Ice Key is a system that allows members to dispense a specified amount of ice on a daily basis.
After subscribing to the system, the user swipes their card at an ice machine to start dispensing
ice.
This project required combining multiple systems to work together. An activation console provides
the ability for retail locations to activate the membership cards. A web-based system provides the user
access to their balances and purchases. A ruggedized platform is installed in the ice machine to
validate a membership card, start dispensing ice, and automatically stop after a specified time.
Hardware integration includes card readers for both the activation station and the dispensing
station, as well as an LED display and a dispense button on the ice machine. A prototype control box to
house the dispenser controls was also built.