Proactive Height-Adjusting Terminal for Accessible Product Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-service product dispensing systems face challenges in accommodating users of varying heights, leading to frustration and inefficiencies due to fixed-height interactive terminals and fragmented transaction processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-service system that proactively adjusts the height of an interactive terminal based on customer detection, using sensors to align with the user's height and integrates product selection, payment, and retrieval stages for seamless transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the interactive terminal uses a fixed height design, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing cost is low, but it cannot accommodate users of varying heights leading to frustration and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The interactive terminal is mounted on a height adjustment mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its vertical position. The system includes a motorized actuator or linear motor that can raise and lower the terminal based on detected user height, transforming a static fixed-height design into a dynamic adjustable one.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects user approach and height, then self-adjusts the terminal height without requiring manual intervention from the user. The control system processes sensor data and autonomously commands the height adjustment mechanism to position the terminal at an optimal height for the detected user.
2Ease of operation
If the system implements proactive height adjustment, then user accessibility and satisfaction are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs height adjustment in advance, before the user actually interacts with the terminal. Sensors detect user approach and trigger the height adjustment mechanism to position the terminal at the appropriate height before the user reaches for it, creating a seamless experience.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual height adjustment mechanisms are replaced with automated motorized systems controlled by electronic sensors and microprocessors. This substitution of mechanical manual adjustment with electromechanical automation enables proactive adjustment based on user detection.
3Productivity
If the transaction process is integrated into a single unified system, then transaction speed and efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges product selection, payment processing, and product dispensing functions into a single integrated transaction flow. The interactive terminal coordinates with the dispensing mechanism and payment system to complete the entire transaction without requiring the user to move between separate stations or devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The interactive terminal serves multiple functions: it displays product information, receives user selections, processes payments, and coordinates dispensing operations. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require separate devices into a single universal interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-service interactive terminal with proactive height adjustment is used with a product dispensing device for dispensing one or more products. The product dispensing device includes an interactive terminal. The interactive terminal is configured to display details associated with the one or more products and receive a selection of a product from the one or more products. A computing device is communicatively connected to the product dispensing device. The computing device is configured to detect a customer approaching the product dispensing device and adjust a height of the interactive terminal, prior to the selection of the product, to align with an approximate height of the customer. While the interactive terminal is at the adjusted height, the computing device processes a transaction based on the selection of the product causing the product dispensing device to dispense the product.