Dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive display function

Abstract

This invention discloses a dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function, comprising: a static display shelf; a storage shelf disposed on one side of the static display shelf; a dynamic display shelf disposed on one side of the storage shelf; and a monitoring camera disposed on the static display shelf, the storage shelf, and the dynamic display shelf. The static display shelf includes a product placement platform with one or more layers. The storage shelf includes one or more independent cabinets and lockable cabinet doors disposed on the independent cabinets, with multiple independent cabinets arranged in an array. The dynamic display shelf includes a test drive compartment at the bottom, a panoramic product display cabinet disposed above the test drive compartment, and a display screen disposed above the panoramic product display cabinet. This dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function solves the technical problems of existing unmanned vending equipment, such as limited functionality, lack of experiential elements, static display method, and inconvenient storage and retrieval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of unmanned vending equipment technology, specifically relating to a dynamic unmanned vending machine with a test drive and demonstration function. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of unmanned retail technology, vending machines have been widely used for the automatic sale of fast-moving consumer goods such as beverages, snacks, and daily necessities. However, for products that require a hands-on experience before a purchase decision (such as remote-controlled toys, smart devices, and electronic products), traditional vending machines have the limitation of "only allowing viewing, not trying," failing to meet consumers' experiential needs.

[0003] In existing technologies, the sale and display of goods mainly adopt the following methods: Traditional vending machines use a closed cabinet structure, with goods displayed inside. Consumers pay by inserting coins or scanning a QR code, and the goods pop out from the aisle. This method has the following problems: First, goods can only be displayed statically, and consumers cannot touch or experience them; second, for products that require trial use (such as remote-controlled cars and drones), consumers cannot understand their actual performance, making purchasing decisions difficult; third, the limited display space makes it impossible to showcase multiple product categories simultaneously; and fourth, there is a lack of product function introductions and demonstrations, resulting in limited information delivery.

[0004] Shopping malls and specialty stores often use static display cases to showcase products, allowing consumers to observe their appearance up close. However, this method has the following drawbacks: First, it can only display statically and cannot demonstrate the dynamic functions of the products; second, the products are usually locked inside the cases, preventing consumers from taking them out to experience them; third, it lacks unmanned vending capabilities and requires store staff to be on duty; and fourth, it mostly uses a single display method and lacks multimedia-assisted displays.

[0005] Some brands have opened offline experience stores where consumers can try out products before deciding to buy. However, this approach has the following problems: First, it requires a lot of labor costs, resulting in high store operating expenses; second, store locations are limited, making it difficult to establish a wide network; third, business hours are limited, making 24-hour service impossible; and fourth, it requires a large area, resulting in low space efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention aims to solve the technical problems of existing unmanned vending equipment, such as single function, lack of experience, static display mode and inconvenient storage and retrieval, and provides a dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive display function.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: A dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function includes: Static display shelves; Storage shelves are installed on one side of the static display shelves; A dynamic display shelf is installed on one side of the storage shelf; Surveillance cameras are installed on the static display shelves, storage shelves, and dynamic display shelves; The static display rack includes a product placement platform with one or more layers; the storage rack includes one or more independent cabinets and lockable cabinet doors on the independent cabinets, with multiple independent cabinets arranged in an array; the dynamic display rack includes a test drive compartment at the bottom, a panoramic product display cabinet above the test drive compartment, and a display screen above the panoramic product display cabinet; by scanning the QR code on the lockable cabinet door to log in, the switch lock inside the test drive compartment can be opened, thereby allowing the product to be taken out from the test drive compartment for a test drive.

[0008] Preferably, the static display racks, storage racks, and dynamic display racks are arranged in a straight line or in an L-shape, and the racks are fixedly connected by bolts or welding.

[0009] Preferably, the product display platform has an open shelf structure for displaying regular products or opened samples.

[0010] Preferably, the individual boxes are enclosed boxes, and each individual box may be the same or different in size, used to store goods for sale.

[0011] Preferably, the lockable cabinet door is provided with a transparent viewing window for displaying the goods inside the box; the QR code is set on the surface of the lockable cabinet door or on the transparent viewing window.

[0012] Preferably, the test drive cabin includes a cabin body, a product display base set inside the cabin body, and a switch lock for locking the product; the switch lock is an electronic lock that communicates with the backend server and unlocks automatically after verification by scanning a code.

[0013] Preferably, the product panoramic display case is a transparent display case with a rotating display platform inside, used to display the product from all angles in 360 degrees.

[0014] Preferably, the display screen is a touch screen, used to play product advertisements, user tutorials, or display operation instructions.

[0015] Preferably, there are multiple surveillance cameras, which are respectively installed on the top or side of static display shelves, storage shelves and dynamic display shelves, for monitoring the surrounding environment of the equipment and the user's operation process.

[0016] Preferably, the vending machine also includes a back-end management system, which is communicatively connected to the surveillance camera, the switch lock, and the display screen, and is used to receive monitoring data, control the status of the switch lock, and update the content of the display screen.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This system integrates three functional areas—static display shelves (product display), storage shelves (closed storage), and dynamic display shelves (test drive experience)—into a single device, achieving a unified design for product display, closed storage, and dynamic experience. Consumers can view the product's appearance on the static display shelves, test drive it on the dynamic display shelves, and then scan a code on the storage shelf to purchase it, forming a complete "see → try → buy" consumption loop. Identity verification is achieved via a QR code on the lockable cabinet door. After scanning the code and logging in, the system automatically unlocks the test drive compartment, allowing users to retrieve the product for a test drive. This design realizes an integrated process of "scanning → verification → unlocking → retrieving → test drive," requiring no manual intervention and offering convenient and seamless operation.

[0018] The test drive bay is positioned at the bottom of the dynamic display shelf, the panoramic product display case is placed above it, and the display screen is positioned above the panoramic product display case, forming a vertical three-tiered layout. This design integrates test drives, product display, and multimedia playback within a limited footprint, maximizing space utilization and making it suitable for space-constrained locations such as shopping mall islands, subway station halls, and airport waiting areas. A rotating display stand is incorporated within the panoramic product display case, allowing for 360-degree rotation to showcase the product from all angles. Combined with the transparent cabinet, consumers can observe product details from all angles without opening the cabinet doors. Compared to static displays, dynamic rotating displays more intuitively present the product's appearance and structural features, enhancing consumer understanding. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Fig. 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function of the present invention, with a lightbox. Fig. 2 This is a front view of the dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function of the present invention; Fig. 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function of the present invention without a lightbox. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, so that those skilled in the art can better understand and implement the present invention, but the embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0021] Example See Figs. 1-3 As shown, a dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function includes a static display shelf 10, a storage shelf 20 set on one side of the static display shelf 10, a dynamic display shelf 30 set on one side of the storage shelf 20, and a monitoring camera 40 set on the static display shelf 10, the storage shelf 20 and the dynamic display shelf 30.

[0022] The static display rack 10, storage rack 20, and dynamic display rack 30 are arranged in a straight line or an L-shape. In this embodiment, the three are arranged in a straight line, from left to right: static display rack 10, storage rack 20, and dynamic display rack 30. The racks are fixedly connected by bolts or welding to form an integrated structure that is stable and reliable.

[0023] The vending machine can be equipped with adjustable feet at the bottom to level the device on uneven surfaces. For locations that require frequent relocation, the feet can be replaced with omnidirectional casters for easy movement of the entire machine.

[0024] The static display rack 10 is located on the far left of the vending machine and is used to display regular products or opened samples. The static display rack 10 includes one or more product placement platforms 11.

[0025] In this embodiment, the static display rack 10 is provided with three layers of product placement platforms 11, with each platform arranged at equal intervals along the vertical direction. The product placement platform 11 is an open shelf structure, made of metal or wood, and has anti-slip mats or anti-slip textures on the surface to prevent goods from slipping.

[0026] The product display platform 11 can hold opened samples, accessories, related goods, or promotional items. Consumers can directly access and view these products without scanning codes or making payments, lowering the barrier to entry for trying them. The height of each platform is designed according to the size of the displayed products: the bottom platform is approximately 600mm from the ground, the middle platform is approximately 1000mm from the ground, and the top platform is approximately 1400mm from the ground.

[0027] A first monitoring camera 41 is installed on the top of the static display rack 10, with the camera facing forward of the equipment, for monitoring user activities and product status in the static display rack area.

[0028] The storage shelf 20 is located on the right side of the static display shelf 10 and is used to store sealed packaged goods for sale. The storage shelf 20 includes one or more independent cabinets 21 and lockable cabinet doors 22 installed on the independent cabinets 21, and the multiple independent cabinets 21 are arranged in an array.

[0029] In this embodiment, the storage rack 20 has nine independent boxes 21 arranged in three columns and three rows in a 2×3 array. Each independent box 21 has the same dimensions: 300mm wide, 400mm high, and 350mm deep, suitable for storing medium-sized product packaging. Depending on the product specifications, the dimensions of the independent boxes 21 can be designed to be different; for example, the bottom boxes are taller for storing larger products, while the top boxes are shorter for storing flat packaging.

[0030] Each individual cabinet 21 has a lockable cabinet door 22 on its front. The lockable cabinet door 22 has a transparent viewing window for displaying the appearance and packaging of the goods inside. The transparent viewing window is made of acrylic or tempered glass, providing good light transmission and impact resistance. The lockable cabinet door 22 is connected to the cabinet via an electronic lock, which communicates with a backend server, supporting remote unlocking control.

[0031] A QR code is affixed to the surface of the lockable cabinet door 22 or on the transparent observation window. Users can scan the QR code with their mobile phones to authenticate their identity and unlock the cabinet. Each individual cabinet 21 corresponds to a unique QR code, and the system identifies the location of the corresponding cabinet after scanning the code.

[0032] The dynamic display rack 30 is located on the right side of the storage rack 20 and is used to display the dynamic functions of the product and provide a test drive experience. The dynamic display rack 30 includes a test drive compartment 31 at the bottom, a panoramic product display cabinet 32 ​​above the test drive compartment 31, and a display screen 33 above the panoramic product display cabinet 32.

[0033] The test drive compartment 31 is located at the bottom of the dynamic display shelf 30 and is used to store test drive products and allow users to take them out for test drives. After the user successfully verifies the product by scanning the code, the backend server sends an unlocking command, and the test drive compartment 31 automatically unlocks, allowing the user to open the compartment and take out the product for a test drive.

[0034] The test drive compartment 31 can store multiple test drive products or multiple sets of the same product. In this embodiment, there is one test drive compartment 31, which contains one test drive product. Depending on the type and quantity of products, multiple test drive compartments 31 can be arranged side by side, with each product corresponding to an independent test drive compartment.

[0035] The panoramic product display cabinet 32 ​​is positioned above the test drive cabin 31 to showcase the product from all angles in a 360-degree view. The panoramic product display cabinet 32 ​​is a transparent display cabinet with a rotating display platform 321 inside.

[0036] The panoramic product display case 32 is made of glass or acrylic and is transparent on all four sides, allowing consumers to observe the products inside from various angles. LED light strips 322 are installed at the top and bottom of the display case to illuminate the products and enhance the display effect.

[0037] The rotating display stand 321 is installed at the bottom of the panoramic product display cabinet 32. It is driven by a micro motor and can rotate at a constant speed (about 6-10 revolutions per minute). The upper surface of the display stand is equipped with an anti-slip pad. After the product is placed on the display stand, it rotates with the display stand, allowing consumers to observe the 360-degree view of the product without moving it.

[0038] The panoramic product display case 32 can showcase products of the same style as those in the test drive bay 31, or other related products. Through dynamic rotation, consumers can intuitively understand the product's appearance, design, color, materials, and other details.

[0039] The display screen 33 is positioned above the product panoramic display cabinet 32 ​​and is used to play product advertisements, user tutorials, or display operation instructions. The display screen 33 is a touch screen, with a size of 32 inches to 55 inches and a resolution of not less than 1920×1080.

[0040] The front of display screen 33 faces the consumer and displays the following content: product promotional videos showcasing product features and usage scenarios; operation instructions guiding users on how to scan the code to unlock the door and how to pick up the product for a test drive; promotional information displaying current offers and package prices; and interactive content allowing users to check product parameters and view user reviews via the touchscreen. Speakers can be installed on the top or sides of display screen 33 to play audio content and enhance advertising effectiveness.

[0041] The monitoring cameras 40 are multiple and are respectively installed on the static display rack 10, the storage rack 20 and the dynamic display rack 30, for monitoring the surrounding environment of the equipment and the user operation process.

[0042] In this embodiment, three surveillance cameras 40 are provided: First monitoring camera 41: installed on the top of static display rack 10, with the camera facing the left front of the equipment, covering the static display rack area; Second monitoring camera 42: installed on the top of dynamic display rack 30, with the camera facing the right front of the equipment, covering the test drive compartment and product panoramic display cabinet area.

[0043] The surveillance cameras (40 in total) are high-definition network cameras with night vision capabilities. Recording data is uploaded to a backend server in real time and stored for at least 30 days. The surveillance footage can be used for dispute resolution, user behavior analysis, and security purposes.

[0044] The vending machine also includes a back-end management system (not shown in the figure), which is communicatively connected to the monitoring camera 40, the switch lock 313 and the display screen 33, and is used to receive monitoring data, control the status of the switch lock and update the content of the display screen.

[0045] The backend management system includes the following functional modules: User Management Module: manages user accounts, scan records, and purchase records; Device Management Module: monitors device online status, provides fault alarms, and enables remote control; Product Management Module: manages product information, inventory quantity, and price settings; Unlock Control Module: receives scan requests, verifies user identity, and sends unlock commands; Advertising Management Module: manages display screen playback content, playback schedules, and remote updates; Monitoring Management Module: allows real-time viewing of monitoring footage, playback of historical recordings, and alarm management.

[0046] As consumers approach the vending machine, they first see samples and accessories displayed openly on the static display shelf 10. Consumers can directly touch and view these products, understanding their basic appearance and accessories without any operation. A first monitoring camera 41 above the static display shelf 10 records consumer activity in the area in real time.

[0047] As consumers continue browsing, they notice the panoramic product display case 32 on the dynamic display shelf 30. Inside the case, products slowly rotate 360 ​​degrees on a rotating display stand 321, with LED light strips 322 illuminating product details, allowing consumers to observe the product's appearance from all angles. Simultaneously, the display screen 33 plays product promotional videos, introducing product functions and usage methods. At this stage, consumers receive a wealth of product information without any user interaction.

[0048] Once consumers show interest in the product, they can take a test drive. The specific procedure is as follows: Scan the code: Consumers can use their mobile phones to scan the QR code on the independent box 21 on the storage shelf 20, or scan the test drive experience QR code displayed on the display screen 33.

[0049] Verification: The mobile phone redirects to a mini-program or H5 page, where the consumer verifies their mobile phone number or authorizes login via WeChat. The backend management system verifies the user's identity and records the experience request.

[0050] Unlock: After successful verification, the back-end management system sends an unlock command to the test drive compartment 31, and the door of the test drive compartment 31 pops open.

[0051] Pick-up: Consumers open test drive compartment 31 and take out the test drive product.

[0052] Test Drive: Consumers can test drive the device and experience its functions in a designated area around it. A 40mm surveillance camera records the entire test drive process to ensure device safety.

[0053] After a satisfactory test drive, consumers can purchase the product through the following methods: Scan to purchase: Scan the QR code on the storage shelf 20 corresponding to the individual cabinet 21, complete online payment, and the lockable cabinet door 22 will automatically unlock, allowing the consumer to retrieve the sealed new product. Purchase test drive items: If consumers wish to purchase the products in the test drive vehicle, they can contact customer service or apply for purchase through the mini-program. Staff will arrange delivery, or the consumer can pick up the goods themselves.

[0054] After the test drive, the customer returns the product to the test drive compartment 31. Upon receiving the closing signal from the test drive compartment 31, the backend management system automatically closes it. If the customer fails to return the product on time, the backend system will send a reminder message and, if necessary, can trace its location using surveillance footage.

[0055] Operators can remotely view the operating status, inventory, and monitoring screens of each device through the back-end management system, remotely update the advertising content on the display screen 33, and remotely control the opening and closing of the test drive cabin 31, thus achieving unmanned remote management of the equipment.

[0056] The above embodiments of the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The implementation of the present invention is not limited thereto. All other modifications, substitutions or alterations made to the above structure of the present invention based on the above content of the present invention, in accordance with ordinary technical knowledge and common practice in the field, without departing from the basic technical idea of ​​the present invention, shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dynamic unmanned vending machine with a test drive demonstration function, characterized in that, include: Static display shelves; Storage shelves are installed on one side of the static display shelves; A dynamic display shelf is installed on one side of the storage shelf; Surveillance cameras are installed on the static display shelves, storage shelves, and dynamic display shelves; The static display rack includes a product placement platform with one or more layers; the storage rack includes one or more independent cabinets and lockable cabinet doors on the independent cabinets, with multiple independent cabinets arranged in an array; the dynamic display rack includes a test drive compartment at the bottom, a panoramic product display cabinet above the test drive compartment, and a display screen above the panoramic product display cabinet; by scanning the QR code on the lockable cabinet door to log in, the switch lock inside the test drive compartment can be opened, thereby allowing the product to be taken out from the test drive compartment for a test drive.

2. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The static display racks, storage racks, and dynamic display racks are arranged in a straight line or in an L-shape, and the racks are fixedly connected by bolts or welding.

3. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The product display platform has an open shelf structure and is used to display regular products or opened samples.

4. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The individual boxes are enclosed boxes, and each box may be the same or different in size, used to store goods for sale.

5. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lockable cabinet door is equipped with a transparent viewing window for displaying the goods inside the box; the QR code is set on the surface of the lockable cabinet door or on the transparent viewing window.

6. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The test drive cabin includes a cabin body, a product display base set inside the cabin body, and a switch lock for locking the product; the switch lock is an electronic lock that communicates with the back-end server and automatically unlocks after verification by scanning a code.

7. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The product panoramic display case is a transparent display case with a rotating display platform inside, used to display the product from all angles in 360 degrees.

8. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The display screen is a touch screen used to play product advertisements, user tutorials, or display operation instructions.

9. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The monitoring cameras are multiple and are respectively installed on the top or side of static display shelves, storage shelves and dynamic display shelves, for monitoring the surrounding environment of the equipment and the user operation process.

10. The dynamic unmanned vending machine with test drive demonstration function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vending machine also includes a back-end management system, which is communicatively connected to the surveillance camera, the switch lock, and the display screen. The back-end management system is used to receive monitoring data, control the status of the switch lock, and update the content of the display screen.

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