OTP). The OTP is crucial for ensuring that only the authorized user is able to retrieve the printed documents. This OTP is generated by the system (100) and sent to the user through various communication channels, such as SMS, email, or directly displayed on the user interface (130). The user must retain this OTP as it will be required later to authenticate their identity when retrieving the printed documents. This additional layer of security ensures that even if multiple users are utilizing the system (100) at the same time, there is no risk of documents being accessed by the wrong person.
[0030] Furthermore, a processor (114) is coupled with the body (110), and linked with the printing unit (112), and once it receives the necessary command from the user interface (130) (following successful payment), it instructs the printing unit (112) to begin printing the uploaded document. The processor (114) also communicates with the payment gateway (118), authentication unit (116), and a communication module (120), ensuring that all components work together seamlessly. The communication module (120) herein used is selected from a Wi-Fi module and GSM module to establish a wireless connection in between the processor (114) and the user interface (130). Additionally, the processor (114) is responsible for managing the lifecycle of the uploaded document. Once the printing process is completed and the user has retrieved their document, the processor (114) automatically deletes the uploaded file from the system's memory. This is a key feature in ensuring data privacy and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
[0031] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an authentication unit (116) is installed over the body (110), to allow the user to enter the OTP provided during the payment process, the processor (114) compares the OTP provided to the user and OTP entered by the user for authentication purpose. Only upon successful entry of the correct OTP, the system (100) allow the user to access the printed document. The authentication unit (116) ensures that only the rightful owner of the printed document retrieve it, thus minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or document theft. If the OTP entered is incorrect or expired, the system (100) denies access to the printed documents and may prompt the user to re-enter the correct OTP.
[0032] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the printing unit (112) is the prints the documents. The printing unit (112) is capable of handling a variety of printing tasks, including single or multi-page documents, black-and-white or color prints, and various paper sizes. The printing unit (112) operates based on the instructions received from the processor (114), which gathers information about the document's specifications from the user interface (130) via the communication module (120). The printing unit (112) is designed for high-speed performance, ensuring that users do not have to wait long to retrieve their printed documents, which is especially important in high-traffic environments where quick turnaround times are essential.
[0033] Once the printing process is completed, the documents are transferred to a tray installed within the body (110). The tray is fitted with a slider mechanism, which allows the tray to pop out upon successful authentication by the user. When the user inputs the correct OTP, the processor (114) activate the slider to get the tray automatically extended outward, allowing the user to easily retrieve their printed documents. This design ensures that the documents remain secure until they are collected by the authorized user. In the event of an incorrect OTP or unauthorized access attempt, the tray remains locked, preventing the printed documents from being accessed by anyone other than the authorized user.
[0034] To further enhance the user experience, the body (110) is equipped with an audio unit that provides real-time audio alerts related to the status of the document printing process. For example, the audio unit can notify the user when their document is being printed or when it is ready for collection. These auditory cues help users stay informed about the progress of their print job without needing to continuously monitor the user interface (130). The audio unit is controlled by the processor (114) and can be customized to provide different types of alerts depending on the machine's configuration or the user's preferences.
[0035] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the specific features of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many additional features can be added and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.
[0036] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements.
[0037] The embodiments described above are intended only to illustrate and teach one or more ways of practicing or implementing the present invention, not to restrict its breadth or scope. The actual scope of the invention, which embraces all ways of practicing or implementing the teachings of the invention, is defined only by the following claims and their equivalents.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 - Secured printed document vending system
110 - Body
112 - Printing unit
114 - Processor
116 - Authentication unit
118 - Payment gateway
120 - Communication module
130 - User interface

, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A secured printed documents vending system, comprises:
a body (110) configured with a printing unit (112) to be positioned over a ground surface;
a user interface (130) to allow a user to upload one or more documents digitally that are to be printed;
a payment gateway (118) coupled with the body (110) to display a QR (quick response) that is scanned by the user via a computing unit to do payment for the document to be printed;
a processor (114) linked with the printing unit (112) to fetch data from the user interface (130) related to the document to be printed and commands the printing unit (112) to print the documents in case of successful payment done by the user;
an authentication unit (116) installed with the body (110) to allow the user to enter a one-time password (OTP) generated over the user interface (130) while uploading the documents for authenticating the user; and
a tray installed within the body (110) to receive the printed documents and upon successful authentication of the user, the tray pops out to allow the user to receive the printed documents.
2. The secured printed documents vending system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (114) is linked with a communication module (120) that establishes a wireless connection in between the processor (114) and a server to fetch the documents uploaded by the user via the user interface (130).
3. The secured printed documents vending system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the communication module (120) herein used is selected from Wi-Fi module and GSM module.
4. The secured printed documents vending system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor (114) automatically deletes the uploaded document from the server after printing is completed to ensure data privacy and security.
5. The secured printed documents vending system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (110) is equipped with an audio unit that is activated by the processor (114) for alerting the user related to real time update regarding documents printing.
6. The secured printed documents vending system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a slider is attached with the tray to pop out the tray upon successful authentication.
7. The secured printed documents vending system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with the proposed system (100) to supply power to electrically powered components.

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