KR102699334B1 - System for providing multi-use cup rental and return service by using information and communication technology - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system for providing a rental and collection service using ICT, which provides an eco-friendly cup rental service using ICT, including a user terminal (110) having a cup rental service-related app installed, a reusable cup (120) having an RFID chip (121) attached thereto that provides unique cup ID information, a cup vending machine (130) that reads personal identification information to generate rental information including a rental period and whether ice is selected and dispenses and provides a reusable cup (120) corresponding to the rental information, a collection box (140) that reads the RFID chip (121) to generate return information and collects a reusable cup (120) corresponding to the return information, and an operation server (150) that receives and analyzes rental information and return information, collects and washes the collected reusable cup (120), and reintroduces the washed reusable cup (120) into the cup vending machine (130).

Description

{SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING MULTI-USE CUP RENTAL AND RETURN SERVICE BY USING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY}

The present invention relates to a system for providing a rental and collection service for a reusable cup using ICT, and more specifically, to a system for providing a rental and collection service for a reusable cup using ICT that applies ICT to provide an eco-friendly cup rental service that can be reused.

As is well known, the amount of waste has increased rapidly due to the recent rapid industrialization process, resulting in serious environmental pollution and economic losses. Accordingly, in order to solve the problem of increasing waste, the government is promoting policies to reduce waste and promote recycling.

For example, in relation to recyclables, it is known that increasing the recycling rate of plastics, scrap metal, glass, paper, etc. by just 1% can generate an economic effect of up to 63.9 billion won per year. However, the majority of consumers still dispose of recyclables without sorting them, which means that these economic effects are not being fully achieved.

In particular, in order to reduce environmental pollution caused by disposable cups, a disposable cup refund system has been implemented, where customers pay a deposit when ordering coffee and receive a refund when they return the used disposable cup to the store.

However, as this system has been officially abolished and left to the discretion of individual companies, the use of disposable cups is increasing again.

To improve these problems, individual businesses are proposing and implementing measures to provide tumblers (personal cups) at low prices and reward consumers with benefits such as discounts and points when they bring their own tumblers.

However, from the company's perspective, it is not easy to manage systematically, and the cost and work are increased, so it ends up being a show campaign, and there is a lack of incentive to use it.

Accordingly, a technology is required that can provide an eco-friendly, reusable cup rental service using information and communication technology instead of a deposit or benefit.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0052449 (Tumbler rental return system and method, 2023.04.20) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2023-0080280 (Multi-use container rental return tracking service provision system, 2023.06.07)

The technical problem to be achieved by the idea of the present invention is to provide a system for providing a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT, which can provide an eco-friendly cup rental service that can be reused by applying ICT.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a user terminal having a cup rental service-related app installed, which provides a rental and collection service of a reusable cup, and provides personal identification information for a service usage right acquired through an in-app payment; a reusable cup having an RFID chip attached thereto, which provides unique cup ID information for each type of cup; a plurality of cup vending machines, each of which is individually assigned a unique vending machine ID and is equipped with an ice maker for generating ice, which reads the personal identification information from the user terminal to generate rental information including a rental period and whether ice is selected, and dispenses and provides a reusable cup corresponding to the rental information; a plurality of collection boxes, each of which is individually assigned a unique collection box ID, which reads the RFID chip after use of the reusable cup to generate return information, and collects the reusable cup corresponding to the return information; And the system provides a rental and collection service providing system utilizing ICT, including an operation server that collects and stores the personal identification information and the unique cup ID information, receives and analyzes the rental information and the return information, transmits collection request information to a collection-related company server to collect and wash the collected reusable cups in the collection box, and reinserts the washed reusable cups into the cup vending machine, thereby comprehensively managing and monitoring the rental, collection, and collection services of the reusable cups.

Here, the user terminal generates a QR code including the personal identification information, and the cup vending machine reads the QR code through a QR code reader to identify the service usage right and provide a selection menu of whether it is a regular cup or an ice cup, a regular or large cup, and whether the lid is attached.

At this time, the cup vending machine generates inventory information of cups and lids according to the discharge of the reusable cup and transmits it to the operation server, and the operation server can generate re-input information and transmit it to the collection-related company server.

In addition, the reusable cup may have an RFID chip embedded in the bottom and may be formed of a vacuum insulation structure separated into an inner wall and an outer wall.

At this time, the inner wall and the outer wall may be made of PP material, or the inner wall may be made of stainless steel material and the outer wall may be made of PP material.

In addition, the cup vending machine may be configured with a touch screen for selecting the selection menu on the front, the QR code reader for reading the QR code, a main body having an openable and closable discharge port for discharging the reusable cup, a cup receiving portion for receiving the cup body and the lid of the reusable cup by stacking them respectively, a sterilizing portion for picking a specific number of the reusable cups from the cup receiving portion and arranging them to sterilize the inside and outside of the reusable cups with ultraviolet rays, a reusable cup providing portion for filling the cup body delivered from the sterilizing portion with drinking water or ice or assembling the lid according to the selection menu, and a cup transfer portion for transferring the reusable cup from the reusable cup providing portion to the discharge port.

Here, the sterilizing unit can be visually identified through a transparent window of the main body.

At this time, an advertising promotional video can be displayed through the touch screen, and an advertising image can be printed on the surface of the reusable cup.

In addition, the collection box may be configured with an RFID reader for reading the RFID chip on the front, a main body having an inlet formed to open and close so that the reusable cup can be inserted, a holder having a silicone bag for collecting the reusable cups recovered from the inlet, and a control unit for analyzing the return information to identify the number of reusable cups contained in the silicone bag, thereby generating collection information and transmitting the collected cups to the collection-related company server.

Here, the insertion port is configured to be opened and closed by an aperture mechanism, so that reusable cups of various sizes can be inserted, and closed when insertion is complete.

At this time, the control unit may irradiate LED light onto a transparent or translucent reusable cup inserted into the inlet, analyze an image of the reusable cup captured by the vision camera to identify whether the reusable cup is contaminated, deformed or damaged, generate recovery information based on the identified condition, and branch the reusable cups based on the recovery information to be collected in each corresponding silicone bag.

Specifically, the recycling bin may further include a crusher that crushes reusable cups that are unusable due to contamination, deformation or damage to create flakes.

Meanwhile, the operation server receives and analyzes the rental information and return information, and generates penalty information based on whether the rental period has been exceeded, and in the event of non-return, delayed return or loss of the reusable cup, restricts the service usage rights of the relevant user, or imposes a penalty fee in conjunction with in-app payment.

According to the present invention, a reusable eco-friendly cup rental service is provided by applying ICT, and clean cups and ice are conveniently provided through QR code identification, the collection process is simplified through RFID chip reading, collection is possible without foreign substances, and unmanned operation is possible, thereby minimizing operating costs for hygiene, rental, collection, and collection, and systematically managing rental, collection, collection, and loss.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a system for providing a reusable cup rental and collection service using ICT according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an example of a cup vending machine of a reusable cup rental and collection service provision system utilizing the ICT of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates a reusable cup of the reusable cup rental and collection service provision system utilizing ICT of Figure 1.
Figures 4 to 6 illustrate collection boxes of a reusable cup rental and collection service system utilizing the ICT of Figure 1, respectively.
Figure 7 illustrates a flow chart of a reusable cup rental and collection service provision system utilizing the ICT of Figure 1.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention having the above-described features will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

The system for providing a reusable cup rental and collection service using ICT according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a user terminal (110) having a cup rental service-related app installed, a reusable cup (120) having an RFID chip (121) attached thereto that provides unique cup ID information, a cup vending machine (130) that reads personal identification information to generate rental information including a rental period and whether ice is selected and dispenses and provides a reusable cup (120) corresponding to the rental information, a collection box (140) that reads the RFID chip (121) to generate return information and collects a reusable cup (120) corresponding to the return information, and an operation server (150) that receives and analyzes rental information and return information, collects and washes the collected reusable cup (120), and reintroduces the washed reusable cup (120) into the cup vending machine (130), thereby providing an eco-friendly cup rental service using ICT.

Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a system for providing a reusable cup rental and collection service utilizing the ICT of the above-described configuration is specifically described as follows.

First, a cup rental service related app is installed on the user terminal (110), and the cup rental service related app provides a rental and collection service of a reusable cup (120) and provides personal identification information for the right to use the rechargeable service acquired through in-app payment to the cup vending machine (130).

For example, a user can receive a rental service by entering a QR code generated corresponding to personal identification information in an app related to a cup rental service into the QR code reader (132) of a cup vending machine (130).

In addition, the cup rental service related app can provide the locations of cup vending machines (130) and collection boxes (140) in the user's surrounding area by flagging them on a map.

Next, a multi-use cup (120) is provided to a user from a cup vending machine (130) and rented, and an RFID chip (121) that provides unique cup ID information for each type of cup, such as a regular cup, ice cup, regular or large cup size, is attached to the multi-use cup (120), so that the used multi-use cup (120) is collected from a collection box (140) through the tag of the RFID chip (121).

For example, a reusable cup (120) may have an RFID chip (121) built into the bottom, and the cup (122) may be made of a vacuum insulation structure separated into an inner wall (122a) and an outer wall (122b) to prevent condensation and enable use for both ICE and HOT.

In addition, the inner wall (122a) and the outer wall (122b) are both made of PP material, or the inner wall (122a) is made of stainless steel material and the outer wall (122b) is made of PP material, so that contamination of drinking water can be minimized and the inner wall (122a) can be kept clean.

Next, cup vending machines (130) are placed in large numbers in dormitories, campuses, university areas, public facilities, busy areas with high traffic, parks, or other places where hydration is required, and each cup vending machine (130) is individually assigned a unique vending machine ID to communicate with the operation server (150) and is equipped with an ice maker (131) to produce ice so as to provide ice in reusable cups (120).

In addition, the cup vending machine (130) reads personal identification information from the user terminal (110) through the QR code reader (132), generates rental information including the rental period and whether ice is selected, transmits the information to the operation server (150), and dispenses a reusable cup (120) corresponding to the rental information to provide it to the user.

As mentioned above, the user terminal (110) generates a QR code including personal identification information through an app related to a cup rental service, and as shown in FIG. 2, the cup vending machine (130) reads the QR code presented by the user terminal (110) through a QR code reader (132), identifies the service usage right, and provides a selection menu of a regular cup without ice, an ice cup with ice, a regular or large cup size, and a lid (123) assembly through a touch screen (133).

Specifically, referring to FIG. 2, the cup vending machine (130) comprises a touch screen (133) for selecting the previously mentioned selection menu on the front, a QR code reader (132) for reading a QR code, a main body (135) formed with a discharge port (134) formed so that a blocking plate (134a) can be opened and closed by sliding up and down or left and right so that a reusable cup (120) is discharged, a cup receiving section (not shown) for receiving the cup body and lid (123) of the reusable cup (120) separately and stacked up and down, a sterilizing section (not shown) for picking a specific number of reusable cups (120) from the cup receiving section and arranging them to sterilize the inside and outside of the reusable cup (120) with ultraviolet rays, a reusable cup providing section (not shown) for filling the cup body transferred from the sterilizing section with drinking water, soft drinks, juice, etc., filling it with ice, or assembling the lid (123) according to the selection menu, and a cup receiving section for receiving the cup from the reusable cup providing section. It may be configured with a cup transfer unit (not shown) for transferring a reusable cup (120) to a discharge port (134).

In addition, the sterilization unit can be visually exposed through the transparent window (135a) of the main body (135) so that the sterilization process of the reusable cup (120) can be identified with the naked eye, thereby providing the user with a high level of confidence in hygiene.

In addition, additional advertising revenue can be generated by providing advertisements through apps related to cup rental services, displaying advertising promotional videos through my touch screen (133), and printing advertising images on the surface and recycling bin (140) of a reusable cup (120).

In addition, the cup vending machine (130) generates inventory information for the cup (122) and lid (123) according to the discharge of the reusable cup (120) and transmits it to the operation server (150), and the operation server (150) generates re-input information and transmits it to the collection-related company server (160) so that the corresponding cup (121) and lid (123) can be filled in the cup vending machine (130).

In addition, as shown in Fig. 2, a reusable cup (120) may be placed on a tray that slides back and forth from a discharge port (134) and discharged to the outside, thereby preventing unexpected contamination by a hand entering the discharge port (134) to hold the reusable cup (120).

Next, a plurality of collection boxes (140) are placed in dormitories, campuses, university districts, public facilities, busy areas with high traffic, parks, or other places where water replenishment is required, and each collection box (140) is individually assigned a unique collection box (140) ID to communicate with the operation server (150), and after the use of a reusable cup (120), the RFID chip (121) is read by an RFID reader (141) to generate return information and transmit it to the operation server (150), and the reusable cup (120) corresponding to the return information is collected.

Meanwhile, after the reusable cup (120) is recovered by the recycling bin (140), the reusable cup (120) can be collected by a collection company, washed, and re-inserted into the cup vending machine (130) for reuse, thereby minimizing waste generation and carbon emissions resulting from the use of disposable cups.

Specifically, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the collection box (140) may be configured with an RFID reader (141) for reading an RFID chip (121) on the front, a main body (143) having an inlet (142) formed to open and close so that a reusable cup (120) is inserted, a holder (143b) on which a plurality of silicone bags (143a) are placed for receiving and collecting a certain amount of reusable cups (120) recovered from the inlet (142), and a control unit (not shown) for analyzing return information to identify the number, volume, or weight of reusable cups (120) contained in the silicone bags (143a) and generating collection information and transmitting the collected information to a collection-related company server (160).

Here, referring to FIG. 5, the insertion port (142) is configured to open and close with an aperture mechanism corresponding to the size of the reusable cup (120) included in the return information, so that reusable cups (120) of various sizes can be inserted, and closed when insertion is complete, so that when the insertion port (142) is opened, the gap with the reusable cup (120) is minimized, so that foreign substances other than the reusable cup (120) are not inserted.

In addition, referring to FIG. 6, the control unit irradiates LED light onto a reusable cup (120) made of a transparent or translucent material that has been inserted into an inlet (142), analyzes an image of the reusable cup captured by a vision camera (144) to identify whether the reusable cup (120) is contaminated, deformed or damaged, generates recovery information based on the identified condition, and branches the reusable cups (120) based on the recovery information to collect them in their respective silicone bags (143a), thereby classifying and collecting reusable reusable cups (120) and reusable reusable cups (120) that are contaminated or damaged and cannot be reused, thereby reducing the work time required for separate classification work by manpower.

Here, the branching of the reusable cup (120) may be achieved by tilting the mounting plate (145) on which the reusable cup (120) is mounted left and right, or by applying pressure to a cylinder pin (146) formed on both sides of the reusable cup (120) and performing a back-and-forth stroke.

In addition, although not shown, the collection box (140) may further include a crusher (not shown) that classifies reusable cups (120) that cannot be reused due to contamination, deformation or damage and crushes them on its own to create flakes, thereby reducing the volume during collection and making them easier to transport.

In addition, when a reusable cup (120) that exceeds a certain number of reuses is collected, it may be classified as a non-reusable reusable cup (120) and collected separately, or it may be collected after being crushed.

Next, the operation server (150) collects and stores personal identification information and unique cup ID information transmitted from the cup vending machine (130), receives rental information from the cup vending machine (130) and return information from the collection box (140), analyzes each of them, calculates the cup shortage rate (number of cups used/number of cups saturated), identifies the stock of the cup vending machine (130) and identifies the time of re-input, calculates the collection box saturation rate (number of cups inserted/number of cups saturated), identifies the collection time of the collection box (140), and identifies the number of reuses of the reusable cup (120).

In addition, the operation server (150) transmits collection request information to the collection-related company server (160) to collect and wash the reusable cup (120) collected in the collection box (140), and to reinsert the washed reusable cup (120) into the cup vending machine (130), thereby integratedly managing and monitoring the rental, collection, and collection services of the reusable cup (120).

In addition, the operation server (150) receives and analyzes rental and return information, generates penalty information based on whether the rental period has been exceeded, and transmits the information to the user terminal (110). In this way, when the reusable cup (120) is not returned, returned late, or lost, the service usage rights of the user can be restricted, or a penalty fee can be charged in conjunction with in-app payment.

Fig. 7 is an example of a flow chart of a system for providing a multi-use cup rental and collection service using ICT of Fig. 1. With reference to this, a method for providing a multi-use cup rental and collection service using ICT is described in detail as follows.

First, a user terminal (110) with a cup rental service-related app installed acquires the right to use the rechargeable service through in-app payment, generates a QR code corresponding to personal identification information in the cup rental service-related app, and inputs the generated QR code into the QR code reader (132) of the cup vending machine (130) to receive the rental service (S110).

Subsequently, the cup vending machine (130) reads personal identification information from the user terminal (110) through the QR code reader (132), generates rental information including the rental period and whether ice is selected, and transmits it to the operation server (150) (S120), and dispenses a reusable cup (120) corresponding to the rental information and provides it to the user (S125).

Subsequently, the cup vending machine (130) generates inventory information for the cup (122) and lid (123) according to the discharge of the reusable cup (120) and transmits it to the operation server (150) (S130), and the operation server (150) generates re-input information (S135) and transmits it to the collection-related company server (160) so that the corresponding cup (121) and lid (123) can be filled in the cup vending machine (130).

Subsequently, after the reusable cup (120) is used, the retrieval box (140) reads the RFID chip (121) through the RFID reader (141) to generate return information and transmits it to the operation server (150), and retrieves the reusable cup (120) corresponding to the return information (S140).

Meanwhile, the operation server (150) receives and analyzes rental and return information, generates penalty information based on whether the rental period has been exceeded, and transmits the information to the user terminal (110). In this way, when the reusable cup (120) is not returned, returned late, or lost, the service usage rights of the user may be restricted, or a penalty fee may be charged in conjunction with in-app payment (S150).

Therefore, by configuring a reusable cup rental and collection service provision system utilizing ICT as described above, a reusable eco-friendly cup rental service is provided by applying ICT, clean cups and ice are provided easily through QR code identification, the collection process is simplified through RFID chip reading, collection is performed without foreign substances, and unmanned operation is possible to minimize operating costs for hygiene, rental, collection, and collection, and systematic management of rental, collection, collection, and loss is possible.

The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

110: User terminal 120: Reusable cup
121 : RFID chip 122 : Cup
123: Lid 130: Cup vending machine
131 : Ice Maker 132 : QR Code Reader
133 : Touchscreen 134 : Outlet
135 : Body 140 : Recover
141: RFID reader 142: Input port
143: Body 144: Vision Camera
145: Mounting plate 146: Cylinder pin
150: Operation server 160: Collection-related company server

Claims (13)

A user terminal having an app installed related to a cup rental service that provides rental and collection services for reusable cups and provides personally identifiable information for service usage rights acquired through in-app payments;
Reusable cups with RFID chips that provide unique cup ID information for each cup type;
A plurality of cup vending machines, each of which is individually assigned a unique vending machine ID and is equipped with an ice maker for producing ice, reads the personal identification information from the user terminal to generate rental information including the rental period and whether ice is selected, and dispenses and provides a reusable cup corresponding to the rental information;
A plurality of collection boxes, each of which is individually assigned a unique collection box ID, reads the RFID chip after the use of the reusable cup to generate return information and collects the reusable cup corresponding to the return information; and
An operation server is included, which collects and stores the personal identification information and the unique cup ID information, receives and analyzes the rental information and the return information, transmits collection request information to a collection-related company server to collect and wash the collected reusable cups in the collection box, and re-inserts the washed reusable cups into the cup vending machine, thereby comprehensively managing and monitoring the rental, collection, and collection services of the reusable cups.
The above user terminal generates a QR code containing the above personal identification information,
The above cup vending machine reads the QR code through the QR code reader to identify the service usage right and provides a selection menu of whether it is a regular cup or ice cup, whether it is a regular or large cup, and whether the lid is assembled.
The above cup vending machine,
A main body having a touch screen for selecting the above selection menu on the front, a QR code reader for reading the QR code, and an outlet that can be opened and closed to discharge the reusable cup.
A cup receiving section that receives the cup body and the lid of the above-mentioned reusable cup by stacking them, respectively.
A sterilizing unit that picks and arranges a specific number of the reusable cups from the cup receiving unit and sterilizes the inside and outside of the reusable cups with ultraviolet rays.
According to the above selection menu, a reusable cup providing unit that fills the cup body transferred from the sterilization unit with drinking water or ice or assembles the lid, and
It is composed of a cup transfer unit that transfers the reusable cup from the reusable cup providing unit to the outside of the outlet so that it can be discharged,
The above cup transport part,
A first mounting plate on which the above-mentioned reusable cup is mounted, and
It includes a tray that slides the first mounting plate back and forth from the discharge port,
The above recovery box is,
A main body having an RFID reader for reading the RFID chip on the front and an inlet that opens and closes to allow the reusable cup to be inserted;
A holder having a first silicone bag and a second silicone bag for collecting the reusable cups recovered from the above-mentioned inlet and dividing the collected reusable cups into recyclable and non-recyclable reusable cups, and
It is composed of a control unit that analyzes the return information, identifies the number of the reusable cups contained in the first silicone bag and the second silicone bag, generates collection information, and transmits it to the collection-related company server.
The above-mentioned inlet is configured to open and close with an aperture mechanism, so that reusable cups of various sizes can be inserted, and is closed when insertion is complete.
The above control unit,
The LED light is irradiated onto a transparent or translucent reusable cup inserted into the above-mentioned inlet, and the image of the reusable cup captured by the vision camera is analyzed to identify whether the reusable cup is contaminated, deformed or damaged, and the recovery information is generated based on the identified status, and the reusable cup is divided based on the recovery information so that it is collected in one of the first silicone bag and the second silicone bag.
It further includes a reusable cup branching part that branches the reusable cup according to the above recovery information,
The above reusable cup branch part is,
A second mounting plate on which the above-mentioned reusable cup is mounted,
It is characterized by including a cylinder pin formed on both sides of the second mounting plate to press the multi-use cup to one of the two sides to collect it in one of the first silicone bag and the second silicone bag.
A system that provides a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT. delete In paragraph 1,
The above cup vending machine generates inventory information of cups and lids according to the discharge of the above reusable cups and transmits it to the above operation server.
The above operation server is characterized by generating re-input information and transmitting it to the collection-related company server.
A system that provides a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT. In paragraph 1,
The above reusable cup,
It is characterized by having an RFID chip embedded in the bottom and a vacuum insulation structure separated into inner and outer walls.
A system that provides a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT. In paragraph 4,
The above inner wall and the above outer wall are made of PP material, or
The inner wall is made of stainless steel, and the outer wall is made of PP.
A system that provides a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT. delete In the first paragraph,
The above sterilization unit,
It is characterized in that it can be identified with the naked eye through the transparent window of the above body.
A system that provides a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT. In paragraph 1,
Display advertising promotional videos through the above touch screen,
Characterized in that an advertising image is printed on the surface of the above reusable cup.
A system that provides a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT. delete delete delete In paragraph 1,
The above recovery box is,
The above is due to contamination, deformation or damage. A method of manufacturing a cup manufacturing machine, characterized by further including a crusher for crushing and classifying non-recyclable reusable cups to produce flakes.
A system that provides a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT. In the first paragraph,
The above operating server is,
The above rental information and the above return information are received and analyzed, and penalty information is generated based on whether the rental period has been exceeded, and in case of non-return, delayed return or loss of the reusable cup, the service usage rights of the relevant user are restricted or a penalty fee is charged in conjunction with in-app payment.
A system that provides a rental and collection service for reusable cups using ICT.