A cigarette vending machine that recognizes faces

Now why would a cigarette vending machine need to recognize faces? Apparently, this "Child Check System" introduced by Japanese company Fujitaka uses facial recognition to determine if the person buying cigarettes is over the legal age limit, which is currently set at 20 in Japan. A camera embedded in the vending machine takes a picture, compares it with its database of 100,000 faces. It even checks for lines and skin tones to ascertain a person's age.

We have it that the Fujitaka Child Check System will be installed in about half a million vending machines in Japan from July this year.

Whether this system actually works in stopping underaged consumers from smoking is still too early to tell. After all, there are lots of people who look younger than their actual age, and some who appear more mature than they are. Besides, young people can still easily buy cigarettes from convenience stores. So what's next? A vending machine that determines if you are too fat to consume sugared drinks? Hey, you never know.

Via DigitalWorldTokyo
Picture credit: DigitalWorldTokyo

Automated Mahjong: Never shuffle tiles again

Poker may be considered the game of champions here in the States, but in other parts of the world mahjong holds that title. So it comes as little surprise to learn that it has its own version of the iDealer we mentioned earlier.

The Automatic Mahjong Table shuffles tiles that are funneled into a center unit and then miraculously elevates them in perfectly stacked rows before each player. (See video below.) There's even a dice tumbler that remains flush with the table's surface until a button is pushed, springing into action like a blender.

As is the case with so many products from Asia, however, we don't recommend relying on the printed directions. As Purple Pawn notes, the table's product description says it "have support for english languages".



Via Crave CNET

Golf Ball Launcher: Never shank again

The next time your golf buddies start dissing your last swing, here's one way to shut them up in a hurry. The Golf Ball Launcher may not be of much use as a putter, but it'll probably make it a lot more fun getting to the green.

The designer of the launcher, made by Air Force Golf, was inspired to create it after his father suffered a stroke that robbed him of the use of an arm and a leg, according to Slippery Brick. But having witnessed the obsession of some duffers in our acquaintance, we suspect that interest in these air-guns-turned-golf-rifles won't be confined to those with physical disabilities--especially when they learn that it has a range of up to 300 yards. And they probably wouldn't even flinch at the US$795 price that's estimated once it comes to market later this year.

Needless to say, not all courses have agreed to allow the launcher in play. But it could have other uses if you're still looking for ways to get that golf-ball cam into position to spy on your opponents.

Via Crave CNET

GP's new mini charger taps on USB

While GP has had USB chargers in the past, its latest offering was designed with portability in mind. Possibly one of the company's smallest AA/AAA-sized battery chargers to date, the Power Bank M530 is no larger than a small clamshell phone, which makes it really easy to carry around. An onboard foldable USB plug also means there's no need to bring along any messy cables and makes for easy storage while traveling.

According to GP, the M530 takes 1-2 hours to charge an AA/AAA (NiMH) battery and can handle up to two batteries at a go. A quick glance of the instruction manual, however, shows that the estimation is based mainly on a 1,300mAh and the lower-capacity AAA cells. To charge one 2,500mAh AA battery takes approximately 212 minutes (3.5 hours), which is pretty long. But that's to be expected of most USB-powered chargers.

The M530 also features several nifty onboard functions such as alerts to warn users of damaged or wrong batteries being inserted, an automatic cutoff feature to prevent overheating, and self-termination of the charging process (once the battery is fully charged). It comes bundled with two pieces of 2,500mAh rechargeable AA batteries and is expected to retail in Singapore from early June at about S$26.90 (US$19.78). GP currently has no fixed dates on the launch of the M530 in other Asian countries.

All Forked Up

I'm pretty sure any homemaker would see the tongue-in-cheek humor in this wall art. Not to mention being an outlet for those kitchen tantrums that might erupt in the pursuit of culinary perfection. The one little snag is that Design Public's made-in-Canada offering isn't exactly pocket-friendly, at US$300. Having said that, keep in mind all those lovingly prepared meals your mom/significant other has been slaving over for you through the years.

Or for a more fun take that'll impress guests or relatives, you could mount the UtiliTILE in the dining room where friends can help themselves to the buffet of cutlery right off the lacquered wall tile. Measuring 24 x 24 x 1.25 inches, this slots flatware in place with rare earth magnets and can store four sets of stainless steel cutlery comprising two forks, two spoons and a knife. Unfortunately, Jeeves the butler doesn't come with it. So you better ensure there's an easier way to clean those slots of dust and dirt.

Crave is...

The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.

Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.

Crave for...

» Mobile Phones (750)

» Digital Cameras (413)

» Notebooks (474)

» PC & Peripherals (502)

» Handhelds (254)

» Printers (44)

» Home AV (504)

» Music & Play (435)

» Gadgets (966)

» Future Tech (163)

Previously...

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

Subscribe to
Crave

Today on CNET |  Reviews |  Crave |  Blogs |  CNET TV |  Digital Living |  Downloads