Vending Machine with Camera Recognition for Direct Product Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vending machines are bulky and limited in terms of installation flexibility and product range due to their complex and heavy designs, which restricts their placement and the variety of products that can be dispensed.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight vending machine with a transparent container and a recognition module, such as a camera-based object recognition system, allows direct user access and flexible product placement, eliminating the need for complex dispensing mechanisms and enabling recognition of a wide range of products through comparison with stored data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex dispensing mechanisms are used to deliver products, then product delivery capability is improved, but machine weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex dispensing mechanisms from the vending machine system. Instead of using mechanical dispensing devices, the invention provides direct user access to products through a simple opening, eliminating the need for intricate delivery mechanisms while maintaining product delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical dispensing systems with an electronic recognition system. A recognition module (camera-based or weight-based) detects product removal, and an electronic control system manages the transaction process, substituting complex mechanical delivery mechanisms with simpler electronic controls.
2Manufacturing precision
If product-specific compartments and dispensing mechanisms are used, then product dispensing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal storage compartment that can hold various types of products without requiring product-specific mechanisms. The single compartment design with direct access serves multiple product types, eliminating the need for specialized dispensing mechanisms for each product category.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service product removal where users directly take products from the compartment. The recognition module automatically detects product removal without requiring active dispensing mechanisms, allowing the system to serve multiple product types through a passive, universal design.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed installation locations are used for bulky machines, then machine stability is improved, but installation flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy mechanical components that limited installation flexibility. By removing complex dispensing mechanisms and using a lightweight design with direct product access, the machine can be installed in diverse locations without requiring permanent, fixed installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the machine by reducing its weight and bulk through the elimination of mechanical mechanisms. This parameter change enables the machine to be placed in various locations including mobile platforms, significantly improving installation flexibility while maintaining operational stability.
4Reliability
If limited product ranges are supported by mechanical capabilities, then mechanical reliability is improved, but product versatility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal system that can handle various product types through a single compartment and recognition module. The system is designed to accommodate different products ranging from small items to larger objects, significantly expanding product versatility while maintaining mechanical simplicity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical product handling systems with electronic recognition and control systems. The recognition module (camera or weight-based) can identify various product types, and the electronic control system manages transactions, enabling support for a wide product range without requiring specialized mechanical mechanisms for each product type.
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
This design provides greater flexibility in placement and product variety, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and allows for easy adaptation to new products, while also enabling centralized management of pricing and inventory through network communication.
Implementation Method 1
the recognition module comprises at least a camera based object recognition module which is operatively connected with the camera. The camera based object recognition module is adapted to recognize products by comparing output data from the camera, including at least one of a shape, a color and an imprint, with data stored in a sample storage in the memory
Implementation Method 2
a weight recognition module
Data Source
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AI summary
A vending machine for selling or dispensing products or items to a user may include a container for storing and displaying the products. The container may have a transparent portion making the products visible from outside the container, and an aperture for removing one or more products by hand, wherein the aperture gives direct access to the products. An aperture access enabling device may selectively enable or prevent access through the aperture into the container. Finally, a recognition module for recognizing each of the products in the container, may include at least one module selected from the group consisting of: a camera based object recognition module, a weight recognition module, and an RFID recognition module. Also described are methods of operating the vending machine.