The Showtime Vending Machine

This is a proof-of-concept prototype for an Augmented Vending machine from Georgia Tech's Digital World and Image Group.

This project seeks to convert the region around a vending machine into a performance area for local and internet audiences. At the local level, a person is able to approach and use the vending machine in the normal manner: They insert money and choose the desired item. In our system, however, the user will also be faced with an additional option. By selecting the "Try for a Free One!" option, the person freely enters into a fun audition with the chance of earning a free item.

A user approaches the vending machine and selects the "Try for a Free One!" option (hereafter this user is known as the "performer"). The webcam is activated, and very brief instructions are given to the performer. The performer will then be given a limited time (15-30 seconds) to do whatever they can to earn votes from people nearby and those watching on the internet. The screen display on the vending machine will mirror the webcam's input so the performer can correctly position his or her body.
During this time, the performance will be captured through the webcam and broadcast live to the social network/voting system. Users on the network can cast votes as to whether or not they feel the performer should receive a free product. While the performance is occuring (and for a short time afterward) the vending machine will display a number to which people watching nearby can send SMS text votes. The microphone(s) embedded in the machine
can further serve as a rough "Applause-O-Meter" based on the volume of the audience cheers. This can have some bearing on the final outcome of the votes.
Throughout the performance, feedback can be displayed on the touchscreen and/or LED display that lets the performer know his or her time remaining and rough popularity. When the time runs out, a message is given, "Calculating Votes: (15) seconds remaining"; during which audiences can place any final votes. Once the votes have been tallied, the decision will be presented, and the performer will be either credited or refused a free item. After each performance, the "Try for a Free One" option will be disabled for a short time period to prevent a single person from just performing repeatedly.

Work can be done ahead of time to estimate profit earned from each type of user votes in order to establish a threshold for a user winning a free prize. In fact, it could be set so that the company would actually make more money in giving away the free product (due to all the page hits and ad revenue) than from regular users just paying for the product.

Download the design document

http://vending.lcc.gatech.edu/Showtime_Vending_Machine.pdf

More information
http://dwig.lcc.gatech.edu/projects.html

Category:

Film & Animation

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