RU2801918C2 - Distribution network for monitoring, control and optimization of the flow of liquid drinking products delivered to consumers through containers - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: liquid filling.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to a liquid product distribution method, apparatus and network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product filling containers. The network comprises at least one liquid product bottling container for transportation from a transportation location to a bottling location, whereas at least one said liquid product bottling container comprises a radio transmitter fixed in an adaptable manner and a microprocessor for reading and transmitting a plurality of data measurements that relate to the state of said container for dispensing a liquid product; a mobile radio signal reader configured to operate within said distribution network to receive said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter and additionally transmit information related to said plurality of data measurements to computer software systems associated with said filling location for a plurality of data collection functions, wherein said data collection functions include liquid product inventory and management functions, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer marketing functions, wherein the mobile RF reader is configured such that, when placed in a wireless connection-shielding cold room, which comprises at least one liquid product filling container, it collects data from at least one liquid product filling container for subsequent generation of reports in the liquid product distribution network after the mobile RF reader leaves the cold store; a computer processing system associated with said mobile reader for processing data and executing instructions related to said information related to said data collection functions, and further enabling said information related to said data collection functions to interact with an internet communication interface; and a reporting and sales marketing subsystem associated with said server computer processing system for interacting with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in connection with the functions of producing, distributing, selling, trading, reporting, marketing and consuming said liquid products or for providing optimization of these functions.

EFFECT: increased reliability of data collection from containers.

20 cl, 48 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] The present invention claims the priority of Provisional Applications No. 62/339,513 titled "Monitoring, Control and/or Optimization of Product Flow", filed May 20, 2016, and No. 62/363,643 titled "System, apparatus and methods for determining the amount of liquid Inside Kegs" filed July 16, 2016, both patent applications being expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY TO WHICH THE INVENTION RELATES

[002] The present invention relates generally to monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing the flow of products delivered to consumers via containers entering a distribution network. Alternatively, the disclosed invention includes a distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid beverage products delivered to consumers via containers, equipment, and/or resources distributed over a geographic region, moving between or across locations, and having application, content, or other related status information.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] The beer industry in the US and other countries includes a number of actors performing functions from beer production to beer distribution to the sale of beer to consumers who ultimately drink and enjoy beer in many forms. While the US has legal requirements for a three-tier system requiring all beer to go through a distributor or wholesaler, for many reasons the three-tier system is also the most common way the beer industry operates in most other countries. The distributor does the sales and marketing on the spot for the manufacturer, with the distributors selling the beer to vendors serving the ultimate consumer of the beer. Distributors also maintain cold stores to store beer and truck fleets to deliver beer to final destinations. The distributor also ensures that retailers always sell fresh beer. In some countries, breweries are allowed to self-distribute, in which case the brewery performs both production and distribution functions.

[004] As you know, beer is sold to consumers in two main ways: in bottles and through kegs. Beer kegs are made of stainless steel or, more rarely, aluminum. The keg has one opening at one end, called the "pass". A tube, called a "pipe", runs from this hole to the other end. Nowadays, most major breweries use inner tube kegs. There is a self-closing valve, opened by a connecting fitting, which is attached when using a keg for sale in bulk. There is also a hole on the top of the tube that allows gas (usually carbon dioxide) to push the beer out of the keg. The connection fitting has one or two valves that control the flow of beer from the keg and gas into the keg. The keg must be in a vertical position, i.e. with a hole at the top for pouring beer.

[005] Kegs are typically the second largest asset of a brewery (the first is their production equipment), and this asset is not under its control. The average loss of kegs in this industry is 4% - 5% per year, and the owners usually do not know where and when they lose them. Deposits for a keg are only 30-50 dollars, while the cost of a keg is 100-150 dollars. The deposit does not cover the cost of the keg. Matching collateral between seller and recipient requires manual calculation and is prone to error. To track the location of kegs, you must manually scan them at each location.

[006] Kegs are often stolen or misplaced by vendors. So when breweries need empty kegs, the required kegs are not available because they haven't been returned yet. Without the ability to visually control where the kegs are and when they will be returned, it is difficult to predict and plan for needs.

[007] Keg maintenance schedules are also very important in maintaining product quality. However, without knowing the exact history of each keg, it is impossible to determine specific schedules. Without proper measurements, there is little opportunity for a brewery to optimize the use of their kegs. Keeping track of which kegs need service based on the number of uses in service requires manual counting and is prone to error. Keeping track of which kegs need cleaning and what type of cleaning based on the number of uses also requires manual counting and is error prone.

[008] When kegs are returned, they must be manually scanned to determine batch number, beer type, dates, etc. When scanning individual kegs as they enter and leave the warehouse, a single mistake can result in an inaccurate inventory. Matching keg serial numbers to deliveries is manual and error prone.

[009] Keeping track of kegs in cold stores, trucks, warehouses requires manual counting and is error prone. Using cardboard tags to identify keg content, fill dates, etc. - common practice - error prone as such tags are often torn off. The end result is that a retail outlet may inadvertently run out of a particular beer.

[0010] Beer is subject to aging, with some beers being better when fresh and some better when aged. Unpasteurized beer must be stored below certain temperature limits to prevent spoilage. Thus, sensitivity to such product requirements is an ongoing problem for distributors and merchants, since in this case errors can affect consumer acceptance of the beer manufacturer's product.

[0011] The distribution truck is also an important part of the beer industry, as this is the point where human limitations and incomplete information can lead to many problems. Inside the truck it is difficult/impossible to tell exactly which kegs are in the truck. Difficult to manage a group of drivers by monitoring compliance, making real-time route changes, etc. Difficult to keep track of which kegs are in the truck day in and day out, as well as when the truck enters the delivery service and picks up the load. Drivers may also try to disable tracking to hide unscheduled stops. It is difficult to collect mileage and speed data from a truck. It is difficult to train new drivers on the route, and it is difficult for drivers to learn the nuances of their customers' requirements.

[0012] One way to solve these problems could be the use of GPS tracking devices on beer kegs. However, tracking devices are often removed by the person stealing the keg. Most GPS tracking equipment costs nominally $100 because it includes a cellular radio, GPS radio, and so on. GPS tracking equipment is also bulky and requires power to operate. Most GPS tracking equipment requires a cellular data plan to contact the owner. This monthly fee is not allowed for a beer keg. This cost and the associated complications make beer keg GPS trackers unacceptable.

[0013] Although a brewery/distributor sells a keg to a vendor (ie, restaurant, bar, etc.), this does not mean that the keg is being sold on tap (ie, pints are offered for sale). Thus, the brewery/distributor does not know if the seller needs a new keg or not. Therefore, it is essential that the brewery and distributor review the seller's account to verify that the keg is being sold on tap. The brewery and distributor also want to know if the keg is "full at the restaurant", "empty at the distributor", and other logical states and transitions. Gathering this information can be very time consuming and complex, requiring multiple trips just to maintain the information.

[0014] Once the keg reaches the vendor, it is difficult to determine when the line at the beer hall may end due to the keg being in the cold store. The vendor would like to know how many servings can be sold, but tracking keg levels using Point of Sale (POS) is inaccurate due to differences in how the beer is served and when and how the keg is changed. Flowmeters that measure how much liquid is drawn from the keg (and thus how full the keg is) should be installed (1) in line between the keg and the bar handle; or (2) inside a valve attached to the keg; or (3) inside the valve in the handle. Again, there is the problem of correlating keg changes with flow meter measurements. Measuring the level of a liquid inside a container often requires making a passage through the container. Solutions for weighing a keg to determine how full it is may also require each keg to be weighed individually, which may interfere with racking and must be moved between kegs. All this unnecessarily complicates the use of kegs and the skills that merchants and consumers use when using kegs.

[0015] There is also an opportunity to improve the relationship between the brewery and the consumer. In the market, it is difficult to determine the effectiveness of marketing for a particular beer. Consumers want to order the beer they like. Consumers would like to know when their favorite beer will be available nearby. When their favorite beer is not available, consumers like to know recommendations for something else to try. When traveling, it is difficult for a consumer to find a place and what he wants.

[0016] Breweries would like to attract the attention of new consumers. It is difficult to randomly determine consumer preferences for beverage consumption (i.e. type of beer). The merchant's point of sale terminal often cannot distinguish which beer was sold. Consumers may want to order a particular type of beer. Consumers also like to know when promotions are coming.

[0017] In light of the above considerations, the modern beer industry requires a significant improvement in the supply chain involving breweries, distributors, merchants and consumers. There is a need to significantly improve the use and monitoring of beer kegs throughout the beer supply chain, both for the profitability of this industry and for the protection and convenience of consumers. However, prior to the present invention, such improvements have not been effective in addressing these problems and possibilities satisfactorily.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In light of the problems described above in the beer industry at every level of the brewery, distributor, retailer, and consumer, the present disclosure provides numerous innovations, improvements, and inventions related to monitoring, controlling, and/or optimizing the flow of products delivered to consumers via containers arriving to the distribution network. The disclosed invention includes a distribution network for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing the flow of liquid beverage products delivered to consumers via containers, equipment, and/or resources distributed over a geographic region, moving between or across locations, and having application, content, or other information. related status information.

[0019] According to one aspect, the disclosed invention relates to a liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers served by the distribution network for distributing said liquid products via liquid product filling containers. The liquid product distribution network includes at least one liquid product dispensing container for transport from a transport location to a dispensing location. At least one container for dispensing a liquid product includes a radio transmitter fixed in an adaptable manner and a microprocessor for reading and transmitting a plurality of data measurements that relate to the state of said container for dispensing a liquid product. The fixed or mobile radio reader operates within the distribution network to receive multiple data measurements from the radio transmitter and additionally transmit information related to the multiple data measurements. The computer program systems are associated with the RF reader(s) for a variety of data acquisition functions. Data acquisition functions include liquid product management functions, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer management functions. The server computer processing system communicates with the stationary reader to process data and execute instructions related to information related to data collection functions. The computer processing server further transmits information related to the data collection functions using an internet communication interface or a cloud interface. The sales reporting and marketing system communicates with the server computer processing systems to interact with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in connection with the functions of producing, distributing, selling and consuming liquid products.

[0020] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid product distribution network and provides a device for a liquid product dispensing container to be fixed on a liquid product dispensing container, such as a beer keg, for monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing the liquid product flow, delivered to consumers from a liquid product bottling container. The liquid product dispenser moves from location to location and dispenses the liquid product from location in the distribution network. The device for a container for dispensing a liquid product includes a housing for attaching it to a container for dispensing a liquid product. The housing includes a housing and a fastening mechanism for securing the housing in a predetermined location of a liquid product dispensing container. The liquid product dispensing container device includes a power source for providing power. An indicator light may be used to indicate the status of the liquid product dispenser device. The device for the container for dispensing a liquid product includes a radio transmitter circuit for mounting in the casing. The radio communication/processing module processes radio transmissions of information related to the liquid product filling container. The antenna communicates with the radio communication/processing module to send and receive radio transmissions between the radio communication/processing module and at least one fixed reader and/or mobile device. The temperature sensor circuit reads temperature values related to the liquid product filling container and generates electrical signals related to these temperatures. The transducer circuit reads measurements of the liquid product inside the liquid product dispensing container and generates electrical signals related to these reading measurements. A microphone/sensor circuit for picking up sounds and related data is in communication with the dispensing of a liquid product from a container for dispensing a liquid product. The codec/digital signal processing circuit includes a memory and a computer instruction processing circuit for receiving data and processing instructions from a temperature sensor, a transducer, and a microphone/sensor circuit generating information related to the location of the liquid product filling container, the state of the liquid filling container product and the condition of the liquid product inside the container for filling the liquid product. The processor instructions enable the operation of the radio transmitter device to transmit information related to the location of the liquid product dispensing container, the state of the liquid product dispensing container, and the state of the liquid product within the liquid product dispensing container.

[0021] The liquid product distribution network of the present invention includes a radio transmitter enabling wireless communication to identify specific kegs even if they are not visible/accessible. The radio transmitter also provides the ability to inventory specific kegs in the warehouse. The radio transmitter also provides real-time automatic matching of returned kegs as well as keg location and cold store inventory. The radio transmitter uses conventional mobile phones to detect kegs within a 100 foot radius in the background without any manual interaction and from a distance without the kegs visible.

[0022] The radio transmitter allows for automatic and accurate matching of keg serial numbers to match collateral and maintain inventory. The radio transmitter and associated software allow for easy viewing of keg contents, fill dates, etc. using a conventional mobile phone, as well as kegs labeled for maintenance based on the number of revolutions in operation.

[0023] Because the radio transmitter uniquely identifies the keg as well as its distributor and brand, the status of the keg can be automatically transmitted to the brewery/distributor. The distribution network mechanism for determining how full each keg is is fixed on the keg and does not require the kegs to be moved to the weigh scale. The radio transmitter is connected within the distribution network to automatically transmit filling data to the appropriate brewery/distributor.

[0024] Using a cell phone communication system, the radio transmitter does not require its own GPS and cellular radios, which can cost ten dollars or less. The radio also does not require a monthly cellular plan, has a small form factor, and can last five years on conventional lithium battery cells.

[0025] When operating nominally for five years, the radio transmitter is consistent with a typical five-year keg maintenance cycle. The distribution network includes a keg level measurement system that does not require entry into the container. The keg level measurement system isolates acoustic measurements by: (1) using ambient noise suppression; (2) timing measurements to match the acoustic pulse generated by a particular keg. The level measurement system is non-continuous, saving power when it is not measuring, and requires neither line penetration nor modification of handles/faucets.

[0026] The distribution network includes a truck reader capable of real-time inventory of a delivery truck. By placing the antennas at the ends of the wires, the main reader unit of the truck can be hidden and/or secured under the dashboard or seats. By connecting the ODB2 connector in the delivery truck, this unit can be easily installed and can collect mileage, speed and other data from the vehicle. By integrating a Wi-Fi antenna, the unit can "store and forward" - collect data during the day and automatically upload it at night when the truck returns to base. The truck reader acts as an information database for forwarding drivers, keeping track of the information they need to make deliveries, such as parking instructions, blocking or access codes, best times of the day to make deliveries, contacts and instructions for consumers, etc. d.

[0027] The truck reader allows real-time monitoring of trucks and drivers. For example, a truck reader allows you to determine which driver is closest to the required delivery, and whether drivers remain on their routes or make unscheduled stops, etc.

[0028] By collecting the location and history of the kegs, the distribution network determines the state transitions for the kegs. Some of the state transitions are defined retroactively. For example, the absence of readings after a certain period of time may retroactively determine a state transition that occurred at the start of that period. Call transfers between receptors and locations may define state changes. For example, a keg that was detected by a cold store reader, but then no longer detected by that reader, and then detected by a truck reader, could result in a status change to "delivered".

[0029] The distribution network may determine that the keg has been delivered to a merchant (ie, a consumer such as a restaurant/bar), but may not know to which merchant or when. If a mobile sensor (e.g. mobile phone) detects/determines by contact the presence of a keg at a location, then the distribution network determines which merchant the keg was delivered to and can retroactively determine the delivery schedule and other information since it now knows which merchant received the keg .

[0030] Using store and forward, the mobile sensor can download statistical information from the radio transmitter 16 when it detects it from the merchant. Using a mesh network, store and forward at the vendor, an arriving keg can announce its arrival to other kegs at the vendor. When one of the older kegs leaves the vendor and returns to the brewery, it forwards the information from the keg that just arrived when it was at the vendor.

[0031] The distribution network includes a weighing mat that can integrate branding such that a given keg type is associated with a location on the mat. The brewery can be held responsible for its portion of the mat by allowing the total area of the mat to gradually increase over time. The mat determines wirelessly using a radio transmitter where the kegs are on the mat to determine which keg is being weighed. By correlating the decrease in keg levels with beverage purchases, it is possible to determine which consumer made a purchase from which keg. Once a keg is identified, the brewery, type of beer, production date of the beer, etc. can be recognized.

[0032] By matching the consumer's location to the location of the keg, the consumer can be notified (1) when a keg of their favorite beer arrives for sale on tap; (2) the nearest location to buy a glass of beer; (3) how long the beer is likely to be on tap (ie how empty the keg is); (4) the keg is no longer available; (5) how fresh the beer is (i.e. when it was brewed). When a limited supply keg arrives for bottling, the act of entering for bottling can trigger alerts to consumers indicating that the keg is now available.

[0033] The distribution network may indicate that another beer currently available on tap is similar to what the consumer likes/bought before/what his friends like/what others drink/what is popular/freshest/most aged/ what is seasonal or special / what comes from a local brewery / what comes from a distant brewery / what has special ingredients / what is a limited offer. The distribution network may indicate that other beers currently available on tap are similar to what the consumer likes/bought before/etc, thus introducing the consumer to new breweries. The distribution network can indicate the date each beer was produced, how long it was aged, how long it was on tap, and so on.

[0034] By correlating a consumer's purchase of a product with marketing to the consumer, the effectiveness of the marketing can be determined and thereby improved marketing in the future. The brewery may allow the consumer to "be in charge" of the keg, so that the consumer is notified where the keg goes, when it arrives at locations, etc. If a consumer wants to be responsible for a keg with only a certain type of beer, a container can be allocated to his responsibility at each brew, so he "owns" the particular keg, even if the actual container is different at each brew. This allows the brewery to rotate its kegs normally while allowing the consumer to feel they are responsible for one keg.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] New features considered distinctive for the disclosed invention are set forth in the claims below. That said, the invention itself, as well as the preferred application, other objects and advantages thereof, may be best understood with reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Thus, after describing the invention in general terms, reference is made below to the accompanying drawings, not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of a liquid product distribution network according to the present invention;

[0038] in FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a radio transmitter according to the present invention;

[0039] in FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly and a battery pack according to the present invention, including components for performing the functions described;

[0040] in FIG. 4 shows an assembled radio transmitter in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary method of attaching a radio transmitter of the present invention to the rim of a keg;

[0042] in FIG. 6 shows an alternate switch configuration that uses the metal surface of the keg to turn on the radio transmitter;

[0043] in FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a tamper-evident mechanism for holding and securing a radio transmitter to the rim of a keg;

[0044] in FIG. 8A-8C show a radio transmitter locking mechanism for attaching the radio transmitter of the present invention to the rim of a keg;

[0045] in FIG. 9 shows an alternative locking mechanism for attaching a radio transmitter around the keg handle;

[0046] in FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a fluid level measurement mechanism for determining keg volume;

[0047] in FIG. 11A-11C show various embodiments of mounting a radio transmitter and a volume monitoring device according to the present invention;

[0048] in FIG. 12 and 13 show an alternative embodiment of the radio transmitter according to the present invention for mounting on a keg opening provided on the top of the keg;

[0049] in FIG. 14 shows a transducer-microphone configuration for use on a ring radio transmitter to determine volume and other properties of a keg;

[0050] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an authenticated attachment mechanism for attaching a radio transmitter to a keg;

[0051] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a radio transmitter architecture in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the system disclosed herein;

[0052] FIG. 17A and 17B depict various hardware for use on a delivery truck operating in a liquid product distribution network in accordance with the present invention;

[0053] in FIG. 18 shows various exemplary events that can affect keg state transitions when monitored kegs 14 move from different geographic regions;

[0054] in FIG. 19 shows the arrangement of various kegs 14 on an exemplary mat for use in the system of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 20 illustrates improved usage, monitoring and reporting of kegs between operations taking place in a cold store and operations taking place in a public space such as a restaurant or other location;

[0056] FIG. 21 depicts an exemplary radio transmitter for detecting and measuring tags in accordance with the present invention;

[0057] in FIG. 22 shows the location of a full reader in connection with a cold store or other location for detecting and generating status reports on a plurality of kegs;

[0058] FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary monitoring device screen that may be applied in FIG. 22;

[0059] FIG. 24A and 24B illustrate how a liquid product distribution network according to the present invention can read the status of a keg in a cold store with a closed metal door.

[0060] FIG. 25 shows a layered construction of a weighing mat according to the disclosure of the present invention;

[0061] FIG. 26 shows a weighing or measuring device for integration into the inside of a weighing mat according to the present invention;

[0062] FIG. 27 illustrates the connection of a keg radio transmitter to a weighing mat according to the present invention;

[0063] in FIG. 28 shows a potential configuration of stacked kegs 14 that can be measured and monitored using a weighing mat according to the present invention;

[0064] in FIG. 29-32 show various screens of a mobile device application for the present invention;

[0065] FIG. 33-35 illustrate exemplary screens that may find use for mobile phones and tablets to detect and report kegs 14 at various locations and data useful for monitoring and reporting in accordance with the present invention;

[0066] FIG. 36 illustrates the application marketing feedback loop of the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 37A-37D illustrate data that can be reported by software according to the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 38 illustrates the display of the system account editor according to the present invention; And

[0069] in FIG. 39 further shows information that may be generated by the system of the present invention upon delivery of kegs 14 to indicate the inventory and status of the keg.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0070] One or more embodiments of the invention are described below. It should be noted that these and any other embodiments are exemplary and are intended to illustrate the invention and not to limit. Although the invention is broadly applicable to various types of systems, it is not possible to include in this description all possible variations and situations in which the invention may be used. After reading this description, many alternative embodiments of the present invention will be clear to a person skilled in the art.

[0071] FIG. 1 illustrates the architecture of a liquid product distribution network according to the present invention. The liquid product distribution network (or distribution network) 10 is a system for monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing the flow of products delivered to customers via containers entering the distribution network. Alternatively, the distribution network 10 is a system for monitoring, controlling, and/or optimizing the use of equipment and/or resources distributed in a geographic region, moving between or among locations, and having application, content, or other associated status information. .

[0072] FIG. 1 shows a distribution network 10, whereby the network can be considered to start in the keg section 12 14. In the keg section 12 14, a plurality of liquid product containers, in this case kegs 14, can become part of the distribution network 10. Through the use of sensors and radio transmitters 16 associated with the kegs 14, a mesh network 18 is formed. The mesh network 18 has functions applicable to breweries 20, trucks 22, warehouses 24, cold stores 26, restaurants 28 and vendors 30, and even venues 32 for events .

[0073] The sensor/data acquisition section 34 is adjacent to the keg section 12 14 as a further integral part of the distribution network 10. There may be multiple devices in the sensor/data acquisition section 34 receiving output from the keg section 12 14. The stationary reader 36 may receive information from the mesh network 18 as well as mobile devices such as mobile device 38, mobile device 40 and mobile device 42 In this document, the sensing device 36/38 refers to either a fixed reader 36 and/or mobile devices 38, 40, 42, whichever is most relevant to the particular context.

[0074] The sensor/acquisition section 34 also communicates via interface 44 with management software such as ERP system software 46, POS system software 48, and CMS system software 50. The ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software 46 provides the functions of the brewery management software. The POS system software 48 provides the functions of point of sale systems. And the CMS software 50 provides the functions of the consumer management software for the distribution network 10 .

[0075] The server section 52 provides an interface between the distribution network 10 and the Internet 54. Using the server computers 52, the server section 52 makes available to the distribution network 10 all application data and other resources that may reside on the Internet and that may be applicable to network operation. 10 distribution.

[0076] The reporting/marketing/sales (RMS) section 58 provides accounting and management functions via mobile device 60, which may be any of mobile devices 38, 40, or 42. Additionally, computers such as desktop computers or mainframe computers 62, may interact with the distribution network 10 by communicating with the server section 52. By using said RMS section 58, breweries 20, distributors 64, merchants 30, and consumers 66 can benefit from distribution network 10.

[0077] In addition, there is a delivery section 68, which can be considered either as an addition to or part of the distribution network 10. Delivery section 68 may include a plurality of delivery trucks 70 equipped with various communications and display hardware 72 for communicating with mesh network 18 and individual radio transmitters 16 fixed to kegs 14.

[0078] In a distribution network system 10, radio transmitters 16 are attached to kegs 14 or other trackable items. The tracked kegs 14 are not fixed in geographic location, but move based on the needs of the business tracking them, and thus the transmitters move in geographic location. The fixed reader 36 and mobile devices 38, 40, 42 act as sensors and may or may not have fixed geographic locations.

[0079] The distribution network software 10 allows the location of each keg 14 to be automatically reported, as well as the state and/or content status of each keg 14. In many applications, keeping track of the state/content of the keg 14 is more important than just the location of the 14 keg. For example, in the brewing industry, a 14 keg can go from "Empty" to "Filled IPA (Indian Pale Ale)" to "IPA at the Distributor" to "IPA at the Consumer" to "IPA on tap at the Consumer" to “Empty at the Consumer”, etc. The distribution network software 10 automatically detects and updates the known state of the contents of each keg 14 as follows.

[0080] Exemplary events that may affect a state transition include: entering or exiting a geographic region; approaching or moving away from the stationary reader 36; receiving an input event from the corresponding system; sensors on the radio transmitter 14; etc. The kegs 14 have wireless radio transmitters 16. The location of the radio transmitter 16 on the keg 14 may be at various locations on the keg 14, which may be more favorable for sensor readings, calculation accuracy, and/or wireless signal reception. The radio transmitters 16 are attached to the outside of the keg 14 without being modified or penetrated and have no direct way of measuring the liquid level inside or the weight of the keg 14.

[0081] The software of the distribution network 10 need not collect all the measurements before computing the state transition. The distribution network software 10 may be distributed among a plurality of sensor radio transmitters 16 as well as a plurality of mobile devices 38 as well as stationary readers 36 as well as server computers 56 in the cloud 54 on the Internet. Each of these is considered a node in the distribution network 10 . Any node in the distribution network 10 may have the authority to detect a change in the state of the keg 14 or mesh network 18 and then communicate this change to the rest of the distribution network 10 . The RMS section 58 permits the arbitration of all such state changes and the recording of the final state of the kegs 14 or mesh networks 18 for reporting to the user.

[0082] There may be buffering/delay between triggering events in the operation of the distribution network 10 and the eventual propagation of state changes to the rest of the distribution network 10. This is because collection from radio transmitters 16, reading and/or data collection at fixed readers 36 or mobile devices 38, communication with server section 52 may not take place in real time. For example, reading and/or collection by the stationary reader 36 may occur when there is no available connection to the distribution network 10 . In this case, the data is buffered until a connection is established and then the state changes of the keg 14 are propagated through the distribution network 10 .

[0083] Examples of applications that support the distribution network 10 include keg 14 and content tracking, delivery truck communications 70, status and location tracking of industrial or contractor equipment, transportation, tools and usage, rental facilities, rail cars, pets, shopping carts, portable toilets, storage containers, food or drink or product delivery containers, fuel cells or containers, etc.

[0084] The distribution network 10 provides optimization and efficiency in the delivery, loading and tracking of kegs 14 and/or the contents of kegs 14. Tracking of kegs 14 and detailed knowledge of the contents of kegs 14 provide the ability to automatically change restaurant menus, automatically sequencing inventory, data for production forecasts vendors, automatic marketing and promotional messages, automatic real-time inventory of warehouses and yards such as cold stores, automatic check-in and check-out of containers, and optimization of replenishment and/or routing delivery schedules. The distribution network 10 also makes it possible to determine how long a keg 14 or similar piece of equipment has been in operation for triggering maintenance schedules, automatic invoice generation, lease compliance monitoring, and alarm generation. The distribution network 10 further allows content temperature monitoring to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, reporting the "good" condition of the contents of the keg 14, and reporting elevated/low temperature procedures.

[0085] Wireless technologies that distribution network 10 may employ include Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, GPRS, GSM, CDMA, ultrasonic, infrared, etc.; exemplary wire technologies that can be applied are ethernet, optical, serial, etc. Wireless capability 38 means that scanning of kegs 14 can happen automatically, in the background, without any manual interaction.

[0086] Wireless scanning can take place at a distance without visibility of the kegs 14. Wireless scanning can take place at a distance without special equipment. The use of mobile devices 38 means that any user can detect kegs 14 within a radius of 100 feet, which radius depends on the specific capabilities of the mobile device. The wireless capability allows for automatic real-time detection of container status without manual scanning. The wireless capability allows for automatic real-time detection of container locations without manual scanning. The radio transmitter can even operate inside palletized and stacked clusters of multiple 14 kegs.

[0087] When using known mobile devices 38, the radio transmitter 16 does not require its own GPS and cellular radios, so it can cost about ten dollars or less. The radio transmitter 16 also does not require a monthly cellular plan, has a small form factor, and can operate for five years on conventional lithium battery cells. When operating nominally for five years, the radio will comply with the normal five year keg service cycle.

[0088] The radio transmitter 16 takes advantage of the available connection points. If a stationary reader 36 or a mobile device 38 is nearby, the radio transmitter 16 will by default associate with that device. However, if none of these are nearby, radio transmitter 16 may choose to upgrade the connection to Wi-Fi. However, if Wi-Fi is also not available, radio transmitter 16 may choose to upgrade the connection to cellular data. In this way, communication is expanded to more expensive media only when needed.

[0089] By using the "store and forward" function, the distribution network 10 can send only summary information (for example, position once a day) over the cellular data network and store the entire history locally for later download later when less expensive ( i.e. free) environment.

[0090] The point of sale terminal, POS 48, may provide sales data either directly to the sensor/data collection section 34 or to the Internet in the server section 52. Server section 52 aggregates data and performs calculations to determine fill levels for each keg 14 and delivers the resulting data and reports to breweries 20, distributors 64, merchants 30 and/or consumers 66. Additionally, server section 52 performs actions based on determined fill data, for example, automatically reorders inventory.

[0091] Direct or indirect communication mechanisms and/or protocols available include wired, wireless, wireless dynamic, peer-to-peer, audio, optical, radio, serial, TCP/IP, UDP, Ethernet, and so on. The mobile device 38 may have a wireless connection to the internet (eg, Wi-Fi), while the stationary reader 36 inside the cold store in section 12 of the kegs 14 may require a non-wireless connection (eg, Ethernet or serial line) due to shielding of the wireless connection by the walls of the cold store .

[0092] The network 10 distribution allows you to collect data on deliveries. Each radio transmitter 16 has a unique identifier and may store information about the keg 14 to which it is attached, either in its own storage device or on a computer server 56 . Such history includes date of delivery to vendor 30, what product is in keg 14, what type of product it is, when it was brewed, when keg 14 was filled, which distributor 64 delivered keg 14, temperature change over time, and so on. If this data is stored on the radio transmitter 16, another radio transmitter 16 may send the data using a mesh network and/or the fixed reader 36 and/or the mobile device 38 receive the data and send it to the computer 56 of the server section; otherwise, the data is already on the server computer 56 and indexed with a unique identifier. Additionally, location, market data, sales history and other information about the seller 64 is stored on the server computer 56. All this information is provided to calculate the fill level of the 14 keg.

[0093] The distribution network 10 allows location data to be collected through the stationary reader 36. By analyzing the wireless signals received from each keg 14, the stationary reader 36 can determine the distance from each of its antennas, or each of its antennas, to each keg 14. This information can be used to generate a three-dimensional estimate of the location of each keg 14. A stationary reader 36 is located in the cold store to enable determination of the distance of each keg 14 from the bottling lines. Typically, the stationary reader 36 may be located near the location where the bottling lines pass through the cold store wall into the vendor's public bottling area 30, and/or may be positioned vertically to best measure stacked kegs 14 and/or kegs. 14 on shelves. Location data is provided to calculate the fill level of a 14 keg.

[0094] The network 10 distribution allows you to collect data on empty kegs 14. Conventional cold stores are full, and empty kegs 14, as a rule, are not stored in them. The keg 14 exiting the cold store is an indicator whether the keg 14 is full or empty - whether it has been used for bottling or not, and this data is provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14.

[0095] The network 10 distribution allows you to collect data at a distance. The distance of each keg 14 from the wall of the bar is indicative of whether the keg 14 has been used on tap or not, and this data is provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14.

[0096] The network 10 distribution allows you to collect data on the date of delivery. Since kegs 14 are typically used for bottling in order of delivery, the delivery date is provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14. Additionally, the delivery date provides a lag measure for other events such as the keg 14 leaving the cold store.

[0097] The distribution network 10 allows data to be collected on the radio transmitter 16. The radio transmitters 16 of the distribution network 10 may have additional sensors on them (such as a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor, etc.), while the stationary reader 36 collects data from these sensors and provides them to calculate the fill level of keg 14.

[0098] The distribution network 10 allows data to be collected at the inputs to calculate the fill level of the keg 14. The stationary reader 36, mobile devices 38, and radio transmitters 16 allow the collection of data used in methods that determine the fill level of each keg 14.

[0099] The distribution network 10 allows the collection of product information data. The distribution network 10 knows the brand and product in each keg 14 and thus the type of product (IPA, Pilsner, Porter, Bock, etc.). The brand, product, product type, and current sales volume for each such product is provided to calculate the fill level of a 14 keg.

[00100] The distribution network 10 allows the collection of data on the history of the keg 14. The server section 52 collects statistical data (for example, sales volume for each brand, product, type, etc.) for each calendar day (for example, business days and holidays ) and the day of the week (e.g. weekday or weekend) and provides them to calculate the fill level of keg 14.

[00101] Distribution network 10 allows data to be collected about vendors 30. Server section 52 stores information about each vendor 30 (e.g., zip code, sales statistics, etc.), which data is provided to calculate the fill level of the keg 14 .

[00102] The distribution network 10 allows the importance of each data element to be collected to calculate the fill level of the keg 14. Significance weights are calculated from the provided input values, and then applied to each input value, along with threshold values, to determine probabilistic answers to the following questions:

[00103] - Is keg 14: (1) full and set for bottling; (2) valid for sale in bulk; or (3) emptied and withdrawn from bottling?

[00104] - If (2) keg 14 is on tap, how full is it?

[00105] - If keg 14 is not empty yet, when is it expected to be empty?

[00106] - What is the volume of consumption of the product in each keg 14 at the seller 30?

[00107] To answer each of the above questions, a margin of error is also determined, with the margin of error being introduced back into the calculation. When it is determined that the computed probabilistic answer is above the set threshold for each question, the question is considered to have that answer.

[00108] Some input provides a validated answer to a question. For example, if keg 14 is returned to distributor 64 after it has been delivered to vendor 30 and left in the cold store long enough to empty, then calculations can confirm that keg 14 has been emptied. When it is verified that the kegs 14 have gone from bottling to emptying and withdrawing from bottling, the previous time estimates are compared to the actual time, and feedback is applied to the calculation to improve the estimates.

[00109] The distribution network 10 also supports actions that can be triggered based on the results of the calculations. For example: automatic reordering; website updates or public display of products in bulk or scheduled for bulk sale; notifying interested users of the current or expected state(s) of the keg(s) - for example, notifying the person responsible for keg 14 that his keg 14 will be used for sale in bulk, is on sale in bulk or is empty; entering keg 14 emptying rate into product forecasts; and so on.

[00110] An alternative implementation of the distribution network 10 may not include a fixed reader 36. When it is not possible to install a fixed reader 36 inside the vendor's cold store 30, the radio transmitter 16 on the kegs 14 may operate in a bi-directional mode. In this mode, data is transmitted between the kegs 14 regarding their position and/or to determine their position in the cold store and/or to calculate their fill level. Each keg 14 stores all or part of the data about the kegs 14 in the cold store, and later, when the keg 14 leaves the cold store, the data stored on the transmitter is downloaded to the server section 52. This download may take place via mobile device 38; automatically in the background by approaching the application to the mobile device 38; automatically when keg 14 meets a stationary reader outside the cold store; when keg 14 is returned to distributor 64 or brewery 20; or any other suitable contact with radio transmitter 16.

[00111] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a radio transmitter 16 according to the present invention. The radio transmitter assembly 16 includes an inner case 81 that may cover a printed circuit board (PCB)/battery pack 82. Once assembled, the inner case 81 and the PCB/battery pack 82 may be located within the outer case 84. Note that in FIG. 2-7 shows one possible body; in fig. 12 and 13 below show another possible housing in the form of a ring radio transmitter 142.

[00112] FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view of a PCB and a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, including components for performing the disclosed functions. In FIG. 3 further shows the general construction for a PCB/battery pack 82 including a battery 86 fixed to the PCB 94. On the opposite side of the PCB 94 from the battery 86 are sensors 90, including temperature and other sensors, and an antenna 92. On the PCB 88 the encoder-decoder (CODEC)/DSP 96 can also be seen. FIG. 15 below, a more detailed explanation is given with regard to the electrical circuit found on PCB 94.

[00113] The radio transmitter 16 is less than 1 inch high so that it is mounted on the bottom hoop of the keg 14 as shown below in FIG. 11A. The shape of the curve has been optimized to fit the three keg sizes. The radio transmitter 16 does not increase the dimensions of the keg 14 in any dimension. Thus, the application of the distribution network 10 does not require any physical changes to the lines, valves, or handles of the vendors 30.

[00114] The use of a rechargeable battery 86 allows the radio transmitter 16 to be completely sealed, with only electrical contacts on the outside provided for charging the battery. The radio transmitter 16 includes a built-in temperature sensor to monitor the temperature of the keg 14. The vibration sensor detects if the keg 14 is being transported. Additional sensors can also be placed in the sensor holder 91. The orientation/polarization of antenna 92 maximizes radio transmission power from both the top and bottom of keg 14. Battery 86 is sized to fit under the rim of keg 14 and to achieve at least a 5 year life. Battery 86 may be soldered to PCB 88 to reduce cost. Power is not continuously supplied to the measurement system of the distribution network 10, which saves power when no measurements are taken.

[00115] FIG. 4 shows an assembled radio transmitter 16 in accordance with the disclosure of the present invention, with the width 92 being less than 1 inch so that the radio transmitter 16 can be mounted on either the top or bottom hoop of the keg 14. The radio transmitter 16 further has a curved edge 94 that can fit at least three different types of known keg 14 configurations at points along the curved edge 94. One curved back conforms to each size keg 14 at various points along the curve, with the epoxy/foam tape taking up little space for each size. Fastening can be done with a rivet, such as at point 96, or with epoxy, such as at point 98, to securely place the radio transmitter 16 on the keg 14. IP67 water resistance is achieved with epoxy, sealing half, and also by gluing to the keg 14. This eliminates the need for an O-ring or seals. Epoxy requires no surface preparation, which reduces installation time and cost.

[00116] The outer casing 84 includes a "tear-off" layer to allow the keg to be destructively released from the epoxy as the battery 86 wears out. The air space in the inner case 80 is minimized to achieve an airtight seal. The use of a very small, long "capillary" tube, when required, allows pressure relief while maintaining water tightness. The outer case 84 includes a unique serial number, bar code, QR code, or other coding visible on its outer side. It should be noted that the serial number of the outer housing 84 may be different from the serial number of the radio to prevent spoofing. The outer case 84 may include a plurality of tamper resistant mechanisms to prevent unauthorized removal of the radio transmitter 16. The outer case 84 may also include an integrated desiccant container to protect against moisture condensation at various temperatures.

[00117] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary method of attaching a radio transmitter 16 of the present invention to the rim 100 of a keg 14. For example, by using an epoxy layer 102, the attachment of the radio transmitter 16 can be secure and waterproof to protect the PCB/battery pack 82. An epoxy layer 102 can be applied to the mounting space 98 providing a small volume within which enough epoxy can be applied to firmly mount the radio transmitter 16 on the 100 keg 14 rim. be omitted. The housing 84 allows the radio transmitter 16 to interact with the three-dimensional curved side surfaces of the keg 14, maximizing the adhesion and protection provided by the keg 14 hoop while minimizing heat transfer from the keg body 14. The housing 84 can be fully sealed, but can still be turned on when installed.

[00118] An alternative switch configuration can be used, using a sticker to seal the hole for the pin activating the switch to turn on the radio transmitter 16. In this configuration, the one-time activation is not reversible. Similar pin holes are also used to activate "connection mode" for servicing the radio transmitter 16. Such a sticker may cover the hole(s) and provide a waterproof seal; the edges of the sticker protected by the insert edge in the outer case 84 are cut off. Alternatively, a waterproof on/off switch can be used via a screw that activates a hardware switch.

[00119] FIG. 6 shows an alternate switch configuration that utilizes the metal surface of the keg 14 to turn on the radio transmitter 16. Metal contact pins 104 and 106 may be located on the outside of the inner case 80 to connect the appropriate circuitry on the PCB/battery pack 82 to create a conductive circuit. In other words, the contact pin 104 can make electrical contact with the rim 100 of the keg 14, which allows electrical current to flow to the contact pin 106. The resulting circuit uses a minimum voltage and current to provide an indication that the radio transmitter 16 is securely attached to the rim 100 of the keg 14. also note that at anchor point 96, radio transmitter 16 can be securely located on rim 100 of keg 14.

[00120] The radio transmitter 16 is protected under the existing rolled rim 100 of the keg 14. Pins contacting the metal shell of the keg 14 complete the circuit to activate the switch. The case can be completely sealed, but can still be turned on when installed. The use of a rechargeable battery allows the unit to be completely sealed, with only electrical contacts on the outside provided for charging the battery. Using an inductive loop or other non-contact charging mechanism avoids electrical penetration into the case, reduces manufacturing cost, and provides a less precise interface between the case and the charging station.

[00121] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of an outer housing 84 for holding and attaching a radio transmitter 16 to the rim 100 of keg 14. FIG. 7 outer case 84 is attached to rim 100 keg 14 with screws or other fastening mechanism 108. Inner case 80 may be placed within outer case 84 to securely position PCB/battery pack 82 on rim 100 keg 14. In one embodiment, a permanent socket/ the shell 84 is permanently attached to the keg 14, with the inner casing 16 being a removable part that can be serviced. Because radio transmitter 16 uniquely identifies keg 14, distributor 64, and brand, the status of keg 14 can be automatically transmitted to brewery 20 or distributor 64.

[00122] FIG. 8A-8C depict a radio transmitter locking mechanism for attaching a radio transmitter according to the present invention to the rim of a 100 keg 14. In this example, FIG. 8A-8C, hook mechanism 110 can be engaged with an existing element of keg 14, such as a handle hole or hoop 114. Hoop 114 is an integral part of keg 14, including rim 100, rolled edge 112, and rim wall 114 of keg 14. Fastening mechanism 110 can be fixed in position between the top surface 116 of the keg 14 and the rolled edge 112 of the hoop so that it cannot be removed without releasing the fastening mechanism. This mechanism expands into the space between rolled rim 112 and rim wall 114, body 116 of keg 14 and rim wall 114.

[00123] In another embodiment, the hook mechanism 120 engages with an existing feature on the keg 14 (such as a handle hole or hoop rim). In another embodiment, the radio transmitter 16 is secured to the keg 14 in a "safety bracelet" manner around the hoop opening 122 in the rim 100 of the keg 14, with the hook mechanism 120 being used to secure back or extend the outer casing 84.

[00124] The radio transmitter 16 can also be mounted on the hoop 114 of the keg 14 instead of the body 116 of the keg 14. The heat transfer from the body of the keg 14 to the hoop 114 is along the seam, so heat is transferred slowly and conventional batteries 86 can be used. The radio transmitter 16 is protected under the existing rolled rim 112 of keg 14 on either the top or bottom of keg 14, with PCB/battery pack 82 designed to fit in both cases. Coin-cell batteries can be used as an example of attaching the top hoop 122. The lower hoop (shown below) uses a cylindrical battery. The outer body 84 has a curved back that fits well with the hoop 122.

[00125] FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which radio transmitters 16 can be attached to the edge 100 of the keg using a security wristband 118. The radio transmitter 16 is fixed around the 122 keg hoop 14 of the 114 keg edge. The bracelet 128 extends through the hole in the wall 114 of the edge of the keg and back onto itself and has an attachment point 120 of the outer body 84 of the radio transmitter, in which the end 122 of the bracelet is fixed.

[00126] FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a fluid level sensing mechanism including the use of a battery-powered ball 124 to determine the volume of beer 126 within keg 14. In this configuration, hermetically sealed ball 124 wirelessly or mechanically transmits a periodic signal that can be detected through metal. keg 14. Ball 124 can withstand the high temperature cleaning cycle and chemicals used in preparing keg 14 for reuse. By placing one or more detection or communication devices on the outside of the keg 14, such as a listening device 128 and/or 130, which measure the characteristics of the received signals, such as sound reflections, power, harmonics, etc., the amount of air can be determined. or liquid in keg 14. The communication may be bi-directional, wherein the bead 124 may receive a signal transmitted wirelessly or mechanically from outside the keg 14. When using bi-directional communication, the bead may store data locally; perform reset functions; measure the received signals, modify the signal and return it back. The attenuation of the received signal due to the ball being in liquid and air helps to determine the volume of liquid in keg 14.

[00127] Ball 124 may be battery powered or mechanically actuated. An example of a mechanical power source would be a coil spring, or the expansion and contraction caused by the heating/cooling cycle of the keg 14. With the measurement from the fluid level measurement mechanism transmitted via the radio transmitter 16, the distribution network 10 can automatically transmit fill data to the appropriate brewery 20/ to the distributor 64. The mechanism of the distribution network 10 does not require any changes to the lines, valves, or knobs of the vendors 30. The radio and sensor network of the distribution network 10 can automatically transmit filling data to the desired brewery 20 and/or distributor 64.

[00128] FIG. 11A-11C show various embodiments of mounting a radio transmitter 16 and a volume monitoring device in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 11A shows the radio transmitter 16 attached to the bottom 134 of the keg 14 on the inside of the lower hoop 136 of the keg 14. The radio transmitter 16 may be hidden under the bottom hoop 136 of the keg 14 where it is not visible to a person who cannot recognize that the keg 14 is being tracked. Using the acoustic properties of the keg 14, the radio transmitter 16 and distribution network 10 can measure the liquid level from outside the keg 14.

[00129] FIG. 11B shows one embodiment of a flow detecting fill sensor 138 for use with keg 14. In addition to a radio transmitter 16 that may be fixed to the side wall 139 of keg 14, a microphone 138 is used to form part of the fill level measurement system for keg 14. Microphone 138 picks up ambient noise. The captured ambient noise can be subtracted from the signal measured from the keg 14 to isolate noise coming from inside the keg 14. The sound measurement system of the propagation network 10 isolates the acoustic measurements by using ambient noise suppression while synchronizing the measurements to match the acoustic pulse generated by the immediate keg .

[00130] FIG. 11C shows another embodiment of radio transmitter 16 in the form of an annular radio transmitter 142. An annular radio transmitter 142 may be placed around the keg outlet 144 to measure the fluid passing through the keg outlet 144. RF ring transmitter 142 may also extend through the top of keg 14, either surrounding or extending the connection to keg 14. RF ring transmitter 142 may be positioned loosely around keg outlet 144 to fall away from the body of keg 14 during sanitization, i. when keg 14 is inverted. Thus, when the keg 14 becomes hot from cleaning, the ring transmitter 142 does not contact the main body of the keg 14. When the keg 14 returns to the upright position, the ring transmitter 142 returns to its position and contacts the main body for operational use. When the keg 14 is in the upright position, the ring transmitter 142 contacts the main body of the keg 14 to generate an acoustic pulse and/or measure the acoustic properties of the keg 14. The ring transmitter 142 of the keg 14 can be detached to facilitate cleaning around and under it. By providing easy cleaning around and below it, RF ring transmitter 142 allows the keg owner to maintain a sterile environment for product entering and exiting keg 14 through keg outlet 144.

[00131] FIG. 12 and 13 show an alternative embodiment of a radio transmitter 16 according to the present invention for mounting on a keg hole 144 on the top of keg 14. A ring radio transmitter 142 is placed under the keg lid 140. The keg lid 140 is removed by using a self-destructing tab 141 which releases the lid but also renders the cap unusable by separating the side of the keg lid 140. The ring radio transmitter 142 can determine whether the keg cap 140 is present or not. The keg cap removal event 140 is used by the distribution network 10 . By using the keg cap 140, the distribution network 10 can determine with a high probability whether the keg 14 has been set up for sale in bulk. Vendor 30 typically does not remove keg lid 140 until keg 14 is set for sale on tap because keg lid 140 keeps dirt and food out of keg opening 144. Radio ring 142 is secured to keg opening 144 by a friction fit or other flexible configuration 145 that secures radio ring 142 to keg opening 144 and prevents removal unless authorized by an authorized person. Such an attachment mechanism may be a locking mechanism, a ratchet, hidden tabs, or other frictional mechanism to prevent removal of the radio ring transmitter 142. By enabling the radio ring transmitter 142 to be locked, the distribution network 10 can ensure that the radio ring transmitter 142 is in place, except for those cases where the service is carried out by an authorized person.

[00132] The ring radio transmitter 142 articulates mechanically with the top surface of the keg 14 and the keg opening 144 so that it can withstand the shock and stress associated with conventional handling of full or empty kegs. The radio ring transmitter 142 does not increase the existing dimensions of the keg 14 so that the keg can be handled and stacked in the usual manner. No changes are required to the lines, valves, handles or processes of the 30 vendors; pallets or process distributors 64; delivery truck equipment or processes 70; or automated filling and cleaning equipment, storage systems or brewery processes 20.

[00133] The ring radio transmitter 142 may also have additional functionality in addition to the functionality inherent in the present embodiment of the radio transmitter 16. The additional volume of the ring radio transmitter 130 enables and continually expands the feature set, and supports the electronics for the ring radio transmitter 142 to operate within the distribution network 10.

[00134] FIG. 14 shows a transducer-microphone configuration for use on ring radio transmitter 142 to determine the volume and other properties of keg 14. FIG. 14 shows a ring transmitter 142 surrounding a keg opening 144 and including a transmitter T1 148 and a microphone M1 150. The signal produced at T1 148 is received by the M1 150 after being modified by the fill level in the keg 14. As a result of various signal measurements, the corresponding fill level can be determined. . This information can be processed by the ring radio transmitter 142 and then transmitted through the distribution network 10 .

[00135] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of an authenticated fastening mechanism 160 for attaching radio transmitter 16 to keg 14. Authenticated fastening mechanism 160 securely fastens radio transmitter 16 to keg 14 while allowing non-destructive removal/replacement by authorized parties only. An authenticated fastening mechanism 160 operates within the outer housing 84 of the radio transmitter 16 and is secured to the hook and latch 162. The mechanical hook and latch 162 provides a permanent lock for attaching the radio transmitter 16 to the keg 14. etc.) can disengage the hook. The hook arm 164 is inserted into the recess 166 with resilient force from the spring 168. The hook arm 164 is actuated under the control of the actuator 170 to be removed from the recess 166 in response to a signal from the central processing unit (CPU) 172. The antenna 174 may receive a drive signal from an external source to actuate the hook arm 164 under the control of the CPU 172. The battery 86 may provide actuating power to operate the CPU 172 to control the actuator 170. The authenticated fastening mechanism 160 further provides external voltage pads 180 to allow electrical power to be supplied to the outer housing 84 to provide temporary power to the drive's internal circuitry in the event of a battery failure or to recharge the rechargeable battery 86. These pins are electrically isolated from the battery to prevent current leakage. Alternatively, digital connection 182 may provide an optional digital signal input for controlling CPU 172 to operate the drive.

[00136] The authenticated fastening mechanism 160 allows the distributor 64 or vendor 30 or event site 32 to place the radio transmitter 16 on the kegs 14 only when they are in their possession and remove them before the kegs are returned and are no longer in their possession. their disposal. The authenticated fastening mechanism 160 may require a secret digital access key to operate the hook arm 164. The digital security key is wirelessly transmitted to the radio transmitter 16 via antenna 174. The CPU 172 verifies the digital security key in several possible ways. When using a digital key, unlike a mechanical key, no water entry points are inserted inside the outer casing 84, the space of the mechanical key is eliminated, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. When using a digital key, each 14 keg can have a unique digital lock code, and the digital keys are easy to manage using software.

[00137] A security mechanism requiring a secret digital access key is used to secure the radio transmitter 16 to the keg 14. With the digital key, no water entry points are introduced, mechanical key space is eliminated, and manufacturing cost is reduced. When using a digital key, each keg 14 can have a unique digital lock code, while the keys are easy to manage using software. Breaking one lock does not reveal any other locks.

[00138] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an electrical circuit 190 of a radio transmitter in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the system disclosed herein. The radio transmitter circuitry 190 includes a radio/processor module 96 coupled to a temperature sensor 192 and a CODEC/DSP 194. An analog-to-digital circuit (ADC) 196 of the radio/processor module 96 receives an output 198 from the temperature sensor 192. In addition, via an input /general purpose (GPIO) output 200, the radio/processing module 96 supplies a collector voltage (VCC) 202 to the temperature sensor 192. At VCC 204, a rechargeable battery 86 supplies a 2 to 3 volt operating power to the radio/processing module 96. CODEC/DSP 194 interacts with a radio/processing module 96 in an inter-circuit integrated circuit/serial peripheral interface (I2C/SPI) 206 of a radio/processing module 96 with an I2C/SPI interface 208. Via an inter-circuit integrated circuit/general-purpose input/output (I2S/GPIO) audio interface 210, the radio/processing module 96 communicates with the I2S/GPIO interface 212 of the CODEC/DSP 194. The CODEC/DSP 194 connects to the converter 148 via a digital-to-analogue converter interface (DAC) 214. In addition, CODEC/DSP 194 interacts with microphone/sensor 150 at ADC interface 216. Antenna 174 provides input for interface 218 Rf.

[00139] The radio transmitter circuitry 190 utilizes mobile devices 38-42 and fixed readers 36 of distribution network 10 to eliminate the need for separate circuitry for GPS and cellular radio. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the radio transmitter 16 is about $10 or less. In addition, for distribution network 10 to operate, radio transmitter 16 does not require a monthly cellular plan, has a small form factor, and can operate for five years on conventional lithium battery cells. When operated for five years, the radio transmitter 16 aligns the distribution network 10 with the typical five-year keg 14 service cycle from most breweries and distributors. The radio configuration of the radio transmitter 16 also allows operation within stacks of metal kegs, as described in more detail below.

[00140] The circuitry of the radio transmitter 190 includes firmware capable of operating in multiple modes. The radio transmitter circuitry 190 operates in a non-connectable mode after securing and conserving battery life. The radio transmitter circuitry 190 enters connectivity mode only either temporarily during bootup or via a switch/pad on PCB 88. The radio circuitry 190 operates in a connectivity mode protected by asymmetric encryption and authentication and providing authenticated pairing without connection. . The radio circuitry 190 operates in a mode for pairing an access code generated algorithmically based on broadcast major, minor numbers and a shared secret key. This mode can optionally use a timestamp, board serial number, etc. The radio transmitter circuitry 190 may additionally operate in a connectivity mode to update the serial number of the radio transmitter 16 and other parameters after manufacture but prior to deployment.

[00141] The distribution network 10 has many roles for various devices/components. Such devices include radio transmitter 16, ring transmitter 142, fixed reader 36, mobile devices 38, 60, server computers 56, and RMS section computers 62. This document describes the functions suitable for various devices/components capable of performing such functions.

[00142] A device acting as a central device scans signaling devices and may initiate connections. Such a device operates as a master device in one or more connections. Typical examples are mobile devices 38 and computers 62. This means that the device roles used for established connections are peripheral and central roles. The other two device roles are used for unidirectional communication. The translator function applies to a non-connectable signaling device, such as a temperature sensor 192 transmitting the current temperature, or a radio transmitter 16. The control device function scans for signaling devices, but cannot initiate connections. This may be a remote display on a mobile device 38 receiving and presenting temperature data or monitoring a radio transmitter 16.

[00143] Two obvious device roles for radio transmitter 16 applications are peripheral and broadcast. They both send the same type of signaling device, except for one specific label indicating whether it is connectable or non-connectable.

[00144] The Bluetooth low energy solution is ideal for the radio transmitter 16 because it is low powered, and this ecosystem is already deployed on most smartphones or other Bluetooth Smart Ready devices on the market. Low power consumption is achieved by reducing transmission time as much as possible and allowing the device to go to sleep between transmissions.

[00145] The non-pairable radio transmitter 16 is a Bluetooth low energy device in broadcast mode. It simply transfers the information stored inside. Because unconnected broadcasting does not activate any receive capabilities, it achieves the lowest possible power consumption by simply waking up, transmitting data, and returning to sleep. This solution has the disadvantage that dynamic data is limited to what is known only to the device, or that data is available via an external input from exemplary serial protocols (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART), Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI), Universal Serial Bus (USB ) etc.).

[00146] The connected radio transmitter 16 is a Bluetooth low energy device in peripheral mode, which means that it can not only transmit but also receive. This allows the host device (eg, mobile device 38) to connect and interact with the services implemented on the radio transmitter 16. The services provide one or more characteristics that can be modified by the peer device. One example of these characteristics would be a data string that represents the information to be broadcast. Thus, it is possible to have a configurable radio transmitter 16 that is easily updated over the air.

[00147] FIG. 17A and 17B depict various hardware for use on a delivery truck operating in the distribution network 10 of the present invention. The truck 70 may be any type of delivery truck that can deliver a plurality of kegs 14 to fill the keg section 12 14 of the liquid product distribution network 10 . In the delivery section 68, truck 70 also includes the ability to interact with radio transmitter 16 or ring radio transmitter 142. The interaction that truck 70 can perform is provided by a truck reader 230 that can be located under seat 232. Truck reader 230 is a communication device that connects to various antennas, including, for example, a cellular antenna 234 or a Bluetooth antenna 236. In addition, the truck 70 may use a GPS antenna 238, an OBD2 connector 240, and/or a Wi-Fi antenna 242. In FIG. 17B shows an alternative configuration in which the tablet 244 can provide various functions related to the control of delivery operations and monitoring of delivery operations, consistent with the optimal operations of the network 10 distribution of the liquid product.

[00148] If the truck 70 is parked within the Wi-Fi range of the main office, the updates can be downloaded as packages over the Wi-Fi when the truck 70 returns to the main office. This can save data costs for cell phones. The hardware is constructed with a core processor in a package with a GPS antenna 238, a Wi-Fi antenna 242, a Bluetooth antenna 236, and cellular connectivity either internally or externally via wires to allow remote placement of the antenna. The truck reader 230 optionally connects to the vehicle's OBD2 connector 240 for power and/or diagnostic data. Each of these four antennas can be internal or external - external via wires provides flexible placement.

[00149] The truck reader 230 allows real-time inventory by placing antennas at the ends of the wires. The main unit of the truck reader 230 can be hidden/or mounted under the dashboard or seats 232. By connecting the ODB2 connector 240 in the truck 70, the truck reader 230 can be easily installed and can collect mileage, speed and other data from the vehicle.

[00150] By integrating the Wi-Fi antenna 242, the truck's reader 230 can perform a "store and forward" function of collecting data during the day and automatically downloading it at night when the truck 70 returns to base. The Wi-Fi antenna 242 can also operate as a Wi-Fi hotspot inside the truck 70. Thus, the tablet 244, for example, can have an Internet connection while the truck 70 is moving. The truck driver's cell phone 70 can also use the Wi-Fi antenna 242 to combining security, registration and firewall functions.

[00151] Using truck 70 as a Wi-Fi hotspot, truck reader 230 can send real-time messages, warnings, instructions, and new routes to the driver. As a Wi-Fi hotspot, truck 70 can connect a display to tablet 244 to display maps, instructions, warnings, and other data for the driver. The truck reader system 230 acts as an information base for delivery drivers, allowing them to keep track of the information they need to make deliveries. Such information may include parking instructions, lock or access codes, best times of the day to make deliveries, consumer contacts and instructions, and so on. Distribution network system 10 may use a truck reader 230 to provide real-time monitoring of trucks and drivers. For example, truck reader 230 may be able to determine which driver is closest to a requested delivery and whether drivers are staying on their routes or making unscheduled stops, etc.

[00152] The truck reader 230 can act as a Wi-Fi access point, allowing connected clients to access the Internet via a cellular modem connection. Regular Wi-Fi password protection and encryption are used to prevent unauthorized use of the connection. When operating as a Wi-Fi hotspot, tablet 244 is used as a screen/graphical user interface (GUI). This allows complex mapping, routing, billing and other functions to be recorded on the tablet and integrated with the sensor data of the truck reader 230.

[00153] Truck reader 230 can operate independently of any mobile devices (phones, tablets) in truck 70. Software on truck reader 230 and tablet 244 can interact with each other and share computing, communication, and display processing. Depending on the capability of the tablet 244, the truck reader 230 transfers functions to the tablet and vice versa. For example, tablet 244 includes a cellular modem connection to the Internet, wherein software on tablet 244 can receive keg data 14 and transmit such data to server section 52 of distribution network 10.

[00154] The truck reader 230 software can determine when the kegs 14 are in range (ie, being loaded onto a vehicle) or out of range (ie, being delivered from truck 70). By referring to the known history of keg 14 from radio transmitter 16, truck reader 230 can determine whether an empty keg is being loaded or a full keg is being delivered.

[00155] The truck reader 230 allows real-time inventory of the truck. By placing antennas at the ends of the wires, the truck reader 230 can be hidden and/or secured under the dashboard or seats. By connecting the ODB2 connector 240 in the truck 70, the truck reader 230 can be easily installed and can collect mileage, speed and other data from the truck 70.

[00156] Call forwarding between radio transmitters 16 and locations may define state changes. For example, if a keg 14 was detected by a stationary cold store reader 36 but then no longer detected by that stationary reader 36 and then detected by a truck reader 230, this could result in a status change to "delivered".

[00157] As a further example, distribution network 10 may determine that keg 14 was delivered to vendor 30, such as a restaurant or bar, but may not know to which vendor 30 or when. When mobile device 38 detects the presence of keg 14 at a location, distribution network 10 determines which merchant 30 received keg 14 and can retroactively determine delivery schedule and other information because it now knows which merchant 30 received keg 14.

[00158] Distribution network software 10 reports truck driver 70 activity back to distributor head office 64, which information may include unscheduled stops, travel speed, and so on. The distribution network software 10 allows remote control and monitoring of the truck reader 230 . When a truck driver 70 is browsing a known account, the latest inventory on the account can be viewed by the driver on a tablet 244, for example. and determines the current security deposit of that location of section 12 of the kegs 14. Information about the deposits is automatically transferred back to invoices, accounts, etc., and can be used as a double check of data entered by truck drivers 70.

[00159] FIG. 18 shows various exemplary events that can affect the state transition of a keg 14 when monitored kegs 14 18 move from different geographic regions in the distribution network 10. In FIG. 18, kegs 14 A, B, and C represent liquid product containers within keg section 12 14. Items 1 30 through 7 254 represent various mobile devices 30, stationary readers 36, and so on. Region X 244, region Y 246, and region Z 248 represent the geographic regions included in the distribution network 10 .

[00160] By collecting the location and history of the kegs 14, the distribution network 10 determines state transitions. Some of the state transitions are defined retroactively. For example, the absence of readings after a certain period of time may retroactively determine a state transition that occurred at the start of that period. Call forwardings between radio transmitters 16, stationary readers 36, and mobile devices 38 may determine state changes. For example, a keg 14 that was detected by the stationary cold store reader 36 but then no longer detected by that stationary reader 36 and then detected by the truck reader 230 may result in a status change to "delivered".

[00161] Distribution network 10 may determine that keg 14 has been delivered to merchant 30 (ie, a consumer such as a restaurant/bar), but may not know which merchant 30 or when. When mobile device 38 detects/contacts the presence of keg 14 at a location, distribution network 10 determines which merchant 30 was delivered to and can retroactively determine delivery schedule and other information because it now knows which merchant 30 received keg 14 .

[00162] Using the save and forward function, the mobile device 38 can download historical information from the radio transmitter 16 when it detects the radio transmitter 16 at the merchant 30. Using the mesh network 18, store and forward at the merchant 30, an incoming keg 14 18 can announce its arrival other kegs 14 at vendor 30. When one of the older kegs 14 leaves vendor 30 and returns to brewery 20, it relays information from keg 14, which just arrived when it was at vendor 30.

[00163] Because radio transmitter 16 uniquely identifies keg 14, distributor, and brand, the status of keg 14 can be automatically transmitted to brewery 20 or distributor 64. The distribution network 10 mechanism for determining how full each keg 14 is is attached to keg 14 and does not require moving kegs 14 to scales for weighing. The distribution network 10 uses communication between the radio transmitter 16 and the fixed reader 37/mobile device 38 to automatically transmit filling data to the desired brewery 20 and/or distributor 64.

[00164] Next, with reference to FIG. 18, the distribution network 10 performs operations of particular interest when entering or leaving a geographic region. The geographic regions are defined such that when the sensing device 36/38 is within the region and locates or otherwise detects the radio transmitter 16, the keg 14 to which the radio transmitter 16 is attached can be considered to have "entered" that geographic region. This decision may be based on the relative locations of both the keg 14 and the sensing device 36/38 relative to the region.

[00165] FIG. 18 sensing device 36/38 1 detects that keg 14 A 14 is inside region X; similarly, sensing device 36/38 7 detects that keg B 14 is within region Y. If sensing device 36/38 is determined to be in region but no elements are detected, then any elements region, can be defined as "coming out" of the region. In FIG. 18, the sensing device 36/38 5 is inside region Z, but keg C 14 is not detected. A delay may be applied to allow detection or non-detection of the C 14 keg. keg C 14 is no longer in region Z. At any given time, sensing device 36/38 may or may not detect multiple kegs 14 and may or may not be inside any number of (possibly overlapping) regions.

[00166] Depending on the geographic region within which the detection occurs, how far from the sensing device 36/38 the keg 14 is determined, etc., the software of the distribution network 10 determines which state changes should occur. The geographic location can be determined by several factors: the GPS reading on the sensing device 36/38; a Wi-Fi network in the vicinity of or connected to the sensing device 36/38; being "near" another sensing device 36/38 having a predicted location; discovery of wireless networks or topologies, triangulation using signal strength, etc.

[00167] Triangulation can be used to accurately determine location. For example, the received signal strengths of the radio transmitter 16 at one or more receiving stations are compared to determine the most accurate location of the transmitter in relation to those stations. The receiving stations may be nodes in a wireless distribution network, so knowing the node and the received signal strength at that node allows a probability distribution to be determined for the location of the radio transmitter 16. This probability distribution can be influenced by additional data such as known locations of buildings or other interfering structures, data packet loss, vehicle speed, received signal strength of additional transmitters, relative location of other neighboring elements, “crowding” with objects, etc.

[00168] In some cases, the location of the sensing device 36/38 may be assigned a static location (for example, if the sensing device 36/38 is not expected to move). In this case, any elements approaching a certain distance from the sensor may cause the state of the element to change.

[00169] The distribution network software 10 has a programming interface through which it can download and/or receive updates from other input systems or methods. These updates may result in a state change. Exemplary input systems and methods are automated assembly lines; content filling systems; point of sale systems; transportation systems and receiving systems; etc. The data from these input methods can be combined with any of the other discovery mechanisms to arrive at a conclusion. For example, if the shipping system indicates that five kegs 14 have been loaded and five items are simultaneously detected to have left the geographic region, then the distribution network 10 may decide that these five kegs 14 are loaded kegs 14 and add the kegs 14 serial numbers to shipping note.

[00170] The serial numbers of the 14 kegs can be automatically and accurately matched without manual labor. Deposits can be automatically and accurately matched without manual calculation. Inventory is maintained accurately and automatically without manual counting. Contents of 14 kegs, filling dates, etc. can be easily found using a regular mobile phone without manual scanning or searching. The kegs 14 can be automatically and accurately marked for maintenance based on the number of revolutions in operation. The distribution network 10 automatically reports where each keg 14 is and how full it is without manual checking.

[00171] By collecting the location and history of the kegs 14, the distribution network 10 determines state transitions. Some of the state transitions are defined retroactively. For example, a lack of reading after a short period of time may retroactively determine a state transition that occurred at the start of that period.

[00172] FIG. 19 shows the arrangement of various kegs 14 on an exemplary weighing mat 250 for use in a distribution system 10. Mats can be designed to have predetermined keg locations or to allow arbitrary keg placement. On the weighing mat 250 are predetermined locations 252 for keg 14 that hold keg 14. Design 254 depicts the use of distributor logos 64 or brewery 20 that hold keg 14. Design 254 indicates that keg 14 contains the beer of the company whose logo is located at the location of 252 mats.

[00173] The weighing mat 250 has a thin fixed pad or surface on which one or more kegs 14 can be placed and seamlessly integrates with the racks (or floor). Weighing mat 250 allows kegs 14 to be arbitrarily moved within the cold store or elsewhere in keg section 12 14. Weighing mat 250 can integrate branding such that a given type of keg 14 is associated with location 252. Brewery 20 can be responsible for its portion of mat 250 for weighing, allowing the total area of the mat 250 to gradually increase over time. The weighing mat 250 determines wirelessly using the radio transmitter 16 where the kegs 14 are on the weighing mat 250 to determine which keg 14 is being weighed.

[00174] The weighing mat 250 has a low profile (less than 1 inch) so that existing vendor racks 30 can be used. The weighing mat 250 preferably has a sloped front edge so that the kegs 14 can easily slide over the top surface. The weighing mat 250 may have one or more ridges/grooves to suit a variety of sizes or design positions of the keg 14. The weighing mat 250 does not have to be square, but can be round or hexagonal to facilitate tight packing of the 14 kegs in many different cold room spaces. cameras.

[00175] Areas of the weighing mat 250, which can be printed with a supplier's logo, help the vendor 30 keep track of which kegs 14 are used for which taps within the bar. The logo 254 also allows the brewery 20 or the distributor 64 to give/give away the responsibility of the weighing mat 250 when the seller 30 signs the supplier's account. The weighing mat 250 easily mates with adjacent mats so that the kegs 14 can slide back and forth over the weighing mats 250 and across the weighing mats 250. The edges of the weighing mat 250 may include electrical connections for transmitting data between the weighing mats 250. The weighing mat 250 can be sized to accommodate multiple kegs 14 on a single weighing mat 250, with each keg 14 weighed separately. The weighing mat 250 determines wirelessly using the radio transmitter 16 where the kegs 14 are on the weighing mat to determine which keg 14 is being weighed.

[00176] Using the store and forward function, mobile device 38 can download historical information from radio transmitter 16 when radio transmitter 16 detects mobile device 38 at merchant 30. Using mesh network 18, store and forward at merchant 30, an incoming keg 14 can report its arrival other kegs 14 from the seller. When one of the older kegs 14 18 leaves vendor 30 and returns to brewery 20, mesh 18 forwards information from keg 14, which had just arrived when it was at vendor 30.

[00177] FIG. 20 illustrates improved usage, monitoring, and reporting of kegs 14 between operations occurring in a cold store 278 and operations occurring in a public space 279 such as a restaurant or other location. In FIG. 20 shows the interaction between the cold store 278 section 12 kegs 14, in which a mesh network 18 kegs 14 can be placed over the weighing mat 250 for reporting and communication with the public area 279 to provide a comparison between the operation of beer taps for sale on tap 260 in the public room 279 and beer kegs 14 within keg section 12 14 of cold store 278. Alternatively, radio ring transmitter 142 keg 14 may instead function as a weighing mat 250. In addition, inside the public space 279 there is a transaction indication that the distribution network 10 allows a transaction using point of sale (POS) 262. The POS transaction uses information related to the state of the kegs 14 inside the cold store 278 and provides input for users to make purchases. and other decisions regarding the consumption of different beers according to the condition of the kegs 14.

[00178] By correlating decreases in levels of kegs 14 with increases in beverage purchases, distribution network 10 is able to determine which consumer 66 made a purchase from which keg 14. Once keg 14 is determined, brewery 20, beer type, beer production date, and etc., as disclosed in this document.

[00179] By matching the location of consumer 66 with the location of keg 14, consumer 66 can be notified when a keg 14 of their favorite beer arrives for sale on tap 260; where is the nearest public space 279 for buying a glass of beer; how long will this beer be on sale in draft 260, i.e. how full keg 14 is, or if keg 14 is no longer available, and how fresh the beer is when it was brewed.

[00180] When the limited offer keg 14 arrives for sale at bottling 260, the act of entering for sale at bottling 260 may trigger alerts to consumer 66 indicating that keg 14 is now available. The distribution network 10 may indicate that another beer currently available on tap is similar to what the consumer 66 likes/bought before/what his friends like/what others drink/what is popular/freshest/most aged/what is seasonal or special/what comes from a local brewery 20/what comes from a distant brewery 20/what has special ingredients/what is a limited offer.

[00181] Distribution network 10 may indicate that another beer currently available on tap 260 is similar to what consumer 66 likes/bought before/etc, thus introducing consumer 66 to new breweries. The distribution network 10 may indicate the production date of each beer, how long it has been aged, how long it has been on tap, and so on. Distribution network 10 may recommend locations based on available beer types.

[00182] When the consumer 66 enters the public premises 279, using the POS function 262, it is determined that the consumer 66 is in the range of the keg 14. This is used to determine when the consumer 66 arrived and/or left the location, and can be compared with the marketing done to that consumer 66. By comparing the customer 66's purchase of the product with the marketing done to the consumer 66, the effectiveness of the marketing can be determined. This efficiency can be calculated automatically, with the future choice of marketing messages or processes determined automatically.

[00183] By comparing the reduced levels of keg 14 with beverage purchases, it can be determined which consumer 66 made a purchase from which keg. Once the keg 14 is determined, the brewery, type of beer, date of production of the beer, etc. can be recognized.

[00184] By matching the location of consumer 66 with the location of keg 14, consumer 66 can be notified (1) when keg 14 of their favorite beer is available for sale on tap; (2) the nearest location to buy a glass of beer; (3) how long the beer will be on tap (ie, how empty is keg 14); (4) that keg 14 is no longer available; (5) how fresh the beer is (i.e. when it was brewed).

[00185] When the limited offer keg 14 arrives for bottling, the act of entering for bottling may trigger alerts to consumers 66 indicating that keg 14 is now available. Distribution network 10 may indicate that other products currently available for sale in bulk are similar to what consumer 66 likes or has bought before; what the consumer's friends like 68; what other consumers drink 66; what is popular in this location or nearby; what is the most recent in this location or nearby; which product is the most mature; which product is seasonal or special; what product comes from a local brewery; what product comes from a distant brewery; which product has special or specific ingredients; which product belongs to the limited offer; etc.

[00186] Distribution network 10 may indicate that another beer currently available on tap is similar to what consumer 66 likes/bought before/etc, thus introducing consumer 66 to new breweries . The distribution network 10 may indicate the production date of each beer, how long it has been aged, how long it has been on tap, and so on.

[00187] Distribution network 10 may recommend locations based on available beer types. When a consumer 66 enters a location/event, using the kegs of the distribution network 10, the fact that the consumer 66 is within the range of the keg 14 is determined. This is used to determine when the consumer 66 has arrived and/or left the location and can be correlated with marketing executed in relation to this consumer 66.

[00188] The brewery may allow consumer 66 to "be in charge" of keg 14 so that consumer 66 is notified where keg 14 goes when it arrives at locations, etc. If consumer 66 wants to be responsible for a keg 14 with only a certain type of beer, a container can be assigned to his responsibility at each brew, so he appears to "own" a particular keg, even if the actual container is different at each brew. This allows the brewery to rotate its kegs 14 normally while allowing the consumer 66 to be aware that they are responsible for one keg.

[00189] FIG. 21 depicts an exemplary fixed reader 36 for detecting and measuring a radio transmitter 16 in accordance with the present invention. The fixed reader 36 includes a yellow light emitting diode (LED) 270 and a red LED 272. The fixed reader 36 is preferably wall mounted, such as inside a cold store 278 or other location. The fixed reader 36 preferably has no screen but is controlled by a mobile device application 38. LEDs 270 and 272 indicate the status of the fixed reader 36. A red LED 272 indicates whether the fixed reader 36 is powered and connected to the Internet 54. A yellow LED 270 indicates that 14 keg reading is activated using radio transmitter 16 or ring radio transmitter 142 and, during initial setup, indicates that stationary reader 36 is ready to accept the Wi-Fi password.

[00190] If the stationary reader 36 does not have a current connection to the Internet, then the necessary connection can be made through a peer-to-peer connection (eg, via Bluetooth). The fixed reader maintains a connection to the Internet and actively attempts to reconnect if the connection fails. Indications of the proximity of the kegs 14 are taken continuously. If the Internet connection 54 is interrupted, the readings are buffered to the local buffer sensors/data acquisition section 34, and when the Internet connection 54 is restored, the buffered data is transferred to the server computer 56. The data is compressed before being encrypted, authenticated and sent to the server.

[00191] Each stationary reader 36 in the distribution network 10 has a unique identifier and a unique asymmetric encryption key. Only the mobile device 38, which has the other half of the asymmetric key, is authorized to control the stationary reader 36. The asymmetric key is retrieved from the server computer 56, is not permanently stored on the mobile device 38, and has only one session rights.

[00192] FIG. 22 shows the location of the full reader in connection with a cold store 278 or other location for detecting and generating status reports for a plurality of kegs 14. FIG. 22 further illustrates the use of a mobile reader 274, which can be used on stand 276 near the mesh network 18 kegs 14 inside cold store 278.

[00193] FIG. 23 shows a full reader display 280 that can be shown by a mobile reader 274 or sensing device 36/38 to indicate the status of the kegs 14 within the mesh network 18. The display 280 provides information 282 about empty kegs 14 and information 284 about full kegs 14. Empty display 282 of kegs 14 indicates that keg1, keg2, keg3 and keg4 are empty kegs 14. Full kegs 14 display 284 indicates that keg10, keg11, keg12 and keg13 are full. The fill icon 286 indicates the movement from empty to full for the various kegs 14 in the cold store 278. The indicator 286 indicates that the type of liquid product is in the various kegs, in this case pale ale. The display 280 also indicates the date the display was running.

[00194] The fill reader display 280 allows the brewery 20 to enter the fill date and contents of the kegs 14 as they fill them using a conventional tablet device 274. Distribution network 10 software allows the brewery 20 to select the product to fill the kegs, manually label the kegs 14 when they are full, and show adjacent keg 14 and its status. In accordance with the preferences of the brewery 20, the distribution network software 10 may either require manual marking of the kegs 14 or automatically mark the kegs 14 based on being within a predetermined distance range of the fill reader 274 for a period of time.

[00195] FIG. 24A and 24B show how a stationary reader 36 can read the status of a keg 14 in a cold store 278 with the metal door closed. In the refrigerator compartment 278, the mesh network 18 of the radio transmitters 16 may be located behind a closed metal door 290 of the refrigerator compartment. During this time it is not possible to obtain the necessary communication between the radio transmitter 16 and the receiving device 36/38. However, as shown in FIG. 24B, when the cold room door 290 is opened, a clear communication path is opened between the stationary reader 36 and the mesh network 18, allowing each radio transmitter 16 on the kegs 14 to be read. Alternatively, communication can occur with any mobile device 38, 40, 42, 60 outside refrigerating chamber. While it is not possible to read radio transmitters 16, historical data can be stored and forwarded from radio transmitter 16. Alternatively, as mobile devices 38 enter and exit cold store 278, they can collect data from kegs 14 or mesh network 18 in cold store 278 for later generation. reports on the network 10 distribution.

[00196] FIG. 25 and 26 show a layered construction of a weighing mat 250 according to the present invention. The weighing mat 250 includes a smooth top layer 292 bonded to a compressible release layer 294. Beneath the compressible release layer 294 is a bottom layer 296. The weighing mat 250 may be placed on metal bars 298. The bottom layer 296 may include a rubber layer 300 high friction. The smooth topsheet 292 may further include a ledge 302 on which a keg 14 can be placed. The smooth topsheet allows the kegs 14 to slide easily on the weighing mat 250. The surface of the bottom layer 296 may include a high friction rubber or adhesive surface for holding the weighing mat 250 in place on the metal rungs 298 of the shelf. The optional raised lug 302 on the smooth top layer 292 facilitates placing one or more kegs 14 in the best position(s) for weighing as well as for use in connection with other kegs 14 in the mesh 18.

[00197] FIG. 26 shows a weighing or measuring device 304 for integration into the inside of a weighing mat 250 according to the present invention. Weighing devices 304 are located between the smooth top layer 292 and bottom layer 296. Examples of weighing devices 304 may be a load cell, a pressure sensor, and so on. Deflection of the smooth top layer 292 and compression of the compressible separator layer 294 when the keg 14 is placed on the weighing mat 250 transfers the weight of the keg 14 to the weigher 304. An optional separating material can be used to support the smooth top layer 292 outside the weighing area(s). . The overload protection prevents damage to the weighing device 304 from large sudden loads resulting from falling off the shelf onto the weighing mat 250.

[00198] FIG. 27 illustrates the communication of a radio transmitter 16 with a weighing mat 250 according to the present invention. In FIG. 27 shows a weighing mat 250 including weighing devices 304 located under the ledge 302. A radio transmitter 16 communicates with the mat's antenna 306. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the weighing mat 250 correlates the weight of the keg 14 measured by the weighing devices 304 with changes in the state of the keg 14.

[00199] The radio antenna 306 receives signals from the radio transmitter 16 when the keg 14 is placed on the weighing mat 250. The weighing mat 250 may then transmit the weight of the keg 14 and other information about each keg 14 either directly to the stationary reader 36 of the storage system, the mobile device 38, or to the intermediate sensing device 36/38. Intermediate sensing devices 36/38 may further include another weighing mat 250; another stationary reader 36; mobile device 38; Internet or cloud server computer 56 via Wi-Fi; and so on.

[00200] The radio transmitter 16 includes sensors on the PCB 88 that can detect events that cause a state change in the keg 14, mesh network 18, or elsewhere in the distribution network 10. An example would be a temperature sensor 192 that detects a temperature change that is significant to the status of the keg 14. Such a temperature change and/or the state change itself is reported to the mobile device 38 and thus the rest of the distribution network 10.

[00201] Placing the radio transmitter 16 on the bottom rim 136 of the keg 14 allows the antenna 306 to easily detect the mat and disambiguate signals from other adjacent kegs 14 in the mesh network 18. The distribution network 10 software determines which brand and type of beer is on the weighing mat 250 ; when keg 14 was filled; etc. The mat antenna 306 is in the position of best detection of the radio transmitter 16 directly above the corresponding weighing mat 250 in the absence of other neighboring kegs 14 in the vicinity, but not on the weighing mat 250. The weighing mat 250 may also include an RF shield to prevent detection of items on the weighing mats 250 on the bottom metal rails 298 of the shelf. The mat antenna 306 may be directional to further assist in disambiguation from neighboring kegs 14.

[00202] The mechanical overload protection mechanism directly allows full kegs 14 to fall safely onto the weighing mat 250. Such an event can occur when the weighing mat 250 is on the floor and the keg 14 falls from an adjacent shelf. When using the load cell as a weighing device 304, a mechanical stop is included in the action of the load cell to prevent damage in the event of an overload. In the case of using a pressure transducer as the weighing device 304, the point load may compress the smooth top layer 292, the release layer 294, and the rubber layer 300 so that the load is transferred to the metal rungs 298 of the shelf under the weighing mat 250. The surface will only record the load distributed over the smooth top layer 292.

[00203] In each mesh network 18, one weighing mat 250 may act as a "master" mat responsible for collecting information from neighboring weighing mats 250 before being sent to the computer server 56. The weighing mats 250 may be connected separately to the server section 52 via Wi-Fi or other means. The weighing mats 250 can transmit readings directly to the sensing devices 36/38 or a nearby tablet computer. The radio measurements are aggregated by the distribution network software 10 from multiple weighing mats 250 to disambiguate multiple radio transmitter signals 16 from different kegs. 14. The weight of the kegs 14 is aggregated by the software of the distribution network 10 to automatically order more product when needed. The hardware of the weighing mat 250 transmits events to the software of the distribution network 10, for example, kegs 14 enter and leave the weighing mat 250; keg 14 is almost empty; new keg 14 was used for bottling; etc. The software of the distribution network 10 uses the events received from the hardware of the weighing mat 250 to determine additional conditions such as whether the last full keg 14 of a certain brand has been set for sale on the bottling 260; etc. These events and conditions trigger actions such as POS notification 262 .

[00204] FIG. 28 shows a potential configuration of stacked kegs 14 that can be measured and monitored using a weighing mat 250 according to the present invention. An alternative dual keg weighing mat 310 14 allows two kegs 14 to be stacked on top of each other, the top keg 272 and the bottom keg 274. With the top keg 272 stacked on the bottom keg 274, the weighing mat 276 can provide a weight estimate of the combined weight of the two kegs 14 The stacking of two kegs 14 on top of each other suggests that one of them is either full or empty. In this way, both kegs 14 can begin to fill while the top keg 14272 can be emptied. The top keg 272 can then be placed on the bottom with the bottom keg 274 connected to a tap for bottling 260. In this configuration, only one keg 14 is emptied at a time. The weighing mat 250 may have a reading area indicating the weight/percentage of filling/etc. for the keg 14 currently in use for bottling 260. Distribution network 10 software can automatically compensate for the event when the bottom keg 14274 is full or empty.

[00205] FIG. 29-32 show various application screens of the mobile device 38 for the present invention. In FIG. 29 shows a connection via a mobile device 38 with wireless transmission from a fixed reader 36 and/or radio transmitter 16. As shown in FIG. 29, the access screen 320 shows the ability to determine that the stationary reader 36 is within the Bluetooth connection of the badge 322 or the Wi-Fi connection of the badge 324 with the mobile device 38. A red indicator light 326 can indicate that "truck #1" as a reading station is available. for a mobile device 38. The access screen 320 also provides the ability to select stations 328, trucks 330, or other locations within the liquid product distribution network 10 .

[00206] Distribution network 10 software residing on the mobile phone/device creates a peer-to-peer network to enable the fixed reader 36 to operate. network 10 distribution. Fig. 29 is a list of fixed readers from various vendors 30, where the red/green indicator lights 326 represent the indication of the status of the fixed reader 36. The Bluetooth connection icon 322 and the Wi-Fi connection icon 324 indicate whether the respective fixed reader 36 is currently wirelessly connected to the network. 10 distribution.

[00207] FIG. 30 shows how a mobile device 38 can be connected to a distribution network 10. For example, mobile device 38 may be connected via server section 52 at selection 340, or peer-to-peer network at sensor/acquisition section 34 at selection 342. These connections may be selected by the user of mobile device 38, as in the example of peer-to-peer network selection 340 shown in FIG. thirty.

[00208] FIG. 31 shows how the software of the mobile device 38 may allow the user to determine the software status of the distribution network 10 at the station. Thus, version screen 350 shows the name of the station as "reader #4" using the "private Wifi" Wi-Fi network and version 1.1.1. Version screen 350 also indicates the presence of nearby Wi-Fi networks applicable to mobile device 38. FIG. 31 shows the information received from the stationary reader 36 about its current state, using a name that is meaningful to the location of the reader. This provides information on whether it is programmed with a Wi-Fi network and the firmware version of the stationary reader 36. Selecting "Near" allows you to show other radio transmitters 16 that can currently be detected by the stationary reader 36.

[00209] FIG. 32 simply shows the ability to select among various Wi-Fi networks, as may be typical of mobile device 38. FIG. 32 shows the identification and selection of a Wi-Fi network (private Wifi) from the available Wi-Fi networks as listed.

[00210] FIG. 33-35 show exemplary screens that may find use for mobile phones and tablets operating as mobile devices 38 in detecting and reporting kegs 14 at various locations, and data applicable to monitoring and reporting. Fig. 33-36 further show the communication capabilities of the distribution network 10 software. For example, in FIG. 33 shows the interface of the mobile device 38 including a satellite perspective allowing for the ability to support different accounts associated with the distribution network 10 as well as the ability to drill down into the accounts to determine the status of the accounts. Thus, the maintenance and detail screen 360 shows a satellite image 362 including a plurality of tag icons 364 14 indicating accounts associated with the distribution network 10. For example, the selection panel 366 allows selection of neighboring locations 368, keg 14 reporting section 370, fill state selector 372, and delivery sections 374 to perform various functions of the distribution network 10.

[00211] FIG. 33 shows a screen 360 showing analysis of tracking data and fill levels of distribution network 10 to provide a list of maps and locations where kegs 14 appear, equipped with radio transmitters 16 and sensing devices 36/38 for reading them. On the top half of screen 360, each circle 364 with a beer mug represents the location of the 12 keg section 14. The circle 362 without the beer mug may represent a group of locations of the 12 keg section 14. The lower half of the screen 360 may provide a list of accounts associated with each circle 362 or 364. By clicking either on circle 362 or 364 or on the account name below, the image shown in FIG. 34, providing additional information about a specific account, here is a cafe on 15th Street. The icon may change depending on the state of the keg 14 in a particular location.

[00212] The controls at the bottom of the map area of screen 360 include (1) adding a new account that has not yet been measured; (2) changing the type of graphic image of the map; (3) showing the user's current location; (4) changing the size of the map in relation to the list. The four yellow buttons at the top of the list area lead to four screens with the following specific information: (1) containers found nearby within the user's set radius; (2) a list of all containers, their location/state/etc.; (3) a control element for filling kegs 14, similar to that shown in FIG. 22; (4) a delivery screen for entering notes and information about a specific delivery.

[00213] By performing a reverse address lookup (from GPS to a specific address) when the truck 70 is stopped, the distribution networks 10 can determine the delivery account and thus the inventory at the location of the keg network 12 4. If the transmitting device 36/38 does not include in As well as being able to reverse lookup a particular address, the GPS data associated with the sensing device 36/38 may be transmitted to the server computer 56, transmitting this GPS data to another sensing device 36/38 that can perform the search; or transmitted directly to another receiving device 36/38 within the network 10 distribution. The determined reverse lookup result for a specific address may then be sent back to the original receptor 36/38. After performing an address lookup, the sensing device 36/38 can cache the address so that only the GPS data is needed to determine the appropriate keg section 12 account the next time.

[00214] The distribution network software 10 may also display route information to the driver of the truck 70. Such route information may include daily credentials, driving route, what needs to be unloaded and loaded, checks that the driver leaves and picks up the correct inventory list; etc. The distribution network software 10 can also learn the route of the truck driver 70 over time. For example, the distribution network software 10 may record that deliveries to a particular account are always made from a particular parking lot. This information becomes part of the information base displayed by the software of the distribution network 10 to the driver of the truck 70.

[00215] Distribution network software 10 also provides a knowledgebase serving as a repository for routes, specific account information such as combinations for locks, where empty kegs 14 are stored, etc., schedules, invoices, upload and download requirements etc. Loading, shipping and inventory data is matched against invoices, route schedules, last known inventory (i.e. lost kegs), etc. Tablet 244 on truck 70 can wirelessly communicate with truck reader 230 to display mapping, routing, and so on.

[00216] FIG. 34 shows the results of selecting Nearby feature 368, where, for example, a message about a cafe on 15th Street can be generated as a screen 390. In the screen message 390, information related to the configuration of the keg 14 and the associated mesh network can be presented for location posts, here is a cafe on 15th street.

[00217] FIG. 35 shows the type of information available about each keg 14 in addition to the above: serial number, content, location, keg 14 size, keg 14 history. 14 according to FIG. 34. Such information may include the name assigned to keg 14, the product contained in keg 14, the condition of keg 14, any identification number associated with keg 14, the size of keg 14, and any significant transactions related to keg 14.

[00218] FIG. 35 shows the type of information available about the account: name and address; account notes (instructions on who to contact, etc.); kegs 14 in place and their contents; date of delivery to the account; how full are the kegs 14; statistical account history, including the average number of days it takes to empty a keg 14; average consumption of the product.

[00219] FIG. 36 refers to the POS marketing feedback loop 262 in FIG. 20 in accordance with the present invention. The POS marketing feedback loop 262 can be assigned via an application or wireless network to direct the consumer 66 to a restaurant or other location in the keg section 12 14 where kegs 14 containing beer of known interest to the consumer 66 may be available. Screen 400 appears on the mobile device 38 of the consumer 66 to provide notification from the RMS section 58 of the distribution network 10. Screen 400 indicates an event that may be of interest or be important to the consumer 66 or other member of the distribution network 10 . Notification 402 shows that the "Austin IPA" beer brand has just been available at the Revolution location. Through this notification, the mobile device 38 allows the consumer 66 to share this information or simply acknowledge the event by selecting "Share" or "OK" as appropriate. The value of this function for all members of the distribution network 10 can be quite high.

[00220] FIG. 37A-37D illustrate data that can be communicated by software to the distribution network 10 to perform various managerial and financial functions related to collateral information and financial transactions. Such managerial and financial information has significant advantages in relation to invoices, accounting and verification of information entered by the truck driver 70 and related to the supply of kegs 14.

[00221] FIG. 37A is a report that can be very useful to a distributor 64 or a brewery 20 when generating an inventory report by location of the keg section 12 14. The report 410 can be applied to a distributor 64, for example, and provides an "inventory by location", a list of locations 412 of vendors 30 that distributor 64 can serve. Report segment 414 represents the status for an empty keg 14 that may be in a location. The report segment 416 presents timestamp information relating to the history of the keg 14 identified as "Keg #008". Thus, in FIG. 37A shows how the distribution network software 10 allows the high level aggregate representation to be drilled down into individual keg histories 14.

[00222] FIG. 37B provides information related to kegs 14 that may be located at a specific vendor location 30 in a "Turnover Report". In FIG. 37B shows the "state" calculations of keg 14 and the number of days each keg 14 is in each state. This drawing also shows a full cycle of keg 14 from the brewery (date on the left); through various states; until the return of keg 14 to the brewery (date on the right).

[00223] FIG. 37C is an "Inventory Report" by keg 14 or on a per keg basis 14. FIG. 37C shows data similar to FIG. 36B except that the current location of keg 14 is in column 2; the contents of keg 14 in column 3 - and the current progress of keg 14 through the states it has gone through so far.

[00224] FIG. 37D shows a "Daily Changes" report at a location. In the report in FIG. 37D shows daily changes in the states of the kegs 14 as they move through the distribution network 10. These are just examples of the many types of reports and financial management information provided by the software and components of the distribution network 10 . When used, other types of reports may also be useful to members of the distribution network 10 .

[00225] FIG. 38 shows an accounts screen for viewing merchant accounts 30, their location on a map, merchant information, merchant inventory, and account history. The accounts screen in FIG. 38 shows information that can be generated by the distribution network 10 when delivering the kegs 14, which indicates the latest inventory of the location of the merchant 30, which can be viewed by the driver of the truck 70. The accounts screen of FIG. 38 allows you to drill down on a location to indicate the state of a location that is part of the distribution network 10 . The accounts screen includes report generation and includes the presentation of kegs, products, readers, etc. for the merchant 30 that can be viewed through a web browser or within the application of the mobile device 38 of the distribution network 10. The Accounts screen displays data on radio transmitters 16, kegs 14, breweries 20, products (eg, beer brands and types), distributors 64, vendors 30, keg section 12 locations 14, stationary readers 36, and so on. either singly or in groups/collections. The accounts screen also provides a toolbar display for displaying general information in user-configurable cells. The accounts screen in FIG. 38 only displays data allowed to the user/device and can additionally generate notifications (eg beer too old, lost keg, delivery errors) of importance throughout the distribution network 10 .

[00226] FIG. 39 shows an additional aspect of a liquid product distribution network for automatically managing collateral information. Such information may include how many kegs 14 are located at the location of each merchant 30 in distribution network 10. When a keg 14 with a radio transmitter 16 or a ring radio transmitter 142 appears in a section 12 of kegs 14, such as the location of a merchant 30, from a delivery truck 70, it automatically becomes part of the distribution network 10 at the location of section 12 of kegs 14. This is indicated in report 420 in FIG. . 39, which includes collateral information related to this keg. Thus, the delivery of keg 14 initiates a financial transaction relating to the newly deposited keg 14 at the merchant's location 30. Thus, a $120 fee is charged when the deposit is posted due to communication with the radio transmitter 16. Similarly, when the keg 14 having radio transmitter 16 is returned through distribution network 10, a $60 refund appears. The example system of distribution network 10 shown automatically credits and debits the deposit based on measurements of 4 remaining kegs 14 and 2 loaded kegs. On the right is the discovery of the actual 14 kegs on the merchant account 30 and the use of this data to populate the invoice so that it accurately shows exactly which 14 kegs are unloaded and loaded.

[00227] The software automatically manages the deposit information - how many kegs 14 are in each location, and determines the current deposit for that location. Deposit information is automatically transferred back to waybills, accounts, etc., or can be used as a double check on data entered by drivers. The waybill is usually prepared before the truck driver 70 leaves the warehouse, with a set of his waybills being used as an assembly sheet to load the kegs 14 and their products onto the truck 70. When the truck driver 70 actually makes the delivery, the specific deposited and loaded keg(s) 14 added to invoice.

[00228] Section 422 of the "Inventory" report in FIG. 39 shows a list of all kegs 14 that may be in the location of the keg section 14. Column 424 of the inventory report 422 provides an identification of the keg 14 having the identifier "QB #3-005". Column 426 shows that QB #3-005 keg 14 contains 6 inches of pale ale product, as shown in column 428. Inventory report 422 further shows that distribution network 10 also detected other kegs 14, such as kegs 14, having identifiers "HB#3-001", "HB#3-003", etc. All kegs 14 listed in inventory report 422 have a corresponding content measurement in terms of both volume and type of beer.

[00229] Finally, the disclosed invention relates to a liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers served by the distribution network for distributing said liquid products via liquid product filling containers. The liquid product distribution network includes at least one liquid product dispensing container for transport from a transport location to a dispensing location. At least one container for dispensing a liquid product includes a radio transmitter fixed in an adaptable manner and a microprocessor for reading and transmitting a plurality of data measurements that relate to the state of said container for dispensing a liquid product. The fixed or mobile radio reader operates within the distribution network to receive multiple data measurements from the radio transmitter and additionally transmit information related to the multiple data measurements. The computer program systems are associated with the RF reader(s) for a variety of data acquisition functions. Data acquisition functions include liquid product management functions, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer management functions. The server computer processing system communicates with the stationary reader to process data and execute instructions related to information related to data collection functions. The computer processing server further transmits information related to the data collection functions using an internet communication interface or a cloud interface. The sales reporting and marketing system communicates with the server computer processing systems to interact with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in connection with the functions of producing, distributing, selling and consuming liquid products.

[00230] Additionally, finally, the present invention relates to a liquid product distribution network and to a device for a liquid product dispensing container to be fixed on a liquid product dispensing container, such as a beer keg, for monitoring, controlling and/or optimizing the liquid product flow delivered to consumers from a liquid product bottling container. The liquid product dispenser moves from location to location and dispenses the liquid product from location in the distribution network. The device for a container for dispensing a liquid product includes a housing for attaching it to a container for dispensing a liquid product. The housing includes a housing and a fastening mechanism for securing the housing in a predetermined location of a liquid product dispensing container. The liquid product dispensing container device includes a power source for providing power. An indicator light may be used to indicate the status of the liquid product dispenser device. The device for the container for dispensing a liquid product includes a radio transmitter circuit for mounting in the casing. The radio communication/processing module processes radio transmissions of information related to the liquid product filling container. The antenna communicates with the radio communication/processing module to send and receive radio transmissions between the radio communication/processing module and at least one fixed reader and/or mobile device. The temperature sensor circuit reads temperatures related to the liquid product dispensing container and generates electrical signals related to those temperatures. The transducer circuit reads measurements of the liquid product inside the liquid product dispensing container and generates electrical signals related to these reading measurements. A microphone/sensor circuit for picking up sounds and related data is in communication with the dispensing of a liquid product from a container for dispensing a liquid product. The codec/digital signal processing circuit includes a memory and a computer instruction processing circuit for receiving data and processing instructions from a temperature sensor, a transducer, and a microphone/sensor circuit generating information related to the location of the liquid product filling container, the state of the liquid filling container product and the condition of the liquid product inside the container for filling the liquid product. The processor instructions enable the operation of the radio transmitter device to transmit information related to the location of the liquid product dispensing container, the state of the liquid product dispensing container, and the state of the liquid product within the liquid product dispensing container.

[00231] Useful effects and advantages that can be provided by the present invention are described above in relation to specific embodiments. These beneficial effects and advantages, as well as any elements or limitations that may lead to their occurrence or greater severity, should not be construed as critical, necessary or essential features of any claim or all claims. When used herein, the singular forms must also include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" or "includes" and/or "including", or any other form thereof, shall be construed as non-exclusively including elements or limitations following from these terms. Accordingly, a system, method, or other embodiment containing a set of elements is not limited to these elements, and may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or not inherent in the claimed embodiment. These terms used in this description indicate the presence of the claimed features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements. , components and/or their groups.

Claims (40)

1. A liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product filling containers, comprising: at least one container for dispensing a liquid product for transportation from a transportation location to a dispensing location, wherein said at least one container for dispensing a liquid product comprises a radio transmitter fixed in an adaptable manner and a microprocessor for reading and transmitting a plurality of data measurements that relate to the state of said container for filling a liquid product; a mobile radio signal reader configured to operate within said distribution network to receive said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter and further transmit information related to said plurality of data measurements to computer software systems associated with said filling location for a plurality of data acquisition functions, wherein said data collection functions include liquid product inventory and management functions, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer marketing functions, wherein the mobile RF reader is configured such that, when placed in a wireless connection-shielding cold room, which contains at least one liquid product filling container, collecting data from at least one liquid product filling container for subsequent generation of reports in the liquid product distribution network after the mobile RF reader leaves the cold store; a computer processing system associated with said mobile reader for processing data and executing instructions associated with said information relating to said data collection functions and further enabling said information relating to said data collection functions to interact with an internet communication interface; And a reporting and sales marketing subsystem associated with said server computer processing system for interacting with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in connection with the functions of producing, distributing, selling, trading, reporting, marketing and consuming said liquid products or for providing optimization of these functions . 2. The liquid product distribution network of claim 1, further comprising a truck reader unit for use on a delivery truck operating in the liquid product distribution network to monitor, control, and optimize the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product filling containers. 3. The liquid product distribution network of claim 1, wherein said computer processing system is configured to communicate with said mobile reader to process data and execute instructions linking events that may affect the state transition of the keg when the containers being monitored for dispensing the liquid products pass through different geographic regions. 4. The liquid product distribution network of claim 1, further comprising at least one weighing mat system for determining the weight of at least one liquid product filling container at at least one of said filling locations, configured to determine volume, condition and other information relating to the contents of said at least one liquid product filling container. 5. The liquid product distribution network of claim 1, further comprising circuitry and executable instructions associated with said radio transmitter and microprocessor for monitoring, controlling and optimizing operations occurring in the cold store of the filling location and operations occurring in the public space of said filling location . 6. The liquid product distribution network of claim 1, further comprising a fill reader at said dispensing location to determine fill levels of said liquid product dispensing container located in a cold store of the dispensing location. 7. The liquid product distribution network of claim 1, further comprising a mobile device application associated with said liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing operations of said liquid product distribution network. 8. The liquid product distribution network of claim 1, further comprising a feedback mechanism for determining the effectiveness of consumer marketing of liquid products. 9. A method for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers through containers for filling a liquid product using a liquid product distribution network, comprising the steps: transportation from a transportation location to a dispensing location of at least one container for dispensing a liquid product, wherein said at least one container for dispensing a liquid product comprises a radio transmitter fixed in an adaptable manner and a microprocessor for reading and transmitting a plurality of data measurements that relate to the state of said container for pouring a liquid product; receiving said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter and additionally transmitting information related to said plurality of data measurements to computer software systems associated with said filling location for a plurality of data collection functions using a mobile RF signal reader, said data collection functions comprising inventory functions and liquid product management, a liquid product sales function, and a liquid product consumer marketing function, wherein the mobile RF reader is configured to collect data when placed in a wireless-shielded cold room containing at least one liquid product dispensing container. from at least one container for filling the liquid product for subsequent generation of reports in the distribution network of the liquid product after the exit of the mobile reader of radio signals from the cold store; processing data and executing instructions related to said information related to said data collection functions and further ensuring that said information related to said data collection functions interacts with an Internet communication interface using a computer processing system associated with said mobile reader; And providing interoperability with a variety of computer processing systems operating in connection with the functions of production, distribution, sale, trade, reporting, marketing and consumption of these liquid products, or provide the ability to optimize these functions. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of using a truck reader unit on a delivery truck operating in a liquid product distribution network to monitor, control, and optimize the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product bottling containers. 11. The method of claim. 9, further comprising the step of associating said mobile reader with a computer processing system for processing data and executing instructions associated with events that can affect the transition of states of the keg when the liquid product containers being monitored pass through various geographic regions. 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of determining the weight of at least one liquid product filling container at at least one of said filling locations using at least one weighing mat system in determining volume, condition and other information, relating to the contents of said at least one liquid product dispensing container. 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of associating said radio transmitter and microprocessor to monitor, control and optimize operations occurring in the cold room of the dispensing location and operations occurring in the public space of said dispensing location. 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising operating a fill reader at said dispensing location to determine fill levels of said liquid product dispensing container located in the dispensing location's cold store. 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of using a mobile device application that is associated with said liquid product distribution container to monitor, control, and optimize operations of said liquid product distribution network. 16. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of using a feedback mechanism with said performance measurement reporting and marketing subsystem to measure the effectiveness of consumer marketing of given liquid products. 17. A radio transmitter device for use in a liquid product distribution network for monitoring, controlling and optimizing the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product bottling containers, said liquid product distribution network comprising: at least one container for dispensing a liquid product for transportation from a transportation location to a dispensing location, wherein said at least one container for dispensing a liquid product comprises a radio transmitter fixed in an adaptable manner and a microprocessor for reading and transmitting a plurality of data measurements that relate to the state of said container for pouring a liquid product, wherein said radio transmitter device further comprises: an outer housing for attaching to a liquid product dispensing container, said outer housing comprising a housing and a fastening mechanism for securing said housing at a predetermined location of said liquid product dispensing container; self-contained power supply for supplying power to the device for the container for filling the liquid product; a radio transmitter device for fixing in the specified casing, additionally containing: a radio communication/processing module for processing radio transmissions of information related to the liquid product filling container; an antenna associated with said radio/processing module for sending and receiving said radio transmissions between said radio/processing module and at least one hub and/or mobile device; a mechanism for broadcasting the signal and data so that the mobile signal reader can determine the distance to the translator using signal characteristics and data contained therein; a sensor interface for allowing one or more sensors to interact with the processor; And processor instructions and an associated storage device for operating said radio transmitter device for storing and transmitting information related to the location of the liquid product filling container, the state of the liquid product filling container, and the state of the liquid product inside the liquid product filling container; a mobile radio signal reader configured to operate within said distribution network to receive said plurality of data measurements from said radio transmitter device and additionally transmit information related to said plurality of data measurements to computer software systems associated with said filling location for a plurality of data collection functions, wherein said data collection functions comprise liquid product inventory and management functions, liquid product sales functions, and liquid product consumer marketing functions, wherein the mobile radio signal reader is configured such that, when placed in a wireless connection-shielding refrigerator compartment, which contains at least one liquid product filling container, collecting data from at least one liquid product filling container for subsequent generation of reports in the liquid product distribution network after the mobile RF reader leaves the cold store; a computer processing system associated with said mobile reader for processing data and executing instructions associated with said information relating to said data collection functions and further enabling said information relating to said data collection functions to interact with an internet communication interface; And a reporting and sales marketing subsystem associated with said server computer processing system for interacting with a plurality of computer processing systems operating in connection with the functions of producing, distributing, selling, trading, reporting, marketing and consuming said liquid products or enabling the optimization of these functions . 18. The radio transmitter device of claim 17, further comprising instructions and circuitry for communicating a truck reader unit for use on a delivery truck operating in a liquid product distribution network to monitor, control, and optimize the flow of liquid products for delivery to consumers via liquid product filling containers. 19. The radio transmitter device of claim 17, further comprising data and instruction for storing and executing on said computer processing system for linking events that can affect keg state transitions as the liquid product bottling containers being monitored pass through different geographic regions. 20. The radio transmitter device of claim 17, further comprising instructions and data operating on said liquid product distribution network to intelligently calculate the effectiveness of consumer marketing of liquid products using the presence of said radio transmitter device and liquid product information stored on said radio transmitter device.