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> Vending machines are so ubiquitous in Japan that they are an icon in itself More pertinent example: Several Japanese vending machine companies build into the

by Maxious 16y ago

> Vending machines are so ubiquitous in Japan that they are an icon in itself More pertinent example: Several Japanese vending machine companies build into their machines backdoors to dispence products for free in the case of an emergency http://inventorspot.com/articles/vending_machines_japan_offer_free_drinks_case_emergency_27115 http://inventorspot.com/articles/vending_machines_japan_offe... Compare this to the vending machine in the Computer Science department that is always being probed for new attack vectors to allow free products. On the bright side, we do get the latest machines first ;)

lurker14 16y ago
I think you'll find that vending machines in the United States can be unlocked with a key just as easily as vending machines in Japan. The distinction in the inventorspot.com article is that in Japan the keys are made available to the landords/administrators of the property. In the US, I imagine folks would just reuse the axe provided with the fire extinguisher, and not hassle over a key in a time of emergency.
- mike_esspe 16y ago
  The last sentence reminds me about the scene from Dr. Strangelove: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUAK7t3Lf8s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUAK7t3Lf8s