TWI920197B - Smart inventory management system for a dispensing and blend-in-cup beverage platform and computer-implemented method for decision-making rule-based actions - Google Patents

Abstract

A smart inventory management system is described for a dispensing and blend-in-cup beverage platform including a container having an information tag that is configured to store unique information specific to a particular product, a reader configured to read the stored information from the information tag, a control board configured to host a software based decision engine which is configured to interpret the information specific to a particular product and to control one or more system components based at least in part on the information, a pump controlled by the control board and configured to pump beverage concentrates out of the containers in order to dispense the beverage concentrate into a beverage holder, and a check valve located between an opening on the container and the pump, the check valve configured to provide backflush prevention of foreign solutions into the container.

Description

A smart inventory management system for a beverage preparation and mixing platform in a cup, and a computer implementation method for decision-rule-based actions.

This invention relates to an intelligent inventory and hygiene management system for a beverage mixing platform in a cup.

Self-service beverage platforms are widely used for beverage preparation in various locations. Fast food restaurants, roadside convenience stores, gas stations, and self-service restaurants are examples of high-volume consumption locations involving the freezing, mixing, and preparation of beverages. Due to the large volume, these self-service devices require complex systems to store and deliver the expected components of a freshly prepared beverage. Therefore, intelligent and automated inventory and cleaning management is necessary for these beverage platforms.

This document describes an intelligent inventory management system for a beverage preparation and mixing platform in a cup. The system includes: at least one container having an information tag configured to store unique information specific to a particular product; a reader positioned close to the container, configured to read the stored information from the information tag; and a control panel configured to host a software-based decision engine configured to interpret the product-specific information and at least... Partially based on the information to control one or more system components; at least one pump, controlled by the control panel and configured to pump beverage concentrate from the containers so as to dispense the beverage concentrate into a beverage holder based on the information stored on the information label; and at least one check valve located between an opening on the container and the pump, the check valve being configured to provide protection against backflow of foreign solution into the container.

In some embodiments, the information specific to a particular product includes at least one of the following: beverage product composition parameters, beverage product disposal parameters, beverage production date parameters, beverage product shelf life parameters, and beverage product preparation parameters.

In some embodiments, the information tag is one of an RFID tag, a QR code, or a barcode, and the wireless exciter is an RFID exciter, a QR code scanner, a barcode scanner, or a camera.

In some embodiments, the control over one or more system components includes at least one of the following: managing system inventory, adjusting pump parameters, adjusting preparation parameters, or initiating cleaning protocols.

In some embodiments, such external solutions include rinsing water or cleaning chemicals.

In some embodiments, the information specific to a particular product includes at least beverage product identification information, and the software-based decision engine is configured to approve the beverage product identification information before activating the at least one pump.

In some embodiments, the container includes a liquid-sealed bag capable of holding one of various consumable liquids.

Additionally, an ingredient pouch for consumable liquids is disclosed, comprising a wirelessly readable information tag configured to store machine-readable encoded information specific to a particular beverage product, and wirelessly engaging a reader when positioned near it, such that the reader can read the information stored on the information tag, wherein the product-specific information includes at least one of the following: product composition parameters, product disposal parameters, production date parameters, product shelf-life parameters, and product formulation parameters.

In some embodiments, the information tag is one of an RFID tag, a QR code, or a barcode, and the reader is an RFID transmitter, a QR code scanner, a barcode scanner, or a camera.

In some implementations, the information tag is an RFID tag conforming to ISO/IEC standard number 15693.

In some embodiments, a coupler for connecting the bag to a pump is included, the coupler including a check valve and a bend, the check valve being configured to prevent foreign solution from flowing back into the container.

Another computer implementation method for decision-rule-based actions is disclosed, comprising the following steps: wirelessly reading an information tag located on a container using a wireless exciter positioned close to a container, the information tag being configured to store unique information specific to a particular product; performing a check based on the unique information for at least one of product identification, product authenticity, and product origin associated with the particular product; updating parameters in a software inventory management system based on the result of the check; and determining, based on the information read from the information tag, whether a cleaning procedure should be performed on a fluid conduit coupled to the container.

In some embodiments, such parameters include at least one of a product shelf life and a product manufacturing date.

Some embodiments further include adjusting settings on a beverage preparation system based on the unique information to match product-specific parameters, and such settings include at least one of the following: a pump speed, a cleaning mode, and a flavor profile.

Some embodiments further include determining, based on the information read from the information label, to prevent a beverage dispenser from dispensing a beverage using the product stored in the container.

Some embodiments further include determining a recipe list to be output to a user interface based on information read from the information label.

Some embodiments further include determining, based on the information read from the information label, to prevent a beverage dispenser from dispensing a beverage using the product stored in the container after a future date or time.

Some embodiments further include updating a blockchain ledger associated with the product to indicate the coupling of the container to a beverage preparation system.

Cross-reference to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/126,222, entitled "SMART INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A DISPENSING AND BLEND-IN-CUP BEVERAGE PLATFORM", filed on December 16, 2020. The entire disclosure of that patent application is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

The embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying diagrams. For the sake of brevity and clarity, detailed descriptions of well-known functions, configurations, or structures are omitted to avoid obscuring the description due to unnecessary details.

The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing a particular implementation and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms "a (a, an)" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Furthermore, in the description of the figures, the same component symbols will be assigned to the same components, and descriptions that are repeated will be omitted.

This invention is not limited in its application to the illustrated structure and the details of the steps described herein. The system and method described herein are intended to ensure intelligent and secure inventory management in a cup-mixing beverage preparation system or its broad equivalent, as described in one of the related claims.

The advantages and features of this invention will be better understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the following more detailed description and scope of the invention application. In the accompanying drawings, identical components are identified by the same symbols. The symbols for identical components refer to the same parts that run through all the figures.

Figures 1 and 2 of this invention illustrate an embodiment of a beverage preparation system embodying the principles and concepts of this invention. The beverage preparation system 1 comprises a plurality of components. According to one embodiment, several components for conveying large quantities of beverage are housed within the system's casing. A controller assembly manages onboard ice making using an ice bin, and at least one heat exchanger is present within the casing, in thermal contact with the ice bin. The lower part of the casing contains a cabinet for refrigerating product storage (beverage syrups and concentrates filled into bags), an internal pump system for the product, water, and onboard sanitary chemicals, and an advanced sanitary module.

As shown in Figure 1, a beverage preparation system 1 is provided. This includes a touchscreen user interface 2, an integrated ice maker 3, internal components 4 (e.g., controls, water supply, electronics, and a condenser), and a main computer with an operating system 6. The beverage preparation system 1 may include integrated casters 16 for easy movement. Beverage products are filled into product bags 20, which are stored in pallet compartments 18 within a refrigerator 15 sealed by a door 12 to maintain the required storage temperature. The product bags 20 contain products (beverage concentrates, flavorings, and syrups) to be used for preparing, freezing, and mixing beverages. The product may contain various beverage concentrates, a thinner (such as water or carbonated water), and ice or other consumable media. This system 1 pumps the product from the product bag 20 through pipes and lines to the product preparation nozzle 7.

A large touchscreen user interface 2 is attached to the front of the casing to operate the system. When the machine is in an idle mode, the user interface functions as a digital vending machine. Furthermore, the user interface allows end consumers to select various types, flavors, and serving sizes of beverages. The user interface also provides a professional operator with access to the operating systems and methods used for service, inventory and maintenance, as well as cleaning and sanitation procedures for food safety purposes.

Consumers can choose from a variety of beverages, which are managed by a software-based recipe system containing beverage formulas loaded into the beverage preparation system 1. These formulas utilize up to four or more individual flavors (from packets containing beverage concentrates or syrups), ice, and water, carbonated water, or another base liquid.

When a user selects a beverage, accurate and up-to-date allergen statements are displayed on the touchscreen user interface 2. This ensures complete transparency and food safety, and generally improves the accuracy of food labeling. This method is also advantageous because it provides assurance for people with specific food allergies. The system provides additional protection against potential allergic reactions in consumers allergic to specific allergens by granting them additional access to relevant information about product ingredients. The system allows for the provision of necessary dietary, ingredient, nutritional, and allergen information and displays this information to the machine operator. The entire supply chain, from procurement, manufacturing, distribution to storage, can be tracked and displayed as needed.

The product is then prepared into a cup 11 or other container. To properly blend or mix the beverage to the desired consistency, the cup is transported by an automated cup shuttle to a mixing chamber fixed behind a splash guard 8. A custom cup holder 9 holds the cup in place during the mixing sequence, ensuring that the shaft and blades 10 of a mixing stirrer within the cup are correctly positioned and preventing the cup from tipping over.

In traditional systems, loading new product bags into refrigerated cabinets to replace empty, depleted, or expired products requires not only manual loading but also inputting accurate and specific data about the loaded products into the machine's inventory management screen. The described embodiment eliminates problems associated with the product loading process, reduces labor, and avoids accidental user error during reloading. Furthermore, the disclosed system enhances hygiene procedures, thus preventing cross-contamination and the use or preparation of incorrect, damaged, or expired products into cups.

Specifically, each product bag 20 may be equipped with an Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag 30 (as shown in Figure 4), which is attached to the bag during production. Each product bag 20 carries a predefined and pre-programmed dataset on the RFID tag 30, which contains all relevant data and algorithms associated with the specific product contained in the product bag. This data may include, for example, flavor identification, content, production date, shelf life, and pump motor parameters regarding how the product is formulated due to viscosity variations, as well as other product composition parameters, product handling parameters, production date parameters, product shelf life parameters, and product formulation parameters. The RFID tag may also store and provide promotional information for special offers targeting specific flavors and specific formulations utilizing those flavors. Then, these offers, promotions or discounts will be prominently displayed on the touchscreen user interface 2 of System 1.

RFID tags 30 are managed by an RFID control board 5 with a decision engine. The control board is operatively coupled to an RFID tag reader, such as an RFID antenna 13 (including RFID antennas 13a to 13i). The RFID control board 5 is connected to a host computer with an operating system 6. When product bags 20 are loaded into the system, the system is advantageous for positioning the RFID antenna 13 and its corresponding RFID tags 30 near specific locations on the product bags 20. Specifically, this placement avoids incorrect loading of products into slots designated for different products and eliminates operational errors in inventory management. The distance between the antenna 13 and the tag 30 further avoids interference between individual slots and individual product bags 20. In exemplary embodiments, the distance between antenna 13 and label 30 may be as high as approximately 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, one inch, or three inches. In other embodiments, the distance between antenna 13 and label 30 may be as high as three feet.

Figure 2 shows the open cabinet of System 1. RFID antenna 13 can be placed on top of pump housing 17 and, as described above, is designed to read information from RFID tags 30 attached to product bags 20. RFID antenna 13 is positioned in a vertical plane above pump housing 17 near product bags 20. Antenna 13 is operatively coupled relative to tag 30 for communicating with the tag and for communicating with RFID control board 5, which communicates with the main computer via operating system 6.

In one embodiment, RFID antenna 13 and tag 30 communicate according to the method described in ISO/IEC 15693 "Identification cards - Contactless integrated circuit cards - Vicinity cards". Communication according to this standard utilizes 13.56 MHz RFID read/write operations and is advantageous because it provides the ability to perform accurate read/write operations through various media including water and plastics. ISO/IEC 15693 certified tags are individually numbered, allowing for the individual tracking of each product bag in the system. The tags also have anti-collision identification protocols that allow for the simultaneous reading of multiple tags. In one embodiment, the tag is a passive tag because it does not have a battery power source. Passive tags are advantageous because they have a very long shelf life. The RFID tag 30 is powered by the RFID antenna 13 at the pallet warehouse. In other embodiments, an active (battery-powered) tag may be used.

In other embodiments, the RFID tag may be replaced by a Quick Response (QR) code, a barcode, or any other wirelessly readable identifier. Similarly, the RFID antenna may be replaced by a QR code scanner, barcode scanner, camera, or any other type of technology capable of reading identifiers.

Additionally, Figure 2 shows a plurality of pump housings 17 (such as pump housings 17a, 17b, 17c, and 17d shown in Figure 2), which are communicatively connected to pallet 18 (such as pallet 18a to 18h shown in Figure 2) via their respective integrated gate bends 19 (such as integrated gate bends 19a to 19h shown in Figure 2) equipped with anti-backflow check valves 22. In the exemplary system shown in Figure 2, there are four pump housings, each with two product pumps, so the eight tanks can hold a maximum of eight products. Each of the four pump housings has two slots with a pump connector 14 and an RFID antenna 13, resulting in a total of eight pump connectors 14 (pump connectors 14a to 14h as shown in Figure 1) and eight RFID antennas 13 (RFID antennas 13a to 13h as shown in Figure 1) for up to eight product bags 20. A pump control board 38 communicates with the pump motor 29. When changing a flavor, to avoid cross-contamination between new and old products, the system enables the internal hygiene module to enforce product-related cleaning protocols to automatically clean, rinse, and disinfect all product lines and pumps. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the internal hygiene module, located at the bottom of the cabinet, retains water and sanitary chemicals for an integrated in-situ cleaning system. In alternative embodiments, cleaning and sanitizing chemicals can also be supplied from an external container connected to the machine via a hose, depending on the machine's configuration. During various automated cleaning and sterilization coordination periods, product bags remain loaded inside the machine because the check valve of the integrated gate bend prevents sanitizing chemicals from flushing back into the product storage container. The integrated gate bend allows the beverage preparation platform to run an automated self-cleaning process without removing product bags from the refrigerated cabinet or unloading pallets. This maintains product integrity and meets the highest food safety requirements.

Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the integrated gate bend 19. The integrated gate bend 19 includes a backflow preventer 22, a nozzle fitting ring 21 for connection to a bag (not shown), a pump connector alignment ring 24, and an outlet 25 for connection to a pump housing 17. The backflow preventer 22 ensures that the product is manufactured in only one direction throughout the entire production line 23.

As shown in Figure 4, an integrated gate elbow 19 with a backflow preventer 22 is attached to the product bag 20 at the suction port 34 of the product bag, thus connecting the product bag 20 to the pump connector of the pump housing. In an alternative embodiment, if an elbow without an integrated check valve is used on the bag, the check valve can also be integrated into or at the pump housing between the pump connector and the product pump. A dip strip 32 is also incorporated into the product bag 20. The dip strip 32 can be a rigid, rectangular evacuation aid that allows for easy preparation of both traditionally post-mixed syrups and difficult-to-evacuate slurry juices or highly viscous liquids. A suction port fitting 34 and a triangular seal 33 are present near the nozzle 35 for optimized evacuation of the product. Figure 4 also shows an illustrative placement of the RFID tag 30 on the product bag 20.

Figure 5 shows an illustrative illustration of a product bag 20 inserted into a pallet 18 according to an embodiment. An integrated gate bend 19 is aligned such that, after the product bag 20 is inserted into the pallet 18, the integrated gate bend 19 cooperates with the latching fitting 36 of the pallet 18. Following this procedure, the bag and pallet are ready to be securely loaded into the beverage dispensing system 1.

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of how a pallet 18 containing a product bag 20 is connected to a pump housing 17, the top of which has an RFID antenna 13. Each of the four housings houses two pump motors 29, each serving one of eight product slots, each containing a pallet 18. Once a product bag 20 is connected to the pump connector 14 via a bend 19, the pump motor drives the pump rotor 26 to pump the product from the bag to the product outlet line 27 toward the dispensing nozzle 7 to dispense the product into a cup 11. An inlet line 28 supplies both water and cleaning chemicals from a sanitation module. A backflow preventer 22 prevents product from entering the inlet line 28 from the bag.

Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a successful connection between a pallet 18 containing a product bag 20 and a pump connector 14 mounted on a pump housing 17. In this final position, an RFID antenna 13 can establish a connection to an RFID tag 30 on the bag and can read information from the RFID tag in the necessary position. An RFID connection can only be established when the antenna and tag are close together, thus allowing the antenna to read information from the tag and transmit it to the RFID control board 5.

Figure 8 shows an illustrative diagram of one of the interconnection networks between RFID antennas 13 (Figure 8 shows RFID antennas 13a to 13i). Antenna 13 receives a signal from an RFID tag 30 on a bag and transmits this information to the RFID control board 5.

A decision engine 100 is mounted on the RFID control board 5 and communicates with the pump control board 38 to start and deactivate pump motors 29 and 37 for products, water, or sanitary chemicals. The software-based decision engine 100 is advantageous for many reasons. For example, internal inventory management can be updated based on data retrieved from RFID cards with correct product IDs and expiration dates to set accurate expiration dates, thus preventing expired or spoiled products from being prepared into cups. If a new flavor is inserted into one of the slots, the system allows the machine to select a specific recipe with a different combination of ingredients that incorporates the new flavor. This prevents the preparation of incorrect products or incorrect recipes.

In addition, the system's decision engine will check product identification, authenticity, origin, expiration date, and production date for inventory management, set specific product parameters (such as pump speed), and initiate a cleaning algorithm when necessary to maintain food safety and prevent cross-contamination when a new flavor is loaded into a tank previously containing a different flavor. The system prevents and disables the accidental use of expired, incorrect, unauthorized, unapproved, and unverified products to avoid machine malfunctions and the preparation of incorrect or substandard beverages.

Figure 9 shows a flowchart illustrating one of the main components and procedures of the RFID control board and decision engine 100. The RFID control board 5, with its decision engine, receives encoded information from the RFID antenna 13 after a product has been inserted into a pallet 18. This information is parsed and sent to the software decision engine 100. Based on predefined rules 110, the decision engine prepares encoded actions and sends these actions to the host computer with the operating system 6. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, in step 210, the product bag 20 is inserted into the pallet 18. Once inserted, the RFID tag 30 is brought very close to the antenna 13 of the RFID control board 5. In step 220, the encoded input stored in the RFID tag 30 is read by the antenna 13 and sent to the RFID control board 5. Once received by the RFID control board 5, the encoded input is parsed, and in step 230, the translated input is sent to the decision engine 100. In step 240, the decision engine 100 refers to predefined rules 110 to determine the necessary actions based on the information received in step 230. In step 250, the decision engine 100 sends an encoded action to the main computer with operating system 6. In step 260, the main computer with operating system 6 then performs the necessary actions, which may include performing an advanced hygiene routine via the sanitary pump motor 37, as shown in Figure 9. Additional actions may include adjusting inventory or parameters associated with product information received via RFID tag 30.

Figure 10 illustrates a flowchart describing the reading of an RFID tag and the use of a decision engine to translate stored information into actions. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, in step 305, the RFID control board 5, RFID reader, and antenna 13 are initialized for use with the beverage system. Once the initialization process is complete, in step 310, the system enters a state of waiting for a product bag 20 to be inserted into a pallet 18. While in this state, the system continuously checks whether a product bag has been inserted into a pallet 18. As shown in loop 312, if the system does not detect a product bag 20 in pallet 18, the system sets a timeout counter, during which time the system delays checking for a product bag 20 in pallet 18. The timeout counter can be programmed to any predefined or variable time frame. Once the timeout counter has elapsed, the system checks again whether a product bag exists in pallet 18. If a product bag is detected, the system enters loop 314, during which time the system attempts to obtain or read information from tag 30. If no tag is detected, loop 314 returns to check again whether product bag 20 exists in pallet 18. If a tag 30 is detected, the system moves to step 316 and attempts to determine whether the tag is a valid tag. Once the system determines whether the tag is valid, in step 320, product information 101 is read by antenna 13 and transmitted to RFID control board 5. Product information 101 may include any of the following: flavor identification, content, production date, shelf life, and pump motor parameters regarding how the product is formulated due to viscosity changes, as well as other product composition parameters, product handling parameters, production date parameters, product shelf life parameters, and product formulation parameters. In step 322, this information is then compared with the previous state's product information 102. If product information 101 differs from the previous state's product information 102, then in step 332, inventory is adjusted to accommodate the new product information associated with product information 101 and settings 103 are implemented. Once this adjustment is made, a sanitation procedure is run in step 334. If product information 101 is the same as the previous product information 102, then in step 342, adjust the inventory information to accommodate the new product quantity, but it may not be necessary to adjust the product type. In this case, enhanced hygiene procedures are unnecessary.

Furthermore, the system's decision engine can verify product identification, authenticity, and origin by scanning RFID tags and communicating with the blockchain ledger. A smart contract is executed, and multiple trusted nodes verify the information's correctness before writing it back to the blockchain ledger. Each entry in the blockchain ledger is cryptographically signed and encrypted, preventing fraud and reducing the chance of hacking. Because the entire supply chain process becomes transparent through scanning product bag RFID tags and adding data, and historical data is retained in previous blocks, product origin verification becomes fast and cost-effective. Any product that fails authenticity verification will be deemed suspicious, and the machine will be locked to prevent its use to avoid malfunction, misoperation, or cross-contamination, and to enforce cleaning and sanitation procedures as required by the Blockchain Ledger. Products containing dairy products (except dairy products) require specific cleaning protocols, not only due to potential allergens but also due to different shelf lives and handling specifications. All product bags with RFID tags will provide the machine with its own specific cleaning protocols. The Ledger provides comprehensive and seamless documentation of cleaning and protocols to track food safety and regulatory requirements.

Once a product bag has been inserted into pallet 18, the coded information from RFID tag 30 is read via RFID antenna 13 and transmitted to software decision engine 100. The captured information 101 contains a smart contract that is uploaded to the blockchain, executed, and compared with previously recorded information on the blockchain, which persists throughout the product supply chain (e.g., from farm to cup). The use of blockchain is advantageous because it provides additional proof of product purity and origin, as well as the accuracy of ingredient and allergen lists.

Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, in step 410, the software decision engine 100 will first check the tag information for product fraud 111. This is done by uploading the smart contract to the blockchain in step 412, and then in step 414, by comparing the information using a unique product code, production date, shelf life, and pump motor parameters with a database blockchain ledger within the decision engine 100, or by a separate verification process, such as remote operation in the cloud. If the product bag has already been registered on the blockchain, in step 416, a new block is added to the blockchain ledger, and an indication that the tag is valid is returned. If the product bag has not been previously registered on the blockchain, then in step 418, the loop back label is an invalid instruction.

In a state, a method can be an operation, an instruction, or a function, and vice versa. In a state, a clause or a request can be modified to include some or all of the words (e.g., instructions, operations, functions, or components) stated in one or more other clauses, words, sentences, phrases, paragraphs, and/or requests.

To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, items such as various graphical blocks, modules, components, methods, operations, instructions, and algorithms have been largely based on their functional descriptions. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the entire system. Those skilled in this art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application.

Although this specification contains numerous details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of specific embodiments of the subject matter. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments in this specification may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as operating in a specific combination, and even if such a claim is initially made, in some cases, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and the claimed combination may relate to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

The subject matter of this specification has been described with respect to a specific embodiment, but other embodiments are possible and fall within the scope of the following invention claims. For example, although operations are depicted in a specific order in the drawings, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or performing all depicted operations to achieve the desired result. Actions described in the invention claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. As an example, the procedure depicted in the accompanying drawings does not necessarily require the specific order shown or sequentially to achieve the desired result. In certain situations, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of the various system components in the above-described sample should not be construed as requiring this separation in all samples, and should be understood as meaning that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

The title, prior art, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and figures are incorporated into this invention and provided as illustrative examples of the invention, not as a limiting description. They are submitted under the understanding that they are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the invention claims. Furthermore, in the embodiments, it will be apparent that, for the purpose of simplifying the invention, illustrative examples are provided and various features are grouped together in various embodiments. The method of the invention should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than expressly described in each claim. In fact, as reflected in the scope of the invention claims, the subject matter of the invention consists of all features of configuration or operation disclosed in less than one single claim. The scope of the invention claims is thus incorporated into the embodiments, in which each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

The scope of an invention application is not intended to be limited to the manner described herein, but should be given the full scope consistent with that of a language invention application, and should cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, the scope of any invention application is not intended to cover objects that do not meet the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

1: Beverage preparation system 2: Touchscreen user interface 3: Integrated ice maker 4: Internal components 5: RFID control board 6: Operating system 7: Product preparation nozzle 8: Splash shield 9: Customized cup holder 10: Blades 11: Cups 12: Cabinet door 13, 13a~13i: RFID antennas 14, 14a~14h: Pump connectors 15: Refrigerated cabinet 16: Integrated casters 17, 17a, 17b, 17c, 17d: Pump housing 18, 18a~18h: Pallet hopper 19, 19a~19h: Integrated gate bend 20: Product bag 21: Nozzle accessory ring 22: Anti-backflow check valve 23: Production line 24: Pump connector alignment ring 25: Outlet 26: Pump rotor 27: Product outlet pipeline 28: Water inlet pipeline 29: Pump motor 30: RFID tag 32: Immersion strip 33: Triangular seal 34: Suction port accessory 35: Nozzle outlet 36: Snap-fit accessory 37: Pump motor 38: Pump control board 100: Decision engine 210: Step 220: Step 230: Step 240: Step 250: Step 260: Step 305: Step 310: Step 312: Step 314: Step 316: Step 320: Step 322: Step 332: Step 334: Step 342: Step 410: Step 412: Step 414: Step 416: Step 418: Step

Figure 1 is a perspective view of one of the beverage preparation platforms according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the beverage preparation platforms according to one embodiment.

Figure 3 is an illustration based on one embodiment of an integrated gate bend.

Figure 4 is a bottom and side view of a product bag and an attached RFID tag according to one embodiment.

Figure 5 is a side view of a product bag and pallet warehouse with RFID enabled according to one embodiment.

Figure 6 is an illustration of an integrated gate bend connection in one of the beverage preparation systems according to an embodiment.

Figure 7 is an illustration of an integrated gate bend connection in one of the product bag and beverage preparation systems that utilizes RFID according to an embodiment.

Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an RFID control panel with a software decision engine according to an embodiment.

Figure 9 is a flowchart of one of the programs of an RFID control board and decision engine according to one embodiment.

Figure 10 is a flowchart of a procedure for reading RFID tags and using a decision engine to translate the stored information into an action, according to an embodiment.

Figure 11 is a flowchart of a product verification procedure using a blockchain ledger, according to one of the embodiments.

13: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Antenna

17: Pump Housing

18: Placing Warehouse

19: Integrated gate bend

20: Product Bags

30: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags

Claims (15)

A smart inventory management system for a beverage preparation and mixing platform in a cup includes: at least one container having an information tag configured to store unique information specific to a particular product; a reader positioned close to the container and configured to read the stored information from the information tag; and a control panel configured to host a software-based decision engine configured to interpret the product-specific information and control one or more system components at least in part based on the information. At least one pump, controlled by the control panel and configured to pump beverage concentrate from the containers to dispense the beverage concentrate into a beverage holder based on information stored on the information label; and at least one check valve located between an opening on the container and the pump, the check valve being configured to prevent backflow of foreign solution into the container, wherein the information specific to a particular product includes allergen-related information specific to that particular product, and wherein the control of one or more system components includes an initiation cleaning protocol based on the allergen-related information. The system of Request 1, wherein the information specific to a particular product further includes at least one of the following: beverage product composition parameters, beverage product disposal parameters, beverage production date parameters, beverage product shelf life parameters, and beverage product preparation parameters. The system of claim 1, wherein the information tag is one of an RFID tag, a QR code, or a barcode, and the wireless exciter is an RFID exciter, a QR code scanner, a barcode scanner, or a camera. The system of Request 1, wherein the control over one or more system components further includes at least one of the following: managing system inventory, adjusting pump parameters, or adjusting formulation parameters. The system of claim 1, wherein such external solutions include rinsing water or cleaning chemicals. The system of claim 1, wherein the information specific to a particular product includes at least beverage product identification information; and wherein the software-based decision engine is configured to approve the beverage product identification information before activating the at least one pump. The system of claim 1, wherein the container includes a liquid seal bag capable of holding one of various consumable liquids. A computer implementation method for decision-rule-based actions includes: wirelessly reading an information tag located on a container using a wireless exciter positioned near the container, the information tag being configured to store unique information specific to a particular product; performing a check based on the unique information for at least one of product identification, product authenticity, and product origin associated with the particular product; updating parameters in a software inventory management system based on the result of the check; and determining, based on the information read from the information tag, whether a cleaning procedure should be performed on a fluid conduit coupled to the container, wherein the unique information specific to the particular product includes allergen-related information specific to the particular product, and wherein the cleaning procedure is based on the allergen-related information. The method of claim 8, wherein the parameters include at least one of a product shelf life and a product production date. The method of claim 8 further includes adjusting the settings on a beverage preparation system based on the unique information to be consistent with product-specific parameters. The method of request 10, wherein the settings include at least one of the following: a pump speed, a cleaning mode, and a flavor profile. The method of claim 8 further includes determining, based on the information read from the information label, to prevent a beverage dispenser from dispensing a beverage using the product stored in the container. The method of claim 8 further includes determining a recipe list to be output to a user interface based on the information read from the information tag. The method of claim 8 further includes determining, based on the information read from the information tag, to prevent a beverage dispenser from dispensing a beverage using the product stored in the container after a future date or time. The method of claim 8 further includes updating a blockchain ledger associated with the product to indicate the coupling of the container to a beverage preparation system.