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Introduction
Introduction
"Small improvements lead to big changes" -- In technology, continuous improvement can impact so much on many various projects. With this, the quote can be applied to the researchers' project, the Bill Vending Machine for Chits, introduced in the Siena College of San Jose Canteen. Initially designed to address efficiencies caused by long queues during rush hours, specifically recess or lunchtime due to manual exchange of chits. Vending machines are no different from any other type of equipment. To properly function, they need regular maintenance (Daveb, 2024). Many issues can be encountered when it comes to vending machines, but one of the common problems is the coin mechanism (Daveb, 2024). In the Bill Vending Machine, the machine itself accepts bills or paper money, but this can still be applied with the chit mechanism.The improvements proposed in this study also aligned with the principles of the components that are individually important to the overall performance of the Bill Vending Machine. Each element, including the chit extraction mechanism and seven-segment display, must function together to achieve reliability, and efficiency, and to further improve the success rate. By focusing on these research gaps, the researchers aimed to provide these small improvements to the flaws of the initial design, while maintaining affordability and practicality.
Statement of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
1. What is the success or error rate of the bill vending machine after utilizing an improved chit extraction mechanism?
2. How does the seven-segment display contribute to the accuracy and efficiency of the bill vending machine transactions?
3. What are other measurable improvements that can be observed with the upgraded Bill Vending machine compared to the previous model?
4. What recurring issues, if any, were identified during multiple tests runs of the vending machine?
Methodology
Methodology
The researchers used a mixed-method research mode for their study. According to DoveTail Editorial Team (2023), mixed-method is a popular method for researching, wherein researchers utilized a blend of quantitative and qualitative data. In using this research method, the researchers can provide results that cannot be solved with just either qualitative or quantitative research. Furthermore, the specific mixed-method research design that the researchers used is the Explanatory Sequential Design. This is deemed suitable for the researchers’ study because this specific research design collects quantitative data first, then it is explained or strengthened with additional qualitative information.
For the quantitative data, the researchers conducted several tests and trials to gather numerical data on the success and error rate of the machine. For this, they utilized an error rate calculator by Zubkov (2024) and a success rate calculator by Nash (2025).
For the qualitative data, the researchers utilized a reflexive thematic analysis on their personal insights regarding on their experiments with the bill vending machine and the new additional components of the machine.
Seven-Segment Increment and Decrement Schematic (Tech at Home, 2025)
Arduino Uno, Color Sensor, and Servo Motor Schematic
Chit Extraction Mechanism 3D
Results and Discussion
Results and Discussion
1. Component Reliability and Performance
a. High success rate in money detection
b. Total failure in chit extraction and seven-segment display
c. Inconsistent system reliability
2. Challenges in Mechanical and Electrical Integration
a. Misalignment and measurement errors in chit extraction
b. Button malfunction in seven-segment display
3. Need for Refinement in Design and Calibration
a. Chit extraction mechanism redesign needed
b. Circuit debugging
c. Improved precision in system components
4. Impact of Failure Rates on Practical Usability
a. Current model of machine non-functional
b. Money Detection success overshadowed by chit extraction failure
c. Operational inefficiency
5. Future Improvements
a. Structural adjustments for Chit Extraction Mechanism
b. Electronic and Software troubleshooting for seven-segment
Conclusion and Recommendations
Conclusion and Recommendations
The researchers aimed to develop a Bill Vending Machine that automates the chit exchange using a money detection system, an improved chit extraction mechanism, and a seven-segment display. While the results achieved a high success rate of 88.71% with the money detection, the chit extraction mechanism, and seven-segment display both exhibited complete failure with 0% success rates. These findings indicate that while some components of the machine function as expected, there are certain modifications needed before real-world implementation.
Based on the study’s findings, several recommendations were proposed to improve the vending machine’s performance.
1. Redesigning the chit extraction mechanism.
2. Integrating an IC or shift register (minimizes the use of several wires).
3. Camera-based sensor with image recognition (allows secure and rapid moneydetection).
4. Explore alternative components and technologies.
References
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