On a hot day, there’s nothing quite like inserting some coins into a vending machine and hearing as a cold beverage makes its way to the exit chute. It’s difficult for most of us to imagine a time when we couldn’t obtain a cold drink or a snack — or even rent a movie — from a nearby machine.
There are a wide variety of vending machines worldwide today. In exchange for payment using coins, bills, or credit, vending machines dispense a range of items from beverages and snacks to newspapers and DVDs. Some of the more fascinating vending machines sell electronics, live fishing bait, French fries, cars, and blue jeans.
Hero of Alexandria created a machine that dispensed holy water in the first century. This may have been the first vending machine. In the early 1880s, coin-operated postcard vending machines were introduced in London, England. The first vending machine in the United States sold gum on a New York City train platform starting in 1888.
In the past, one often needed to have the exact change to use a vending machine. However, nowadays vending machines accept coins, paper money, and even credit cards. They can also provide coins and bills as change.
How did vending machines become so intelligent? How can a machine distinguish a quarter from a dime? How does it differentiate between a five-dollar bill and a one-dollar bill?
Vending machines that accept paper money can accomplish tasks that most people cannot. They can differentiate between different bills by examining special features that are unique to each bill. They do this through careful observations.
For instance, some vending machines can accept dollar bills by utilizing optical scanners that examine them using light. These machines have small sensors or cameras that capture images of the bill you insert. Then they analyze those images for specific patterns that help them identify the type of bill.
Naturally, it is possible to print a counterfeit bill that appears authentic. However, vending machine manufacturers have methods to verify if the money is fake by utilizing special features on genuine bills.
Were you aware that one-dollar bills employ a special type of ink that glows when exposed to ultraviolet light? Some vending machines can detect the glow from a bill using ultraviolet light to determine if it is genuine or not.
Currency bills are printed using special magnetic ink. Some vending machines can read the magnetic ink on the bill to verify its authenticity and determine its value.
There are vending machines that employ special devices to check if the money you insert is the correct size. They may also utilize a small amount of electricity to determine if the money is genuine. Different types of money conduct electricity in different ways.
Most machines rely on physical characteristics to recognize and authenticate coins. Vending machines primarily examine the size, shape, and ridges of coins instead of analyzing their composition.
For example, a vending machine can identify a quarter because it has a diameter of 0.955 inches, a thickness of 0.069 inches, and 119 ridges along its outer edge. This contrasts with a dime, which has a diameter of 0.705 inches, a thickness of 0.053 inches, and 118 ridges.
Were you aware that vending machines are becoming increasingly intelligent? It may be hard to believe, but they are constantly getting smarter. Numerous vending machines have wireless internet connectivity and transmit data to their owners. This enables the owners to keep track of which items have been sold and need to be restocked.
Some vending machines are capable of taking orders without any physical contact. They are equipped with special devices that can interpret hand signals, allowing users to make selections without pushing buttons. There are even vending machines that allow you to make purchases by sending a text message from your mobile phone.
Many vending machines utilize spiral dispensing mechanisms. This means that the desired item is situated on a twisted metal rod that rotates to dispense the ordered item.
Concerned that your bag of chips might get stuck in the machine? They’ve already thought of that. There are infrared sensors near the bottom of the machine that will rotate the spiral a bit more if your item doesn’t drop.
Have you ever used a vending machine? What did you purchase? Would you consider using a vending machine again in the future?
Give It a Try
Were you aware of how complex and technologically advanced vending machines have become? Continue learning by trying one or more of the following activities with a friend or family member:
- Did you know that vending machines can also help you learn math by teaching you how to count money? It’s true. Try playing this enjoyable online Vending Machine game to practice counting change! You can also use real change from your piggy bank or ask an adult for some change to practice counting.
- Ask an adult to take you on a field trip to explore vending machines. Do you know of a place that has multiple vending machines? If not, you can often find them near areas where people typically wait. You could start by visiting a local airport, train station, or hospital. Examine some vending machines up close. What items are available for purchase? Do any of the machines accept credit cards? Can you determine what kind of technology the bill-accepting machines use? Have fun exploring vending machines. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a drink or snack!
- If you owned a vending machine, what would you stock it with? How much would you charge for the items? Create a list of the items and calculate how much you should charge. You can check prices at a store or online to determine your cost of purchasing the items. For example, would you charge a quarter for a pencil at your school if it cost you five cents to buy? What about five dollars for a phone charger that cost two dollars? Share your list with a friend or family member—perhaps you have a future as an entrepreneur, owning vending machines!
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.britannica.com/dictionary (accessed 7 June, 2023)
- https://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/other-gadgets/vending-machine-pictures.htm (accessed 7 June, 2023)
- https://www.webstaurantstore.com/guide/993/vending-machine-troubleshooting-guide.html (accessed 7 June, 2023)
FAQ
1. How do vending machines work?
Vending machines work by using a combination of mechanical and electronic components. When a person selects a product and inserts money, the machine’s sensors detect the payment and activate a motor to dispense the item. Some vending machines also use digital displays and touch screens to make the selection process easier for the user.
2. Can vending machines recognize different types of currency?
Modern vending machines are equipped with currency recognition systems that can identify different types of bills and coins. These systems use a combination of optical sensors and magnetic validation to determine the authenticity and value of the currency. If the vending machine cannot recognize a particular type of currency, it will usually reject it and prompt the user to insert a different form of payment.
3. Do vending machines have any built-in security measures?
Yes, vending machines often have built-in security measures to prevent theft and vandalism. They may have reinforced doors, security cameras, and alarms to deter potential criminals. Some vending machines are also equipped with sensors that can detect if someone is trying to tamper with the machine or access it without making a purchase.
4. Can vending machines provide change?
Many vending machines are designed to provide change if a customer inserts a larger bill than the cost of the selected item. However, not all vending machines have this feature. It depends on the specific model and programming of the machine. If a vending machine does not provide change, it will usually display a message indicating that exact change is required.
5. Are vending machines capable of accepting credit cards?
Yes, modern vending machines are often equipped with card readers that allow customers to make purchases using credit or debit cards. These card readers use secure encryption technology to process the transaction and protect the customer’s personal information. However, not all vending machines accept credit cards, so it is important to check for card acceptance symbols or signs before attempting to make a purchase.
6. Can vending machines be remotely monitored?
Many vending machines now have remote monitoring capabilities. This allows the vending machine operator to track inventory levels, monitor sales data, and receive real-time alerts about any issues with the machine, such as a coin jam or a product out of stock. Remote monitoring helps operators optimize their vending machine operations and provide better service to customers.
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