Non-cash payment method using QR codes in an automated microcontroller-based vending machine

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis project is to implement a micro-controller-based automated vending machine which uses codes as a method for authorization of payments of online accounts to implement a non cash payment method for a contact less mobile payment system. Once a user places his/her order in the vending machine a QR (quick response) code is generated which holds all of the information of the user's order. An application is used to scan that QR code. The QR code once scanned with that application, populates the information of the order and sends that information to a web server only after the user’s approval for using their online account for payment. This web server takes this input from the user and processes the payment. The transaction is made from the web server with an online payment platform which holds the user's account. After the transaction is made, a second QR code, which stores the user's order information and authorization, is sent to the user's application from the server. User displays the QR code and it is scanned by the vending machine's scanner to release the desired product(s) thus making the process contact less.