Vending Machine Remote Interface via QR Code

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vending machines require physical interaction, increasing the risk of disease transmission and maintenance costs, and are inflexible in accepting various payment forms, especially electronic payments.

Innovation Solution

A system that allows users to purchase items via a user device by dynamically generating a QR code, transmitting signals for transaction initiation, and enabling remote interaction with the vending machine through a client module and purchase fulfillment subsystem, reducing physical contact and enhancing payment flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical interaction with vending machine is required, then item selection and payment can be processed, but disease transmission risk increases and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease transmission riskVSAvoidphysical interaction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical interaction system (physical buttons, screens, and payment interfaces on the vending machine) with a wireless communication system. Users interact through a mobile device by scanning a QR code, which triggers a remote interface to communicate purchase intentions and payment information wirelessly to the vending machine's control system, eliminating the need for physical contact with the machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the vending machine. The mobile device displays a remote interface that mediates the interaction process, allowing users to select items and make payments without directly contacting the vending machine. The control system acts as another intermediary that receives wireless signals and processes the transactions accordingly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical interaction with vending machine is required, then item selection and payment can be processed, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance costVSAvoidphysical interaction requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the interaction interface from the vending machine itself and relocates it to the user's mobile device. The remote interface, which handles user input for item selection and payment, is taken out of the machine and implemented on the mobile device, reducing the complexity and maintenance requirements of the vending machine's physical interface components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional payment methods are used, then transaction processing is simple, but flexibility in accepting electronic payments is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment method flexibilityVSAvoidpayment system integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal payment interface through the mobile device that can handle multiple payment methods (cash, credit card, debit card, mobile payment) within a single system. The remote interface on the mobile device provides a unified entry point for various payment types, allowing the vending machine to accept diverse electronic payments without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each payment method.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic payment processing system where the available payment methods can be flexibly configured and updated. The control system can dynamically determine which payment methods are available based on current conditions, allowing the system to adapt to new payment technologies and preferences without requiring physical reconfiguration of the vending machine.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11640593B2System and method for vending machine

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 STRIPE INC

AI summary

A system comprises a client module installed on a vending machine, the vending machine displaying one or more items for purchase in a first arrangement, and a purchase fulfilment subsystem. A QR code is generated by the purchase fulfilment subsystem and transmitted to the client module. A first set of signals to initiate a transaction is transmitted by the user device to the purchase fulfilment system. The purchase fulfilment subsystem transmits to the user device a second set of signals to display elements in a second arrangement. The user device transmits a third set of signals to the purchase fulfilment subsystem related to activation of an element. The purchase fulfilment subsystem transmits to the client module a fourth set of signals comprising commands to enable the vending machine to dispense an item. The client module sends one or more instructions to the vending machine to dispense the item.