DRM says no water for you

Re:DRM says no water for you by londons_explore on Friday July 30, 2021 @05:01AM (#28005947)

Is that NFC tag really cheaper than just using an inkjet printed QR code? Using the same tech that's probably already on the production line to print batch numbers?

Then the drinks machine can keep track of which QR codes have had how much of which drink (either online or offline or a hybrid model depending on business needs).

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Re:DRM says no water for you by yourenotsmart on Friday July 30, 2021 @05:37AM (#28006173)

Hmm, someone downvoted you for asking a good question, for shame, Hacker News.

A printed QR code adds few complications to the process:

- You can't print the QR code with the rest of the cup, as it has to be unique. So we need a separate printing step. That also adds costs, and the question is does it cost almost the same as embedding an RFID chip (which is 7-10 cents).

- You need to align and scan the code before a refill, which is a lot more intentional for a customer, than simply holding the cup for a refill as usual. So it's worse customer experience.

- The only flat surface of the cup is on the bottom, so any spill means you're spilling drinks over the scanner. So that would mean scanners constantly requiring maintenance to keep working.

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Re:DRM says no water for you by itsyaboi on Friday July 30, 2021 @05:06AM (#28005982)

The NFC system is a better match to the sticky, syrupy, spill-prone environment than a optical setup.

[ Parent | on HN ]