Bill Vending Machine for Chits at Siena College of San Jose Inc., Using Arduino

Introduction

Statement of the Problem

Methodology

Results and Discussion

References

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Introduction

In today's fast-paced educational environments, schools and universities have increasingly adopted advanced technologies, using different tools, platforms, and websites. Additionally, they also provided opportunities to expose students to these advancements, to improve further the student experience (Statti, A., & Torres, K.M., 2020). The primary objective of this project was to address the long queues that formed due to the manual process of exchanging real money for chits, a currency used exclusively in the Siena College of San Jose Canteen. By automating the chit-exchange process, the researchers aimed to optimize the students' limited break time, allowing them more time to eat, relax, and prepare before returning and resuming their classes (Ratnasri et al., 2021). The researchers' goal was to develop a vending machine that was not only cost-effective but also reliable and capable of handling many transactions quickly and accurately. In addition, the study utilizes Arduino technology, an open-source electronics platform known for its flexibility, affordability, and ease of use. This technology is widely used in various engineering projects. This is also cost-effective with functionality, accessible to institutions even with a limited budget, and is utilized while being fully customized depending on use (López-Belmonte et al., 2020).

Statement of the Problem

1. How can Arduino Technology be effectively utilized to create a reliable and cost-effective vending machine for dispensing chits?

2. What are the key factors that will contribute to the reliability and efficiency of the Bill Vending Machine?

3. To what extent does the vending machine reduce errors and delays associated with the manual exchange of chits in the canteen?

4. What materials and construction techniques should be used to ensure the durability of the Bill Vending Machine in a high-traffic school environment?

Methodology

The researchers used a quantitative research mode for their study. According to Hassan (2023), Quantitative Research is a type of research that collects and analyzes data to test hypothesis and answer research questions. The research aimed to gather data from a product-focused research about the Bill Vending Machine for Chits at Siena College of San Jose Canteen Using Arduino.

The research design that the researchers utilized in this study is the Experimental Research Design. According to Hassan (2023), Experimental Research Design studies the relationship between the independent and dependent variables, and observes the effects of manipulating the independent variable to the dependent variable.

To collect the necessary data and information, the researchers conducted several tests and trials that help evaluate the overall machine performance of the Bill Vending Machine. According to Bangayan (2024), test mode for vending machines are important and offer many benefits, such as that it offers valuable insights, and can provide diagnostics or troubleshooting to efficiently identify and fix issues or malfunctions within the mechanism.

Prototype of the External Bill Vending Machine

Pinout of the Bill Vending Machine

Results and Discussion

Utilization of Arduino Technology for Reliability and Cost-Effectiveness

To effectively utilize Arduino Technology, the researchers first identified the materials and requirements needed to create the vending machine. This includes the TCS3200 Color Sensor, Servo Motors, wires, breadboard, and the Arduino Uno. Second, they gathered information regarding the pinout of the hardware and coding of the software from Yassine (2019), Richard (2024), and Cox (2021). Third, they provided tests and trials to calibrate and check the strengths, weaknesses, and rooms for improvement. According to the results, 55 out of 160 errors were found. This leaves 105 correct dispenses that resulted, proving that the reliability is more than 50%, from the tests and trials alone. Lastly, the Arduino Technology used by the researchers only cost about less than P300.00, which is considered a budget price and a cost-effective way of building the vending machine.

Key Factors Contributing to Reliability and Efficiency

One of the major key factors that will contribute to the reliability and efficiency of the Bill Vending Machine is the accuracy of the TCS3200 Color Sensor. The TCS3200 detects the bill inserted in the machine, therefore it plays a major role will reading and analyzing what amount of chits should be dispensed. Another major key factor is the Chit Dispensing Mechanism, wherein the design and functionality of the dispensing mechanism ensures the precise release of the correct denominations of chits, and also avoids jams or miscounts in dispensing chits. Lastly, another major key factor is testing and optimization. This is the repeated trials to identify issues in order to improve and calibrate. This further contributes to minimizing inefficiencies and errors made by the Arduino components.

Error Rate and Delay

According to the results of the data gathering, 65% from the testing and trials were concluded to have correct denominations, while the remaining 35% is the error rate of the Bill Vending Machine. With a specific number of 160 trials, there were 55 errors, while there were also 105 trials that were correct and were dispensed properly.

Materials and Construction Techniques

The materials and construction techniques used in designing the Bill Vending Machine were Marine Plywood, Locks for Security, Compartments for storage of cash and chits, and a Chit Dispensing Mechanism that allows the chits to be pushed directly to where the user will receive the chits. According to Taylor (2024), Marine Plywood is generally stronger, harder, and has a finer grain than softwood. It can endure a high-traffic environment because it is constructed with at least five thin layers or plies of 100% hardwood veneer. On the other hand, Francis (2023) stated that it is important to incorporate compartments dedicated to cash, and chits, as well as the Arduino components when constructing a vending machine, so that each is properly organized inside.

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