Abstract:
The system and method for monitoring usage and status of a beverage-dispensing machine is provided. The system and method remotely monitors operating status and usage parameters of a beverage of a beverage-dispensing machine. The monitoring system includes an input port configured to be coupled to the beverage-dispensing machine, a monitoring unit connected to the input port, for receiving a monitor signal from the beverage-dispensing machine and generating an ingredient use and status signal, a memory device connected to the monitoring unit, for storing the ingredient use and status signal to generate ingredient use and status data, and a power source supplying power to the monitoring system. The method of monitoring usage of a beverage dispensed from a beverage-dispensing machine having a control unit is also provided. The method includes steps of coupling a monitoring unit the control unit, receiving a monitor signal from the control unit, generating an ingredient use and status signal, storing the ingredient use and status signal, and generating ingredient use and status data.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a system and method for monitoring usage and status of a beverage-dispensing machine. In particular, the invention is directed to a system and method to remotely monitor operating status and usage parameters, such as a volume and a flow rate, of a beverage of a beverage-dispensing machine.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    Beverage-dispensing machines are commonly used in convenience stores, fast-food franchise stores, theaters, amusement parks, restaurants and other similar locations. Typically, a beverage-dispensing machine can serve multiple beverages, including carbonated drinks and non-carbonated drinks. Also, there are beverage-dispensing machines that have a refrigeration capability and dispense carbonated or non-carbonated frozen beverages, such as a “Slurpee®”, a smoothie, frozen cocktail or a milk shake. These machines quickly dispense a beverage into a container by actuating a switch, such as a lever located near a nozzle for the beverage.  
           [0005]    Generally, the frozen carbonated beverage-dispensing machines have a water supply and containers for syrup and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), and mix them at a desired ratio to fill a freezing cylinder used to produce a frozen carbonated beverage. Similarly, a non-carbonated beverage machine has a reservoir for holding mix or syrup that may or may not be mixed with water as an ingredient. The carbonated beverage machine may have a solenoid valve, a pump, or other device to control the flow of the syrup, water and CO 2  from the water supply and containers, while the non-carbonated machine may have a solenoid valve, a pump, or other device to control the flow of the mix or syrup, or may rely on gravity to fill a freezing cylinder.  
           [0006]    Typically, a frozen beverage-dispensing machine has a freezing cylinder or “chamber” connected to a water supply and containers for syrup and CO 2  or any other ingredients supply. The ingredients are mixed and frozen in the chamber to a desired consistency for consumption. The supply of the water and ingredients is controlled by solenoid valves located between the water supply/ingredient container and the chamber. The machine also controls and monitors temperature and consistency of the frozen beverage in the chamber as well as pressure within the chamber. The ratio of the mixture of the syrup, CO 2  and water is carefully controlled. These machines generally utilize a pressure switch/transducer that senses low pressure in the mixing chamber and opens solenoid valves to supply the desired amount of water and ingredients to the chamber. The beverage-dispensing machine provides consumers with beverages in a short period of time.  
           [0007]    In the industry involving such beverage-dispensing machines, a machine supplier often provides a beverage-dispensing machine to a client customer free of charge on the basis that the customer purchases the mix or syrup from the supplier. As described above, the ingredients, such as syrup, necessary to make beverages are typically supplied within a container. The ingredients in the container may be poured into and stored in the reservoir, or the container may be directly connected or attached to the beverage-dispensing machine to supply the ingredients. When the machine runs out of the syrup of mix, establishments where the machine is located need to refill or replace the empty ingredient container and must therefore have available stock of the containers. Ultimately, they may need to place orders for new mix or inform the syrup ingredient supplier and have a new container delivered and replaced it for the empty container. Where the product is not refilled, replaced or reordered on a timely basis, significant income can be lost.  
           [0008]    Moreover, the ingredient suppliers do not always know exactly when to deliver new containers to the site of the beverage-dispensing machine. Because the machine supplies need to be always ready to deliver new containers, they often stock many containers of many different types of beverages and carry large inventories. However, if the suppliers knew how much ingredients were going through the machine at a particular site, the suppliers could forecast the ingredient need for the machine and better control the inventory. The suppliers may not need to carry a large inventory at all times, or they can eliminate the inventory altogether by measuring how mush mix or syrup is used and charging on that basis. As a result, the suppliers can, if they wish, charge the customer by use of the machine rather than the ingredients purchased, and the customers can purchase the ingredients from any supplier and at the best price they can negotiate.  
           [0009]    For the reasons given, the machine suppliers are interested in knowing how much of the ingredients in the machine are consumed, and there is a need to monitor the consumption of beverages from beverage-dispensing machines.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    One object of the invention is, therefore, to provide a system and method for conveniently and efficiently monitoring usage of a beverage-dispensing machine. Another object of the invention is to provide a monitoring system and method that allows a person at a remote location to know how much ingredients in the machine are consumed. Another object of the invention is to remotely monitor the operating status of the machine.  
           [0011]    Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.  
           [0012]    To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a monitoring system for monitoring usage of a beverage-dispensing machine, includes an input port configured to be coupled to the beverage-dispensing machine, a monitoring unit connected to the input port, for receiving a monitor signal from the beverage-dispensing machine and generating an ingredient use and status signal, a memory device connected to the monitoring unit, for storing the ingredient use and status signal to generate ingredient use and status data, and a power source supplying a power to the monitoring system. In one aspect of the invention, the monitoring system is provided with a communication device for sending the ingredient use and status data set via a communication link to a remote location.  
           [0013]    According to another aspect of the invention, a beverage-dispensing device includes a beverage-dispensing nozzle, an ingredient supply connected to the nozzle, a valve disposed between the nozzle and the ingredient supply, a control unit, and a monitoring system. The monitoring system has an input port configured to be coupled to the sensor, a monitoring unit connected to the input port, for receiving a monitor signal from the control unit and generating an ingredient use and status signal, a memory device connected to the monitoring unit, for storing the ingredient use and status signal to generate ingredient use and status data, and a power source supplying a power to the monitoring system.  
           [0014]    In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of monitoring usage and status of beverage dispensed from a beverage-dispensing machine having a control unit is provided. The method includes the steps of coupling a monitoring unit to the control unit, receiving a monitor signal from the control unit, generating an ingredient use and status signal from the monitor signal, storing the ingredient use and status signal, and generating ingredient use and status data from the ingredient use and status signal. In one aspect, the method further includes a step of sending the ingredient use and status data via a communication link to a remote location.  
           [0015]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a beverage-dispensing machine having a monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a partial diagram of a beverage-dispensing machine having a monitoring system shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is a top expanded view of one preferred embodiment of the monitoring system with a communication device according to the invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is a top view of the monitoring system assembled with the communication device shown in FIG. 3;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a partial circuit diagram of a monitoring system according to one embodiment of the invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of a communication device according to the present invention; and  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a partial circuit diagram of the monitoring system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0024]    Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.  
         [0025]    In accordance with the invention, a monitoring system for monitoring usage and status of a beverage-dispensing machine is provided. Preferably, the monitoring system includes an input port configured to be coupled to the beverage-dispensing machine, a monitoring unit connected to the input port, for receiving a monitor signal from the beverage dispensing machine and generating an ingredient use and status signal, a memory device connected to the monitoring unit, for storing the ingredient use and status signal to generate an ingredient use and status data, and a power source supplying power to the monitoring system.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 1 illustrates one exemplary embodiment of a beverage-dispensing machine having a monitoring system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, a beverage-dispensing machine is shown generally by reference numeral  10 , and it can produce a carbonated or non-carbonated frozen beverage, such as a “Slurpee®”, a smoothie, a frozen cocktail or a milk shake. The application of the invention, however, is not limited to these beverages. The dispensing machine can also be for a carbonated or non-carbonated non-frozen beverage, such as a soda and juice.  
         [0027]    Beverage-dispensing machine  10  preferably includes a beverage-dispensing nozzle  12 , an ingredient supply connected to nozzle  12 , and a valve  14  disposed between nozzle  12  and the ingredient supply. As a part of the ingredient supply, beverage-dispensing machine  10  contains a set of syrup supply tanks, bags, boxes, or any other container (used interchangeably throughout the specification)  16 , a water supply  18 , and a CO 2  tank or bulk storage device  20 . Each of syrup tanks  16  contains syrup (Syrup A, Syrup B) used to make a frozen beverage. This beverage-dispensing machine is quipped with two separate syrup tanks and can produce beverages with two different flavors. However, the machine may contain more syrup tanks to produce beverages with many different flavors. Water may be externally provided by connecting water supply  18  to a water supply hose. Alternatively, beverage-dispensing machine  10  may be equipped with a water tank. Some machines may not have a water connection at all. Moreover, beverage-dispensing machine  10  has a set of mixing tanks  22  connected to the ingredient supply by conduits  24 . The ingredients (syrup, water and CO 2 ) for each of the beverages may travel from the ingredient supply to a corresponding mixing tank  22  through conduits  24 . In mixing tank  24 , the ingredients are mixed then enter the freezing cylinder to be frozen for consumption. Once the mixture of the ingredient reaches a desired temperature and consistency, a user may dispense a beverage into a container through nozzle  12  by manipulating an actuator, such as a lever or sensor.  
         [0028]    As shown in FIG. 1, beverage-dispensing machine  10  includes the valve  14  located at conduit  24  between each of the ingredient supply and mixing tanks  22 . Valve  14  controls the flow of each of the ingredients supplied into mixing chambers  22  so that the desired flavor and consistency of the beverage will be produced from the beverage-dispensing machine. Preferably, valve  14  is a solenoid valve that opens and closes to control the flow rate of the ingredient traveling through it.  
         [0029]    Beverage-dispensing machine  10 , furthermore, may include a control unit or a universal board  25 . Control unit  25  is electrically connected to each of valves  14  (the connections are not shown in the drawings) and controls the opening and closing operation of valve  14  for each of the ingredients by sending a signal. In one embodiment, a measurement sensor  26  is provided with valve  14  and the actuation of each of valves  14  can be monitored with measurement sensor  26 . Measurement sensor  26  may sense the open and close operation of valve  14  as well as duration of opening of valve  26 , and send an ingredient volume, actuation, or duration signal to control unit  25 . By measurement of the flow rate or the duration of opening of valve  14 , the volume or weight passing through valve can be accurately sensed by sensor  26 .  
         [0030]    Additionally, beverage-dispensing machine  10  may have a pressure transducer  28  located at each of the ingredient supply to determine availability of the ingredient. Pressure transducer  28  is connected to control unit  25  (the connections are not shown in the drawings), and measures the pressure of the ingredients to ensure that corresponding ingredients are available to machine, senses when the ingredients runs out, and send an ingredient supply signals to control unit  25 .  
         [0031]    Beverage-dispensing machine  10  can also include a device to sense a fault operation of the machine. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, beverage-dispensing machine  10  includes a fault operation sensor  30 . Fault operation sensor  30  may sense, for example, an abnormal pressure in mixing chambers  22 , syrup tanks  16 , or CO 2  tank  20 , and sends a signal to control unit  25  to inform the fault operation of the machine. Some examples of the fault operation sensed by fault operation sensor  30  may include: Syrup Low/Out, CO 2  Low/Out, Water Low/Out, High Pressure Compressor Cut-off, Beater Motor Overload, Thermistor Short, Thermistor Open, Low Pressure—Syrup, Low Pressure—CO 2 , Low Pressure—Water, Barrel Not Cooling, Barrel Temperature too High, Improper Viscosity Settings in Hedlunds (Hd), Improper Raw Viscosity, Improper Compressor Cycle Times, Improper Calibration settings, Proximity probe calibration, Improper Cycle Set Points, Syrup Pump/Regulator Failure, Water Pump/Regulator Failure, and Refrigeration failure. These fault operations of the machine may be informed to the user by a device, such as a light-emitting diode (LED).  
         [0032]    As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, beverage-dispensing machine  10  includes a monitoring system  50 . Preferably, monitoring system  50  is attached to beverage-dispensing machine  10  and connected to the machine via a communication line  52 , such as a ribbon cable. However, the connection of monitoring system  50  to the machine is not limited to a ribbon cable. Monitoring system  50  may be directly connected to beverage-dispending machine  10  via an adapter without communication line  52  or any other connection that would be apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of this specification. FIGS.  5 - 7  show one preferred embodiment of a circuit of monitoring system  50 .  
         [0033]    In a preferred embodiment, monitoring system  50  includes an input port  54  configured to be coupled each of the sensors  26 ,  30  via control unit  25  in beverage-dispensing machine  10 . As shown in FIG. 3 and  4 , monitoring system  50  may have multiple input ports to accommodate different types of beverage-dispending machines.  
         [0034]    Monitoring system  50  also is provided with a monitoring unit  56  connected to input port  54 . In one embodiment, monitoring unit  56  is connected to control unit  25  and intercepts signals sent or received by control unit  25 . Those signals include, for example, the valve signal sent by control unit  25  to control the opening and closing operation of valve  14 , the pressure signal received from pressure transducer  28  at the ingredient supply to determine availability of the ingredient, and waning signals sent from fault operation sensor  30 .  
         [0035]    In another embodiment, monitoring unit  56  receives a signal from the measurement sensors, such as ingredient volume sensor  26  and pressure transducer  28 , and generates an ingredient use signal. The ingredient use and status signal may contain information related to consumption of each of the ingredients for a beverage, for example, how much each ingredient for a beverage has been consumed and whether the ingredients are available to beverage-dispensing machine  10 . As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, monitoring system further includes a memory device  58  connected to monitoring unit  56 . Memory device  58  may be a semi-conductor chip and stores the ingredient use signal to generate an ingredient use data set. Memory device  58  may also store fault history data that includes fault operation data collected over a period of time. In one preferred embodiment, the ingredient use and status data includes a compilation of ingredient use and status data for each of the ingredients.  
         [0036]    Monitoring system  50  also has a power source  60  for supplying power to monitoring system  50 . In this embodiment, power source  60  is connected to control unit  35  of beverage-dispensing machine  10 . However, power source  60  may directly receive power from a power supply. Power source  60  should supply suitable power for the operation of monitoring system  50 . In one preferred embodiment, monitoring system consumes approximately 80 mA from +5 V power source, and approximately 110 mA during active modem communication.  
         [0037]    In one preferred embodiment, monitoring system  50  contains a communication device  62  connected to memory device  58 . Communication device  62  may be a modem and is connected to a computer  66  in a remote location via a network  64 , such as a telephone network or the Internet. Communication device  62  may include a port, such as a telephone jack, to be connected to network  64 . The port may provide a hard-wired connection to network  64  to avoid inadvertent disconnection after the installation of monitoring system  50  to beverage-dispending machine  10 . FIG. 6 illustrates a circuit diagram of communication device  62 .  
         [0038]    The information gathered from beverage-dispensing machine  10  can be readily fed to computer  66  via network  64 , and at a remote site, the condition of beverage-dispensing machine and the ingredients can be monitored. Computer  66  may be located at a remote location. In one embodiment, average active modem communication duration may be less than 10 seconds per transmission and has an average frequency of between one and four transmission per 30-day period. The communication duration and transmission frequency, however, can be readily changed to a desired value.  
         [0039]    In addition to the aforementioned data, monitoring system  50  may also monitor the following items via a sensor, such as fault operation sensor  30 , located at beverage-dispensing machine  10 : Barrel Temperature, Raw Viscosity, Compressor Cycle Times, Calibration Settings, Proximity Probe Calibration, Rinse Settings (Start/Stop/Duration), Cycle Set Points, Condenser Fan, Beater Motor, Brix (Sweetness), Syrup Sentry, Pressure Relief Valves (Carbonator/Syrup Tank), Pressure Settings (Syrup Tanks, CO 2  Tanks, Freezing Cylinders), and Refrigeration System. When fault operation sensor  30  senses malfunction, it sends a warning signal to control unit  25 . Monitoring unit  56  of monitoring system  50  receives the warning signal and generates a fault indicator signal. Preferably, the fault indicator signal can be transmitted by communication device  62  to a remote location to monitor the operation of beverage-dispensing machine from the remote cite.  
         [0040]    Monitoring system  50  may also monitor fault history data based on time and date. The fault history data may include: Syrup Low/Out, CO 2  Low/Out, Water Low/Out, High Pressure Compressor Cut-Off, Beater Motor Overload, Thermistor Short, Thermistor Open, Low Pressure—Syrup, Low Pressure—CO 2 , Low Pressure—Water, Barrel Not Cooling, Barrel Temperature Too High, Improper Viscosity Settings In Hedlunds (Hd), Improper Raw Viscosity, Improper Compressor Cycle Times, Improper Calibration Settings, Proximity Probe Calibration, Improper Cycle Set Points, Syrup Pump/Regulator Failure, Water Pump/Regulator Failure, and Refrigeration Failure.  
         [0041]    Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.