Our client required a completely new control system for a payment-based food and beverage vending machine, as no system previously existed. Key requirements and priorities included:
Product Delivery Control: Products must be dispensed accurately and reliably, synchronized with a full rotation of the DC motor.
Integration of Payment and Delivery: The connection between the payment system and product dispensing must be reliable to prevent misdelivery or delays.
Refrigerator Temperature Control: The internal temperature must be continuously monitored to ensure optimal product storage.
User Notifications: Errors or system failures must be displayed immediately to both users and operators.
Ease of Use: The HMI interface should be visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to understand, minimizing training efforts.
The goal was a reliable, user-friendly, and modular system that seamlessly synchronizes DC motor movements, sensor data, payment processing, and HMI operation.
Our Solution 💡
Our team developed an integrated solution comprising:
Hardware: Control board and DC motor driver
Embedded Software: Real-time control of motors and sensors
Sensor and Motor Integration: Precise product dispensing and temperature monitoring
HMI and Payment System: Intuitive user interface and secure payment handling
This solution ensures:
Precise DC motor rotation control
Simple and appealing product selection via HMI
Continuous temperature monitoring
Immediate error reporting
Maximum operational safety and efficiency
Technical Details ⚙️
Hardware and Board Design
DC motor driver and sensor inputs
HMI connection
Direct communication with the payment system
Modular, easy-to-assemble connections
Robust construction resistant to dust, vibration, and moisture
Motor Control
DC motors enable precise product dispensing
Sensor feedback confirms each rotation
Automatic stop and warning mechanisms ensure error-free delivery
Sensor Integration
Position sensors synchronize motor and product dispensing
Temperature sensors provide real-time data
Software filters false signals to prevent unintended actions
Communication
RS-485 protocol for data exchange between control board, HMI, and payment system
Bidirectional transmission of motor, sensor, and payment data
Real-time error reporting and system status display
HMI Interface
Modern and user-friendly
Clear product selection with instant display of errors and warnings
Easy monitoring of operation mode, temperature, and payment status
Embedded Software
Real-time control of motors and sensors
Millimeter-accurate product dispensing
Automatic stop and restart functions in case of errors
Optimized for reliability and long service life
Results
The project delivered a fully integrated, high-performance control system offering:
Seamless Control: Payment system, motor control, sensors, and HMI operate in perfect synchronization
Error-Free Product Dispensing: Each motor rotation is verified, eliminating misdeliveries
High User-Friendliness: Intuitive HMI for product selection, payment, and dispensing
Real-Time Monitoring: All data is continuously captured; the system safely stops automatically in case of errors
Temperature Control: Products are always stored under optimal conditions
Maintenance-Friendly: Modular design allows easy installation and quick troubleshooting
Reliability and Longevity: Software and hardware are fully integrated and remain stable even under continuous use
Thanks to comprehensive hardware and software optimization, the new control system exceeded the client’s expectations. All components—from DC motor control to sensor integration, HMI, and payment system—work seamlessly together, ensuring fully automated and error-free product dispensing. Sensor feedback verifies each motor rotation, preventing misdelivery, incomplete rotations, or mechanical blockages. This precise control guarantees products are always delivered accurately, maximizing operational safety and customer satisfaction.
Additionally, the intuitive user interface significantly simplifies operation. Users can conveniently select products via HMI, initiate payments, and monitor system status in real time. All warnings and error messages are displayed immediately, enabling quick problem resolution, reducing downtime, and increasing operational efficiency.
Data Privacy 🔒
This project is presented without company or product names for confidentiality reasons. All illustrations are for demonstration purposes only.
