Beverage Dispenser Camera Control for Clean Dispensing and Cup Code Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing beverage dispensers face issues with unsanitary appearances due to product residue and limited control over dispensing parameters, as they rely on consumer operation and RFID tags that obscure cup indicia.

Innovation Solution

A beverage dispenser equipped with a dispensing area camera system and optical recognition technology to monitor and clean the dispensing area, read dispensing parameters from invisible ink on cups, and control dispensing based on machine learning algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If RFID tags are used on cups to store dispensing parameters, then information storage capacity is improved, but the tags obscure marketing indicia and other information on the cup

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing parameters storageVSAvoidcup design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces RFID tags with optical recognition technology using invisible ink codes printed on cups. The camera system reads these invisible codes, eliminating the need for physical RFID tags that obscure cup design. This substitution maintains information storage capability while preserving marketing indicia visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If consumers operate the beverage dispenser directly, then ease of operation is improved, but product residue accumulates on walls creating unsanitary conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer operationVSAvoidproduct residue accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a camera-based monitoring system that continuously observes the dispensing area for product residue. When residue is detected, the system provides feedback by alerting staff through a notification system, enabling timely cleaning before unsanitary conditions develop. This maintains consumer operation while preventing harmful accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system operates autonomously without requiring consumer intervention. The camera automatically detects residue and triggers notifications, allowing the system to self-monitor and self-report issues while consumers continue operating the dispenser without additional steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If cameras are positioned to monitor the entire dispensing area, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispensing area monitoringVSAvoidcamera system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions cameras to serve multiple functions: reading invisible ink codes on cups, monitoring product residue in the dispensing area, and tracking overall cleanliness. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate camera systems for each purpose, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures cleanliness of the dispensing area and accurate dispensing control without relying on RFID tags, allowing for precise parameter management and maintaining a clean appearance.

Implementation Method 1

The camera may be positioned to take a picture of the cup in the ultraviolet spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet fluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

The camera may be positioned to take a picture of the cup in the infrared spectrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS20250353728A1Beverage dispenser with dispensing area cameras

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 THE COCA COLA CO

AI summary

The present application provides a beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage into a cup. The beverage dispenser may include a dispensing area with a nozzle and an optical recognition system. The optical recognition system may include a camera positioned about the dispensing area.