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Model a Vending Machine by Using Mealy Semantics

This example uses:

Open Model

This example shows how to use Mealy semantics to model a vending machine. Mealy charts compute outputs only in transitions, not in states. For more information, see Design Considerations for Mealy Charts.

Logic of the Mealy Vending Machine

In this example, the vending machine requires 15 cents to release a can of soda. The purchaser can insert a nickel or a dime, one at a time, to purchase the soda. The chart behaves like a Mealy machine because its output soda depends on both the input coin and current state:

got_0 — No coin has been received or no coins are left.

  • If a nickel is received (coin == 1), output soda remains 0, but state got_nickel becomes active.

  • If a dime is received (coin == 2), output soda remains 0, but state got_dime becomes active.

  • If input coin is not a dime or a nickel, state got_0 stays active and no soda is released (output soda = 0).

got_nickel — A nickel was received.

  • If another nickel is received (coin == 1), state got_dime becomes active, but no can is released (soda remains at 0).

  • If a dime is received (coin == 2), a can is released (soda = 1), the coins are banked, and the active state becomes got_0 because no coins are left.

  • If input coin is not a dime or a nickel, state got_nickel stays active and no can is released (output soda = 0).

got_dime — A dime was received.

  • If a nickel is received (coin == 1), a can is released (soda = 1), the coins are banked, and the active state becomes got_0 because no coins are left.

  • If a dime is received (coin == 2), a can is released (soda = 1), 15 cents are banked, and the active state becomes got_nickel because a nickel (change) is left.

  • If input coin is not a dime or a nickel, state got_dime stays active and no can is released (output soda = 0).

Design Rules in Mealy Vending Machine

This example of a Mealy vending machine illustrates these Mealy design rules:

  • The chart computes outputs in condition actions.

  • There are no state actions or transition actions.

  • The value of the input coin determines the value of the output soda.

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