Vending Server Module for Mobile Payment Session Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vending machines are unable to accept electronic payments, posing difficulties for customers in cashless societies who wish to purchase products from these machines.
Innovation Solution
A mobile payment system for vending machines, which includes a vending server module that generates a unique session identifier and processes mobile payment requests, allowing the vending machine to dispense products upon approval, using methods such as Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication, and QR codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vending machines use stand-alone units without network connection, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to accept electronic payments is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a payment server as an intermediary component between the vending machine and the electronic payment network. The payment server handles all electronic payment processing, authentication, and transaction management, while the vending machine itself remains relatively simple. This mediator approach allows the vending machine to accept electronic payments without requiring complex integrated payment processing hardware or software within the machine itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vending machines are connected to electronic payment networks, then electronic payment acceptance is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the vending machine handles product dispensing, the payment server handles electronic payment processing, and the session management system handles transaction coordination. This segmentation allows each component to remain relatively simple while the overall system achieves electronic payment capability. The vending machine does not need to contain complex payment processing logic.
3Reliability
If mobile payment processing is implemented through server-mediated sessions, then payment security is improved, but transaction time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a session identifier and pre-configures transaction parameters before the actual payment processing begins. The session management system prepares the transaction framework in advance, including authentication mechanisms and product selection validation. This preliminary setup allows the actual payment and dispensing processes to proceed more efficiently once initiated, reducing the perceived transaction time while maintaining security through pre-established protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
Mobile payment systems and methods for vending machines can include a mobile payment system comprising: a vending server module that is configured to: generate a unique session identifier in response to receipt of a unique machine identifier associated with a vending machine and a price of a product to be purchased from the vending machine; receive a mobile payment request from a mobile device, the mobile payment request comprising payment credentials, the unique session identifier, the unique machine identifier and the price of the product; and generate a vending authorization message on a condition that the mobile payment request is approved, the vending authorization message comprising instructions for the vending machine to dispense the product.