03. Problem Definition

Need Statement

There is a need for an automatic token dispensing machine which can detect a person, dispense one numbered token at a time, and indicate when the token is ready, thereby making the queue management process simple and convenient.

3.1 Question and Answer

Sl. No.	Questions	Answers	Type
1	Should the machine be automatic?	Yes, the machine should work automatically.	Objective
2	Should the machine detect the person?	Yes, it should detect the presence of a person.	Function
3	Should the machine dispense one token at a time?	Yes, only one token should be dispensed at a time.	Function
4	Should the tokens be numbered?	Yes, the tokens should have serial numbers.	Function
5	Should the machine indicate when the token is ready?	Yes, it should provide a simple indication.	Function
6	Should the machine be easy to use?	Yes, it should be simple and user-friendly.	Objective
7	Should the machine be portable?	Yes, it should be easy to carry and transport.	Objective
8	What should be the approximate size of the machine?	The machine should be within 2 × 2 × 2 feet.	Constraint
9	What should be the maximum cost of the machine?	The total cost should be less than ₹3500.	Constraint
10	Should the machine be suitable for banks?	Yes, it should be suitable for use in banks and similar service areas.	Objective

3.2 Basic Survey and Requirements

Observation from survey	Requirement
The machine is intended for use in banks and similar service areas.	It should be simple and easy to use.
The machine needs to be moved when required.	It should be portable and easy to carry.
The machine will contain mechanical and electronic parts.	Materials should be easily available and suitable for construction.
The machine will provide paper tokens to users.	It should have a proper paper/token storage arrangement.
The user should know when the token is ready.	A simple indication system should be provided.
The machine will be made as a student prototype.	The construction should be simple and economical.

3.3 Identifying Clients Objectives

Sl. No.	Objectives
1	The machine should be automatic.
2	The machine should detect the user.
3	The machine should dispense one numbered token at a time.
4	The machine should be portable.
5	The machine should be user-friendly.
6	The machine should have process completion indication.

Problem definition version 1.1:-

Design an automatic token dispensing machine for banks and similar service areas, which is able to detect the presence of a person and dispense one numbered token at a time. The machine should be simple, portable, easy to use and provide an indication when the token is ready.

3.4 Identify Constraints

Sl. No.	Constraints
1	Maximum weight of the machine should be less than 2 kg.
2	Total cost of the machine should be less than ₹3500.
3	Overall dimensions of the machine should not exceed 2 × 2 × 2 feet.
4	Token dispensing time should be less than 8 seconds.
5	Power consumption should be less than 50 W.
6	Token length should be 50 mm.
7	Token width should be 50 mm.
8	Paper roll diameter should be less than 100 mm.

Problem definition version 1.2:-

Design an automatic token dispensing machine for banks and similar service areas, which is able to detect the presence of a person and dispense one numbered token at a time. The machine should be simple, portable and easy to use, with an indication when the token is ready. The machine should weigh less than 2 kg, cost less than ₹3500, and have overall dimensions not exceeding 2 × 2 × 2 feet.

3.5 Establish Functions

Sl. No.	Functions
1	Detect the presence of a person.
2	Start the token dispensing process.
3	Store the numbered paper tokens.
4	Feed the paper through the machine.
5	Control the amount of paper being fed.
6	Hold the paper during the cutting process.
7	Cut the paper into one token.
8	Dispense the cut token to the user.
9	Indicate that the token is ready.
10	Stop the machine after dispensing one token.

Problem Definition version 1.3:-

Design an automatic token dispensing machine for banks and similar service areas, which should be simple, portable, easy to use and capable of detecting the presence of a person and indicating when the token is ready. The machine should weigh less than 2 kg, cost less than ₹3500 and have overall dimensions not exceeding 2 × 2 × 2 feet. The machine should detect the person, store and feed the paper, control the required paper length, hold and cut the paper, dispense one numbered token to the user and stop after dispensing one token.