Creative product vending machine with introduction function

Abstract

This utility model belongs to the technical field of automated vending equipment, specifically relating to an automated vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function. It includes a vending machine body, a gaze tracking module, a video introduction module, a sales module, and a control module. The vending machine body is a cylindrical structure with at least three display surfaces, one of which is an openable and closable restocking surface with a locking alarm component. The gaze tracking module includes cameras on the top of each display surface to capture the area being viewed by tourists. The video introduction module includes video screens and audio players on each display surface. The sales module is used for payment and dispensing goods. The control module is electrically connected to each module. This device can display souvenirs from multiple directions, improving space utilization, replacing manual labor to achieve standardized transmission of cultural information, enhancing tourists' purchasing experience and willingness to buy, reducing labor costs, and promoting the integrated development of the cultural tourism and cultural and creative industries. It is suitable for scenic spots, museums, and other similar settings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automatic vending equipment technology, specifically relating to an automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introduction function. Background Technology

[0002] With the booming development of the tourism industry, tourist souvenirs have evolved from simple tourism accessories into core carriers of local cultural connotations, and their market demand has experienced explosive growth along with the recovery of the tourism industry. Currently, the sale of tourist souvenirs mainly relies on manual stalls or traditional one-sided vending machines.

[0003] On the one hand, manual vending machines require significant manpower, are limited by operating hours, and the quality of staff explanations is susceptible to variations in individual mood and professionalism, making it difficult to ensure every visitor receives clear and complete information, resulting in inconsistent cultural experiences. On the other hand, while traditional one-sided vending machines are not time-limited, their display of souvenirs is limited to static displays, showcasing only the appearance of the souvenirs through transparent glass. This fails to proactively convey the cultural stories behind the souvenirs or offer the interactive sales pitches of manual vending machines, leading to a poor purchasing experience and impacting visitors' willingness to buy souvenirs. Therefore, there is a need for a multi-directional, automated souvenir vending machine that can display information from multiple directions and automatically provide information to meet the needs of the tourism industry. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model aims to provide an automated vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function, in order to solve the problems mentioned in the background art, realize the multi-directional display of souvenirs, automatically introduce souvenir information to tourists, enhance tourists' purchasing experience and willingness to purchase, reduce labor costs, and promote the development of cultural tourism and cultural and creative industries.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: an automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introduction function, comprising a vending machine body, a gaze tracking module, a video introduction module, a sales module, and a control module. The vending machine body is a cylindrical structure with at least three display surfaces.

[0006] The eye-tracking module includes several cameras, which are installed on each display surface of the vending machine body, with the camera lenses facing the front of the display surface of the cylinder.

[0007] The video introduction module includes several video screens, which are installed on each display surface of the vending machine.

[0008] The vending module includes a display rack, a conveying mechanism, a storage cavity, a dispensing port, and a payment port. The display rack is located on the upper part of the display surface, the storage cavity is located inside the vending machine body, the storage cavity is connected to the dispensing port through the conveying mechanism, and the dispensing port is located on the lower part of the display surface.

[0009] The control module is electrically connected to the eye-tracking module, video introduction module, and sales module.

[0010] The working principle and beneficial effects of this solution are as follows: When a tourist is near any display surface of the vending machine and is looking at the display shelf above that surface, the camera installed on that surface will capture the tourist's eye movements and gaze area in real time, and transmit the gaze signal to the control module. The control module determines which souvenir the tourist is looking at, then matches it with a pre-stored database of gaze area and souvenir information, calls up the souvenir's exclusive introductory video, and sends a command to the video introduction module to control the video screen of that display surface to automatically turn on and play the video. If the tourist shifts their gaze to other souvenirs and the gaze duration reaches a preset value, the camera updates the gaze signal in real time, and the control module synchronously switches the video content to ensure that the video introduction accurately corresponds to the souvenir the tourist is interested in. If the tourist decides to purchase after watching the video, they can complete the payment through the payment slot on the display surface. The payment information is transmitted to the control module to generate a delivery instruction and send it to the sales module. After receiving the delivery instruction, the sales module locates the storage cavity corresponding to the target souvenir, and then starts the conveyor mechanism. The conveyor mechanism outputs the target souvenir from the storage cavity and transports it along a preset channel to the delivery slot at the bottom of the display surface. The tourist can then retrieve the purchased souvenir from the delivery slot, completing the entire purchase process.

[0011] The vending machine adopts a cylindrical structure with at least three sides. Compared with traditional single-sided vending machines, it can display souvenirs to tourists from multiple directions at the same time, which greatly improves the display range of souvenirs, the utilization efficiency of the equipment and the space utilization rate of scenic spots, and is suitable for the needs of tourist attractions and other densely populated scenes.

[0012] The eye-tracking module can accurately trigger the playback of corresponding souvenir information based on the user's gaze target. This not only replaces the repetitive work of manual explanation but also ensures the standardization of cultural information transmission, significantly improving the tourist's purchasing experience and helping to stimulate their willingness to buy.

[0013] This solution uses video presentations to help tourists fully understand the cultural stories behind souvenirs before purchasing, upgrading souvenirs from ordinary commodities into cultural carriers. The equipment can be flexibly set up in scenic spots, museums, cultural venues, and other scenarios, becoming a mobile display window for cultural and creative products, helping the cultural tourism and cultural and creative industries to take root, strengthening the value of cultural dissemination, and promoting the integrated development of the cultural tourism and cultural and creative industries.

[0014] Optionally, the video introduction module is also equipped with an interactive control unit, which is electrically connected to the control module. When a visitor clicks on the target souvenir icon through the interactive control unit such as the touch screen or physical buttons, the control module controls the video introduction module to switch to the exclusive video introduction content for that target souvenir. The video introduction content can also be paused, replayed, and switched between multiple languages ​​via touch operation.

[0015] Optionally, the video introduction module also includes several voice players, which are installed on one side of the corresponding video screen and electrically connected to the control module. When the control module receives a visitor's gaze signal transmitted by the camera, it controls the corresponding video screen and voice player to turn on, automatically playing the audio and video introduction content of the souvenirs stored in the cavity on that side.

[0016] Optionally, the vending machine body is equipped with a headphone jack, and a storage rack is fixedly connected to the side of the headphone jack, on which wired headphones are hung. This is suitable for noise-sensitive scenarios such as museums, solves the problem of noise interference during voice playback, and enables switching between speaker and headphone listening modes.

[0017] Optionally, a buffer layer is provided on the inner wall of the passage from the storage chamber to the outlet, and a baffle is hinged at the outlet, with a torsion spring at the hinge of the baffle. When the souvenir falls from the storage chamber into the outlet, the buffer layer reduces the impact of the fall, and the baffle is reset and closed by the torsion spring after the souvenir is removed, preventing dust from entering or small souvenirs from falling.

[0018] Optionally, at least one display surface of the vending machine body is set as an openable restocking surface, one side of which is rotatably connected to the side edge of the cylinder via a hinge, and the other side is provided with a locking component.

[0019] Optionally, the locking assembly includes an electrically connected fault alarm unit, which includes a buzzer and a flashing warning light, and is electrically connected to the control module. When the locking assembly detects forced entry, multiple incorrect password entries, or incomplete closure of the replenishment surface, the control module triggers the fault alarm unit, emitting an alarm sound and flashing the warning light.

[0020] Optionally, the payment interface of the vending module includes one or more of the following: physical coin-operated area, QR code payment area, NFC near-field payment area, and biometric payment. It supports tourists to complete payments using the scenic area's all-in-one card, mobile phone NFC, and other functions.

[0021] Optionally, the vending machine's souvenir storage compartment is also equipped with an adjustable divider assembly. This assembly includes a slide rail and sliding partitions. The slide rail is fixed to the bottom of the storage compartment, and the partitions are engaged with the slide rail via sliders. A locking knob is also provided on the partitions. The spacing between the partitions can be adjusted according to the size of the souvenirs, allowing for flexible allocation of the storage compartment space.

[0022] Optionally, the vending machine also includes a lighting device comprising multiple light groups, each corresponding to a souvenir display shelf, and the light groups are electrically connected to the control module. When the camera detects that a visitor is looking at a particular display shelf, the control module prioritizes illuminating the light group corresponding to that shelf, while the remaining light groups remain at a low brightness, thus highlighting the target souvenir while reducing energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a front view of the automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a top view of the automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function in an embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:

[0027] The markings in the accompanying drawings include: display surface 1, display rack 11, video screen 12, dispensing port 13, coin slot 14, banknote slot 15, NFC payment port 16, QR code payment port 17, camera 2, replenishment surface 3, electronic combination lock 31, sample souvenir 4.

[0028] Example

[0029] This embodiment is basically as follows: Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown: An automated vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function consists of the vending machine body, an eye-tracking module, a video introduction module, a vending module, and a control module.

[0030] In this embodiment, the vending machine body is a regular hexagonal cylindrical structure, with each of the six sides being an independent display surface 1 unit. The upper part of each display surface 1 is a display shelf 11, made of transparent explosion-proof glass, displaying the souvenirs. A video screen 12 is embedded in the lower left part, and a payment slot and a dispensing slot 13 are located in the lower right part. The vending machine body has a storage cavity and a conveying mechanism inside. The storage cavity acts as a warehouse shelf for placing souvenirs, and the conveying mechanism transports the souvenirs from the storage cavity to the dispensing slot 13. Figure 3As shown, one of the display surfaces 1 is designated as the replenishment surface 3. One side of the replenishment surface 3 is rotatably connected to the side wall of the cylinder via a hinge, and the other side of the replenishment surface 3 is equipped with an electronic combination lock 31. The electronic combination lock 31 is electrically connected to the control module and is used to detect the opening and closing status of the replenishment surface 3. The electronic combination lock 31 has an abnormality detection function. When it detects forced opening of the lock, multiple consecutive incorrect password entries, or the replenishment surface 3 not being closed, it sends an alarm signal to the control module. The control module triggers the abnormality alarm unit, and a red warning light and a buzzer are installed on the top of the cylinder.

[0031] The eye-tracking module includes six cameras 2, which are installed at the top center of each display surface 1. The lenses of the cameras 2 face the front of the cylindrical display surface 1 and are tilted downwards at 15°, capturing the entire display rack 11 area of ​​the display surface 1.

[0032] The video introduction module includes a video screen 12, a voice player, and a microphone. The video screen 12 is embedded in a rectangular opening pre-reserved on the side wall of the cylindrical display surface 1, and its edges are sealed with silicone sealing rings to prevent rainwater from seeping in. In this embodiment, the video introduction module is also equipped with an interactive control unit, which is electrically connected to the control module. The video screen 12 is a touchscreen. When a visitor clicks on the target souvenir icon on the touchscreen 12, the control module controls the video introduction module to switch to the exclusive video introduction content for that souvenir. Visitors can also pause, rewind, and switch between multiple languages ​​via touch. The video screen 12 is connected to the display interface of the control module via an HDMI cable, and touch signals are transmitted back to the control module via a signal cable. A voice player is installed around each video screen 12, and the player is electrically connected to the control module.

[0033] In other embodiments, the vending machine body is provided with an earphone jack, and a storage rack is fixedly connected to the side of the earphone jack. A wired over-ear headphone is hung on the storage rack, which is suitable for quiet scenarios such as museums and cultural centers.

[0034] In this embodiment, the vending module includes a display rack 11, a conveying mechanism, a storage cavity, a dispensing port 13, and a payment port. A display rack 11 is installed on the upper part of each display surface 1. The display rack 11 is fixed to the inner wall of the cylinder by screws. Sample souvenirs 4 are placed inside the display rack 11. Each sample souvenir 4 has a patch LED light bead installed on its top, and the light bead is fixed to the inner wall of the display rack 11 by a lamp holder. All light beads are connected to the control module, which can individually control the light group of a specific display rack 11 based on the signal from the camera 2. The vending machine body has a storage cavity inside, with a T-shaped slide rail installed inside. A partition is engaged on the slide rail, and a locking knob is provided on the side of the partition. Loosening the knob allows the partition to slide along the slide rail, while tightening the knob uses friction to fix the partition position, adjusting the width of the storage cavity to accommodate souvenirs of different sizes. The conveying mechanism is a small belt conveyor, with one end connected to the storage cavity's dispensing port and the other end extending to the dispensing port 13. The conveyor motor is connected to the control module, which can individually control the start and stop of a specific conveyor. The inner wall of the outlet 13 is lined with a sponge cushioning layer to prevent damage to souvenirs when they fall. A plastic baffle is hinged at the outlet 13, and a torsion spring is installed at the hinge to ensure that the baffle automatically resets and closes after the souvenir is removed.

[0035] Each display panel 1 has a payment port above the delivery port 13, which includes the following payment methods: the physical coin-operated area consists of a coin slot 14 and a banknote slot 15; the NFC near-field payment area is equipped with an NFC module to form an NFC payment port 16, which supports scenic area access cards and mobile phone NFC; the QR code payment area and the biometric payment area are jointly provided by a display screen as a QR code payment port 17, which can be used for QR code or facial recognition payment.

[0036] The control module uses a microcontroller and is installed inside the cylinder. It is electrically connected to all components of the eye-tracking, video introduction, and vending modules via wires. This vending machine can be powered by either a power plug or replaceable batteries.

[0037] The specific implementation process is as follows: When a tourist approaches the front display panel 1 of the vending machine and their gaze lingers on a particular souvenir 4 on the display shelf 11 for more than three seconds, the camera 2 on the front display panel 1 captures the tourist's gaze point and transmits the gaze point information to the control module. The control module then calls the pre-stored souvenir database corresponding to the area of ​​the display shelf 11 and sends a command to the front video screen 12. The video screen 12 switches from standby mode to working mode and begins playing the introductory video for the souvenir. At the same time, the front audio player turns on and plays the corresponding audio introduction.

[0038] After learning about the product and deciding to purchase it, the tourist clicks the "Buy Now" button below the touchscreen, which redirects them to the payment interface. If the tourist chooses to pay by scanning a QR code, they use their mobile phone to scan the QR code at the payment slot. After completing the payment, the control module generates a delivery instruction, locates the storage compartment corresponding to the purchased souvenir, and sends a start signal to the belt conveyor below that storage compartment. The conveyor transports the souvenir from the storage compartment to the delivery port 13. A baffle at the delivery port 13 prevents the souvenir from sliding completely out of the vending machine. After the tourist takes the souvenir from the delivery port 13, the baffle automatically resets and closes under the action of a torsion spring, preventing dust from entering the vending machine.

[0039] The staff responsible for restocking the vending machine carry a dedicated IC card, hold the IC card close to the sensing area of ​​the electronic combination lock 31, and enter the password. After successful verification, the restocking surface 3 unlocks. After restocking is completed, the restocking surface 3 is closed, and the electronic combination lock 31 automatically locks. If anyone attempts to forcibly pry open the lock, the electronic combination lock 31 sends an alarm signal to the control module. The control module immediately triggers the abnormal alarm unit, the red warning light flashes, and the buzzer sounds an alarm.

[0040] Precise video introductions triggered by eye tracking replace the repetitive work of human guides, avoiding discrepancies in cultural information delivery caused by differences in staff professionalism and condition. This ensures that every visitor can fully grasp the cultural connotations behind the souvenirs. Furthermore, the equipment can be flexibly set up in scenic spots, museums, and other settings. Combined with multilingual switching and headphone listening modes, it breaks down the limitations of language and environmental noise, transforming culture from static display to dynamic interaction. The six-sided hexagonal cylindrical structure significantly improves space utilization, alleviates service pressure in densely populated scenic areas, and reduces labor costs.

[0041] This equipment integrates cultural explanation, product display, and convenient payment, allowing tourists to fully experience the cultural value before purchasing, enhancing their cultural experience during the trip, and thus strengthening their sense of identity with the cultural tourism destination. Furthermore, as a mobile display window for cultural and creative products, the equipment extends the cultural tourism service scenario, expanding cultural dissemination and consumption from scenic area exhibition halls to public spaces, enriching the service forms of the cultural tourism industry. It provides hardware support for the rapid implementation of the cultural and creative industry in cultural tourism scenarios, promoting the deep integration of the cultural and creative industry and the cultural tourism industry.

[0042] The above are merely embodiments of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the field covered by this embodiment. Commonly known structures and characteristics in the solution are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are able to access all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, under the guidance of this application, improve and implement this solution in combination with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of this utility model. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of this utility model or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims. The specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An automated vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function, characterized in that: It includes the vending machine body, eye tracking module, video introduction module, sales module, and control module. The vending machine body is a cylindrical structure with at least three display surfaces. The eye-tracking module includes several cameras, which are installed on each display surface of the vending machine body, with the camera lenses facing the front of the display surface of the cylinder. The video introduction module includes several video screens, which are installed on each display surface of the vending machine. The vending module includes a display rack, a conveying mechanism, a storage cavity, a dispensing port, and a payment port. The display rack is located on the upper part of the display surface, the storage cavity is located inside the vending machine body, the storage cavity is connected to the dispensing port through the conveying mechanism, and the dispensing port is located on the lower part of the display surface. The control module is electrically connected to the eye-tracking module, video introduction module, and sales module.

2. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The video introduction module is also equipped with an interactive control unit, which is electrically connected to the control module.

3. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The video introduction module also includes several voice players, which are installed on one side of the corresponding video screen and electrically connected to the control module.

4. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vending machine has an earphone jack on its body, and a storage rack is fixedly connected to the side of the earphone jack, on which wired earphones are hung.

5. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the passage from the storage chamber to the outlet is lined with a buffer layer, and a baffle is hinged at the outlet, with a torsion spring at the hinge of the baffle.

6. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one display surface of the vending machine body is set as an openable restocking surface. One side of the openable restocking surface is rotatably connected to the side edge of the cylinder via a hinge, and the other side is provided with a locking component.

7. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking assembly includes an electrically connected abnormal alarm unit, which includes a buzzer and a flashing warning light, and the abnormal alarm unit is electrically connected to the control module.

8. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The payment interface of the vending module includes one or more of the following: physical coin-operated area, QR code payment area, NFC near-field payment area, and biometric payment.

9. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vending machine's souvenir storage compartment is also equipped with an adjustable divider assembly, which includes a slide rail and a sliding partition. The slide rail is fixed to the bottom of the storage compartment, and the partition is engaged with the slide rail by a slider. The partition is also equipped with a locking knob.

10. The automatic vending machine for cultural and creative products with an introductory function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The vending machine also includes a lighting device, which consists of multiple light groups, each corresponding to a souvenir display shelf, and the light groups are electrically connected to the control module.

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