Optical Code Mediator for Touchless Vending Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dispensing systems, such as vending machines, require users to manually select and purchase items by interacting with the machine, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a touchless dispensing system that uses an optical code to enable item selection and purchase through a smartphone or electronic device, allowing users to view, select, and purchase items without direct interaction with the machine, with the code disabling during the purchase session and regenerating upon expiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users manually interact with the dispensing machine to select and purchase items, then the machine can accurately dispense items, but the process is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical code as an intermediary element between the user and the dispensing machine. The optical code contains encoded item information and serves as a mediator that enables touchless interaction. Users scan the optical code with their electronic devices to initiate the dispensing process, eliminating the need for manual button pressing while maintaining accurate item selection and dispensing.
2Ease of operation
If an optical code is used for touchless dispensing, then user convenience is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical code serves multiple functions within the system: it encodes item selection information, acts as a trigger for the dispensing process, and provides a unique identifier for tracking transactions. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single optical code element, the system achieves touchless operation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the optical code is disabled during the purchase session, then security is improved, but the code needs to regenerate which adds system overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The optical code implements a periodic action pattern where it is disabled during the active purchase session and then regenerates after expiration. This periodic enable-disable-regenerate cycle enhances security by preventing unauthorized reuse of the code during the transaction, while the automated regeneration process manages the code lifecycle without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to touchless dispensing techniques. A dispensing method includes providing an optical code with a first application on a first electronic device that is in communication with a dispensing machine. The method also includes creating a unique session for a purchase of the item. The optical code is configured to be disabled during the unique session. The method further includes receiving instructions to dispense at least one item from the dispensing machine via the first application on the first electronic device and a browser or a downloadable application for another electronic device. Access to the browser or the downloadable application occurs via the optical code. The method further includes dispensing at least one selected item from the dispensing machine based on information received via the browser or the downloadable application.