Patent Publication Number: US-2007100495-A1

Title: Facilitating vending of customer-configured pizza preparation kits

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application is a continuation-in-part application to co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 10/751,143 filed Jan. 2, 2004 entitled “Machine And Method For Vending Customer-Configured Pizza Preparation Kits” and claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 60/749,956 filed Dec. 13, 2005 entitled “Facilitating Vending Of Customer-Configured Pizza Preparation Kits”, both applications having a common applicant herewith. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      The disclosures herein relate generally to vending machines and more particularly to machines, methods and packages configured for enabling vending customer-configured pizza products.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      Pizza is arguably one of the most popular types of foods worldwide. It is relatively inexpensive to make or buy, can be baked relatively quickly and can be prepared with seemingly infinite combinations and types of toppings and crusts. Perhaps, it is this combination of attributes that makes pizza such a popular type of food.  
      Various methods and machines configured for vending ready-to-eat pizza are known (i.e., ready-to-eat pizza vending machines). Ready-to-eat pizza vending machines provide a convenient means for ordering a custom ready-to-eat pizza. Similar to ordering a pizza for delivery, a ready-to-eat pizza vending machine serves a pizza intended to be eaten within a relatively short time from when the pizza is baked. In some embodiments, ready-to-eat pizza vending machines serve customer-configured ready-to-eat pizzas. In other embodiments, ready-to-eat pizza vending machines serve pre-configured ready-to-eat pizzas.  
      A limitation of ready-to-eat pizza vending machines and pizza delivery is degradation of the fresh-baked appeal of the pizza as the elapsed time between preparation of the pizza and eating the pizza increases. For delivered pizza, delays in delivery can result in the pizza dropping below a preferred and/or desired serving temperature. Similarly, for pizza vended from a ready-to-eat pizza vending machine, travel from a vending location (e.g., a convenience store) to a place where the pizza is eaten (e.g., a person&#39;s house) can result in the pizza dropping below a preferred and/or desired serving temperature. In either instance, at least a portion of the appeal of ordering the pizza is diminished.  
      Frozen ready-to-bake pizzas (e.g., bought at a grocery store, convenience store, etc.) can be baked at a person&#39;s convenience at the location where the pizza will be eaten. Thus, the issue of delay in eating the pizza once baked is virtually eliminated. However, frozen ready-to-bake pizzas are limited in their available crust/topping configurations. As freezer shelf space at grocery and convenience stores is limited and valuable, only a limited selection of crust/topping configurations is available for any particular frozen ready-to-eat pizza manufacturer. Furthermore, a pre-configured combination pizza (e.g., a supreme combination pizza) may include desired topping for one person and the same combination of toppings may be undesirable to another person. Combined with various available crust styles (e.g., thin, hand tossed, bake-to-rise, etc.), the likeliness of offering a pizza that approaches a person&#39;s preferred pizza configuration is remote. Most people pick a frozen ready-to-back pizza that is the best available option rather than a preferred configuration.  
      Therefore, machines, methods and packages configured for enabling vending a customer-configured pizza preparation kit would be useful.  
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for vending a customer-configured pizza preparation kit comprises a plurality of operations. An operation is performed for receiving customer identification information during a current pizza preparation kit ordering session. An operation is performed for accessing previous pizza preparation kit order information dependent upon the customer identification information. An operation is performed for enabling configuration of a current pizza preparation kit order dependent upon the previously pizza preparation kit order information after accessing the previous pizza preparation kit order information.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a vending machine comprises means for receiving customer identification information during a current pizza preparation kit ordering session, means for accessing previous pizza preparation kit order information dependent upon the customer identification information and means for enabling configuration of a current pizza preparation kit order dependent upon the previously pizza preparation kit order information after accessing the previous pizza preparation kit order information.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, a vending machine comprises an user interface arrangement configured for facilitating input of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order, an order processing arrangement configured for processing the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order and a product dispensing arrangement configured for dispensing a customer-configured pizza preparation kit corresponding to the order. Processing of the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order includes receiving customer identification information during a current pizza preparation kit ordering session and accessing previous pizza preparation kit order information dependent upon the customer identification information and enabling configuration of a current pizza preparation kit order dependent upon the previously pizza preparation kit order information after accessing the previous pizza preparation kit order information.  
      Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, an operation is performed for storing the customer identification information prior to receiving the customer identification information during a current pizza preparation kit ordering session.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, accessing previously ordered pizza preparation kit information includes retrieving previous pizza preparation kit order information from memory.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, enabling configuration of a pizza preparation kit order dependent upon the previous pizza preparation kit order information includes displaying all or a portion of previously ordered pizza preparation kits and at least one of enabling selection of at least one of the previously ordered pizza preparation kits and enabling customer-performed modification of at least one of the previously ordered pizza preparation kits.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, customer-performed modification includes at least one of enabling addition of at least one topping product and enabling deletion of at least one topping product.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, an operation is performed for receiving a current pizza preparation kit order and an operation is performed for updating the previous pizza preparation kit order information to include at least a portion of information included in the current pizza preparation kit order.  
      These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  depicts a method for vending a customer-configured pizza preparation kit in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosures made herein.  
       FIGS. 2A through 2C  depict an embodiment of a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosures made herein.  
       FIGS. 3A through 3C  depict various embodiments of a pre-packaged crust product package including a vacuum-sealed portion having a topping product packaging article attached thereto.  
       FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of the process depicted in  FIG. 1  for facilitating creation of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order.  
       FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of the process depicted in  FIG. 1  for processing the customer-configured pizza preparation kit.  
       FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of the process depicted in  FIG. 1  for managing kit components.  
       FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of an apparatus configured for carrying out processes, methods and operations in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein.  
       FIG. 8  depicts a method for utilizing system-provided pizza templates for facilitating order processing.  
       FIG. 9  depicts a method for depicts a method for identifying previously ordered pizza preparation kits that are available during a current order session.  
       FIG. 10  depicts an embodiment of a method for utilizing previously ordered pizza prapration kit information to prepare a current pizza preparation kit order.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      The disclosures made herein pertain to various aspects of vending machines configured for dispensing customer-configured pizza preparation kits (i.e., pizza preparation kit vending machines). Such pizza preparation kit vending machines are configured for allowing a customer to facilitate creation of a kit for preparing a pizza having a customer-configured crust and topping configuration (i.e., a pizza preparation kit). Such pizza preparation kits may be cooked at a time and location convenient to the customer. Pizza preparation kit vending machines in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein may be located at various point-of-purchase locations. Examples of such point-of-purchase locations include dormitory vending areas, gas-station convenience stores, neighborhood convenience stores, grocery stores, movie rental stores, etc.  
      Pizza preparation kit vending machines in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein offer a number of advantages over known methods and machines configured for vending ready-to-eat pizza (i.e., ready-to-eat pizza vending machines) and over frozen ready-to-bake pizzas. Pizzas derived from pizza preparation kit vending machines as disclosed herein can be baked at a person&#39;s convenience and at the location where the pizza will be eaten, thus eliminating delays in eating the pizza once baked. Available crust/topping configurations of pizzas derived from pizza preparation kit vending machines as disclosed herein are much less limited than frozen ready-to-eat pizzas. Essentially, the number of possible crust/topping configurations is limited primarily by the number of different types of crust and topping product capable of being simultaneously dispended (i.e., relative to a single order) by a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein. Furthermore, a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein occupies a relatively small amount of floor space with respect to the number of crust/topping configurations of pizzas derived from such a pizza preparation kit vending machine.  
      Turning now to specific figures,  FIG. 1  depicts a method  100  configured for vending a customer-configured pizza preparation kit in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosures made herein. A pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein is configured for carrying out the method  100 . It is contemplated herein that embodiments of pizza preparation kit vending machines configured for carrying out the method  100 , but not specifically disclosed herein, will be envisioned by a person skilled in the art of making such vending machines after the person has been made privy to the disclosures made herein.  
      The method  100  begins with a process  120  being performed for facilitating creation of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. A process  140  is performed for processing the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order after receiving the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. After processing the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order, a process  160  is performed for dispensing the customer-configured pizza preparation kit and a process  180  is performed for managing kit components.  
      The method  100  is described in view of a single kit order for providing clarity and simplicity of the disclosures made herein. It is contemplated herein that some customer-configured pizza preparation kit orders may comprise more than one pizza preparation kit (i.e., multi-kit orders). For such multi-kit orders, the appropriate processes, operations and steps of methods in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein are repeated, as necessary.  
       FIGS. 2A through 2C  depict an embodiment of a pizza preparation kit vending machine  200  in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosures made herein. The vending machine  200  includes a main body  205  and a door assembly  210 . The door assembly  210  is attached to the main body  205  via a plurality of hinges  215 , thereby enabling the door assembly  210  to be moved between an open position and a closed position with respect to the main body  205 .  
      The door assembly  210  includes a visual display  220 , a cash receptacle  225 , a bank card receptacle  230 , a printer output chute  235 , a crust product access opening  240  and a topping product access opening  245 . The visual display  220  is a component of a customer interface (i.e., a user interface) of the pizza preparation kit vending machine  200 , enabling visual presentation of vending information. It is contemplated herein that the customer interface may also comprise a speaker for enabling audio presentation of vending information. The cash receptacle  225  and bank card receptacle  230  enable customer access to respective mechanisms configured for allowing cash and bank cards, respectively, to be presented for payment of product offered by the pizza preparation kit vending machine  200 . The printer output chute  235  enables a printing mechanism (not shown) to present printed information (e.g., baking instructions, menus, coupons, etc) to customers and prospective customers.  
      The crust product access opening  240  and the topping product access opening  245  enable access to dispensed pre-packaged crust products and dispensed pre-packaged topping products, respectively. Bare uncooked pizza crust, sauce covered uncooked pizza crust and uncooked pizza crust covered with sauce and cheese (essentially a cheese pizza) are examples of crust products in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein. Cheese, sauce, pepperoni, sausage, vegetables, and other known pizza toppings are examples of topping products in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein. Vacuum-sealed packaging is an example of a packaging arrangement in which crust products and topping products may be pre-packaged.  
      It is contemplated herein that certain embodiments of pizza preparation kit vending machines in accordance with embodiments of the disclosures made herein will include a single dispensed product access opening. In such pizza preparation kit vending machines, dispensed crust products and topping products are accessible by the customer through the single dispensed product access opening. Such would be the case where a pre-packaged crust product and associated pre-packaged topping product(s) are packaged in a machine-supplied ‘carrying article’ (e.g., a bag, a box, sleeve, etc) within the pizza preparation kit vending machine. It is contemplated herein that the machine-supplied carrying article may be made from an insulating material or in a manner that provides enhanced insulating properties relative to a base material from which the machine-supplied carrying article is made.  
      It is contemplated herein that a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosures made herein may be configured for remote payment applications. An example of a remote payment application is placement of a pizza preparation kit vending machine in a grocery store where pizza preparation kits are paid for at a cash register. In such applications, a pizza preparation kit vending machine as disclosed herein will provide a bar code label (e.g., affixed to a machine-supplied carrying article), which can be scanned at the cash register.  
      The main body  205  includes a frozen product dispensing unit  250  and a refrigerated product dispensing unit  255 . The frozen product dispensing unit  250  facilitates dispensing of frozen product (e.g., frozen crust product, ready-to-bake pizza, ready-to-bake pizza snacks, etc) and the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  facilitates dispensing of refrigerated product (e.g., refrigerated topping products). In one embodiment of a pizza preparation vending machine as disclosed herein, the frozen product dispensing unit  250  and the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  each comprise respective refrigeration units. In another embodiment of a pizza preparation vending machine as disclosed herein, the frozen product dispensing unit  250  comprises a refrigeration unit and chilled air (i.e., air below 32-degrees Fahrenheit) is provided from the frozen product dispensing unit  250  to the refrigerated product dispensing unit at a rate and/or volume which maintains contents of the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  at a temperature at or above 32-degrees Fahrenheit.  
      As depicted, the frozen product dispensing unit  250  and the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  are in side-by-side relationship. In other embodiments of the disclosures made herein (not shown), the frozen product dispensing unit  250  and the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  may be in other physical relationship, such as over-under relationship or front-rear relationship.  
      The intent of the frozen product dispensing unit  250  and the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  is to enable some products (e.g., crust products) to be maintained and dispensed in a frozen state and to enable other products (e.g., topping products) to be maintained and dispensed in a non-frozen state. The benefit of enabling some products (e.g., crust products) to be dispensed in a frozen state and other products (e.g., topping products) to be dispensed in a non-frozen state is two-fold. First, freshness of crust products is enhanced when such products are maintained in a frozen state prior to baking. Second, refrigerated but not frozen topping products may be readily spread onto a pizza crust without any need to wait for them to thaw.  
      It is contemplated herein that all products dispensed within a pizza preparation kit in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosures made herein may be frozen products. In such embodiments, the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  is either replaced with a second frozen product dispensing unit or the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  is omitted entirely (thereby making room to enlarge the frozen product dispensing unit  250 ).  
      Referring now specifically to  FIG. 2C , the frozen product dispensing unit  250  (shown with a respective front panel omitted) includes a plurality of frozen product dispensers  260  and the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  (shown with a respective front panel omitted) includes a plurality of refrigerated product dispensers  265 . Each one of the frozen product dispensers  260  and each one of the refrigerated product dispensers  265  includes a helical advancing member  270  connected to a drive unit  275  (e.g., a motor).  
      A plurality of frozen product  280 , such as pre-packaged crust product, is stacked on the helical advancing member  270  of each frozen product dispenser  260 . A plurality of refrigerated product  285 , such as pre-packaged topping product, is stacked on the helical advancing member  270  of each refrigerated product dispenser  265 . It is contemplated herein that different crust products (e.g., small-size crust products, large-size crust products, different types of crust products, etc) may be provided on respective ones of the dispensers ( 260 ,  265 ). For example, large-size crust products of a first type (e.g., thin crust with a first type of sauce) may be dispensed from a first one of the plurality of frozen product dispensers  260  and small-size crust products of a second type (e.g., self-rising crust with a second type of sauce) may be dispensed from a second one of the plurality of frozen product dispensers  260 .  
      In response to the drive unit  275  turning the attached helical advance member  270 , the respective frozen product  280  or refrigerated product  285  is advanced toward a dispensing end of the respective frozen product dispenser  260  or refrigerated product dispenser  265 . When advanced sufficiently, a next available frozen product  280  of a particular one of the frozen food dispensers  260  falls from the frozen product dispenser  260 . Similarly, when advanced sufficiently, a next available refrigerated product  285  of a particular one of the refrigerated product dispensers  265  falls. Each one of the frozen product dispensers  260  and each one of the refrigerated product dispensers  265  includes a deflector shroud  290  for reducing the potential for a falling frozen product  280  or refrigerated product  285  from becoming lodged on a lower one of the respective product dispensers ( 260 ,  265 ).  
      The frozen food product dispensing unit  250  includes a normally closed exit door  295  through which the next available frozen product  280  of a particular on of the frozen product dispensers  265  falls. The normally closed exit door  295  serves to maintain a closed environment of the frozen product dispensing unit  250 . Depending on the arrangement and requirements of the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255 , the refrigerated product dispensing unit  255  may include a normally closed exit door through which the next available refrigerated product  285  for a particular one of the refrigerated food dispensers  265  falls.  
      Although specific details of a pizza preparation kit vending machine are disclosed herein, it should be understood that known vending machine arrangements and techniques not disclosed herein may be substituted for corresponding arrangements and techniques disclosed herein. For example, the helical advance members  270  disclosed herein may be replaced with another known mechanism configured for advancing pre-packaged products in a vending machine. Preferably, the mechanism chosen for advancing pre-packaged products will be configured for enabling a high density of prepackaged products to be held in a pizza preparation kit vending machine as disclosed herein.  
       FIGS. 3A through 3C  depict various embodiments of a pre-packaged crust product package  300  including a vacuum sealed portion  305  having a topping product packaging article  310  attached thereto. The topping product packaging article  310  includes a cavity therein, an open end  315  and means for enabling the open end  315  to be held in a folded-closed position (e.g., a flap and tie wrap), whereby pre-packaged topping products may be placed within the cavity and the open end  315  may be folded closed. An article resembling a pleated bag or a pouch is an example of the topping product packaging article  310 . It is contemplated herein that a zip-lock type closure mechanism may be used in place of the means for enabling the open end  315  to be held in a folded-closed position.  
      A crust product is sealed within the vacuum-sealed portion  305 . The topping product packaging article  310  is intended to provide a means of storing one or more pre-packaged topping products therein during transport of a pizza preparation kit from the point of sale to a customer&#39;s destination. Therefore, it will be understood that it is not the intent for bulk, unpackaged topping products to be dispensed into/held in the topping product packaging article  310 .  
      In the embodiment of the pre-packaged crust product package  300  depicted in  FIG. 3A , the topping product packaging article  310  is formed integrally with the vacuum-sealed portion  305 . A perforation  320  is formed between the vacuum-sealed portion  305  and the topping product packaging article  310  for enabling separation of the vacuum-sealed portion  305  from the topping product packaging article  310 . The perforation  320  also enables the topping product packaging article  310  to be folded onto the vacuum sealed portion  305 , as depicted in  FIG. 3B , thus saving space when the prepackaged crust product is stored in a pizza preparation kit vending machine. In the embodiment of the pre-packaged crust product package  300  depicted in  FIG. 3C , the topping product packaging article  310  is a discrete article, which is mounted (e.g., adhesive, heat stacking, etc.) on the vacuum-sea!ed portion  305  of the pre-packaged crust product package  300 .  
      Referring back to  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the process  120  for facilitating creation of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order is depicted in  FIG. 4 . The process  120  for facilitating creation of the customer-configured pizza preparation kit includes an operation  122  for implementing system-driven kit configuration (e.g., via query-response though a customer interface). After the operation  122  is performed for implementing system-driven kit configuration, an operation  124  is performed for implementing image-enhanced order confirmation. Image-enhanced order confirmation includes displaying a simulated representation of a pizza corresponding to the customer-configured pizza preparation kit in conjunction with a written summary of the order.  
       FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of the process  140  for processing the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. The process  140  for processing the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order includes an operation  142  for determining pizza components of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit. In response to performing the operation  142  for determining the pizza components, an operation  144  is performed for preparing pizza component-specific preparation instructions, followed by an operation  146  being performed for controlling dispensing of the kit components (e.g., outputting appropriate signals to product dispensing units). Broadly, kit components comprise the pizza components (e.g., a specified pre-packaged crust product and specified pre-packaged topping products) and the pizza component-specific preparation instructions. It is contemplated herein that the term kit components may exclude component-specific preparation instructions.  
       FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment of the process  180  for managing kit components. The process  180  for managing kit components includes an operation  182  for monitoring kit components. For example, each pizza component (e.g., each pre-packaged crust product and each pre-packaged topping product) has a barcode provided thereon. The barcode designates product information such as product description, packaging date, expiration date, etc. Each barcode is scanned either during loading of the associated product into the pizza preparation kit vending machine (i.e., by the re-stocker) or while stored in the pizza preparation kit vending machine (i.e., by an on-board system operated scanning system). In this manner, the product information obtained from the bar codes enables kit components to be tracked.  
      In response to monitoring the kit components having determined that no kit components require restocking, the operation  182  for monitoring kit components continues until a restocking condition is identified. It is contemplated that identification of a kit component that has reached an expiration date prior to being dispensed may trigger a restocking condition.  
      In response to a restocking condition being identified, an operation  184  is performed for determining kit component restocking requirements. Determining a quantity of each item needing to be re-stocked is an example of the operation  184  for determining kit component restocking requirements. It is contemplated herein that information derived from tracking of the number of each pizza component (e.g., each pre-packaged crust product and each pre-packaged topping product) dispensed may also be used for determining the kit component restocking requirements and for performing the operation  182  for monitoring kit components.  
      After determining the kit component restocking requirements, an operation  186  is performed for transmitting such restocking requirements (e.g., directly by the pizza preparation kit vending machine via a computer network connection or telephone network connection) for reception by a restocking entity. After transmitting the restocking requirements, an operation  188  is performed for implementing system-tracked restocking of the pizza preparation kit vending machine. System tracked restocking includes imparting a data processing module of the pizza preparation kit vending machine with detailed information (e.g., that available from reading a barcode provided on a pizza component) relating to the restocked kit components.  
      A barcode is one example of a machine-readable device. It is contemplated herein that other forms of machine-readable devices such as transponders configured for transmitting product information (e.g., an RF transponder) may be implemented for enabling management of kit components. It is also contemplated that human-readable devices may also be implemented, in combination with machine-readable devices or separately therefrom, for enabling management of kit components.  
      An embodiment of an apparatus  400  configured for carrying out the methods, processes and operations disclosed herein is depicted in  FIG. 7 . The apparatus  400  includes a data processing arrangement  402 , a customer interface arrangement  404 , a printer arrangement  406  and a kit component management arrangement  408 . The customer interface arrangement  404 , the printer arrangement  406  and the kit component management arrangement  408  are coupled to the data processing arrangement  402  for enabling associated functionalities to be facilitated jointly and individually between the arrangements ( 402 - 408 ). Each one of the arrangements ( 402 - 408 ) may include hardware elements, firmware elements and/or software elements. Some of the arrangements ( 402 - 408 ) may share certain hardware elements, firmware elements and/or software elements.  
      In operation of a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosures made herein, a customer (i.e., a pizza kit purchaser) initiates interaction with the pizza preparation kit vending machine by viewing an introductory visual message presented via a customer interface on a visual display of the pizza preparation kit vending machine. It is contemplated herein that the introductory visual message may be accompanied by an audio message. The customer is presented with an ordering interface via the customer interface. The customer is lead through an ordering process via the customer interface for facilitating creation of a customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. The customer-configured pizza preparation kit order comprises a customer-designated pre-packaged crust product and one or more customer-designated prepackaged topping products.  
      In one embodiment of the present invention, the ordering process may be based on system-provided pizza templates (i.e., system-provided pizza choices), which optionally a customer may customize by adding and/or subtracting certain toppings.  FIG. 8  depicts a method  500  for utilizing system-provided pizza templates (i.e., system-provided pizza choices) for facilitating order processing. An operation  502  is performed for determining next available crust product(s) and an operation  504  is performed for determining next available topping products. Such next available products are those that can be dispensed next from respective product dispensers of a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with the present invention and next available topping information is defined herein to include next available topping products and next available crust products. The next available products may be determined in any number of ways. For example, information garnished by the process  180  for managing kit components referenced in  FIG. 6  (e.g., inventory information garnished during restocking or in a real-time manner) is used to identify the next available products. The pizza preparation kit vending machine is configured information defining a plurality of system-provided pizza choices, which each have pre-configured crust and topping ingredients. Examples of such system-provided pizza choices include, but are not limited to conventional frozen pizza choices (e.g., veggie lovers, supreme, four cheese, etc). In response to determining the next available products, an operation  506  is performed for determining selectable ones of the system provided pizza choices. Each system-provided pizza choices will require availability of certain next available products. Thus, one or more system-provided pizza choices are determined to be not selectable by a customer when a required crust product and/or topping product for such one or more of such pizza choices is not a next available product. After determining the selectable ones of the system provided pizza choices, an operation  508  is performed for displaying such selectable ones of the system provided pizza choices (e.g., on the a visual display  220  of the machine disclosed in reference to the  FIGS. 2A-2C ). In conjunction with displaying such selectable ones of the system provided pizza choices, an operation  510  is performed for enabling customer-performed modification of selectable ones of the system provided pizza choices (i.e., adding, deleting and/or changing crust and/or toppings) and an operation  512  is performed for enabling selection of one or more of the selectable ones of the system provided pizza choices (i.e., ordering one or more of the selectable ones of the system provided pizza choices). In one embodiment, such modification and selection is performed via a user interface input means (e.g., touch screen and/or keyboard) of a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with the present invention.  
      After creation of the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order is facilitated, the customer is presented with order confirmation information via the customer interface. The order confirmation information includes a summary of the customer-configured pizza preparation kit created by the customer, a kit price corresponding to the customer-configured pizza preparation kit and a means for confirming acceptance of the order (e.g., a confirmation button to press). In response to the customer confirming acceptance of the order, the customer is presented with payment option information via the customer interface. The payment option information includes instructions for directing the customer to insert a specified amount of cash (i.e., equal to the kit price) into a cash receptacle of the pizza preparation kit vending machine or to insert a bank card (e.g., a credit card, charge card, debit card, etc) into a bank card receptacle of the pizza preparation kit vending machine. In the case of inserting a bank card, the kit price will be applied to the customer&#39;s bank card (e.g., deducted from, charged to, etc).  
      After payment is facilitated, the pizza preparation kit vending machine performs necessary operations for dispensing and/or packaging the pre-packaged crust and topping product comprised by the customer-configured pizza preparation kit order. The specific operations and sequence of operations performed by the pizza preparation kit vending machine for dispensing and/or packaging the pre-packaged crust and topping products is dependent upon a specific embodiment of the pizza preparation kit vending machine. In general, the pizza preparation kit vending machine prepares pizza component-specific preparation instructions (i.e., dependent upon the specific products comprised by the customer-configured pizza preparation kit) and then dispenses the prepackaged crust and topping product(s) into a dispensing receptacle of the pizza preparation kit vending machine where the customer can retrieve them. The pizza component-specific preparation instructions and the various pre-packaged products may all be packaged in a machine-supplied ‘carrying article’ (e.g., a bag, a box, sleeve etc) within the pizza preparation kit vending machine or the user may need to package at least a portion of the various pre-packaged products and the pizza component-specific preparation instructions into the machine-supplied ‘carrying article’.  
      After dispensing the kit-specific pizza preparation instructions and the various pre-packaged products, the pizza preparation kit vending machine facilitates completion of the order. Completion of the order includes dispensing a receipt (e.g., upon request by the customer.) Preferably, but not necessarily, pizza preparation kit vending machines in accordance with the present invention are configured for enhancing a subsequent order relative to one or more previous orders by customers. For various financial and customer service reasons, simplifying the placing of and reducing the time required for placing such a subsequent order is advantageous for the customer, for the store where such a pizza preparation kit vending machine is located and for the party(ies) involved in marketing such a pizza preparation kit vending machine. Accordingly, methods for such simplification and time reduction are useful and valuable.  
       FIG. 9  depicts an embodiment of a method  600  for identifying previously ordered pizza preparation kits that are available during a current order session. An operation  602  is performed for determining next available crust product(s), an operation  604  is performed for determining next available topping products and an operation  606  is performed for accessing previous pizza preparation kit order information for a particular customer (e.g., retrieving from memory of the apparatus  400  depicted in  FIG. 7  or a server accessible by a data processing device of the apparatus  400 ). Previous pizza preparation kit order information includes a list of previously ordered pizza preparation kits that details the crust and topping products that make-up each kit. After determining the next available products and retrieving the previous pizza preparation kit order information, an operation  608  is performed for determining selectable and non-selectable ones of previously ordered pizza preparation kits. Certain previously ordered pizza preparation kits require availability of a crust or topping product that is not a next available product. Thus, one or more previously ordered pizza preparation kits are determined to be non-selectable by a customer when a required crust product and/or topping product for such one or more of such pizza choices are not next available products and one or more previously ordered pizza preparation kits are determined to be selectable by a customer when all required crust and topping products for such one or more of such pizza choices are next available products. After determining the selectable and non-selectable ones of the previously ordered pizza preparation kits, an operation  610  is performed for displaying the selectable and non-selectable ones of the previously ordered pizza preparation kits, followed by an operation  612  for visually identifying selectable and non-selectable ones of the previously ordered pizza preparation kits. Textual designation of visually displayed information, highlighting of visually displayed information, color-coding of visually displayed information and the like are examples of such visual identification. Optionally, in place of displaying the selectable and non-selectable ones of the previously ordered pizza preparation kits, an operation is performed for displaying only the selectable ones of the previously ordered pizza preparation kits. Thereafter, an operation  614  is performed for enabling user selection of the selectable ones of the previously ordered pizza preparation kits (e.g., via a user interface input means (e.g., touch screen and/or keyboard) of a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with the present invention).  
       FIG. 10  depicts a method  700  for utilizing previously ordered pizza preparation kit information to prepare a current pizza preparation kit order. An operation  702  is performed for acquiring customer identification information from a customer. The present invention is not limited to customer identification information of a particular type or origin. Accordingly, one example of acquiring customer identification information includes requesting that a customer enter a customer identifier (e.g., a phone number, e-mail address, etc) and a passcode using user interface input means (e.g., touch screen and/or keyboard) of a pizza preparation kit vending machine in accordance with the present invention. Alternatively, a unique customer identifier is provided by the pizza preparation kit vending machine and the customer provides only the passcode or the customer swipes a credit card for generating a customer identifier and the customer enters a passcode. The preferred requirement of the customer identification information is that it is unique to a single customer. Thereafter, an operation  704  is performed for storing the customer identification information in memory of the pizza preparation kit vending machine or a server accessible by the pizza preparation kit vending machine. Storing the customer identification information includes associating the customer identifier and the passcode (e.g., in a database). At some point after storing the customer identification information (e.g., current order session), an operation  706  is performed for receiving the customer identification information in response to a customer providing such information through user interface apparatus of the pizza preparation kit vending machine, followed by an operation  708  for accessing previously ordered pizza preparation kit information. Preferably, but not necessarily, accessing previously ordered pizza preparation kit information includes retrieving a list of previously ordered pizza preparation kits. In response to accessing the previously ordered pizza preparation kit information, an operation  710  is performed for enabling configuration of a current pizza preparation kit order dependent upon previous pizza preparation kit order information. Preferably, but not necessarily, enabling configuration of a pizza preparation kit order dependent upon previous pizza preparation kit order information includes displaying all or a portion of such kits and enabling selection/customer-performed modification of one or more of such kits. After enabling configuration of a pizza preparation kit order dependent upon previous pizza preparation kit order information, an operation  712  is performed for receiving a pizza preparation kit order for the customer having entered the customer identification information, followed by an operation  714  for updating the previously ordered pizza preparation kit information for that customer. Updating the previously ordered pizza preparation kit information for that customer includes, but is not limited to, adding newly configurations of customer-configured pizza preparation kits to the list of previously ordered pizza preparation kits for the customer within memory of the pizza preparation kit machine or a server accessible by the pizza preparation kit machine.  
      In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of appended claims.