Vending Machine Circuitry Using Handheld Devices for Data Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vending systems face challenges with costly remote data collection options, architectural limitations, and high monthly communication fees for cellular and internet connectivity, which hinder efficient data communication and product dispensing control.

Innovation Solution

The integration of circuitry in vending machines to interface with handheld devices, such as cell phones, for wireless data communication, enabling cashless transactions, consumer feedback collection, and geographically relevant transaction management, using Near Field Communications (NFC) and Wi-Fi for connectivity to remote servers, and incorporating power line carrier technology for secure access control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cellular or internet connectivity is used for remote data collection, then data communication capability is improved, but monthly network access fees and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata communication capabilityVSAvoidmonthly network access fees

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the communication function from the vending machine itself and relocates it to the handheld device. The vending machine only performs local data processing and storage, while the handheld device handles all network communication, eliminating the need for expensive cellular modems and monthly network fees in the vending machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device serves as an intermediary between the vending machine and the network. It collects data locally from the vending machine via wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC) and then transmits this data to remote servers, eliminating the need for direct network connectivity in the vending machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If cellular connectivity hardware is integrated in vending machines, then remote data collection is enabled, but device complexity and initial costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote data collection capabilityVSAvoidcommunication hardware requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes cellular modems, network cards, and associated communication hardware from the vending machine. These functions are extracted and consolidated into the handheld device, which the operator already possesses and which handles all network communication tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device serves multiple functions: it acts as a user interface for cashless transactions, a data collection tool for inventory monitoring, a communication device for network connectivity, and a control interface for machine operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware in the vending machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Quantity of substance

If DEX cumulative-based reporting is used, then data storage efficiency is improved, but real-time data communication capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage efficiencyVSAvoidreal-time data communication

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its data collection and transmission approach based on operational needs. It can perform continuous real-time monitoring when needed, or switch to periodic batch updates when efficiency is prioritized, providing flexibility in balancing real-time capability with storage efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous local data collection and processing capabilities while enabling on-demand real-time transmission. Data is continuously accumulated in the vending machine's memory with high efficiency, and real-time communication occurs continuously when the handheld device is present and connected, ensuring both efficiency and responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 reduces communication costs by eliminating the need for monthly network access fees, enhances data collection efficiency, and provides secure access control while enabling cashless transactions and consumer incentives through the use of handheld devices for vending machine operations.

Implementation Method 1

using Near Field Communications (NFC) and Wi-Fi for connectivity to remote servers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear Field Communications (NFC): Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

incorporating power line carrier technology for secure access control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower line carrier: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10810565B2Vending data communications systems

Publication Date: 2020.10.20 VIDEX INC

AI summary

Vending machine circuitry adapted to interface with vending machine electronics so as to provide data communications between a handheld device, preferably a wireless handheld device operated by a potential consumer, and the vending machine electronics, with the handheld device providing the network communications connectivity for transmitting and receiving information to and from remote data centers, data bases, and/or servers.