Patent ID: 8151832

Claim:
A method for dispensing at least one of ice and a beverage from a beverage dispensing system including a dispensing device with at least one dispensing valve for dispensing at least one of ice and a beverage, an actuator for initiating the dispensing of said beverage through said valve, a display screen, wireless communication electronics and a controller, said method comprising: detecting the presence of a beverage container within a predetermined area of said dispensing device; searching for a RFID tag within a read field; displaying an exhibit on said display screen, said exhibit being a first screen if an RFID tag was detected and a second screen if an RFID tag was not detected in said read field; verifying validity of said RFID tag or payment information and determining a verified amount of at least one of ice and a beverage to dispense; modifying information read from said RFID tag and writing said modified information back onto said tag, wherein the step of modifying information includes recording the type and amount of beverage dispensed; opening said valve to allow dispensing of said at least one of ice and a beverage when said actuator is engaged; and closing said valve following the dispensing of the verified amount of said at least one of ice and a beverage.