NFC-Enabled Cup Beverage Dispensing System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing beverage dispensing systems for large events, such as sports stadiums, face challenges in efficiently serving beverages from kegs due to slow transaction processes, leading to long queues and missed event experiences, especially during structured breaks when demand peaks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing NFC-enabled cups linked to user profiles for automated credit transfer and payment, enabling rapid authorization and dispensing through NFC communication between cups, mobile devices, and credit receipt circuits, along with automated filling stations and kiosks for efficient cup distribution and payment management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual service counters with operators are used for beverage dispensing, then payment collection and order taking can be performed, but queuing times increase and service speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated dispensing machines that interact with NFC tags on cups. Customers can independently initiate beverage dispensing by placing their prepared cups on the machine, which automatically detects the NFC tag, processes payment, and dispenses the beverage without requiring manual service counter intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of cash handling, change making, and order recording is replaced by an electronic system using NFC communication, automated payment processing, and computer-controlled dispensing mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical operations with electronic automation resolves the contradiction between service capability and service speed.
2Productivity
If automated dispensing systems are implemented, then service speed increases and queuing time decreases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC tag on the cup serves multiple functions: it stores customer identification, beverage selection preferences, payment information, and transaction history. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated component, managing complexity while enabling automated high-speed service.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC tag acts as an intermediary between the customer's mobile device and the dispensing machine. It mediates the transfer of payment and authorization data, simplifying the interaction protocol and reducing the complexity burden on both the customer device and the dispensing system while enabling rapid automated transactions.
3Loss of time
If NFC-enabled cups with linked user profiles are used, then cashless rapid transactions are enabled, but device complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC tag is pre-loaded with customer profile data, beverage preferences, and payment authorization before the customer arrives at the dispensing location. This preliminary preparation of transaction data eliminates the need for real-time data exchange during the actual dispensing transaction, reducing transaction time to merely the physical cup placement and beverage dispensing actions.
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
This system significantly reduces queuing times by enabling quick and cashless transactions, allowing for faster beverage service and improving the overall event experience by minimizing wait times and allowing attendees to focus on the event.
Implementation Method 1
Each cup is fitted with an electronically detectable, unique identification tag in the form of a Near Field Communication (NFC) readable circuit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a system for the service of a beverage to consumers (4) and particularly keg (2a) stored beverage to a crowd attendant at a large-scale event. The system comprises a payment facility (3) which loads credits for cup units of a beverage against a user profile (5). The facility is connected to an electronic platform which manages user profiles and profile credits. A near field communication (NFC) enabled device is linked to the user profile. A beverage dispensing (2) machine includes a computer processor (9) connected to a profile credit receipt circuit including at least one reader for mounted identification tags (17) and/or NFC devices. The system is programmed to: dispense a cup unit of a beverage into each of a plurality of cups on transmission to the credit receipt circuit of a request to redeem a cup credit; recognize an authorisation interaction associated with the request; and to deduct a commensurate number of credits from the relevant user profile.