Vending Machine Controller Auto-Pairing for Remote Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vending devices lack flexible payment options and often require manual product selection, leading to potential errors in dispensing the correct product.
Innovation Solution
A processing unit with a processor, communication port/interface, and transceiver is integrated into the vending machine controller to enable auto-pairing with user devices for remote control of product dispensing, allowing for selection and payment through user devices via wireless communication protocols like Bluetooth or NFC, bypassing the need for manual selection and supporting various payment methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a specific payment protocol (MDB/VCCS/BDV) is used in the vending device, then the device can process cash and electronic money transactions, but the device lacks flexibility to support other payment methods and requires replacement when switching protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal payment processing architecture where the vending device can accept multiple payment protocols (cash, electronic money, digital wallets, internet banking) through a single integrated system. The processing unit is designed to handle various payment methods without requiring device replacement, making the device multi-functional and adaptable to different payment preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different payment protocols by implementing a flexible software-based payment processing layer that can switch between MDB/VCCS/BDV protocols and other payment methods like digital wallets and internet banking. This dynamic capability allows the device to evolve and support new payment methods without hardware replacement.
2Reliability
If manual product selection is required on the vending device, then the device can dispense products, but users may erroneously select the wrong product
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic product selection and dispensing by integrating with the user's mobile device. The user selects products on their own device, and the system automatically transmits the selection to the vending machine, eliminating manual input at the machine and reducing selection errors while maintaining user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The user's mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user's selection intent and the vending device's dispensing action. The mobile application serves as a mediator that captures the user's product choice, processes payment, and communicates the selection to the vending machine, thereby eliminating direct manual input at the vending device and reducing errors.
3Ease of operation
If the vending device requires physical presence for product selection and payment, then transactions can be completed, but users must carry cards and physically interact with the device
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by allowing users to select products and complete payments through their mobile devices before approaching the vending machine. The mobile application handles product selection, payment processing, and transaction authorization in advance, so that when the user reaches the device, the product is already selected and ready for dispensing, eliminating the need to carry cards or perform manual operations at the machine.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for remotely controlling dispensing of product(s) from a vending device is disclosed. The system may identify a vending device within predefined range of a location of a user device. The system may enable auto pairing of the user device with the vending device. The system may enable the user to select a product from a product list displayed on the user device, wherein the product list is received either from a processing unit of the vending device or the system. The system may transmit the information to the processing unit after completion of transaction associated with the product selected by the user. The processing unit may decode the vending data from the information to trigger dispensing of the product from the vending device. The dispensing of the product is facilitated via a vending machine controller (VMC) of the vending device or directly through the processing unit.