Smart inventory management system for dispensing and in-cup mixing beverage platforms

Abstract

A smart inventory management system for a beverage dispensing and in-cup mixing platform is described. The system includes a container with an information tag configured to store product-specific information; a reader configured to read the stored information from the information tag; a control panel configured to house a software-based decision engine configured to interpret the product-specific information and control one or more system components based at least in part on the information; a pump controlled by the control panel and configured to pump beverage concentrate from the container to dispense the beverage concentrate into a beverage holding device; and a check valve located between an opening in the container and the pump, configured to prevent backflow of foreign solution into the container.

Description

[0001] Related application citation

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 126,222, filed December 16, 2020, entitled “Intelligent Inventory Management System for Dispensing and In-Cup Mixing Beverage Platform,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an intelligent inventory and hygiene management system for an in-cup mixed beverage dispensing platform. Background Technology

[0004] Self-service beverage platforms are widely used in various businesses for dispensing beverages. Fast food restaurants, roadside convenience stores, gas stations, and cafeterias are examples of locations involving large-volume consumption of frozen, mixed, and dispensed beverages. Due to the large volume, these self-service units must have sophisticated systems for storing and delivering the intended ingredients from freshly prepared beverages. Therefore, such beverage platforms require intelligent and automated inventory and cleaning management. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This document describes an intelligent inventory management system for a beverage dispensing and in-cup mixing platform. The system includes at least one container with an information tag configured to store product-specific information; a reader located near the container, configured to read the stored information from the information tag; a control panel configured to house a software-based decision engine configured to interpret the product-specific information and, at least partially, control one or more system components based on that information; at least one pump controlled by the control panel and configured to pump beverage concentrate from the container based on information stored on the information tag to dispense the beverage concentrate into a beverage holding device; and at least one check valve located between an opening in the container and the pump, configured to prevent backflow of foreign solution into the container.

[0006] In some embodiments, the product-specific information includes at least one of the following: beverage product composition parameters, beverage product processing parameters, beverage production date parameters, beverage product shelf life parameters, and beverage product distribution parameters.

[0007] In some embodiments, the information tag is one of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a quick response (QR) code, or a barcode, and the wireless actuator is an RFID actuator, a QR code scanner, a barcode scanner, or a camera.

[0008] In some embodiments, the control of the one or more system components comprises at least one of: managing system inventory, adjusting pump parameters, adjusting dispensing parameters, or initiating a cleaning protocol.

[0009] In some embodiments, the foreign solution comprises a rinse water or a cleaning chemical.

[0010] In some embodiments, the information specific to the particular product comprises at least beverage product identification information, and the software-based decision engine is configured to approve the beverage product identification information prior to activating the at least one pump.

[0011] In some embodiments, the container comprises a leak-proof bag capable of containing various consumable liquids.

[0012] Also disclosed is a dosing bag for consumable liquids, the dosing bag comprising a wirelessly readable information tag configured to store encoded machine-readable information specific to a particular beverage product, and to wirelessly engage with a reader when located in proximity to the reader, such that the reader is able to read the information stored on the information tag, wherein the information specific to the particular product comprises at least one of: product composition parameters, product handling parameters, production date parameters, product shelf-life parameters, and product dispensing parameters.

[0013] In some embodiments, the information tag is one of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a quick response (QR) code, or a bar code, and the reader is a radio frequency identification (RFID) energizer, a quick response (QR) code scanner, a bar code scanner, or a camera.

[0014] In some embodiments, the information tag is a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag compliant with ISO / IEC Standard No. 15693.

[0015] In some embodiments, the coupling comprises a check valve configured to prevent backflushing of the foreign solution into the container.

[0016] Also disclosed is a computer-implemented method for rule-based decision actions, the method comprising the steps of: wirelessly reading, using a wireless energizer located in proximity to a container, an information tag located on the container and configured to store unique information specific to a particular product; checking at least one of a product identity, a product authenticity, and a product provenance associated with the particular product based on the unique information; updating parameters in a software inventory management system based on the results of the checking; and determining whether a cleaning process should be performed on a fluid conduit coupled to the container based on the information read from the information tag.

[0017] In some embodiments, the parameters include at least one of a product shelf life, a product production date.

[0018] Some embodiments further include adjusting settings on the beverage dispensing system to conform to the specific parameters of the product based on the unique information, the settings including at least one of: pump speed, cleaning procedures, and flavor characteristics.

[0019] Some embodiments further include determining, based on the information read from the information tag, to prevent the beverage dispenser from outputting a beverage using the product stored within the container.

[0020] Some embodiments further include determining, based on the information read from the information tag, a list of recipes to output to a user interface.

[0021] Some embodiments further include determining, based on the information read from the information tag, to prevent the beverage dispenser from outputting a beverage using the product stored within the container beyond a future date or time.

[0022] Some embodiments further include updating a blockchain ledger associated with the product to indicate the coupling of the container to the beverage dispensing system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing platform of an embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing platform of an embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 is a schematic view of an integrity gate elbow of an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 is a bottom and side view of a product bag and attached RFID tag of an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 is a side view of an RFID-enabled product bag and tote box of an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 is a schematic view of an integrity gate elbow connection of a beverage dispensing system of an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 is a schematic view of an integrity gate elbow connection to an RFID-enabled product bag and beverage dispensing system of an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 is a schematic view of an RFID control board with software decision engine of an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 9Figure 1 is a flowchart of the process of an embodiment of the RFID control board and decision engine.

[0032] Figure 10 Figure 2 is a flowchart of the process of an embodiment of reading an RFID tag and translating stored information into action using the decision engine.

[0033] Figure 11 Figure 3 is a flowchart of the process of an embodiment of product verification using a blockchain ledger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. For the purpose of clarity, detailed descriptions of well-known functions, configurations or structures incorporated herein will not be described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the disclosure.

[0035] The terms used herein are merely used to describe particular embodiments and do not constitute any limitation. In the usage of terms herein, singular forms "a," "an," and "the" and the like include plural forms unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0036] Further, in the description of the drawings, the same elements are marked by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0037] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the specific steps of the procedures set forth in the description herein. The systems and methods described herein are intended to ensure intelligent and safe inventory management of a cup-in-mix beverage dispensing system or its broad equivalents of related applications.

[0038] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will be better understood through consideration of the following detailed description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical elements in the figures. In the various drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views.

[0039] Summary of the Disclosure Figure 1 And Figure 2 One embodiment includes a beverage dispensing system embodying the principles and concepts of the present disclosure. The beverage dispensing system 1 includes a plurality of components. According to one embodiment, a plurality of components for delivering a large volume of beverage are provided within a housing of the system. A controller component manages on-board ice making using a storage ice bin, and at least one heat exchanger is provided in thermal contact with the storage ice bin within the housing. The lower portion of the housing contains a refrigerated product storage cabinet (bagged beverage syrup and concentrate), an internal pump system for product, water, and on-board sanitation chemicals, and an advanced sanitation module.

[0040] As Figure 1As shown, a beverage dispensing system 1 is provided. The system includes a touch screen user interface 2, an integrated ice maker 3, internal components 4 (e.g., controls, water supply, electronics, and condenser), and a host computer with an operating system 6. The beverage dispensing system 1 can include integrated casters 16 to facilitate mobility. Beverage products are packed in bags 20 that are stored in tray boxes 18 of a refrigerated cabinet 15 that is sealed by a cabinet door 12 to maintain a desired storage temperature. The product bags 20 are packed with products (beverage concentrates, flavorings, and syrups) for dispensing, freezing, and mixing of beverages. The products can include various beverage concentrates, diluents (e.g., water or carbonated water), and ice or another consumable medium. The system 1 pumps the products from the product bags 20 through lines to product dispensing nozzles 7.

[0041] A large touch screen user interface 2 is attached to the front of the housing to operate the system. This user interface serves as a digital merchandise display when the machine is in idle mode. In addition, the user interface enables an end consumer to select beverages of various categories, flavors, and sizes. The user interface also enables a professional operator to access the operating system and methods to perform service, inventory, and maintenance, as well as to execute cleaning and sanitation procedures for food safety purposes.

[0042] The consumer can select from a variety of beverages that are managed by software-based recipes with beverage formulations that are loaded into the operating system of the beverage dispensing system 1. The formulations utilize up to four or more individual flavors (obtained from bags packed with beverage concentrates or syrups), ice, and water, carbonated water, or another base liquid.

[0043] Upon selection of a beverage by the user, an accurate and up-to-date allergen statement is displayed on the touch screen user interface 2. This generally ensures full transparency and food safety, and improves the accuracy of food labeling. This approach is also advantageous because it provides safeguards for people with specific food allergies. The system provides additional protection for consumers with specific allergen allergies by providing additional product ingredient-related information to prevent potential allergic reactions. The system allows for the provision of necessary dietary, ingredient, nutritional, and allergen information and displays this information to the operator of the machine. If desired, the entire supply chain from procurement, manufacturing, distribution, to storage can be tracked and displayed.

[0044] Thereafter, the product is dispensed into a cup 11 or other container. To properly mix or blend the beverage to the desired consistency, the cup is conveyed by an automated cup conveyor to a mixing chamber secured to the back of the splash guard 8. A custom cup holder 9 holds the cup in the proper position during mixing and prevents the cup from tipping over using an in-cup mixing impeller shaft and blade 10.

[0045] In conventional systems, loading new product bags into refrigerated cabinets to replace empty, used, or expired products requires not only manual loading but also accurate and specific data about the loaded products being entered into the machine's inventory management screen. The illustrated embodiment eliminates the problems associated with the product loading process, reduces manual labor, and avoids accidental user misoperation of the machine during reloading. Furthermore, the disclosed system enhances hygiene procedures, thereby preventing cross-contamination and the use or dispensing of incorrect, spoiled, or expired products into cups.

[0046] Specifically, each product bag 20 may be equipped with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 30 (such as... Figure 4 As shown, the RFID tag 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 a specific product in the product bag. In addition to other product composition parameters, product processing parameters, production date parameters, product shelf-life parameters, and product distribution parameters, this data may also include, for example, flavor characteristics, content, production date, shelf life, and pump motor parameters regarding how to distribute the product with changes in viscosity. The RFID tag can also store and provide promotional information to offer special offers based on flavor and specific recipes. These offers, promotions, or discounts are then highlighted on the touchscreen user interface 2 of system 1.

[0047] RFID tags 30 are managed by an RFID control board 5 with a decision engine. This control board is operatively coupled to an RFID tag reader, for example, via RFID antenna 13. 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, it is advantageous for the system to position the RFID antennas 13 and their specific locations near the RFID tags 30 on the bags 20. In particular, this arrangement avoids incorrect loading of products into slots designated for different products and eliminates operational errors in inventory management. The distance between the antennas 13 and the tags 30 also avoids interference between the individual slots and the individual product bags 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the distance between the antennas 13 and the tags 30 can be at most approximately 1 / 8 inch, 1 / 4 inch, 1 / 2 inch, 1 inch, or 3 inches. In other embodiments, the distance between the antennas 13 and the tags 30 can be at most 3 feet.

[0048] Figure 2An open cabinet of the system 1 is shown. The RFID antenna 13 can be placed on top of the pump housing 17 and, as described above, is designed to read information from the RFID tag 30 attached to the product bag 20. The RFID antenna 13 is positioned in a vertical plane above the pump housing 17 near the product bag 20. The antenna 13 is operably coupled with respect to the tag 30 to communicate with the tag and with the RFID control board 5, which communicates with the host computer having the operating system 6.

[0049] In one embodiment, the RFID antenna 13 and tag 30 communicate in accordance with the method described in ISO / IEC 15693, "Identification cards - Contactless integrated circuit(s) cards - Proximity cards." Communication in accordance with 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 a variety of media, including water and plastic. ISO / IEC 15693 certified tags are individually numbered, which enables each product bag in the system to be tracked independently. The tags also have an anti-collision identification scheme, allowing multiple tags to be read simultaneously. In one embodiment, the tags are passive tags, as these tags do not have a battery power source. Passive tags are advantageous because the tags have a very long shelf life. The RFID tag 30 is powered by the RFID antenna 13 at the tray box. In other embodiments, active (battery-powered) tags can be used.

[0050] In other embodiments, the RFID tag can be replaced by a quick response (QR) code, a bar code, or any other wirelessly readable identification marker. Similarly, the RFID antenna can be replaced by a QR code scanner, a bar code scanner, a camera, or any other type of technology capable of reading the identification marker.

[0051] In Figure 2 A plurality of pump housings 17 are also shown, which are communicatively connected to the tray box 18 using respective integrity gate elbows 19 having anti-backflow check valves 22. In Figure 2 In the exemplary system shown, there are four pump housings, each with two product pumps, so eight slots can be loaded with up to eight products. Each of the four pump housings has two slots with pump connectors and RFID antennas 13, resulting in a total of eight pump connectors and eight RFID antennas 13 for up to eight product bags 20. The pump control board 38 communicates with the product pump motors 29. In order to avoid cross-contamination between new and old products when a flavor is replaced, the system enables an internal sanitation module to perform a product-related cleaning protocol to automatically flush, rinse, and sanitize all product lines and pumps. As Figures 1-2As shown, the internal hygiene module located at the bottom of the cabinet holds water and hygiene chemicals for an integrated in-situ cleaning system. In an alternative embodiment, depending on the machine configuration, cleaning and hygiene chemicals can also be supplied from an external container connected to the machine via hoses. During various automated cleaning and disinfection programs, product bags can be kept loaded inside the machine because the check valve of the integrity gate bend prevents hygiene chemicals from backflowing into the product storage area. The integrity gate bend allows the beverage dispensing platform to perform an automated self-cleaning process without separating product bags or unloading trays from the refrigerated cabinet. This maintains product integrity and meets the highest food safety requirements.

[0052] Figure 3 A detailed view of the integrity gate bend 19 is shown. The integrity gate bend 19 includes a backflow check valve 22, a nozzle adapter ring 21 connected to a bag (not shown), a pump connector alignment ring 24, and an outlet 25 for connection to the pump housing 17. The backflow check valve 22 ensures that product is dispensed in only one direction through the product line 23.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, an integrity gate bend 19 with a check valve 22 is attached to the product bag 20 at the suction port 34 of the product bag, thereby connecting the bag 20 to the pump connector of the pump housing. In an alternative embodiment, if a bend 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. The bag 20 is also incorporating an impregnation tape 32. The impregnation tape 32 can be a rigid rectangular evacuation aid that allows for convenient dispensing of conventional post-mixed syrups and difficult-to-evacuate pulpy juices or highly viscous liquids. Near the nozzle outlet 35, a suction port fitting 34 and a triangular seal 33 are provided to optimize product evacuation. Figure 4 An exemplary arrangement of RFID tags 30 on product bags 20 is also shown.

[0054] Figure 5 An exemplary illustration of a product bag 20 inserted into a tray box 18 according to one embodiment is shown. When the bag 20 is inserted into the tray box 18, an integrity gate bend 19 is aligned such that it engages with the snap-fit ​​fitting 36 of the tray box 18. Following this procedure, the bag and the box can be securely loaded into the beverage dispensing system 1.

[0055] Figure 6An exemplary embodiment showing how a tray 18 containing product bags 20 is connected to a pump housing 17 is illustrated, with an RFID antenna 13 located on the top of the housing. Each of the four housings houses two pump motors 29, and each of the eight product slots houses one tray 18. When the 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 out of the bag and towards the dispensing nozzle 7 into the product outlet line 27 to dispense the product into the cup 11. A water inlet line 28 supplies water and cleaning chemicals from a hygiene module. A check valve 22 prevents product from the bag from entering the inlet line 28.

[0056] Figure 7 An exemplary embodiment of a successful connection is shown between a pallet box 18 containing product bags 20 and a pump connector 14 mounted on a pump housing 17. In this final position, the RFID antenna 13 can establish a connection with an RFID tag 30 on the bag and is able to read information from the RFID tag at the necessary location. An RFID connection can only be established when the antenna and tag are close together, allowing the antenna to read information from the tag and transmit that information to the RFID control panel 5.

[0057] Figure 8 An exemplary diagram of the connection network between RFID antennas 13 is shown. Antenna 13 receives signals from RFID tags 30 on the bag and transmits this information to the RFID control board 5.

[0058] The RFID control board 5 contains a decision engine 100, which communicates with the pump control board 38 to activate and deactivate pumps 29, 37 for products, water, or hygiene 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 the correct expiration dates, thereby preventing the dispensing of expired or spoiled products into cups. If a new flavor is loaded into one of the slots, the system enables the machine to select a specific recipe, which has a set of different formulas incorporating the new flavor. This prevents the dispensing of incorrect products or incorrect formulas.

[0059] Furthermore, the system's decision engine checks product identity, authenticity, origin, shelf life, and production date for inventory management, sets specific product parameters (such as pump speed), and activates cleaning algorithms when necessary to maintain food safety and prevent cross-contamination caused by loading new flavors into tanks that previously contained different flavors. The system prevents and prohibits the accidental use of expired, incorrect, unauthorized, unapproved, and unverified products to avoid machine malfunctions and incorrect or faulty beverage dispensing.

[0060] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating the main components and processes of the RFID control board and decision engine 100 is shown. After a product is inserted into the pallet box 18, the RFID control board 5, equipped with the decision engine, receives encoded information from the RFID antenna 13. This information is parsed and sent to the software decision engine 100. The decision engine prepares encoded actions based on predefined rules 110 and sends these actions to the host computer equipped with the operating system 6. Specifically, as... Figure 9 As shown, in step 210, the product bag 20 is inserted into the pallet box 18. After insertion, the RFID tag 30 is very close to the antenna 13 connected to the RFID control board 5. In step 220, the coded input stored in the RFID tag 30 is read by the antenna 13 and sent to the RFID control board 5. The coded input is parsed when received by the RFID control board 5, 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 the coded actions to the host computer with the operating system 6. In step 260, the host computer with the operating system 6 then executes the necessary actions, which may include performing an advanced disinfection procedure via the disinfection pump 37, such as... Figure 9 As shown. Additional actions may include adjusting inventory or parameters associated with the product information received via RFID tag 30.

[0061] Figure 10 A flowchart illustrating the reading of RFID tags and the translation of stored information into actions using a decision engine is shown. Specifically, as... Figure 10As shown, in step 305, the RFID control board 5, RFID reader, and antenna 13 are initialized for use with the beverage system. After the initialization process is complete, in step 310, the system enters a state of waiting for the product bag 20 to be inserted into the tray box 18. In this state, the system continuously checks whether the product bag has been inserted into the tray box 18. As shown in loop 312, if the system does not detect a product bag 20 in the tray box 18, the system sets a timeout counter, during which the system delays checking for the product bag 20 in the tray box 18. The timeout counter can be programmed to any predefined or variable time frame. Once the timeout counter expires, the system checks again whether a product bag exists in the tray box 18. If a product bag is detected, the system enters loop 314, during which the system attempts to obtain or read information from the tag 30. If no tag is detected, loop 314 returns to check again whether a product bag 20 exists in the tray box 18. If the tag 30 is detected, the system proceeds to step 316 and attempts to determine whether the tag is a valid tag. Once the system determines that the label is valid, in step 320, product information 101 is read by antenna 13 and transmitted to RFID control board 5. In addition to other product composition parameters, product processing parameters, production date parameters, product shelf life parameters, and product distribution parameters, product information 101 may also include any of the following: flavor characteristics, content, production date, shelf life, and pump motor parameters regarding how to distribute the product with changes in viscosity. In step 322, this information is compared with product information 102 from the previous state. If product information 101 differs from product information 102 from the previous state, then in step 332, inventory is adjusted to accommodate the new product information and the settings 103 associated with product information 101. Once this adjustment is made, a sanitation procedure is run in step 334. If product information 101 is the same as product information 102 from the previous state, then in step 342, inventory information is adjusted to accommodate the new product quantity, but it may not be necessary to adjust the product type. In this case, an enhanced sterilization procedure is not required.

[0062] Furthermore, the system's decision engine can verify product identity, authenticity, and origin by scanning RFID tags and transmitting the data to a blockchain ledger. A smart contract is executed, and multiple trusted nodes verify the information's accuracy before writing it back to the blockchain ledger. Each entry in the blockchain ledger is cryptographically signed and encrypted, preventing fraud and reducing the likelihood of hacking. Because scanning RFID tags on product bags and adding data makes the entire supply chain process transparent, while historical status data is retained in previous blocks, product origin verification is quick and inexpensive. Any product failing authenticity verification is flagged, and the machine is locked, preventing its use of the product to avoid malfunctions, misoperation, or cross-contamination, and enforcing cleaning and sterilization processes according to the blockchain ledger's requirements. In addition to non-dairy products, dairy products require specific cleaning protocols, not only due to potential allergens but also because of different shelf lives and handling specifications. All product bags with RFID tags provide the machine with its own specific cleaning protocol. The ledger provides comprehensive, seamless cleaning and protocol documentation to comply with food safety and regulatory requirements.

[0063] Once the product bag is inserted into the pallet box 18, the coded information from the RFID tag 30 is read by the RFID antenna 13 and transmitted to the software decision engine 100. The acquired information 101 includes a smart contract, which is uploaded to the blockchain, executed, and compared with information previously recorded on the blockchain that can persist throughout the product supply chain (e.g., from farm to cup). The advantage of using blockchain is that it provides additional evidence of product purity and origin, as well as the accuracy of ingredient and allergen lists.

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 11 As shown, in step 410, the software decision engine 100 first checks the label information to check for product fraud 111. This is done by uploading a smart contract to the blockchain in step 412, and then, in step 414, comparing the information with a database blockchain ledger within the decision engine 100 or a remotely operating independent verification process (e.g., in the cloud) using a unique product code, production date, shelf life, and pump motor parameters. If the product bag has previously been registered on the blockchain, then in step 416, a new block is added to the blockchain ledger, and the loop returns an indication that the label is valid. If the product bag has not previously been registered on the blockchain, then in step 418, the loop returns an indication that the label is invalid.

[0065] In one aspect, the method can be an operation, instruction, or function, or vice versa. In one aspect, a clause or statement can be modified to include some or all of the words (e.g., instructions, operations, functions, or components) referenced in one or more other clauses, words, sentences, phrases, paragraphs, and / or statements.

[0066] To illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, items such as various exemplary functional blocks, modules, components, methods, operations, instructions, and algorithms are described in general terms of their functionality. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of both depends on the specific application and the design constraints of the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in different ways for each specific application.

[0067] While this specification contains numerous specific details, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of particular embodiments of the subject matter. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments 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 individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, while features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations, and even initially claimed in this way, in some cases one or more features in a claimed combination may be removed from that combination, and the claimed combination may involve sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0068] The subject matter of this specification is described in accordance with a particular aspect, but other aspects may also be implemented, and these aspects are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, although certain operations are illustrated in a particular order in the drawings, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or requiring the performance of all illustrated operations to obtain the desired result. The actions described in the claims may be performed in a different order and still obtain the desired result. For example, the processes shown in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific order or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of the various system components in the foregoing aspects should not be construed as requiring such separation in all aspects, and it should be understood that the illustrated program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0069] This disclosure incorporates the title, background art, description of drawings, abstract, and figures, and is provided as illustrative examples rather than as limiting descriptions. It should be understood that the abstract is not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it can be seen that illustrative examples are provided, and various features are combined in various embodiments to simplify this disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the claims, the inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The following claims are incorporated herein by reference, each claim standing alone as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0070] The claims are not limited to the aspects described herein, but rather conform to the full scope consistent with the language claims and include all legal equivalents. However, no single claim is intended to include subject matter that does not meet the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be interpreted in this manner.

Claims

1. An intelligent inventory management system for a beverage dispensing and in-cup mixing platform, comprising: At least one container with an information tag configured to store unique information specific to a particular product; A reader located near the container is configured to read stored information from information tags; A control panel configured to house a software-based decision engine, the software-based decision engine being configured to interpret information specific to the particular product and to control one or more system components at least in part based on the information; At least one pump, controlled by a control panel and configured to pump beverage concentrate from a container to dispense the beverage concentrate into a beverage holding device based on information stored on an information label; as well as At least one check valve is located between the opening on the container and the pump, the check valve being configured to prevent foreign solution from backflowing into the container. The product-specific information mentioned above includes allergen-related information specific to the product, shelf-life parameters, and distribution parameters. The control of one or more system components includes initiating a specific cleaning program based on allergen-related information, beverage product shelf-life parameters, and beverage product distribution parameters.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the information specific to the particular product further includes at least one of the following: beverage product composition parameters, beverage product processing parameters, and beverage production date parameters.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the information tag is one of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, a quick response (QR) code, or a barcode, and the wireless actuator is an RFID actuator, a QR code scanner, a barcode scanner, or a camera.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the control of one or more system components includes at least one of the following: managing system inventory, adjusting pump parameters, or adjusting distribution parameters.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the foreign solution comprises rinsing water or cleaning chemicals.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the information specific to the 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.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the container comprises a leak-proof bag capable of holding a variety of consumable liquids.

8. A computer implementation method for rule-based decision-making actions, comprising: Wireless exciter located near the container wirelessly reads an information tag located on the container, which is configured to store unique information specific to the product. Based on the unique information, at least one of the following is checked for the product identity, product authenticity, and product origin associated with a specific product: Update the parameters in the software inventory management system based on the inspection results; as well as Based on information read from the information tag, it is determined whether a specific cleaning process should be performed on the fluid conduits coupled to the container. The product-specific information mentioned above includes allergen-specific information and product shelf life. The specific cleaning process described herein is based on allergen-related information and product expiration date.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the parameter includes the product manufacturing date.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising adjusting settings on the beverage dispensing system based on the unique information to match specific parameters of the product.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the settings include at least one of the following: pump speed, cleaning procedure, and flavor characteristics.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining, based on information read from the information tag, to prevent the beverage dispenser from dispensing beverages using the product stored in the container.

13. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining a list of recipes to be output to the user interface based on information read from the information tag.

14. The method of claim 8, further comprising determining, based on information read from the information tag, to prevent the beverage dispenser from dispensing beverages using the product stored in the container beyond a future date or time.

15. The method of claim 8, further comprising updating the blockchain ledger associated with the product to indicate the coupling of the container to the beverage dispensing system.

Images