Beverage Dispensing System Multi-Scanner Fraud Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems lack a secure mechanism to prevent fraud, as they can be deceived by using images of markers or QR codes instead of the actual containers, allowing unauthorized access to beverages.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispensing system with a read area containing at least two orthogonal scanners positioned to detect specific markers on the container, ensuring only the intended container can be aligned for dispensing, preventing the use of images or additional devices to fraudulently obtain beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single scanner is used to read markers, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but it can be deceived by images of markers or QR codes placed on smartphones or other devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the marker verification task into multiple independent scanning operations by using multiple scanners positioned at different locations. Each scanner reads a specific marker on the container, and all readings must be valid for dispensing to occur. This segmentation prevents fraud because a smartphone displaying a QR code image cannot simultaneously present multiple markers to multiple scanners in the required configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point verification to a multi-dimensional verification approach by positioning scanners at different spatial coordinates and orientations. The scanners are arranged such that they can only simultaneously read markers on the actual beverage container that is properly positioned in the dispensing area, creating a geometric constraint that prevents fraudulent verification.
2Reliability
If multiple scanners are positioned to read specific markers on the container, then fraud is prevented by requiring co-alignment, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of multiple scanners at fixed, predetermined locations and orientations before operation. This preliminary configuration ensures that when a container is placed in the dispensing area, the scanners are already positioned to read specific markers on the container. The preliminary setup eliminates the need for dynamic positioning adjustments during operation, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high verification accuracy.
3Reliability
If the read area geometry is designed to force co-alignment of markers with scanners, then only genuine containers can be verified, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by creating a specific geometric configuration in the read area where the physical arrangement of scanners and markers requires the container to be positioned in a particular orientation. The read area itself has a specialized geometry that guides the container into the correct position. This localized geometric constraint ensures reliable marker alignment while the overall system remains user-friendly as the user simply needs to place the container in the designated area.
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
The system effectively prevents fraud by ensuring only the genuine container with aligned markers can initiate dispensing, enhancing security and operational efficiency, especially in high-volume settings.
Implementation Method 1
each of the at least two readers includes a camera and/or sensor configured to identify an aspect of a marker of the at least two markers via optical character recognition and/or vision object detection and classification
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a disbursing system including a dispensing unit and a read area having at least two readers. Each of the at least two readers is configured to generate a signal when detecting a marker disposed on a beverage container. The beverage container includes at least two markers. The system includes a switch in electro-mechanical connection with the dispensing unit. The system includes a control module in operative connection with the switch and in communication with the at least two readers. When the at least two readers generate at least two signals detecting at least two markers, the control module actuates the switch.