Lottery Ticket Vending Machine Tape Detection for Accurate Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lottery ticket vending machines struggle with accurately detecting and addressing the issue of adjacent tickets being connected by tape, which can lead to dispensing errors and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The lottery ticket vending machine is equipped with a tape sensor, such as a camera or optical sensor, positioned in the ticket burster to detect tape connecting adjacent tickets, and a controller to analyze this data, enabling actions such as alerting operators or adjusting the cutting process to separate the tickets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ticket dispensing systems are used without tape detection, then the device complexity is low, but dispensing accuracy and reliability deteriorate due to undetected tape connections causing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tape detection methods with optical sensing technology. The tape sensor uses optical fields to detect the presence of tape connections between tickets, substituting physical contact-based detection with non-contact optical measurement, thereby improving detection accuracy while adding minimal complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tape sensor as an intermediary detection device between the ticket dispensing mechanism and the control system. This sensor acts as a mediator that provides information about tape connections, enabling the controller to make informed decisions about ticket separation without requiring direct mechanical intervention
2Productivity
If manual tape removal procedures are used, then the device complexity is low, but productivity deteriorates due to operator intervention requirements and machine shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the tape sensor continuously monitors for tape connections and provides real-time information to the controller. When tape is detected, the controller automatically adjusts the cutting mechanism or dispensing process, creating a closed-loop system that maintains high productivity without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting and responding to tape connections without requiring operator intervention. The controller autonomously manages the ticket separation process based on sensor input, eliminating the need for manual tape removal and keeping the machine operational
3Reliability
If tape connections are not detected, then the ease of operation is high, but reliability deteriorates due to dispensing errors and operational inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of tape connections before ticket dispensing occurs. The tape sensor scans for tape presence in advance, allowing the controller to prepare appropriate separation actions beforehand, ensuring reliable dispensing without complicating the user interface or operation flow
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures accurate ticket dispensing by detecting and addressing tape connections, preventing errors and enhancing operational efficiency by facilitating smoother loading and reducing the risk of machine shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
a tape sensor supported by the ticket burster, configured to obtain data for adjacent lottery tickets that move from one of the ticket drawers into the ticket burster
Data Source
AI summary
A lottery ticket vending machine configured to determine if lottery tickets received by a ticket burster from a ticket drawer of a ticket drawer column are connected by tape, and to take one or more actions if such lottery tickets are connected by tape. In various embodiments, each of the tickets bursters includes a suitable tape sensor.