Vending Machine Product Detection Using Monitored Pixel Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vending machines often fail to detect when a selected product has not been successfully dispensed to the retrieval location, leading to frustrated customers and potential sales loss, due to the high cost and complexity of existing dispensed product detection systems.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective dispensed product detection system using a group of pixels, where only a subset of pixels monitor changes in light intensity along the product path from dispensing to retrieval locations, minimizing the number of monitored pixels to reduce fabrication and processing costs while maintaining effective detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dispensed product detection device is installed in a vending machine to detect when a product moves to the retrieval location, then the reliability of product dispensing is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent pixel sensors distributed along the product path. Each pixel independently monitors a specific location, and the system processes signals from individual pixels rather than requiring a complex integrated detection device. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a single complex detection device, the system uses multiple simple pixel sensors that replicate the basic detection function. Each pixel is a simplified copy of the detection capability, and collectively they provide comprehensive monitoring. This approach reduces complexity by replacing a complex single device with multiple simple identical units.
2Measurement precision
If more pixels are monitored to ensure accurate detection of product movement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by selectively monitoring specific locations along the product path rather than uniformly monitoring all areas. Pixels are positioned at strategic locations where product movement would be detected, and only those specific pixels are actively monitored. This localized approach maintains detection precision while reducing the total number of pixels that need to be manufactured and processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial action by monitoring only a subset of pixels rather than all pixels in the array. The control circuitry is configured to monitor specific pixels that are sufficient for detection purposes, using fewer resources than a complete pixel array would require. This partial monitoring approach reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate detection precision.
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
The system accurately detects product movement, reducing customer frustration and operational costs by minimizing the number of pixels needed for detection, thus enhancing the reliability and affordability of vending machine operations.
Implementation Method 1
an array of pixels is monitored to detect a change in the intensity of light at the pixels in the array upon movement of a dispensed product from a product dispensing location to a product retrieval location
Data Source
AI summary
During operation of a vending machine, a dispensed product moves from a product dispensing location to a product retrieval location. To detect movement of the dispensed product to the dispensing location, the intensity of light at an array of pixels is monitored. The monitored array of pixels forms a portion of a larger group of pixels. A change in the intensity of light at pixels in the array of pixels is detected upon movement of a dispensed product to a product retrieval location.