Automated Vending Transaction System Using Pre-Stored Preferences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for purchasing items, such as from vending machines or coffee shops, are inefficient as they require manual intervention and can lead to increased wait times due to repetitive processes and potential human errors.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that automatically provides items based on user preferences by receiving payment and preference data, determining item availability, and processing transactions using a processor, thereby reducing manual input and wait times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual purchasing processes are used at vending machines or coffee shops, then individuals can complete purchases, but the process requires repetitive manual intervention and causes increased wait times
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores payment credentials and item preferences in advance in a database. When a user approaches the vending machine, the system automatically retrieves pre-stored payment information and preference data, eliminating the need for manual input during the purchasing moment. This preliminary preparation of data resolves the contradiction by having everything ready before the transaction occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated purchasing where the machine itself performs the transaction processing using pre-stored credentials and preferences. The user simply needs to initiate the process, and the system automatically completes payment selection, item selection based on preferences, and transaction execution. This self-service automation eliminates repetitive manual intervention while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If manual browsing and selection processes are used, then individuals can identify desired items, but the process requires repetitive manual intervention and engagement with staff
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs item selection based on pre-stored user preferences when payment is initiated. The database contains preference data that guides the system to automatically select appropriate items without requiring the user to manually browse or communicate with staff. This resolves the contradiction by making the system serve itself through automated preference-based selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pre-stored preference data as feedback mechanisms to automatically determine which items to offer and select. The preference database acts as a feedback loop that guides the automated selection process, ensuring items match user preferences without manual intervention. This feedback-driven automation simplifies the user experience while managing system complexity through structured data usage.
3Productivity
If automated processing is implemented, then transaction speed increases, but the system requires processing payment credential data and preference data
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs data preparation in advance by storing payment credentials and item preferences in a database before transactions occur. During the actual transaction, the system simply retrieves pre-processed data, which dramatically increases processing speed. The complexity of data management is shifted to the preliminary setup phase rather than the transaction phase, resolving the contradiction between speed and processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses stored copies of payment credential data and preference data from the database during transactions. Instead of processing complex authentication and preference queries in real-time, the system retrieves pre-captured data copies that were securely stored during setup. This copying approach enables fast transaction processing while managing data processing complexity through offline data preparation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically providing items based on an item preference may include receiving payment credential data associated with a payment credential and preference data associated with an item preference of a user, determining whether one or more items associated with the item preference of the user is available, and processing, with at least one processor, a payment transaction involving the one or more items associated with the item preference of the user based on determining that the item is available. A system and a computer program product are also provided.