Switchable Transparent Display for Product Vending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic product dispensing machines lack an overall perception of products for users, requiring separate systems for visualization and selection, and often compromise on space by using either a glass display or large LCD monitors, which limits the ability to view real products and increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An automatic product dispensing machine with a transparent display that switches between visualization and transparent conditions, allowing users to see real products and providing interactive information, while also serving as a publicity medium, using a control unit to manage the display and light sources for optimal product visibility and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a glass display window is used to enable vision of products, then users can see real products, but the display cannot provide interactive information and visualizations
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel dynamically switches between transparent and opaque states based on user interaction. When a user approaches or interacts with the machine, the display transitions from transparent (showing real products) to opaque (displaying digital information), and can switch back. This dynamic state change allows the same physical component to serve both functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transparent window for viewing real products and an opaque display screen for showing digital information, images, and text. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate glass window and display screen components, resolving the contradiction between product visibility and information provision.
2Loss of information
If large LCD monitors are used to provide product information, then users can see detailed information, but the machine cannot house both the glass display and large monitor due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel integrates both the transparent window function and the display screen function into a single component. When opaque, it functions as a full-featured display monitor; when transparent, it functions as a product viewing window. This eliminates the need for separate glass display and large monitor, significantly reducing the machine's volume while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the previously separate glass display window and LCD monitor into a single integrated display panel that can operate in both transparent and opaque modes. This consolidation reduces the overall space required in the machine housing while providing both real product viewing and detailed information display capabilities.
3Reliability
If separate systems are used for visualization and selection, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel serves as both the product visualization interface and the selection interface. Users can interact with the display to select products, and the same display shows product information and confirmation. The release mechanism is triggered by the same selection input, integrating multiple functions into a unified system that reduces complexity while maintaining optimization of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the visualization system, information display system, selection system, and release control into an integrated system centered around the switchable display panel. This merging reduces the number of separate subsystems and interfaces, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the ability to optimize each functional aspect.
4Illumination intensity
If the display is always transparent to show real products, then users can see products clearly, but the display cannot function as an effective publicity or advertising medium
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically adapts its transparency state based on operational context. During normal product viewing, it remains transparent. During promotional periods or when advertising content needs to be displayed, it switches to opaque mode to show advertisements, promotions, or informational content, thereby serving both product display and publicity functions at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The display can periodically switch between transparent and opaque states to alternate between showing real products and displaying advertising content. This periodic action allows the machine to serve dual purposes: maintaining product visibility while also functioning as an effective publicity medium during designated time periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to have a complete perception of products with integrated information and visualization, optimizing sales operations and maintaining high automation without sacrificing usability, while also functioning as an effective advertising tool.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the display (8) being transparent, enabling visual access to the housing chamber (3); the control unit (9) being configured such as to be selectively active on at least the portion of the display (8) in order to visualise images and/or items of information; the control unit (9) being further configured such as to be active on at least the portion of the display (8) in order to switch the display (8) between at least two of following three conditions: a visualising condition, in which the display (8) reproduces on at least a portion thereof an item of information and/or an image which is visible externally by a user and there is no substantial visual access to the housing chamber (3) through the portion; a transparent condition, wherein at least a product contained in the magazine (4) is visible through the portion of the display (8)
Implementation Method 2
The machine further comprises at least a light source (13), in particular arranged internally of the housing chamber (3) and acting on the magazine (4), switchable between a non-operating condition, in which it does not emit light, and an operating condition, in which it illuminates a predetermined number of products contained in the magazine (4)
Data Source
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AI summary
An automatic product dispensing machine comprises: a frame (2) delimiting at least a housing chamber (3); a magazine (4) arranged internally of the housing chamber (3), for containing a series of products (5); at least a display (8) interposed between the housing chamber (3) and the external environment; a control unit (9) active on the display (8) and configured such as to enable visualising images and/or information. The control unit (9) is further configured such as to switch the display (8) between at least two of the following three operative conditions: a visualising condition, in which it reproduces at least a datum and/or image that is externally visible, a condition of transparency, in which at least a product (5) contained in the magazine (4) is viewable via the display (8) and a superposing condition, in which at least a product (5) is viewable via the display (8) and at least a datum and/or image and/or film relating to the product is reproduced on the display.