Automatic reusable container rental device based on encoded unique identification number

The automatic rental device for reusable containers, employing encoded unique identification numbers, addresses the challenges of managing and promoting reusable products by simplifying the rental process and enhancing convenience.

WO2025121852A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-12OYSTER ABLE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/019634
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-12-04
Filing Date
2024-12-03
Publication Date
2025-06-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The challenge lies in effectively managing and encouraging the use of reusable containers, as existing systems face difficulties in collecting and returning reusable products, particularly in scenarios like takeout, due to inconvenience and lack of infrastructure.

Method used

An automatic rental device for reusable containers is introduced, which utilizes encoded unique identification numbers to manage rental information. The device stores and dispenses reusable containers, recognizing the encoded ID to facilitate rental procedures, thereby promoting the use of reusable products.

Benefits of technology

This solution enables convenient and efficient use of reusable containers without direct contact with suppliers, simplifying the rental process and encouraging wider adoption of reusable products, thus addressing the challenges of collection and return.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic reusable container rental device based on an encoded unique identification number. One embodiment of the present invention stores a reusable container including an encoded unique identification number, discharges the reusable container in response to a rental request of a user, and saves rental information by recognizing the encoded unique identification number of the reusable container rented to the user.
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Description

Automatic rental device for reusable containers based on encoded unique identification numbers

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic rental device for reusable containers based on an encoded unique identification number.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a device for managing rental information of a reusable container by recognizing an encoded unique identification number contained in the reusable container.

[0003]

[0004] Disposable items have simple structures tailored to their intended use and are typically less durable, but they offer the advantages of easy design and low manufacturing costs. In particular, items provided in public facilities, such as razors and toothbrushes in lodging facilities and bathhouses, and wooden chopsticks and plastic trays in restaurants, may be disposable to prevent bacterial and viral infections and maintain hygiene and safety.

[0005] Disposable products are primarily made from plastic. However, because plastic takes hundreds of years to fully decompose, the space available for landfilling discarded disposable products is gradually shrinking.

[0006] Furthermore, burying disposable products underground can release various pollutants, contaminating soil and groundwater. This can also lead to the formation of plastic islands, potentially destroying marine ecosystems. Incineration of discarded disposable products instead of landfilling can release hazardous substances like dioxins, potentially harming people and the ecosystem.

[0007] Accordingly, governments and public institutions around the world are strengthening regulations on disposable products made of plastic in various ways, while encouraging the use of reusable, multi-use products.

[0008] However, even if the use of reusable items is encouraged, it's difficult to recover reusable items like boxes, cups, bottles, and plates once they've been provided to consumers. In particular, store owners are unable to reclaim reusable items used for takeout coffee, drinks, and other items, forcing them to use disposable items.

[0009] From the consumer's perspective, it is difficult to widely use reusable products at present because it is inconvenient to return to a store located far away to return the reusable products provided when purchasing a product.

[0010]

[0011] An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and to provide a device for automatically renting a reusable container based on an encoded unique identification number.

[0012]

[0013] In order to achieve the above purpose, one embodiment of the present invention stores a reusable container including an encoded unique identification number, discharges the reusable container in response to a user's rental request, and recognizes the encoded unique identification number of the reusable container rented to the user to store rental information.

[0014] As an example, the reusable container is any one of a box, bag, cup, plate, bottle, cylinder, tray, or container for containing a product, and can be used more than twice.

[0015] In one embodiment, the encoded unique identification number of the reusable container is any one of a barcode, a QR code, an RFID tag, an NFC tag, and a digital watermark.

[0016] In one embodiment, the reusable container includes a unique identification number reading module that recognizes an encoded unique identification number of the reusable container, wherein the unique identification number reading module includes one or more of a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, and a camera device.

[0017] One embodiment includes a container delivery system that delivers reusable containers to a discharge outlet one at a time.

[0018] In one embodiment, the invention includes a container storage pipe for storing one or more reusable containers.

[0019] In one embodiment, the container dispatch system includes a detection switch that detects that a reusable container is extracted from the container storage pipe; a support ring that fits into the container storage pipe; and a fitting band that is in close contact with one side of the reusable container so that one reusable container is extracted at a time.

[0020] In one embodiment, the container includes a pipe support module that secures the storage pipe so that it does not displace.

[0021] In one embodiment, the container pressurizing device includes a container pressurizing device that pushes a reusable container stored in the container storage pipe in one direction, the container pressurizing device includes a pressurizing portion having a head that supports and fixes the reusable container inside the container storage pipe; a tension spring that pushes the reusable container in a direction opposite to gravity; and a pipe base plate that prevents the container pressurizing device from being displaced.

[0022] In one embodiment, the device includes an exhaust control module that controls opening and closing of an exhaust port, the exhaust control module including: an obstacle detection sensor that detects the presence of an obstacle in an exhaust path; a door sliding frame plate that allows the exhaust port to open and close in a straight path; a position detection sensor that determines the degree of opening of the exhaust port; an actuator that generates a driving force; and a motor arm that receives a driving force from the actuator to open and close the exhaust port.

[0023]

[0024] The present invention recognizes the encoded unique identification number contained in the reusable container and processes the rental process, allowing users to conveniently use reusable containers without directly contacting the reusable container supplier. Furthermore, by facilitating the process for users to rent reusable containers, the use of reusable containers can be widespread.

[0025]

[0026] FIGS. 1A to 1C are drawings showing the front, right side, and back, respectively, of an automatic rental device for a reusable container based on an encoded unique identification number according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a reusable container in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3a is a drawing showing the left side inside the rental device in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3b is a drawing showing the right side inside the rental device.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a container dispatch system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a pipe support module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an exhaust control module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a container pressurization device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the interaction between hardware in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a flowchart briefly showing the operation sequence of application software and application firmware running on a central processing unit and a main board module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035]

[0036] The following merely illustrates the principles of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art will be able to implement the principles of the present invention and invent various devices within the scope and spirit of the present invention, even if not explicitly described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, all conditional terms and embodiments listed herein are expressly intended, in principle, to facilitate understanding of the present invention, and should be understood as being in no way limiting to the specifically enumerated embodiments and conditions.

[0037] Furthermore, it should be understood that all detailed descriptions of the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present invention, as well as specific embodiments, are intended to encompass structural and functional equivalents thereof. Furthermore, it should be understood that such equivalents encompass not only currently known equivalents but also equivalents developed in the future, i.e., all devices invented to perform the same function, regardless of structure.

[0038] Thus, for example, the block diagrams herein should be understood as representing conceptual views of exemplary circuits embodying the principles of the present invention. Similarly, all flowcharts, state transition diagrams, pseudocode, and the like, which may be substantially represented on a computer-readable medium, should be understood as representing various processes performed by a computer or processor, regardless of whether a computer or processor is explicitly depicted.

[0039] The functions of various components depicted in the drawings, including functional blocks represented by processors or similar concepts, may be provided using dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in conjunction with appropriate software. When provided by a processor, the functions may be provided by a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple individual processors, some of which may be shared.

[0040] Furthermore, any explicit use of terms such as processor, controller, or similar concepts should not be construed as exclusively referring to hardware capable of executing software, but should be understood to implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and non-volatile memory for storing software. Other commonly used hardware may also be included.

[0041] In the claims of this specification, a component expressed as a means for performing a function described in the detailed description is intended to include any method for performing the function, including, for example, a combination of circuit elements performing the function, or any form of software including firmware / microcode, combined with appropriate circuitry for executing said software to perform the function. The invention defined by these claims should be understood to be equivalent to any means found in this specification for providing the functions provided by the various enumerated means, as long as they are combined and combined in the manner required by the claims.

[0042] The above-described purposes, features, and advantages will become more apparent through the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will be able to readily implement the technical concepts of the present invention. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention will be omitted if they are deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0044]

[0045] FIGS. 1A to 1C are front, right, and back views, respectively, of an automatic rental device for a reusable container based on an encoded unique identification number, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example of a reusable container, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an automatic rental device (100, hereinafter “rental device”) of a reusable container based on an encoded unique identification number can store one or more reusable containers, issue (or discharge) the reusable container to a user in response to a rental request from the user, and store rental information by recognizing the encoded unique identification number of the reusable container rented to the user.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the reusable container (209) may be, for example, one or more of a box, an envelope, a cup, a plate, a bottle, a cylinder, a tray, or a container. Without being limited to the examples, the reusable container (209) may be a commonly used and reusable item in service industries such as supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and food delivery services, and may be an object for containing products. Furthermore, the reusable container (209) may be used more than once, not just once.

[0048] The reusable container (209) may include an encoded unique identification number (210). The encoded unique identification number (210) is an encoded unique identification number, and may be, for example, any one of a barcode, a QR code, an RFID tag, an NFC tag, or a digital watermark. However, the encoded unique identification code (210) is not limited to the examples, and may be a code encoded using any other standard technology that can be read by a computing device. In addition, the encoded unique identification code (210) may be inserted, attached, printed, or engraved into the reusable container (209).

[0049] The rental device (100) can be installed in public facilities, business facilities, transportation facilities, stores, restaurants, etc., and can operate continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without the need for permanent personnel to automatically rent reusable containers (209) to users.

[0050] The user identification module (101) can detect when a user approaches the rental device (100). The user identification module (101) can be positioned on the front of the rental device (100) and can include one or more devices for detecting people or objects (e.g., infrared proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, camera devices, etc.). In addition, the user identification module (101) can recognize a person's gestures and receive commands for controlling the rental device (100) or menu selections from the user.

[0051] The touch screen module (102) can detect a tactile sensation when a user touches it, or can detect an optical signal for a user's gesture or an audio signal for a voice in a touchless manner, thereby enabling interaction between the user and the rental device (100) and allowing the user to operate the rental device (100). In addition, the touch screen module (102) can display the status of the rental device (100) and the reusable container (209) stored in the rental device (100), and can display functions and menus provided by the rental device (100). The touch screen module (102) can be located on the front of the rental device (100).

[0052] The card reading module (103) can recognize information on a card used to pay a deposit required when a user rents a reusable container (209). The card reading module (103) can recognize a magnetic stripe card and a card including an NFC (near field communication) chip, and obtain information on the card. The card reading module (103) can be located on the front of the rental device (100).

[0053] The unique identification number reading module (104) can recognize a reusable container (209) discharged from the rental device (100). The unique identification number reading module (104) can include, for example, one or more of a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, and a camera device, and can recognize the encoded unique identification number (210) of the reusable container (209). The unique identification number reading module (104) can be located at the front of the rental device (100).

[0054] The outlet (105) may be an outlet through which a reusable container (209) to be lent to a user is discharged. By controlling the rental device (100) to open the outlet (105), a user who has been authorized to rent can take the reusable container (209), and by closing the outlet (105), a user who has not been authorized to rent can be prevented from taking the reusable container (209) without permission. The outlet (105) may be located at the front of the rental device (100).

[0055] The main door (106) may be a structure formed to open or close the front or side of the rental device (100). The main door locking device (107) may release the lock between the main door (106) and the housing to allow the main door (106) to be opened, or may maintain the lock between the main door (106) and the housing to prevent the main door (106) from being opened. When the main door (106) is open, the components and interior of the rental device (100) can be accessed. The main door (106) and the main door locking device (107) may be located on one of the front and side of the rental device (100).

[0056] The speaker module (108) can play sounds and voices to guide the user through the rental procedure and how to use the rental device (100), as well as customer support. The speaker module (108) can be, for example, any one of a universal, magnetic, cone type, dome type, horn type, and ribbon type speaker.

[0057] The back door (109) may be a structure configured to open or close the back of the rental device (100). An administrator may open the back door (109) to maintain, repair, or perform other tasks on the rental device (100) without stopping the operation of the components located on the front. The back door lock (110) may release or maintain the lock between the back door (109) and the housing, thereby preventing unauthorized persons from opening the back door (109).

[0058] The air vent grill (111) can release heat generated in the rental device (100) to the outside. The air vent grill (111) includes one or more electric fans and a fine dust filter to prevent overheating of the internal components of the rental device (100), block foreign substances from entering the rental device (100), and maintain the hygiene of the reusable container (209) stored inside the rental device (100).

[0059] The leveling caster wheel (112) can make the rental device (100) level with the floor surface and can easily move the rental device (100). The leveling caster wheel (112) can include a brake to fix the position of the rental device (100) and limit its own movement (displacement). The leveling caster wheel (112) can be located on the bottom of the rental device (100).

[0060] FIG. 3a is a drawing showing the left side inside the rental device in one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3b is a drawing showing the right side inside the rental device.

[0061] The control board module (201) can generate all movements to be implemented in the rental device (100). The control board module (201) can include one or more microcontroller units, a voltage regulator, and an H-bridge motor driver.

[0062] The power supply module (202) can receive electric energy from a power source located outside the rental device (100), transform the energy into a voltage level used in each component of the rental device (100), and provide it to each component. The power supply module (202) can include one or more main power switches, a switched mode power supply (SMPS), a DC power supply, and a noise filter.

[0063] The container dispatch system (203) can provide reusable containers (209) to the outlet (105). To provide the reusable containers (209) to the outlet (105) one at a time, the container dispatch system (203) can implement a powered or non-powered dispensing mechanism corresponding to the size and shape of the reusable containers (209).

[0064] The pipe support module (204) can secure the container storage pipe (205) so that it is not displaced. The container storage pipe (205) can store one or more reusable containers (209). The container storage pipe (205) can be sealed to prevent foreign substances from entering the reusable container (209).

[0065] The off-grid power module (206) can generate power on its own without receiving electrical energy from a power source located outside the rental device (100). The off-grid power module (206) can produce electrical energy by including one or more photovoltaic modules or solar panels, and can provide the produced electrical energy to the power supply module (202).

[0066] The central processing unit (207) can control the operation of the user identification module (101), the touch screen module (102), the card reading module (103), the unique identification number reading module (104), the speaker module (108), the vision system (213), the main board module (214), and other components. The central processing unit (207) can execute application software having a graphical user interface that allows the user to interact with and operate the rental device (100). In addition, the central processing unit (207) can execute the application software to store the user's reusable container (209) rental information in a memory device and transmit the rental information to other devices and systems connected to the rental device (100).

[0067] The outlet control module (208) can control the opening and closing of the outlet (105) to allow or prevent a user from removing a reusable container (209) from the rental device (100). The outlet control module (208) can include one or more outlets (105).

[0068] A reusable container (209) may include one or more encoded unique identification numbers (210). The reusable containers (209) are stacked in a container storage pipe (205) and can be moved one at a time to a discharge port (105) by a container dispatch system (203).

[0069] The container pressurization device (211) can push the reusable container (209) stored in the container storage pipe (205) in one direction (e.g., upward).

[0070] The device base platform (212) can support the configuration of the rental device (100) (e.g., container storage pipe (205)).

[0071] The vision system (213) can detect and monitor all movements occurring in the discharge space (216). The vision system (213) can include one or more camera devices and light sources (e.g., LEDs, LED strip arrays, etc.). The vision system (213) can capture photos or record videos in real time to count the number of reusable containers (209) that the user takes out. The vision system (213) can recognize and decode the encoded unique identification number (210) and identify which reusable container (209) the user has obtained.

[0072] The main board module (214) can interface between the control board module (201) and the central processing unit (207). The main board module (214) can control the power supply module (202) and the off-grid power module (206), etc. The main board module (214) can include one or more microcontrollers, a voltage regulator, a USB port, a Bluetooth module, a UART port. The main board module (214) can include a communication module for connecting to a geolocation device (e.g., a GPS module), a cellular network (e.g., GSM, LTE, 5G, etc.). The main board module (214) can execute application firmware included in the rental device (100).

[0073] The cooling and ventilation system (215) can control the temperature inside the rental device (100) by including one or more electric fans and an aluminum heat sink. In addition, the cooling and ventilation system (215) can prevent foreign substances from entering the exhaust space (216) by including a fine dust filter.

[0074] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a container dispatch system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] The container dispatch system (203) may include one or more detection switches (203a), a support ring (203b), and a fitting band (203c).

[0076] The detection switch (203a) can detect that a reusable container (209) is being extracted from the container storage pipe (205). One detection switch (203a) can emit a radio or optical signal, and another detection switch (203a) facing it can receive a radio or optical signal. When the reusable container (209) is extracted, the detection switch (203a) does not receive a radio or optical signal, so that it can be recognized that the reusable container (209) is being extracted.

[0077] The support ring (203b) can allow the container delivery system (203) to be coupled or fitted to the container storage pipe (205). The fitting band (203c) can be in close contact with the reusable container (209) to ensure that one reusable container (209) is extracted from the container delivery system (203) at a time.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a pipe support module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The pipe support module (204) may include a module body (204a), one or more openings (204b), and a pipe support handler (204c).

[0080] The opening (204b) may have a circular shape and may be adapted to correspond to the container storage pipe (205). Alternatively, the opening (204b) may have a shape corresponding to the cross-section of the reusable container (209).

[0081] The pipe support handler (204c) can connect the pipe support module (204) to the housing of the rental device (100) via a hinge. The pipe support handler (204c) can be formed so that the portion closer to the discharge port (105) is lower than the main body (204a), so that the reusable container (209) can be smoothly taken out of the discharge port (105) without being obstructed by the pipe support module (204). In addition, the portion farther from the discharge port (105) can be formed above or diagonally than the main body (204a), so that the reusable container (209) can be prevented from falling into the interior of the rental device (100) rather than the discharge port (105).

[0082] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing an exhaust control module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The exhaust control module (208) may include one or more obstacle detection sensors (208a), a door sliding frame plate (208b), a position detection sensor (208c), an actuator (208d), and a motor arm (208e).

[0084] The obstacle detection sensor (208a) can detect whether there is an obstacle on the discharge path through which the reusable container (209) exits the discharge port (105). The door sliding frame plate (208b) can include linear guides positioned parallel to each other while facing each other. The door sliding frame plate (208b) can guide the motor arm (208e) to move in a linear path, thereby allowing the discharge port (105) to also open or close in a linear path.

[0085] The position detection sensor (208c) can determine the degree to which the outlet (105) is opened. The actuator (208d) can generate a mechanical force that serves as a driving force to move the outlet (105). The actuator (208d) can be, for example, one of a DC motor, a step motor, a hydraulic actuator, and a pneumatic actuator. The motor arm (208e) can receive the driving force from the actuator (208d) to open or close the outlet (105).

[0086] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a container pressurization device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] The container pressurization device (211) may include a pressurization portion (211a), a tension spring (211b), and a pipe base plate (211c).

[0088] The head of the pressurizing portion (211a) can support and fix a reusable container (209) inside the container storage pipe (205).

[0089] The tension spring (211b) can push the reusable container (209) in a direction opposite to gravity, so that the container delivery system (203) can smoothly extract the reusable container (209). The tension spring (211b) can push the reusable container (209) with a force greater than the weight of all the reusable containers (209) stored in the container storage pipe (205). The reusable container (209) with one side in close contact with the fitting band (203c) can be extracted out of the container storage pipe (205) when the force applied from the tension spring (211b) becomes greater than the frictional force between the fitting bands (203c).

[0090] The pipe base plate (211c) can prevent the container pressurization device (211) from being displaced.

[0091] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the interaction between hardware in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] The power supply module (202) can supply power to all components of the rental device (100). The central processing unit (207) can include a built-in touch screen module (102) and is connected to the main board module (214) to control the operation of the control board module (201) and sensors, peripheral devices (user identification module (101), card reading module (103), unique identification number reading module (104), speaker module (108), container dispatching system (203), off-grid power module (206), obstacle detection sensor (208a), vision system (213), cooling and ventilation system (215), etc.). The control board module (201) can control the operation of the actuator (208d).

[0093] FIG. 9 is a flowchart briefly showing the operation sequence of application software and application firmware running on a central processing unit and a main board module in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] The operation described in relation to FIG. 9 may be executed by application software or application firmware through the central processing unit (207).

[0095] After the application software or application firmware (hereinafter referred to as the "program") is launched, the hardware, sensors, peripherals, and program of the rental device (100) can be checked for errors. If an error occurs, an error dialog box can be displayed on the touch screen module (102). Then, an authorized user can terminate the program at their discretion. If no error occurs or the user does not terminate the program, the program can be returned to its initial state.

[0096] In the initial state, the user identification module (101) can detect and identify the user. While the program is running, the user identification module (101) records the user's facial image signature and movements to identify the user and, if necessary, provide customer support to the user. If the user is not identified, the system can return to the initial state.

[0097] After identifying the user and when the user requests to rent a reusable container (209), the outlet control module (208) can open the outlet (105). The opening time can be calculated from the time the outlet (105) is opened, and if the maximum opening time is exceeded, the outlet (105) can be closed. In addition, the vision system (213) can photograph the outlet space (216) (e.g., a user's action of taking out a reusable container (209), etc.), count the number of reusable containers (209) extracted from the container storage pipe (205), and decode the encoded unique identification number (210) of the reusable container (209).

[0098] Each time a user takes out a reusable container (209), the central processing unit (207) can increase the number of containers taken out by one.

[0099] Next, the unique identification number reading module (104) can scan the encoded unique identification number (210) of the reusable container (209) and increase the number of scanned unique identification numbers by one.

[0100] After counting the number of scanned unique identification numbers or if no scan is made within a predetermined period of time, a payment screen asking the user whether to pay a deposit may be displayed on the touch screen module (102).

[0101] If the user selects a menu that does not require payment of a deposit, the user may wait until a new reusable container (209) is retrieved. If the user selects a menu that cancels the rental of a reusable container (209) or does not retrieve a reusable container (209) within a predetermined period of time, the system may return to the initial state when no reusable containers (209) have been retrieved, and may display the payment screen again when there are more than one.

[0102] Next, the number of reusable containers (209) taken out by the user can be compared with the number of unique identification numbers scanned by the unique identification number reading module (104) to see if they are the same. If the numbers are not the same, a dialog box notifying the user of the quantity mismatch can be displayed, and then the user can be asked to confirm and rescan the encoded unique identification number (210) of the reusable container (209). If the numbers are the same or the user selects the payment process menu in the dialog box, payment information can be entered by the user.

[0103] The card reading module (103) can recognize the card presented by the user, obtain information on the card, and proceed with the payment process.

[0104] If payment fails, a notification dialog box may be displayed. The user can then re-enter payment information or present the card again. Alternatively, the user may select a payment cancellation menu, and a notification dialog box may be displayed to return the reusable container (209) to the rental device (100). Once the reusable container (209) is returned to the container storage pipe (205), the outlet (105) may be closed. Otherwise, if payment is successful, a notification dialog box may be displayed and the outlet (105) may be closed. After the outlet (105) is closed, the system may return to its initial state.

[0105]

[0106] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims. Furthermore, such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present invention.

Claims

1. Store reusable containers containing encoded unique identification numbers; Dispenses reusable containers in response to user rental requests; Recognizes the encoded unique identification number of the reusable container that is lent to the user and stores the rental information. Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

2. In claim 1, A reusable container is any of the following: a box, bag, cup, plate, bottle, cylinder, tray, or container that contains a product and can be used more than twice. Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

3. In claim 1, The encoded unique identification number of the reusable container is: Any one of barcode, QR code, RFID tag, NFC tag, or digital watermark Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

4. In claim 3, Includes a unique identification number reading module that recognizes the encoded unique identification number of the reusable container, The above unique identification number reading module includes one or more of a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID reader, an NFC reader, and a camera device. Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

5. In claim 1, Includes a container delivery system that delivers reusable containers to the outlet one at a time. Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

6. In claim 5, Comprising a container storage pipe for storing one or more reusable containers. Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

7. In claim 6, The above container dispatch system is, A detection switch for detecting that a reusable container is extracted from the above container storage pipe; A support ring fitted into the above container storage pipe; and A fitting band that fits snugly against one side of a reusable container, allowing one reusable container to be extracted at a time; Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

8. In claim 6, Including a pipe support module that secures the above container storage pipe so that it is not displaced. Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

9. In claim 6, Including a container pressurizing device that one-way pushes a reusable container stored in the container storage pipe; The above container pressurizing device is, A pressurized portion having a head for supporting and securing a reusable container within the container storage pipe; A tension spring that pushes the reusable container in a direction opposite to gravity; and A pipe base plate comprising: a pipe base plate for preventing the above-mentioned container pressurizing device from being displaced; Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

10. In claim 1, Includes an exhaust control module that controls the opening and closing of the exhaust port, The above exhaust control module, Obstacle detection sensor that detects the presence of obstacles in the exhaust path; A door sliding frame plate that allows the exhaust outlet to open and close in a straight path; A position detection sensor that determines the degree of opening of the exhaust port; an actuator generating driving force; and A motor arm that receives driving force from the actuator and opens and closes the exhaust port; Automatic rental device for reusable containers.

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