Icebreaker activities using an intelligent beverage container

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for conducting a social interaction. A first user account may be associated with a first beverage container. A second beverage container may be detected as being proximate to the first beverage container. A second user account associated with the second beverage container may be accessed to identify a commonality between the first and second user accounts. The commonality may be objective and/or subjective information or data about the users of the first and second beverage containers. Information indicative of the commonality may be displayed on an electronic display of at least one of the beverage containers. The electronic display may be flexible such that it conforms to a curvature of the beverage container.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to methods and system performing interactive social activities using an intelligent beverage container.

Beverage containers are ubiquitous. While some beverage containers (e.g., aluminum cans) are designed to be used once and then recycled, other types of beverage containers (e.g., glasses, chalices, bottles, etc.) may be refilled and reused many times. Nevertheless, the labels on most refillable beverage containers contain images or text permanently printed on a paper or plastic medium or permanent markings on the material of the beverage container itself. Thus, even though a beverage container may be refilled with multiple different beverages, no solution exists for dynamically updating the label of the beverage container.

Additionally, beverages are often consumed during social gatherings. In such social gatherings, people may use their beverage containers to enhance social interactions or to express emotion. For example, two people may tap beer bottles together as an expression of goodwill or friendship. In another example, a spectator of a sporting event may raise a bottle to express solidarity with a team. Currently, there is no way for the beverage containers to enhance social interactions to help strangers or new acquaintances at the event to get to know each other. For example, there is no known method for the beverage container to provide an incentive or basis for strangers to break the ice. What is needed, then, is a beverage container that can enhance social interactions and the overall experience of consuming a drink and allow strangers or new acquaintances find common ground for discussion.

SUMMARY

According to a first set of illustrative examples, a method is provided. The method may include associating a first user account with a first beverage container; detecting a second beverage container being in proximity with the first beverage container; accessing a second user account associated with the second beverage container to identify a commonality between the first and second user accounts; and displaying information indicative of the commonality on at least one of the first or second beverage containers. The method may also include detecting the first and second beverage containers being in substantial physical contact with each other; and transmitting, based on the substantial physical contact, a connection request to the second user account to connect the second user account with the first user account. The connection request may be a friend request via an online social network. Connecting the second user account with the first user account may share a limited portion of information about a first user associated with the first user account with a second user associated with the second user account.

According to some examples, the first and second user accounts may be associated with one or more online social networks. The method may also include: accessing the first and second user accounts to identify additional commonalities; and displaying information indicative of at least one of the additional commonalities on at least one of the beverage containers. The information indicative of the additional commonalities may be displayed after a predetermined time period of the first and second beverage containers being in proximity. The method may also include updating the display of information indicative of the additional commonalities to illustrate a different commonality after a predetermined time period.

In some examples, the commonality may include one or more of a home town, a visited location, an acquaintance, a school, a sports team, a present or former employer, an organization membership, an interest, a common activity, a membership in an online social network, a beverage choice, or a purchase history. Further, detecting the proximity may include detecting the second beverage container via a wireless signal. The wireless signal may be transmitted via a wireless communications module in each of the first and second beverage containers.

According to a second set of illustrative examples, an apparatus for conducting a polling event is provided. The apparatus may include: a processor; a memory in electronic communication with the processor; and instructions being executable by the processor to, associate a first user account with a first beverage container; detect a second beverage container being in proximity with the first beverage container; access a second user account associated with the second beverage container to identify a commonality between the first and second user accounts; and display information indicative of the commonality on at least one of the first or second beverage containers. The instructions may be further executable by the processor to: detect the first and second beverage containers being in substantial physical contact with each other; and transmit, based on the substantial physical contact, a connection request to the second user account to connect the second user account with the first user account.

In some examples, connecting the second user account with the first user account may share a limited portion of information about a first user associated with the first user account with a second user associated with the second user account. The first and second user accounts may be associated with one or more online social networks. The instructions may be further executable by the processor to: access the first and second user accounts to identify additional commonalities; and display information indicative of at least one of the additional commonalities on at least one of the beverage containers.

According to a third set of illustrative examples, a central server computer system is provided. The central server computer system may be configured for conducting a social interactivity and include: a user mapping module configured to associate a first beverage container with a first user account and a second beverage container with a second user account, the user mapping module further configured to determine whether the first and second beverage containers are in proximity; a social network interface module configured to retrieve information related to the first and second user accounts based on the first and second beverage containers being in proximity; and a user comparison module configured to compare the information related to the first and second user accounts to determine at least one commonality.

In some examples, the central server computer system may also include: a communications module in wireless communications with the first and second beverage containers and configured to transmit a message to the beverage containers to cause an electronic display integrated into the beverage containers to display information indicative of the at least one commonality. The central server computer system may also include: a connection module configured to transmit a connection request to the first and second user accounts based on a determination that the first and second beverage containers being in substantial physical contact.

In some examples, the connection request may be a friend request via an online social network. The first and second user accounts may be associated with one or more online social networks. The social network interface module may be further configured to access the first and second user accounts to identify additional commonalities and the user comparison module is further configured to cause information indicative of at least one of the additional commonalities to be displayed on at least one of the beverage containers. The information indicative of the additional commonalities may be displayed after a predetermined time period of the first and second beverage containers being in proximity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for social interaction activities that utilize an intelligent beverage container. In one set of examples, communication may be established between a central server computer system and a plurality of intelligent beverage containers. The beverage containers may each be in wireless communication with the central server computer system to exchange data, identification, or other information. The beverage containers may include an electronic display that can be dynamically changed. Each of the beverage containers may be associated with a user account for the user of the beverage container. The central server computer system may detect the location of beverage containers and access data from the user accounts associated with the beverage containers. The central server computer system may determine that at least two of the beverage containers are proximate to each other. The central server computer system may access the user accounts associated with the two beverage containers to determine a commonality between the first and second user accounts. Information indicative of the commonality may be displayed on one or both of the proximate beverage containers.

According to certain examples, the intelligent beverage containers may include one or more integrated position/orientation sensing devices (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, etc.). The information from the sensing devices may determine the location of the beverage container and also can determine when the user gestures with the beverage container. For example, the sensing devices may detect and provide an output signal indicative of the location of the user within a predefined area and to a predetermined resolution (e.g., within one foot). The central server computer system may track the location of each beverage container within the predefined area and determine when a first and a second beverage container are proximate to each other. Based on information stored in the user accounts with each beverage container, the central server computer system may determine one or more commonalities between the users of the beverage containers and generate a message indicative of the commonality. The message may be transmitted to at least one of the beverage containers to change an electronic display on the beverage container to indicate the commonality.

According to certain examples, the central server computer system may determine one or more of whether the users lived/live in the same location, attended the same school, have a common friend, vacationed at the same location, work(ed) at the same location, share a birthday, drive a similar vehicle, purchased a similar product, share a common interest/hobby, etc. As can be appreciated, by mining and comparing information from the associated user accounts for each beverage container, the central server computer system can determine a wide variety of common characteristics the users share. The commonalities do not have to be an exact match though, i.e., the users may have lived in adjoining towns or work within a similar industry but for different companies. By determining the commonalities and informing each user via the displays on their respective beverage containers, the central server computer system may institute a social interaction between the users of the first and second beverage containers. Utilizing aspects of the present disclosure, the users of the beverage containers may use the commonality as an icebreaker to strike up a conversation and get to know each other.

Thus, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, it should be appreciated that the methods may be performed in an order different than that described, and that various steps may be added, omitted or combined. Also, aspects and elements described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. It should also be appreciated that the following systems, methods, devices, and software may individually or collectively be components of a larger system, wherein other procedures may take precedence over or otherwise modify their application.

As used herein, the terms “hot-swappable” generally refers to the characteristics of an electronic module as defined by the ability to quickly remove and replace the electronic module with little or no down time. By way of example only, an electronic module that is hot swappable may be inserted, added, removed, and the like, without requiring disrupting a power source and/or an associated module.

Systems, devices, methods, and software are described for social interaction activities using a central server computer system in communication with a plurality of beverage containers.

FIG. 1illustrates an example intelligent beverage container100. In the example ofFIG. 1, the beverage container100is a bottle. However, it should be understood that the principles of the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of beverage containers, including but not limited to glasses, cups, cans, mugs, pitchers, tumblers, chalices, and the like.

The intelligent beverage container100may include an outer surface105and an inner surface110. The outer surface105may generally define the shape of the beverage container100, and the inner surface110may define the area that holds the beverage. An electronic display115may be disposed between the outer surface105and the inner surface110. Alternatively, the electronic display115may be disposed on the outer surface105of the beverage container100. Generally, the electronic display115may sized and shaped so as to conform to at least a portion of the beverage container100. The electronic display115may be shaped such that the display area of the electronic display115conforms to a curvature of the beverage container100. When the electronic display115is disposed between the inner surface110and the outer surface105, at least a portion of the outer surface105of the beverage container100may be transparent or translucent such that the electronic display115is visible from the outside of the beverage container100.

In certain examples, the curved electronic display115may be a thin organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display formed on a flexible polymer or other substrate such that the display area of the electronic display115may be flexed according to the curvature of the circumference of the beverage container100. However, it should be understood that the principles of the present disclosure may also be applied to other types of flexible electronic displays, including, but not limited to active matrix light-emitting diode (AMOLED), passive-matrix OLED, and the like. In certain examples, the curved electronic display115may be a 360 degree display such that the display area of the electronic display115forms a substantially continuous display area around the circumference of the beverage container100.

Alternatively, or in addition to the electronic display115, the beverage container100may also comprise one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) positioned around the circumference and/or length of the beverage container100. The light sources may be disposed between the inner surface110and the outer surface105of the beverage container. Each, or some of the light sources may emit light at one or more colors. The light sources may be used to attract the user's attention to the fact that a user with a commonality is nearby.

In certain examples, the beverage container100may be a double-walled container in which a first wall forms the inner surface110, a second wall forms the outer surface105, and the curved electronic display115is disposed intermediate the first and second walls. The first and second walls may be made of the same or different materials. For example, in one embodiment the first and second walls may be made out of glass. In another example, the first wall may be made out of glass and the and second wall may be made out of plastic.

The beverage container100may further include one or more electronics module120configured to house control circuitry for the beverage container100. For example, at least one electronics module120may include control circuitry for the curved electronic display115. Additionally, at least one electronics module120may include one or more processors, memory, accelerometers, gyroscopes, wireless devices (e.g., Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communications (NFC), Global Positioning System (GPS)), or other input/output devices that may suit a particular application of the principles of the present disclosure. Using these electronic components in the electronics module(s)120coupled with the curved electronic display115, a user of the beverage container100may interact with a computer network to enhance and augment the experience of social interactions.

In certain examples, one or more electronics module120of the beverage container100may be selectively removable and replaceable. For example, an electronics module120may house a battery or other power supply that may be selectively replaced to ensure substantially continuous up time for the curved electronic display115. Additionally or alternatively, an electronics module120may house electronic memory that may be selectively replaced when the electronic memory is filled with data. In certain examples one or more of the electronics module120may be hot-swappable such that the curved electronic display115or other electronic components of the beverage container100remain on for all or substantially all of the time during the replacement of the module(s)120.

In certain examples, the beverage container100may include a refill conduit125configured to interface with a refill station and refill the beverage container100. In certain examples, electronics module120may be shaped such that the refill conduit125passes through the electronics module120.

While the beverage container100shown inFIG. 1may contain a number of integrated electronics module(s)120, it will be understood that in certain examples at least some of the electronic functionality of the beverage container100shown inFIG. 1may be implemented in a separate device. For example, one or more of the electronics module120may be implemented in a mobile phone or other device that wirelessly communicates with the beverage container100to control the curved electronic display115or another aspect of the beverage container100. Additionally or alternatively, a special-purpose device may be provided separately from the beverage container such that the special-purpose device contains one or more of the electronics module120and communicates with the beverage container100to control the curved electronic display115or another aspect of the beverage container100.

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of beverage containers100configured to perform a number of different functions. However, in light of the foregoing description, it will be understood that a functionality described herein as being performed by the beverage container100may, in other embodiments, be performed by a device or module external to the beverage container100. Such a device or module may communicate with the beverage container100to achieve the same or a similar effect as the beverage container100performing that functionality.

In certain examples, the integrated curved electronic display and other electronic components of the beverage container100may enable a user of the beverage container100to participate in social interaction activities managed by a central server computer system. For example, a central server computer system may communicate with the number of beverage containers100to implement a variety of social interaction activities. The central server computer system may receive input from the beverage containers100, from a user account associated with the beverage container, etc., and control the beverage containers100to display certain images or text in response and during the course of the social interaction.

According to certain embodiments, a central server computer system may associate one or more beverage containers100with a corresponding user account. The user account may be locally stored in a user database and/or may be associated with one or more online social networks. Accordingly, the central server computer system may determine one or more facts, traits, interests, etc., about the user of the beverage container100.

The central server computer system may also detect a plurality of beverage containers100at a particular location and where, in particular, within the location the beverage containers are located, i.e., down to a predefined radius. The central server computer system may detect the beverage containers100in a variety of ways. In some examples, the beverage containers100may comprise a GPS and a wireless device in the electronics module120. The beverage containers100may communicate location data via the wireless device to the central server computer system such that the beverage containers100are detected. According to some examples, the central server computer system may comprise a one or more micro-wireless network that covers a small area. As beverage containers100arrive and connect to the wireless network, the central server computer system detects the beverage containers100based on the connection being established. Other exemplary methods of determining a specific location of the beverage containers may also be used.

Once detected, the central server computer system may transmit messages to the beverage containers100to update or change the information being displayed on the electronic display115. The central server computer system may change the information displayed on the electronic displays115of the beverage containers100in real time, i.e., to instigate or enhance a social interaction amongst at least two of the detected beverage containers100. For example, the central server computer system may, at a sports bar, transmit one or more messages to each of the beverage containers100to cause the electronic display115to show information such as the score, the period/quarter/time, possession, fouls, penalties, etc. As shown inFIG. 1, the central server computer system may additionally, or alternatively, cause the electronic displays115to display when a team scores. As another example, the central server computer system may, at a concert event, transmit one or more messages to each of the beverage containers100to cause the electronic display115to show information related to a song (e.g., title, year released, the song lyrics, etc.), information related to the band or band members, upcoming concert dates, etc. In some examples, the central server computer system may cause the electronic displays115to display a solid color where the color can be changed based on social activities.

According to certain embodiments related to interactive social activities, the central server computer system may determine when at least two of the beverage containers100are within a predefined proximity to each other (e.g., within one foot of each other, two feet, etc.). Automatically or based on receipt of an input from one or more of the beverage containers100, the central server computer system can query the user accounts for each beverage container to identify one or more characteristics associated with the users of the beverage containers. When a commonality is determined, the central server computer system can transmit a message to one or both of the beverage containers100to cause the electronic displays115to show the commonality. The commonality can provide a topic of conversation for the users to engage in to ease the awkward tension that can be common in social situations.

Although the above-description has generally been presented as between two beverage containers100, it can be appreciated that certain embodiments may provide for an initial social interaction activities amongst all of the beverage containers at a gathering. As one example, the central server computer system can query the user accounts for each of the detected beverage containers at a gathering to determine one or more common features for all of the users. Based on this identified common feature, the central server computer system can transmit one or more messages to all of the beverage containers100to provide a more general indication of the commonality. For example, the messages may cause all of the electronic displays115of user's from a first city to be a first color with the first city name displayed in text, user's from a second city to be a second color with the second city name displayed in text, and so forth. Accordingly, users at the gathering can readily determine which other users are from the same city by observing the color of their display. A user may use this information to engage in a social interaction with other users.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of an example system200in which a number of intelligent beverage containers100may communicate with a central server computer system205over network210and one or more wireless access points215. The system200may be used to enable communication between beverage containers100and allow the central server computer system205to implement social interaction activities among users of different beverage containers100based on communication with the beverage containers100. In the illustrative example shown inFIG. 2, the system200may be used to allow the central server computer system205to change the information being displayed on the beverage containers100based on real-time activities occurring at a gathering (e.g., based on a team scoring a goal).

The beverage containers100may each have a WLAN transceiver that can establish a Wi-Fi connection to the wireless access point215. The wireless access point215may enable the beverage containers100to communicate with each other and with the central server computer system205over the network210. The central server computer system205may coordinate social interactions and activities between the users of the beverage containers100. To coordinate these interactions and activities, the central server computer system205may communicate with the individual beverage containers100to control the respective electronic displays115integrated into each beverage container100and display information to enhance the social interactions.

In certain examples, the central server computer system205may receive input from the beverage containers100, including location input, proximity to other beverage containers100, gestures measured by gyroscopes, and the like. The central server computer system205may respond to such input based on one or more rules associated with a social interaction for one or more of the beverage containers100. Additionally or alternatively, the central server computer system205may respond to extrinsic input inferred or received from a source other than the beverage containers100. Such a response may include displaying special messages on the electronic displays of one or more beverage containers100, awarding refill or other incentives to users associated with specific beverage containers, or other relevant action.

In certain examples, the individual beverage containers100may communicate with each other without going through the wireless access point215or the network210. For example, beverage containers100-aand100-bmay communicate directly with each other over an ad-hoc WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, an NFC connection, or another type of wireless connection. In certain examples, the beverage containers100may be programmed to exchange data or implement social interaction activities on an ad-hoc basis without connection to the network210or central server computer system205.

FIG. 3is a diagram of an example system300for interactive social activity based on communication between two beverage containers100using a central server computer system205-a. The system300may include a central server computer system205-acommunicatively coupled with a number of intelligent beverage containers100(two beverage container100-fand100-gbeing shown for clarity). The system300may be an example of the systems200described above with reference toFIG. 2. The beverage containers100of the present example may be examples of the beverage containers100described above with reference to previous Figures.

In the present example, a first beverage container100-fand a second beverage container100-gmay be in close physical proximity to each other. The first and second beverage containers100-gmay communicate with each other via an ad-hoc WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, an NFC connection, or any other suitable connection. Additionally, each of the beverage containers100may be in communication with a central server computer system205-athrough a WiFi or other connection to a network.

In the present example, the beverage containers100may be configured to implement an interactive social activity in which users may add each other as friends on an online social network by touching the beverage containers100together in a toasting action. Each of the beverage containers100may include one or more integrated accelerometers that detect movement made by the beverage container100. Using the detected movements and/or communication between the beverage containers100, each beverage container100may detect when a toasting action occurs. Before or after the toasting action occurs, the beverage containers100may communicate to exchange user IDs associated with each beverage container100. For example, if beverage container100-fis associated with user ID A and beverage container100-gis associated with user ID B, beverage container100-fmay transmit user ID A to beverage container100-gand beverage container100-gmay transmit user ID B to beverage container100-f.

When the toasting action occurs, each beverage container100may transmit the received user ID to the central server computer system205-awith an express or implied request to add the user associated with the received user ID as a friend on an online social network. Thus, in the present example, beverage container100-fmay transmit user ID B to the central server computer system205-a, and beverage container100-gmay transmit user ID A to the central server computer system205-a. A user mapping module315of the central server computer system205-amay look up an online social network account associated with each received user ID, and a social network interface module320may communicate with a social network server305over the Internet310to perform the requested friend requests. The curved electronic display115of each beverage container100may display a message indicating that a friend request has been sent.

FIG. 4is a diagram of another example system400for conducting interactive social activities based on communication between two beverage containers100using a central server computer system205-b. The system400may include a central server computer system205-bcommunicatively coupled with a number of intelligent beverage containers100. The system400may be an example of the systems200and/or300described above with reference toFIGS. 2-3. The beverage containers100of the present example may be examples of the beverage containers100described above with reference to previous Figures.

In the present example, a first beverage container100-hand a second beverage container100-imay be in close physical proximity to each other. The first and second beverage containers100may communicate with each other via an ad-hoc WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, an NFC connection, or any other suitable connection. Additionally, each of the beverage containers100may be in communication with a central server computer system205-bthrough a WiFi or other connection to a network.

In the present example, each of the beverage containers100may be configured to implement an icebreaker activity when that beverage container100comes within a threshold distance of another compatible beverage container100. In certain examples, the threshold distance may be measured by whether the beverage containers100are within a range of communication using a certain protocol (e.g., NFC communications) or by a signal strength of communications received from the other beverage container100. In other examples, the central server computer system205-bmay monitor the location of the beverage containers100to determine when the beverage containers100are in proximity. When the beverage containers100come within the threshold proximity of each other, the beverage containers100may communicate to exchange user IDs. Each beverage container100may then transmit a request for icebreaker data to the central server computer system205-bwith the received user ID.

The central server computer system205-bmay receive the requests and associate the user IDs with the user accounts and/or user's social network accounts at a user mapping module315-a. A social network interface module320-aof the central server computer system205-bmay query a social network server305-aover the Internet310to retrieve the social network profiles associated with each user account. A user comparison module405may compare the received social network profiles associated with each user account and apply a set of rules to provide icebreaker data to each beverage container. In certain examples, the icebreaker data may be based on commonalities between the accounts. Additionally or alternatively, the icebreaker data may be based on aspects of each profile that are recognized to be conversation starters. The icebreaker data may be transmitted from the central server computer system205-bto each of the beverage containers100, each of which may display the icebreaker data on its integrated curved electronic display115.

In the illustrative example shown inFIG. 4, the user comparison module405, based on information retrieved from the respective user accounts associated with beverage containers100-hand100-i, has determined that the users are both from a common city. Accordingly, the central server computer system205-bhas transmitted an icebreaker data via one or more messages to each of the beverage containers100to cause the commonality to be displayed on the electronic displays115.

FIG. 5is a diagram of another example system500for conducting interactive social activities based on communication between two beverage containers100using a central server computer system205-c. The system500may include a central server computer system205-ccommunicatively coupled with a number of intelligent beverage containers100(two being shown by way of example). The system500may be an example of the systems200,300and/or400described above with reference toFIGS. 2-4. The beverage containers100of the present example may be examples of the beverage containers100described above with reference to previous Figures.

In the present example, a first beverage container100-jand a second beverage container100-kmay be in close physical proximity to each other. The central server computer system205-amay determine the first and second beverage containers are in proximity to each other. The central server computer system205-cmay determine the beverage containers are in proximity to each based on, for example, location information transmitted from each beverage container100, based on a signal strength receive from, or transmitted to the beverage containers, etc. According to certain examples, the central server computer system205-cmay monitor the location of each beverage container100within a predefined location to determine which of the beverage containers are in proximity to each other. Each of the beverage containers100may be in communication with the central server computer system205-cthrough a WiFi or other connection to a network.

In the present example, the central server computer system may be configured to implement an icebreaker activity between the beverage container100-fcomes within a threshold distance of beverage container100-e. In certain examples, the threshold distance may be measured by whether the beverage containers100are within a range of communication using a certain protocol (e.g., NFC communications) or by a signal strength of communications received from the other beverage containers100. In other examples, the central server computer system205-bmay monitor the location of the beverage containers100to determine when the beverage containers100are in proximity, e.g., based on signal strength levels, triangulation using signals from multiple spatially diverse antennas, etc. When the beverage containers100come within the threshold proximity of each other, a user mapping module315-bof the central server computer system205-cmay determine a unique ID number associated with each beverage container100. That is, each beverage container100may registered with the central server computer system205-csuch that an ID number is associated with each beverage container100(e.g., MAC ID, ESN, and the like). For each registered beverage container100, a social network interface module320-bmay store or access a user account associated with the beverage container100. The user account may be stored in the social network interface module320-band/or the user account information may be retrieved from a social network server305-bvia the Internet310. According to certain examples, the social network server305-bmay be an online social network such as, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and the like.

Based on the beverage containers100being in proximity, the central server computer system205-cmay initiate a social interaction activity. According to some examples, a user comparison module405-aof the central server computer system205-cmay query the user mapping module315-band/or the social network interface module320-bto identify one or more commonalities between the users of the proximate beverage containers100. The central server computer system205-cmay transmit one or more messages to the beverage containers100including the icebreaker data. The beverage containers100may utilize the icebreaker data to change the information on the electronic displays115to indicate the commonality.

Moreover,FIG. 5illustrates additional features with respect to the beverage containers100and also with respect to how the icebreaker data can be displayed or otherwise communicated to the users. Regarding the beverage container100, the electronic display115may be divided into one or more virtual displays (identified by reference numerals115-e-1,115-e-2, and115-e-3. The central server computer system250-cmay transmit one or more messages to the beverage containers100during a social interaction event wherein different virtual displays show different information. In the example shown inFIG. 5, a first virtual display115-e-1may, based on information in the icebreaker data message, display the commonality between the users. Returning the sporting example, the first virtual display115-e-1can indicate that both of the users are supporters of the Denver Broncos football team. A second virtual display115-e-2may, based on information in the icebreaker data message or a different message, inform the users about one or more facts related to the shared interest or the user's preferred interest. In the example shown inFIG. 4, the second virtual display of beverage container100-jdisplays information related to the common interest whereas the second virtual display of the beverage container100-kdisplays information unrelated to the shared interest. The third virtual display115-e-3may show static information unrelated to the social interaction, e.g., static information such as a score, a time, a number of refills the user has available, etc.

FIG. 6is a diagram of another example interactive social activity based on communication between two beverage containers100. The beverage containers100of the present example may be examples of the beverage containers100described above with reference to previous Figures. In the present example, a first beverage container100-1and a second beverage container100-mmay be in close physical proximity to each other. The first and second beverage containers100may communicate with each other via an ad-hoc WiFi connection, a Bluetooth connection, an NFC connection, or any other suitable connection.

In the present example, the beverage containers100may communicate with each other to implement an interactive game. Accelerometers or other sensors in each beverage container100may translate the motion of that beverage container100into movements in the interactive game. Each beverage container100may display on its integrated curved electronic display115a view of the interactive game from the perspective of the user of that beverage container100. In additional or alternative examples, multiplayer games may be implemented by a number of beverage containers100in communication with each other. Moreover, while the present example illustrates an ad-hoc management of an interactive game by the two beverage containers, an interactive activity such as the interactive game inFIG. 6may be centrally managed by a server or other external device in communication with one or more of the beverage containers100.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of an example intelligent beverage container100-n. The beverage container100-nof the present example may be an example of the beverage containers100described above with respect to the previous Figures. The beverage container100-nof the present example may include a main electronics module120-cand a swappable electronics module120-din communication with each other. The main electronics module120-cmay include circuitry implementing a number of electronic components that are permanently associated with the beverage container100-n. The swappable electronics module120-dmay include circuitry implementing a number of electronic components that can be interchangeably associated with different beverage containers100. While the example ofFIG. 7shows only a battery705in the swappable electronics module120-dand all other electronic components in the main electronics module120-c, each of the electronic components shown inFIG. 7may be implemented by either the main electronics module120-cor the swappable electronics module120-d. In still other examples, only a main electronics module120-cor a swappable electronics module120-dmay be used to implement all of the electronic components for a beverage container100-n.

In the present example, the main electronics module120-cmay include an OLED display710integrated into the beverage container100-nas described above with respect toFIG. 1. Alternatively, the beverage container100-nmay include another type of flexible or curved electronic display. The main electronics module120-cmay further include a processor715and a memory720. The processor715may execute software740stored in the memory720to control the OLED display710, track data about the use of the beverage container, implement social interaction activities, and the like. The memory720may store social interaction data745containing information and other data for communicating with a central server computer system or other beverage containers100to implement social interaction activities among a number of beverage containers100. The wireless transceiver(s)725may include one or more of a Bluetooth transceiver750, a WLAN transceiver755, an NFC transceiver760, or other types of transceivers that may suit a particular application of the principles of this disclosure.

The main electronics module120-cmay further include one or more accelerometers730to detect movement of the bottle, a GPS module735to detect location, and/or other types of motion sensors or input devices. The processor715may receive input from these devices and take action based on the input. Additionally or alternatively, the processor715may report the input to a network server and receive instructions from the network server based on the input.

FIG. 8is a flowchart of a method800for social interaction activities in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the method800may be performed by one or more of the systems200,300,400,500, and/or600ofFIGS. 2-6. In one implementation, the central server computer system may execute one or more sets of codes or computer executable instructions to control the functional elements of the systems200,300,400,500, and/or600to perform aspects of the functions described below. In another implementation, the electronics module120of the beverage containers100may execute one or more sets of codes or computer executable instructions to control the functional elements of the beverage container100to perform aspects of the functions described below.

At block805, a first user account may be associated with a first beverage container100. The user account may include objective and/or subjective information stored in a storage medium relating to the user. The user account may be a proprietary database of locally stored information and/or may be linked to an online social network. Objective user data may include, but is not limited to, the user's name, address, contact information, educational history, employment history, etc. Subjective user data may include, but is not limited to, information that can be gleaned from a review of the user's previous activities. As one example, the user account may not have a specific field storing the favorite sports team(s) of the user. However, the user posting, commenting, liking, sharing, etc., on their user account information related to a particular sports team may provide a subjective indication of which sports team the user supports. Moreover, a careful review of the user's previous postings, comments, etc., on their user account about a particular sports team may also reveal a general like (e.g., positive posts) or dislike (e.g., negative posts) for the sports team. As can be appreciated, a wide variety of information may be determined based on the information stored in the user account.

At block810, a second beverage container may be detected in proximity to the first beverage container. A user account associated with the second beverage container may be accessed at block820to identify a commonality between the first and second user accounts. As discussed, subjective and/or objective may be determined to common between the first and second user accounts. At block820, information indicative of the commonality may be displayed on at least one or the first or second beverage containers. The commonality information displayed on the beverage container(s) may provide a conversational topic to break the ice between the users of the beverage containers.

FIG. 9is a flowchart of a method900for social interaction activities in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the method900may be performed by one or more of the systems200,300,400,500, and/or600ofFIGS. 2-6. In one implementation, the central server computer system may execute one or more sets of codes or computer executable instructions to control the functional elements of the systems200,300,400,500, and/or600to perform aspects of the functions described below. In another implementation, the electronics module120of the beverage containers100may execute one or more sets of codes or computer executable instructions to control the functional elements of the beverage container100to perform aspects of the functions described below.

At block905, an electronic label may be displayed on a curved electronic display integrated into a beverage container. The electronic display114may be, in some embodiment, divided into one or more virtual displays where each virtual display shows some or all of the electronic label. At block910, communication between a first beverage container and a neighboring second beverage container may be established. The communication may be established via a wireless device integrated into each beverage container (e.g., Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Near Field Communications (NFC), etc.).

At block915, a social activity based on the communication between the first and second beverage containers may be implemented. Exemplary social activities may include, but are not limited to, icebreaker activities based on commonalities between users of the beverage containers, connecting the user of the beverage container in an online social network based on their activities, an interactive social game, and the like. Data related to the social activity may be displayed on the electronic display of the first (and/or second) beverage container at block920.

FIG. 10is a flowchart of a method1000for social interaction activities in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the method1000may be performed by one or more of the systems200,300,400,500, and/or600ofFIGS. 2-6. In one implementation, the central server computer system may execute one or more sets of codes or computer executable instructions to control the functional elements of the systems200,300,400,500, and/or600to perform aspects of the functions described below. In another implementation, the electronics module120of the beverage containers100may execute one or more sets of codes or computer executable instructions to control the functional elements of the beverage container100to perform aspects of the functions described below.FIG. 10generally illustrates an exemplary social interaction wherein additional commonalities are displayed after a predetermined time period.

At block1005, a first user account may be associated with a first beverage container100. The user account may include objective and/or subjective information stored in a storage medium relating to the user. A wide variety of information may be stored and/or determined based on the information related to the user account. At block1010, it may be determined whether a second beverage container has been detected in proximity to the first beverage container. A user account associated with the second beverage container may be accessed at block1015to identify a commonality between the first and second user accounts. According to certain embodiments, the user account associated with the second beverage container may be accessed to determine many or all of the common features between the first and second user accounts. As discussed, subjective and/or objective may be determined to common between the first and second user accounts. At block1020, information indicative of the commonality may be displayed on at least one or the first or second beverage containers. The commonality information displayed on the beverage container(s) may provide a conversational topic to break the ice between the users of the beverage containers.

At block1025, a timer may be started. The timer may run for a predetermined amount of time, e.g., one minute, five minutes, etc. The timer may indicate a time period the commonality has been displayed on the beverage container. At block1030, it may be determined whether the timer has expired. If not, the method1000may loop back to continue to monitor the timer. If so, the method moves to block1035where it may be determined whether all of the commonalities have been displayed. As discussed above, the method may determine a plurality of commonalities between the first and second user accounts. If all of the commonalities have not been displayed, the method moves to block1040where additional commonalities may be retrieved. Next, the method returns to block1020where the additional commonality may be displayed for a predetermined time period. As can be appreciated, the present method may provide for an enhanced social activity based on providing additional conversation topics between the users of the beverage containers. Once all of the commonalities have been retrieved and displayed, the method may end at block1045.

FIG. 11is a flowchart of a method1100for social interaction activities in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the method1100may be performed by one or more of the systems200,300,400,500, and/or600ofFIGS. 2-6. In one implementation, the central server computer system may execute one or more sets of codes or computer executable instructions to control the functional elements of the systems200,300,400,500, and/or600to perform aspects of the functions described below. In another implementation, the electronics module120of the beverage containers100may execute one or more sets of codes or computer executable instructions to control the functional elements of the beverage container100to perform aspects of the functions described below.FIG. 11generally illustrates an exemplary social interaction wherein, in addition to commonalities being displayed, a connection request is established between the users of the beverage containers. Moreover, once the connection is established, the connection can be ramped up or ramped down based on subsequent activities of the users.

At block1105, a first user account may be associated with a first beverage container100. The user account may include objective and/or subjective information stored in a storage medium relating to the user. A wide variety of information may be stored and/or determined based on the information related to the user account. At block1110, it may be determined whether a second beverage container has been detected in proximity to the first beverage container. A user account associated with the second beverage container may be accessed at block1115to identify a commonality between the first and second user accounts. According to certain embodiments, the user account associated with the second beverage container may be accessed to determine many or all of the common features between the first and second user accounts. As discussed, subjective and/or objective may be determined to common between the first and second user accounts. At block1120, information indicative of the commonality may be displayed on at least one or the first or second beverage containers. The commonality information displayed on the beverage container(s) may provide a conversational topic to break the ice between the users of the beverage containers.

At block1125, it may be determined whether a physical connection has been made between the first and second beverage containers. According to certain examples, the physical connection may be associated with the users making a toasting gesture with the beverage containers. If a physical connection has been determined, the method moves to block1130where a connection request may be transmitted. The connection request may be transmitted to one or more of the user accounts associated with the beverage containers. According to some examples, the connection request may be transmitted to one or more online social networks associated with the user accounts. At block1135, a limited connection may be established. Generally, a connection may be limited in that only certain information, history, data, etc., are exchanged between the first and second user accounts.

At block1140, it may be determined whether the connection is diminishing. According to certain examples, a connection may generally be considered to not be diminishing when the users of the first and second beverage containers engage in subsequent social interactions. The social activities, for the purposes of block1140, may relate to activities conducted by the users using the beverage containers or not using the beverage containers. For instance, if the first and second beverage containers are determined to be proximate to each other on other subsequent occasions, the users may be considered to be engaging in social activities. As another example, if the users subsequently and frequently interact via the user accounts (e.g., on an online social network), their connection may not be considered diminishing. Similarly, if the users do not engage in any subsequent social activities, their connection may be considered to be diminishing.

If the connection is determined to not be diminishing, the connection may be ramped up at block1145. A connection may be ramped up by sharing additional information, making the connection publicly available, etc. If the connection is determined to be diminishing, the connection may be ramped down at block1150. Generally, a connection may be ramped down by removing information previously shared via the connection. According to certain examples, a connection may be ramped down by removing the connection. As can be appreciated, the diminishing connection feature described herein may provide additional privacy to the users of the beverage containers.

A device structure1200that may be used for a beverage container100, a central server computer system205, or other computing devices described herein, is illustrated with the schematic diagram ofFIG. 12. This drawing broadly illustrates how individual system elements of each of the aforementioned devices may be implemented, whether in a separated or more integrated manner. The exemplary structure is shown comprised of hardware elements that are electrically coupled via bus1205, including processor(s)1210(which may further comprise a DSP or special-purpose processor), storage device(s)1215, input device(s)1220, and output device(s)1225. The storage device(s)1215may be a machine-readable storage media reader connected to any machine-readable storage medium, the combination comprehensively representing remote, local, fixed, or removable storage devices or storage media for temporarily or more permanently containing computer-readable information. The communications systems interface1245may interface to a wired, wireless, or other type of interfacing connection that permits data to be exchanged with other devices. The communications system(s) interface1245may permit data to be exchanged with a network.

The structure1200may also include additional software elements, shown as being currently located within working memory1230, including an operating system1235and other code1240, such as programs or applications designed to implement methods of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that substantial variations may be used in accordance with specific requirements. For example, customized hardware might also be used, or particular elements might be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software, such as applets), or both.

Moreover, as disclosed herein, the term “memory” or “memory unit” may represent one or more devices for storing data, including read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, core memory, magnetic disk storage mediums, optical storage mediums, flash memory devices or other computer-readable mediums for storing information. The term “computer-readable medium” includes, but is not limited to, portable or fixed storage devices, optical storage devices, wireless channels, a SIM card, other smart cards, and various other mediums capable of storing, containing or carrying instructions or data.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a computer-readable medium such as a storage medium. Processors may perform the necessary tasks.