Patent Publication Number: US-2015082243-A1

Title: Product Categorization User Interface for a Dispensing Device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/877,549, Attorney Docket No. 60428.0026USP1, filed Sep. 13, 2013, entitled “Product Categorization User Interface for a Dispensing Device,” of which the disclosure is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern dispensing devices include functionality for consumers to select from a menu of available products for purchase or dispense through the use of a touchscreen interface. Typically, the consumer is presented with a global list of products (e.g., beverages) for purchase or dispense via the touchscreen interface. The consumer may then either scan through the presented products or, if there are a large number of products which may be selected, individually scroll through each of the products until a desired product is located. There a number of drawbacks however, associated with the current consumer experience when interacting with current dispensing devices. One drawback is that since modern dispensing devices are capable of dispensing scores of products, the consumer may be required to spend a significant amount of time scanning or scrolling through the global list presented on the touchscreen before finding a desired product for purchase or dispense. Another drawback associated with current dispensing devices is that they fail to present additional information about a product (e.g., nutritional information) to assist consumers in making a decision for purchase. Yet another drawback associated with current dispensing devices is that they fail to identify products which may be offered but are currently unavailable for purchase (i.e., “sold out”) in an expeditious fashion. In contrast, unavailable products are often presented as options for purchase with consumers only determining that the product is unobtainable after making an actual selection of the product on the dispensing device. It is with respect to these considerations and others that the various embodiments of the present invention have been made. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Embodiments are provided for a product categorization user interface on dispensing device from which a product may be selected. The dispensing device may display a menu of product categories in the user interface. A selection of one of the product categories may then be received from the menu. The dispensing device may then display a sub-menu corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of products category in the user interface. A selection of a product may then be received from the sub-menu on the dispensing device. An action request may then be received which corresponds to the selected one of the plurality of products. In response to the action request, the dispensing device may then execute an action associated with the selected one of the plurality of products from the sub-menu. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative only and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a network architecture for providing a product categorization user interface on a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a menu associated with different product categories which may be dispensed from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a menu associated with different product categories which may be dispensed from a dispensing device, in accordance with an alternative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a product from the sub-menu associated with the selected product category shown in  FIG. 3A , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 3C  shows a user interface which may be utilized for displaying information about a selected product, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a product from the sub-menu associated with the selected product category shown in  FIG. 4A , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 4C  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a product associated with a list of flavored beverage products shown in  FIG. 4B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a user interface which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7B  shows a user interface displaying a promotional campaign selected from a sub-menu displayed in the user interface of  FIG. 7A , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8A  shows a dispensing device configured for offering products for a limited time period and/or to a limited number of consumers, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a user interface for selecting products associated with a limited time promotional campaign from the dispensing device shown in  FIG. 8A , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  shows a network architecture for utilizing biometric data to recommend consumer product selections, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  shows a network architecture for deploying product themes for use by consumers on a limited basis, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  shows a user interface for selecting favorite products and custom product mixes which may be accessed via a handshake operation from the user interface of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12A  shows a user interface for selecting sub-menus associated with favorite products and custom product mixes, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12B  shows a user interface for selecting sub-menus associated with favorite products and custom product mixes, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  shows a user interface for selecting favorite products after a selection of one of the sub-menus shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  shows a user interface for selecting custom product mixes after a selection of one the sub-menus shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  shows a user interface which may be utilized for directly accessing a product from the user interface of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 16A  shows a user interface which may be utilized for expediting the selection of a product for dispensing from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 16B  shows a user interface which may be utilized for expediting the selection of a product for dispensing from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 16C  shows a user interface which may be utilized for expediting the selection of a product for dispensing from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 17A  shows a user interface which may be utilized for showing an animation associated with the dispensing of a selected product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 17B  shows a user interface which may be utilized for showing an animation associated with the dispensing of a selected product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 17C  shows a user interface which may be utilized for showing an animation associated with the dispensing of a selected product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 17D  shows a user interface which may be utilized for showing an animation associated with the dispensing of a selected product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 18A  shows a user interface which may be utilized for indicating a sold-out status of a product which may be dispensed from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 18B  shows a user interface which may be utilized for indicating a sold-out status of a product which may be dispensed from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 19A  shows a user interface which may be utilized for displaying instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 19B  shows a user interface which may be utilized for displaying instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 19C  shows a user interface which may be utilized for displaying instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 19D  shows a user interface which may be utilized for displaying instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 19E  shows a user interface which may be utilized for displaying instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is a flow diagram illustrating a routine for providing a product categorization user interface on a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment; and 
         FIG. 21  is a simplified block diagram of a dispensing device with which various embodiments may be practiced. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments are provided for a product categorization user interface on dispensing device from which a product may be selected. The dispensing device may display a menu of product categories in the user interface. A selection of one of the product categories may then be received from the menu. The dispensing device may then display a sub-menu corresponding to a selected one of the plurality of products category in the user interface. A selection of a product may then be received from the sub-menu on the dispensing device. An action request may then be received which corresponds to the selected one of the plurality of products. In response to the action request, the dispensing device may then execute an action associated with the selected one of the plurality of products from the sub-menu. 
     In the following detailed description, references are made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustrations specific embodiments or examples. These embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. 
     It should be understood that “beverage,” as used herein, includes, but is not limited to, pulp and pulp-free citrus and non-citrus fruit juices, fruit drink, vegetable juice, vegetable drink, milk, soy milk, protein drink, soy-enhanced drink, tea, water, isotonic drink, vitamin-enhanced water, soft drink, flavored water, energy drink, coffee, smoothies, yogurt drinks, hot chocolate and combinations thereof. The beverage may also be carbonated or non-carbonated. The beverage may comprise beverage components (e.g., beverage bases, colorants, flavorants, and additives). 
     The term “beverage base” refers to parts of the beverage or the beverage itself prior to additional colorants, additional flavorants, and/or additional additives. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, beverage bases may include, but are not limited to syrups, concentrates, and the like that may be mixed with a diluent such as still or carbonated water or other diluent to form a beverage. The beverage bases may have reconstitution ratios of about 3:1 to about 6:1 or higher. According to certain embodiments, beverage bases may comprise a mixture of beverage base components. 
     The term “beverage base component” refers to components which may be included in beverage bases. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the beverage base component may comprise parts of beverages which may be considered food items by themselves. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the beverage base components may be micro-ingredients such as an acid portion of a beverage base; an acid-degradable and/or non-acid portion of a beverage base; natural and artificial flavors; flavor additives; natural and artificial colors; nutritive or non-nutritive natural or artificial sweeteners; additives for controlling tartness, e.g., citric acid, potassium citrate; functional additives such as vitamins, minerals, or herbal extracts; nutraceuticals; or medicaments. The micro-ingredients may have reconstitution ratios from about 10:1, 20:1, 30:1, or higher with many having reconstitution ratios of 50:1 to 300:1. The viscosities of the micro-ingredients may range from about 1 to about 100 centipoise. 
     Thus, for the purposes of requesting, selecting, or dispensing a beverage base, a beverage base formed from separately stored beverage base components may be equivalent to a separately stored beverage base. For the purposes of requesting, selecting or dispensing a beverage, a beverage formed from separately stored beverage components may be equivalent to a separately stored beverage. 
     By “separately stored” it is meant that the components of the present invention are kept separate until combined. For instance, the components may be separately stored individually in each container or may be all stored in one container wherein each component is individually packaged (e.g., plastic bags) so that they do not blend while in the container. In some embodiments, the container, itself, may be individual, adjacent to, or attached to another container. 
     The term “blended beverage” includes final products wherein two or more beverages have been blended or mixed or otherwise combined to form a final product. 
     Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements through the several figures, various aspects of the present invention will be described.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a network architecture  2  for providing a product categorization user interface on a dispensing device, in accordance with an embodiment. The network architecture  2  includes a dispensing device  10  in communication with a mobile computing device  40  (e.g., a smartphone, tablet or laptop computer) and one or more server computing devices  70  (over the Internet  50 ). The mobile computing device  40  may further comprise an application  37  for communicating with the dispensing device  10  and Internet  50 . In accordance with some embodiments, the communication between the mobile computing device  40  and the dispensing device  10  may be accomplished utilizing any number of communication techniques known to those skilled in the art including, but not limited to, BLUETOOTH wireless technology, Near Field Communication (“NFC”), Wi-Fi and other wireless communication standards or technologies. The mobile computing device  40  may also communicate with the dispensing device  10  by scanning a one or two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a QR code) or other symbol shown on a tag or sticker affixed to, printed on the dispensing device  10  or displayed on a display of the dispensing device  10 . 
     The dispensing device  10  may comprise various beverage bases or beverage base components such as beverage bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  as well as flavors (i.e., flavoring agents, flavor concentrates, or flavor syrups)  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28 . In some embodiments, the beverage bases  14 ,  16 ,  18 , and  20  may be concentrated syrups. In some embodiments, the beverage bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  may be replaced with or additionally provided with beverage base components. In accordance with an embodiment, each of the beverage bases  14 ,  16 ,  18  and  20  or beverage base components and each of the flavors  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28  may be separately stored or otherwise contained in individual removable cartridges which are stored in the dispensing device  10 . The dispensing device  10  may automatically identify the cartridges upon installation by a user or the user may be prompted to identify the cartridges when they are installed. It should be appreciated that the aforementioned beverage components (i.e., beverage bases or beverage base components and flavors) may be combined, along with other beverage ingredients  30 , to dispense various beverages or blended beverages (i.e., finished beverage products) from the dispensing device  10 . It should be understood however, that the dispensing device  10  may also be configured to dispense beverage components individually. In some embodiments, the dispensing device  10  may be configured to dispense beverage base components so as to form a beverage base. The other beverage ingredients  30  may include diluents such as still or carbonated water, functional additives, or medicaments, for example. The other beverage ingredients  30  may be installed in the dispensing device  10 , pumped to the dispensing device  10 , or both. The carbonated water may be produced in the dispensing device  10  through mixing of CO 2  and still water such as in a carbonator or other device that produces carbonated water. 
     Application  35  may be configured to generate a graphical user interface (“GUI”)  12  on a display screen (not shown) of the dispensing device  10 . The GUI  12  may be utilized to select and individually dispense one or more beverages from the dispensing device  10 . The beverages may be dispensed as beverage components in a continuous pour operation whereby one or more selected beverage components continue to be dispensed while a pour input is actuated by a user or in a batch pour operation whereby a predetermined volume of one or more selected beverage components are dispensed (e.g., one ounce at a time). 
     The GUI  12  on the dispensing device  10  may be addressed via a number of methods to select and dispense beverages. For example, a user may interact with the GUI  12  via touch input to navigate one or more menus from which to select and dispense a beverage. As another example, a user may type in a code using an onscreen or physical keyboard (not shown) on the dispensing device  10  to navigate one or more menus from which to select and dispense a beverage. As yet another example, a user may use the mobile computing device  40  to scan a one or two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a QR code) or other symbol shown on a tag or sticker affixed to, printed on the dispensing device  10  or displayed on a display of the dispensing device  10  to select a beverage for dispensing. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a user interface  200  which may be utilized for selecting a menu associated with different product categories which may be dispensed from the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  200  may be generated by the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  200  includes a main menu of product categories  205 ,  210 ,  215 ,  220  and  225  which may be selected by a consumer. In accordance with some embodiments, each of the aforementioned categories may correspond to various product categories such as all of a number of beverage brands available on the dispensing device  10  (e.g., the product category  205 ), a caffeine-free beverage category (e.g., the product category  210 ), a featured category associated with beverages tied to one or more promotional or advertising campaigns (e.g., the product category  215 ), a flavor category in which beverages are organized corresponding to a particular fruit flavor or other particular flavor additive available on the dispensing device  10  (e.g., the product category  220 ) and a low-calorie beverage category (e.g., the product category  225 ). 
     The user interface  200  also includes a “Help” user control  230  which may be selected by a consumer to review instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from dispensing device  10 . The user interface  200  also includes a language toggle user control  235  which may be selected by a consumer to change the language utilized on the GUI  12  of the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  200  also includes a bar code  240  which may comprise a one or two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a QR code) or other symbol which may be utilized by a consumer to uniquely identify the dispensing device  10  so as to enable a customized interaction or enable the consumer to remotely access the dispensing device  10  from a mobile computing device (such as a smartphone or tablet computer). The aforementioned consumer customized interactions and remote access tasks are described in related patent application U.S. Ser. No. 61/863,269 entitled “Dynamically Adjusting Ratios of Beverages in a Mixed Beverage,” filed on Aug. 7, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference. The user interface  200  also includes a user control  250  for directly accessing a product (e.g., water) from the main menu of product categories  205 - 225 . It should be appreciated that the user control  250  may be utilized by a consumer who only wishes to quickly dispense a product without having to navigate through one or more of the product categories  205 - 225 . 
       FIG. 2B  shows a user interface  200  which may be utilized for selecting a menu associated with different product categories which may be dispensed from the dispensing device  10  in an alternative embodiment. The user interface  200  may be generated by the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 . As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2A , the user interface  200  may include the Help user control  230 , the language toggle user control  235 , the bar code  240  and the user control  250  for directly accessing a product (e.g., water) from the menu of displayed product categories. 
     The user interface  200  further includes a main menu of product categories  215 ,  260 ,  265 ,  270  and  275 . As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2A , the product category  215  may comprise a featured category associated with beverages tied to one or more promotional or advertising campaigns. The product categories  260 - 275  may each include a list of available products which may be selected by a consumer. For example, the product category  260  may comprise an “All Drinks” category for selecting all of a number of beverage brands which are currently available on the dispensing device  10 , the product category  265  may comprise a “Caffeine Free” category for selecting all of a number of non-caffeinated beverage brands which are currently available on the dispensing device  10 , the product category  270  may comprise a “Low/No Calorie” category for selecting all of a number of low and no calorie beverage brands which are currently available on the dispensing device  10 , and the product category  275  may comprise a “Fruit Flavored” category for selecting all of a number of flavored beverage brands which are currently available on the dispensing device  10 . The number of currently available beverage brands which may be selected within each of the product categories  260 - 275  may also be displayed as scrolling user interface elements which may include graphics and/or text corresponding to an associated product within a product category. For example, the product category  260  may display user interface elements  260 A,  260 B,  260 C,  260 D and  260 E as scrolling horizontally in the direction indicated by arrow  262 , the product category  265  may display user interface elements  265 A,  265 B,  265 C,  2605  and  265 E as scrolling horizontally in the direction indicated by arrow  268 , the product category  270  may display user interface elements  270 A,  270 B,  270 C,  270 D and  270 E as scrolling horizontally in the direction indicated by arrow  272 , and the product category  275  may display user interface elements  275 ,  275 B,  275 C,  275 D and  275 E as scrolling horizontally in the direction indicated by arrow  268 . It should be understood that additional user interface elements (not shown) which represent additional available products within the product categories  260 - 275  may be displayed as the product list is scrolled across each product category. Thus, the total number of scrolling user interface elements displayed in the user interface  200  may be equal to the total number products available for selection in each of the product categories  260 - 275 . For example, for the product category  275  may display a total of eighteen scrolling user interface elements corresponding to the eighteen flavored beverage products which are available for selection. It should further be understood that the available products for each product category may be scrolled horizontally (in either a right or left direction) or vertically (in either an upward or downward direction), in various embodiments. In one embodiment, each of the user interface elements  260 A- 260 E,  265 A- 265 E,  270 A- 270 E and  275 A- 275 E may further comprise a selectable user control which may be configured to allow a consumer to select a product for dispense without having to further navigate through the product categories  260 ,  265 ,  270  and  275  such as described above in  FIG. 2A  with respect to the user control  250 . 
       FIG. 3A  shows a user interface  300  which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  300  may be generated by the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  300  includes a sub-menu of the product category  205  and, in accordance with some embodiments, may display a menu of beverage brands which may be available for dispensing from the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  300  also includes a user control  310  for returning to a “Start” screen on the dispensing device  10  and a user control  320  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the product category menu shown in the user interface  200 ) on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  300  also includes the “Help” user control  230  which may be selected by a consumer to review instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from dispensing device  10 . The user interface  300  also includes a navigation menu  330  which displays the currently selected product category as well as user interface buttons for navigating to other product category screens (which may be selected in the event a consumer mistakenly selected the current sub-menu or changed his or her mind after selecting the current sub-menu). 
       FIG. 3B  shows the user interface  300  which may be utilized for selecting a product from the sub-menu associated with the selected product category shown in  FIG. 3A . For example, in response to a consumer selecting a product (i.e., “Brand  1 ”) from the sub-menu in  FIG. 3A , the user interface  300  may display the various choices associated with the selected product including, for example, various flavor versions associated with the selected product. The user interface  300  also shows the selection of a product  360  (i.e., “Brand  1 , Lime”) from the displayed choices as indicated by the product  360  being emphasized (i.e., displayed larger) with respect to the other displayed products in the user interface  300 . The user interface  300  also includes a user control  340  to initiate an action (e.g., the pouring of a beverage) associated with the selected product  360  from the dispensing device  10 . In some embodiments, the user control  340  may simply be a notification for a consumer to activate a pour mechanism (not shown) which is separate from the user interface  300 . The user interface  300  further includes a user control  350  for displaying nutrition facts about a selected product (i.e., the selected product  360 ). 
       FIG. 3C  shows the user interface  300  which may be utilized for displaying information about a selected product. In particular, in response to a selection of the user control  350  in  FIG. 3B , the user interface  300  may display a facts panel  355  containing nutrition information for the selected product  360 . The facts panel  355  may be closed in response to the consumer selecting user control  357 . 
       FIG. 4A  shows a user interface  400  which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  400  may be generated by the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  400  includes a sub-menu of the product category  220  and, in accordance with some embodiments, may display a list of flavor additive options, such as fruit flavor options, which are associated with beverages available for dispensing from the dispensing device  10  (e.g., flavor option  440  corresponds to cherry-flavored beverages). While  FIG. 4A  shows a fruit flavor category, other flavor additive categories may also be utilized. The user interface  400  also includes a user control  410  for returning to a “Start” screen on the dispensing device  10  and a user control  420  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the product category menu shown in the user interface  200 ) on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  300  also includes the “Help” user control  230  which may be selected by a consumer to review instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from dispensing device  10 . The user interface  400  also includes a navigation menu  430  which displays the currently selected product category as well as user interface buttons for navigating to other product category screens (which may be selected in the event a consumer mistakenly selected the current sub-menu or changed his or her mind after selecting the current sub-menu). 
       FIG. 4B  shows the user interface  400  which may be utilized for selecting a product from the sub-menu associated with the selected product category shown in  FIG. 4A . For example, in response to a consumer selecting the option  440  (i.e., cherry-flavored beverages) from the sub-menu in  FIG. 4A , the user interface  400  may display a list of cherry-flavored beverage products which may be available for dispensing from the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  400  also includes optional user control  450  which may be selected for displaying additional products corresponding to the selected option  440 . 
       FIG. 4C  shows the user interface  400  which may be utilized for selecting a product associated with the list of flavored beverage products shown in  FIG. 4B . In particular, the user interface  400  also shows the selection of a product  460  (i.e., “Brand  6 , Cherry”) from among the displayed list of options as indicated by the product  460  being emphasized (i.e., displayed larger) with respect to the other displayed products in the user interface  400 . The user interface  400  also includes a user control  440  to initiate an action (e.g., the pouring of a beverage) associated with the selected product  460  from the dispensing device  10 . In some embodiments, the user control  440  may simply be a notification for a consumer to activate a pour mechanism (not shown) which is separate from the user interface  400 . The user interface  400  further includes a user control  450  for displaying nutrition facts about a selected product (i.e., the selected product  460 ). 
       FIG. 5  shows a user interface  500  which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  500  may be generated by the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  500  includes a sub-menu of the product category  225  and, in accordance with some embodiments, may display a list of low or no calorie beverages available for dispensing from the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  500  also includes a user control  510  for returning to a “Start” screen on the dispensing device  10  and a user control  520  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the product category menu shown in the user interface  200 ) on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  500  also includes the “Help” user control  230  which may be selected by a consumer to review instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from dispensing device  10 . The user interface  500  also includes a navigation menu  530  which displays the currently selected product category as well as user interface buttons for navigating to other product category screens (which may be selected in the event a consumer mistakenly selected the current sub-menu or changed his or her mind after selecting the current sub-menu). 
       FIG. 6  shows a user interface  600  which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  600  may be generated by the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  600  includes a sub-menu of the product category  210  and, in accordance with some embodiments, may display a list of caffeine-free beverages available for dispensing from the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  600  also includes a user control  610  for returning to a “Start” screen on the dispensing device  10  and a user control  620  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the product category menu shown in the user interface  200 ) on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  600  also includes the “Help” user control  230  which may be selected by a consumer to review instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from dispensing device  10 . The user interface  600  also includes a navigation menu  630  which displays the currently selected product category as well as user interface buttons for navigating to other product category screens (which may be selected in the event a consumer mistakenly selected the current sub-menu or changed his or her mind after selecting the current sub-menu). 
       FIG. 7A  shows a user interface  700  which may be utilized for selecting a sub-menu associated with a selected product category from the user interface  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B  on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  700  may be generated by the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  700  includes a sub-menu of the product category  215  and, in accordance with some embodiments, may display a list of promotional or advertising campaigns (such as the campaign  740 ) which are associated with one or more featured beverage brands are available on the dispensing device  10 . Examples of promotional or advertising campaigns include a movie that is about to be release in theaters and upcoming sporting events, television shows, etc. The user interface  700  also includes a user control  710  for returning to a “Start” screen on the dispensing device  10  and a user control  720  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the product category menu shown in the user interface  200 ) on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  700  also includes the “Help” user control  230  which may be selected by a consumer to review instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from dispensing device  10 . The user interface  700  also includes a navigation menu  730  which displays the currently selected product category as well as user interface buttons for navigating to other product category screens (which may be selected in the event a consumer mistakenly selected the current sub-menu or changed his or her mind after selecting the current sub-menu). 
     Turning now to  FIG. 7B , the user interface  700  shows the promotional campaign  740  which is associated with a beverage brand and includes a list of beverages being promoted which may be selected by a consumer for dispensing from the dispensing device  10 . The promotional campaign includes an offer  750  for winning an award as well as a message  770  directing the consumer for additional offers and opportunities to win prizes associated with the campaign. Reward points may be also awarded upon dispensing a beverage associated with a promotional or advertising campaign. In addition, the consumer may share the dispensing of a product via social media and earn reward points as well. 
     It should be understood that the product categories described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-7  are not so limited and that other product categories (and/or sub-categories) may further include teas, sports drinks, juices, energy drinks and coffee. In some embodiments, the selection of product categories (and sub-categories or menus) described above with respect to  FIGS. 2-7  may be made according to a hierarchical or combinatorial categorization scheme. For example, a hierarchical scheme may include a nutrition information category which may include as sub-categories: calorie content, caffeine, Nutraceuticals/vitamins, and sweetener type. As another example, a hierarchical scheme may comprise a product attribute category which is associated with the following sub-categories: cola, non-cola, carbonated water, still water, color, hot beverages, cold beverages, smoothie-based beverages and frozen carbonated beverages. A combinatorial scheme may include selecting a low calorie beverage prior to selecting a caffeine free beverage. 
     In some embodiments, the promotional or advertising campaigns in a product category may be associated with beverage products which may be offered for a limited time period and/or to a limited number of consumers. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8A , a consumer may store consumer data  82  on dispensing device  84  via a mobile computing device  80 . The consumer data  82  may include profile data  86  relating to the consumer&#39;s beverage preferences, custom recipes  87  as well as rewards data  88  associated with a particular beverage provider. In accordance some embodiments, the dispensing device  84  may be configured to receive the consumer data  82  via a handshaking procedure with the mobile computing device  80 . The handshake may be accomplished via any of a number of communication methods including, but not limited to, BLUETOOTH wireless technology, NFC or Wi-Fi. The handshake may alternatively be accomplished via a consumer&#39;s mobile computing device scanning a one or two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a QR code) or other symbol (not shown) which may be displayed on a tag or sticker affixed to, printed on the dispensing device  94  or displayed on the display screen  90  of the dispensing device  84 . The consumer data  82  may be stored and transmitted immediately or during predetermined periods (e.g., nightly data transfers). A beverage product associated with a promotional or advertising campaign (e.g., the advertisement  92  shown on display screen  90  of the dispensing device  84 ) may comprise a new brand/flavor offered for testing to consumers by a beverage provider. For example, a consumer, utilizing an application on the mobile computing device  80 , may be presented with a survey for providing feedback with respect to a beverage after the beverage has been dispensed from the dispensing device  84 . As non-limiting examples, the advertisement  92  shown on the display screen  90  of the dispensing device  84  may comprise a scene from a movie about to be released in theaters or an upcoming sporting event, television show, etc. The display screen  92  may also include an icon  94  which may comprise a selectable user control for allowing a consumer to select a beverage that is being promoted with an advertising campaign or event. For example, for a sporting event, the icon  94  may be associated with a new sports beverage which is about to be released. As another example, the icon  94  may be associated with a drink having a red color which is being utilized to promote a horror movie. In some embodiments, a beverage associated with a promotional or advertising campaign may only be made available to certain consumers for a limited time period. For example, based on the profile data  86  (which may or may not include a consumer&#39;s reward point total), a beverage may be offered or withheld. For example, a consumer with a high reward (e.g., loyalty) point total may be rewarded by being included in a test market. In accordance with some embodiments, more than one limited time only beverage may be presented to the consumer. For example, a consumer with a high reward point total may be presented with three limited time only beverages, while a consumer with a low point total may be presented with only one limited time only beverage. It should be understood that the length of time that a beverage is available may be controlled by a beverage provider via software updates made to the dispensing device  84  or via other methods. For example, beverage cartridges may be shipped to customers and installed in dispensing devices. At certain times, the beverage provider may authorize a dispensing device to dispense a particular beverage for a limited time. When the limited time has elapsed, the beverage provider may then de-authorize the cartridges and as a result, the dispensing device may no longer offer or dispense the beverage. 
     For example,  FIG. 8B  shows a user interface  800 , which may be displayed on the display screen  92 , for selecting products associated with a limited time promotional campaign from the dispensing device  84 . The user interface  800  may include an icon  810  which displays a promotional graphic  815  associated with a limited time promotional campaign (e.g., a scene from a movie about to be released in theaters or an upcoming sporting event, television show, etc.). The icon  810  may further include beverage product icons  820 ,  825  and  830  which may represent beverages available during a limited time promotional campaign. In some embodiments, each of the beverage product icons  820 ,  825  and  830  may comprise selectable user controls for dispensing beverage products which are associated with the limited time promotional campaign. In some embodiments, the icon  810  may be a selectable user control for enabling a consumer to dispense a mixed or blended beverage composed of the beverage products represented by the beverage product icons  820 ,  825  and  830 . In some embodiments, the icon  810  may simply show the constituent beverage product icons  820 ,  825  and  830  to represent the beverage products in a promotional mixed or blended beverage and dispensing of the promotional beverage may be initiated through another selectable user control (not shown) such as a pour button or lever. The user interface  800  may further include a selectable user control  840  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the product category sub-menu shown in the user interface  700  of  FIG. 7A ). It should be understood that in some embodiments, the user interface  800  may be accessed via the navigation of menus and sub-menus on a dispensing device (e.g., the dispensing device  10  shown in  FIG. 1  or the dispensing device  84  shown in  FIG. 8 ). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the user interface  800  may be accessed via a handshaking procedure with the mobile computing device  80  of  FIG. 8 . As discussed above, it should be understood that the handshake may be accomplished via any of a number of communication methods including, but not limited to, BLUETOOTH wireless technology, NFC or Wi-Fi. The handshake may alternatively be accomplished via a consumer&#39;s mobile computing device scanning a one or two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a QR code) or other symbol (not shown) which may be displayed on a tag or sticker affixed to, printed on the dispensing device  94  or displayed on the display screen  90  of the dispensing device  84 . 
     In some embodiments, biometric data may be utilized to recommend beverage products to consumers. For example,  FIG. 9  shows a dispensing device  104  which is in communication with a mobile computing device  100  for receiving biometric data  102  generated by exercise equipment  110  and a consumer  120 . In some embodiments, the biometric data  102  generated by the consumer  120  may be received from a personal data collection device (not shown) which is worn by the consumer  120 . The exercise equipment  110  and the personal data collection device worn by the consumer  120  may include bikes, treadmills, pedometers, heart rate monitors, and fitness watches capable of generating and/or recording biometric data such as cadence, strides per mile, heart rate, and a running or biking pace. Other types of equipment may also be utilized for recording a consumer&#39;s biometric data. For example, a consumer&#39;s biometric data may be obtained from a bodyweight scale capable of computing a Body Mass Index (BMI) based on the consumer&#39;s weight, sex, and height. In some embodiments, the biometric data  102  may be transferred to and stored by the mobile computing device  100  utilizing any number of compatible technologies such as the ANT+ data transfer technology. The dispensing device  104  may be configured with an interface  109  for receiving the biometric data  102  thereby enabling the communication with the mobile computing device  100  for the transfer of the biometric data  102 . In some embodiments, the mobile computing device  100  may utilize an application (not shown) for analyzing the biometric data  102  and making beverage recommendations  108 . Once the biometric data  102  has been analyzed by the dispensing device  104  and the beverage recommendations have been formed  108 , the consumer  120  utilize the mobile computing device  100  to initiate a handshake transfer of the beverage recommendations  108  to the dispensing device  104 . It should be understood that the transfer between the mobile computing device  100  and the dispensing device  104  may be performed via any of a number of communication methods including BLUETOOTH wireless technology and NFC utilizing receiver  112  in the dispensing device  104 . Alternatively, the transfer may be performed via the scanning of a one or two-dimensional barcode (e.g., a QR code) by an onboard camera  114  in the dispensing device  104 . It should be understood that the biometric data  102  collected by the mobile computing device  100  need not be collected from a single instance. In other words, the biometric data  102  may be collected over time to build a profile. In addition, the mobile computing device  102  may receive data inputted directly by a consumer. For example, a consumer who is an athlete may input a training goal and a dieting consumer may input a weight goal. In some embodiments, the dispensing device  104  may utilize the interface  109  to receive the biometric data  102  directly from the mobile computing device  100  and analyze the biometric data  102  to form the beverage recommendations  108 . The dispersing device  104  may also retrieve additional information (i.e., profile data  130 ) about a consumer via the Internet  150  by accessing a remote database  130  (not shown) maintained by a beverage provider in connection a rewards program. The dispensing device  104  may further comprise a custom screen such as the display  105  for presenting a consumer with the beverage recommendations  108  based on the received biometric data  102 . In some embodiments, the beverage recommendations  108  may include certain beverages on a consumer&#39;s Body Mass Index (“BMI”) such that a consumer having a high BMI will only be recommended low calorie or non-caffeinated drinks Similarly, a consumer&#39;s biometric data that shows recent high physical activity may be recommended a sports beverage. In some embodiments, the dispensing device  104  may be configured to display an option to revert to a standard selection screen or reject beverage selections displayed on the display  105 . In other embodiments, the dispensing device  104  may be configured to not display recommendations that are unable to be dispensed (e.g., the dispensing device  104  is temporarily out-of-stock of a particular beverage). In other embodiments, the dispensing device  104  may be configured to award reward points to the consumer  120  based on an amount of biometric data provided, total beverages dispensed, etc. 
     In some embodiments, dispensing devices may be configured to deploy product themes for use by consumers on a limited basis. For example,  FIG. 10  shows a dispensing device  1000  which includes a display  1010 . The dispensing device  1000  may be in communication with a server  1030  over a connection to the Internet  1020 . The server  1030  may store a collection of themes  1040  which may be retrieved and deployed by the dispenser  1000 . In accordance with some embodiments, a provider customer (e.g., a beverage provider customer) may configure a selection screen on the dispensing device  1000  which may allow a consumer to choose a theme or a set of themes from the collection of themes  1040 . For example, the consumer may have an account that allows them to purchase themes from the customer or, alternatively, they may be freely distributed. The consumer-selected themes may be downloaded during the dispensing devices  1000 &#39;s next connection time to the server  1030  (e.g., nightly downloads). In some embodiments, the themes  1040  may control the operation of the dispensing device  1000 . For example, a theme may configure the dispenser for use by a consumer who is blind. In particular, the theme may cause the dispensing device  1000  to audibly direct the consumer how to select a particular beverage (e.g., “tap once for a caffeinated beverage brand, tap twice for a fruit-flavored beverage,” etc.). Thus, it should be appreciated that after a main brand is selected, the theme may direct the consumer to tap a certain number of times to select various flavors associated with the previously selected main brand. The theme may also cause the dispensing device  1000  to announce various selections made by the consumer. In accordance with some embodiments, each of the themes  1040  may also comprise different icons and graphics and also be language dependent. For example, the one or more themes may be configured to display text in German on the dispensing device  1000 . In accordance with some embodiments, the themes  1040  may also contain different sets of product brands, different screen backgrounds, etc. Thus, when a consumer selects a theme on the dispensing device  1000 , product brands which are associated with the selected theme may be displayed on the display  1010 . In accordance with some embodiments, a theme may cause the dispensing device  1000  to run a diagnostic to determine if appropriate cartridges are installed for dispensing one or more beverages and cause the dispensing device  1000  to order them if they are not. Furthermore, the dispensing device  1000  may prevent a selected theme from operating until the appropriate cartridges have been installed. Additionally, one or more available themes in the themes  1040  may include an “activation time or trigger” so that enough time lapses for cartridges to be ordered and arrive if needed. The dispensing device  1000  may further be configured to compile content artifacts required to support new themes and queue them to be downloaded from the server  1030  if needed. The dispensing device  1000  may further be configured to prompt a consumer to activate a new theme upon being received from the server  1030 . For example, the dispensing device  1000  may be configured to display a message on the display  1010  such as “Are you ready to activate the new theme?” It should be appreciated that a selected theme may also be configured to determine whether ingredients needed for dispensing a particular beverage are installed in the dispensing device  1000 . In accordance with some embodiments, the themes  1040  may be temporally as well as geographically limited. For example, a provider may push new themes in connection with a special event occurring within a certain geographical area to all dispensing devices in that area. In some embodiments, the themes  1040  may comprise computer program container files (which may be both encrypted and compressed for security purposes) and which may also comprise additional files containing screen layouts definitions, graphics, beverage definitions, business rules (e.g., rules defining where and/or when to display screens which enable the selection of beverages), etc. In some embodiments, the aforementioned container files may be similar to or include Java ARchive (“JAR”) files as well as Cabinet (“CAB”) files. Other file formats may also be utilized. In order to selectively distribute the themes  1040  to particular dispensing devices, a customer may utilize a web-based system for accessing data needed to identify which dispensing devices the customer has and which enables the customer to select certain outlets to receive one or more themes. The selected dispensing devices may then receive a theme during scheduled connections (e.g., nightly downloads) with the server  1030 . 
       FIG. 11  shows a user interface  1100  for selecting favorite products and custom product mixes which may be accessed via a handshake operation (discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) from the user interface  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , in accordance with an embodiment. The user interface  1100  may include a collection of a consumer&#39;s favorite beverage products which may be dispensed from a dispensing device via selectable user controls  1103 ,  1105 ,  1107 ,  1109  and  1111 . The user interface  1100  may also include a collection of a consumer&#39;s custom beverages (e.g., beverage mixes) which may be dispensed via selectable user controls  1110 ,  1120  and  1130 . The user interface  1100  may further include a list of recommended beverages which may be dispensed via selectable user controls  1113 ,  1115  and  1117 . The user interface  1100  may also include a selectable user control  1140  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the product category menu shown in the user interface  200 ) on the dispensing device  10 . 
       FIG. 12B  shows a user interface  1200  for selecting sub-menus associated with favorite products and custom product mixes, in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, the user interface  1100  may be accessed via a handshake operation (discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) from the user interface  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The user interface  1200  may include selectable user controls  1210  and  1220  for displaying sub-menus which may be utilized to select a consumer&#39;s favorite beverage products or a consumer&#39;s custom beverages (e.g., beverage mixes) for dispensing from a dispensing device. 
       FIG. 12B  shows a user interface  1200  for selecting sub-menus associated with favorite products and custom product mixes, in accordance with an embodiment. In some embodiments, the user interface  1100  may be accessed via a handshake operation (discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 8A and 8B ) from the user interface  200  of  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The user interface  1200  may include selectable user controls  1210  and  1220  for displaying sub-menus which may be utilized to select a consumer&#39;s favorite beverage products or a consumer&#39;s custom beverages (e.g., beverage mixes) for dispensing from a dispensing device. The user interface  1200  may further include a list of recommended beverages which may be dispensed via selectable user controls  1230 ,  1240  and  1250  as well as a user control  1260  (i.e., a “Surprise Me!” icon) which may be selected to dispense a mystery beverage from a dispensing device. In some embodiments, the mystery beverage may comprise a new beverage product offered by a beverage provider or a random beverage. Upon selecting the “Surprise Me!” icon, a dispensing device may be configured to display an icon corresponding to the actual beverage to be dispensed to the consumer, prior to dispensing, so that the consumer may have the opportunity to not dispense the mystery beverage. For example, a consumer may choose not to dispense the mystery beverage if it is a non-diet beverage. In some embodiments, consumers may also be rewarded with reward points for trying the mystery beverage, sharing the mystery beverage (e.g., via social media outlets), etc. 
       FIG. 13  shows a user interface  1300  for selecting favorite products after a selection of one of the sub-menus shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , in accordance with an embodiment. The user interface  1300  may include a collection of a consumer&#39;s favorite beverage products which may be dispensed from a dispensing device via selectable user controls  1303 ,  1305 ,  1307 ,  1309  and  1311 . The user interface  1300  may further include a list of recommended beverages which may be dispensed via selectable user controls  1313 ,  1315  and  1317 . The user interface  1300  may further include a user control  1319  (i.e., a “Surprise Me!” icon) which may be selected to dispense a mystery beverage (e.g., a new or random beverage) from a dispensing device. The user interface  1300  may also include a selectable user control  1340  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the user interface  1200  of  FIGS. 12A  or  12 B) on a dispensing device. 
       FIG. 14  shows a user interface  1400  for selecting custom product mixes after a selection of one the sub-menus shown in  FIGS. 12A and 12B , in accordance with an embodiment. The user interface  1400  may also include a collection of a consumer&#39;s custom beverages (e.g., beverage mixes) which may be dispensed via selectable user controls  1410 ,  1420  and  1430 . The user interface  1400  may also include a selectable user control  1440  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the user interface  1200  of  FIGS. 12A  or  12 B) on a dispensing device. 
     With respect to the above discussion of  FIGS. 11-14 , it should be understood that in some embodiments, consumers may create lists of favorite beverage products by utilizing an application (e.g., the application  37  of  FIG. 1 ) downloaded from a beverage product provider to a mobile computing device (e.g., the mobile computing device  40  of  FIG. 1 ). After the application has been downloaded, the consumer may follow prompts and other directions for creating a list of favorite beverages. The favorite beverages may be any beverage (e.g., flavored or unflavored) that may be dispensed by a beverage provider. It should be understood that the application may also be configured to limit a consumer to a preset number of favorites (e.g., five favorite beverages). Once a consumer has created a favorites list on their mobile computing device, the list may be saved within the application and optionally shared via various social media outlets. In some embodiments, the sharing of favorites may be rewarded with reward points. Furthermore, the application may be configured to share favorites automatically (with an opt-out feature), or the consumer may optionally choose to manually share one or more favorites lists. In some embodiments, after a favorites list has been saved, a consumer may connect their mobile computing device with a dispensing device when a desired favorite is to be dispensed, via a handshaking procedure. The handshake may be accomplished via any connection method such as Bluetooth, NFC, Long Polling, Wi-Fi, QR Code readers, etc. During the handshake, the consumer&#39;s data may be transferred to the dispensing device. The data may include all the consumer&#39;s custom recipes (e.g., beverage mixes) as well as rewards information. The data may be stored and transmitted to a beverage provider by the dispensing device immediately or during nightly data transfers. Once the dispenser has received a consumer&#39;s data, a custom screen can be displayed (for example, “Welcome, Chris!”) thereby enabling consumers to have a personal experience when interacting with dispensing devices. In some embodiments, reward points may be awarded upon dispensing and the dispensing may optionally be shared via various social media outlets so that the consumer may earn reward points. 
     In some embodiments, a dispensing device may be configured to display an icon which enables a consumer to return to a main or “home” display screen after the consumer has established a connection or otherwise accessed the dispenser via a mobile computing device. For example, a consumer may wish to interact with a dispensing device to earn reward points, but may not want to select a beverage from his or her favorite beverages list. Therefore, the consumer may be presented with an option on the dispensing device to select a beverage offered by the dispensing device and add it to his or her favorite beverages list. In some embodiments, the consumer may also be able to utilize a built-in camera on his or her mobile computing device to take a picture of a beverage product icon displayed on the dispensing device as a means of adding add a beverage to their favorite beverages list. 
     In some embodiments, reward points as a result of personal interactions with a dispensing device, may be awarded throughout different stages. For example, points may be awarded for downloading an application for connecting with a dispensing device on a consumer&#39;s mobile computing device, creating a first custom recipe (i.e., beverage mix) with increasing points for subsequent recipes, connecting to a dispensing device, sharing custom recipes via social media outlets, sharing the dispensing of beverage products via social media outlets, etc. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 15 , a user interface  1500  is shown which may be utilized for directly accessing a product from the user interface  200  in response to a selection of the user control  250  shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . As discussed above, with respect to  FIG. 2A , the user control  250  may be provided for instances when a consumer only wishes to quickly dispense a single product (e.g., water) from the dispensing device  10  without having to navigate through one or more of the product categories  205 - 225 . The user interface  1500  also includes a user control  1510  for returning to a “Start” screen on the dispensing device  10  and a user control  1520  for returning to a previously displayed screen (i.e., the product category menu shown in the user interface  200 ) on the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  1500  also includes the “Help” user control  230  which may be selected by a consumer to review instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from dispensing device  10 . The user interface  1500  also includes a user control  1540  to initiate an action (e.g., the pouring of a beverage) of the product from the dispensing device  10 . 
       FIG. 16A  shows a user interface  1600  which may be utilized for expediting the selection of a product for dispensing from the dispensing device  10 . The user interface  1600  shows a list of available products for dispensing along with a selectable user control  1650  which may be initiated after a predetermined time period has elapsed without the consumer selecting a product. In some embodiments, once the predetermined time period has elapsed, the application  35  on the dispensing device  10  may display the user control  1650  in the foreground of the user interface  1600  while sending the displayed products to the background of the user interface  1600 . The user control  1650  may also display a countdown timer which, as shown in  FIGS. 16B and 16C , displays a remaining time period in which a consumer may select the user control  1650  to return the display of the products back to the foreground in the user interface  1600 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 16B , the user control  1650  shows the countdown timer  1655  as having 75% of the time period remaining and  FIG. 16C  shows the countdown timer  1655  as having 25% of the time period remaining The countdown timer may be stopped either in response to the selection of the user control  1650  or when the time period has elapsed at which time the user interface may return to a “Start” screen on the dispensing device  10 . 
       FIGS. 17A-17D  shows a user interface  1700  which may be utilized for showing an animation associated with the dispensing of a selected product from the dispensing device  1700 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 17A , the product  1740  (e.g., “Brand  1 , Lime”) has been selected in the user interface  100  and an action (e.g., the selection of the user control  1745 ) has been initiated to commence the dispensing of the product  1740  from the dispensing device  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 17A-17C , during the dispensing of the product  1740 , an animation  1750  (shown by bubbles) may increase as the dispensing of the beverage nears completion until finally a message  1760  may be displayed indicating the completion of the dispensing of the product  1740  to a consumer. 
       FIGS. 18A-18B  shows a user interface  1800  which may be utilized for indicating a sold-out status of a product which may be dispensed from the dispensing device  10 . Turning now to  FIG. 18A , the user interface  1800  indicates a sold-out status of the products  1830  (i.e., “Brand  6 ”) and  1840  (i.e., “Brand  14 ”) among the list of displayed products by de-emphasizing their associated selectable icons with respect to the remaining list of displayed products. It should be understood that other methods may also be utilized to indicate a sold-out status of products on the dispensing device  10 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 18B , the sold-out status of the product  1840  (i.e., Brand  14 ″) is indicated by replacing the product name on the icon with a “Sold Out” indicator. 
       FIGS. 19A-19E  show a user interface  1900  which may be utilized for displaying instructions for selecting and dispensing a product from dispensing device  10 . In some embodiments, the user interface  1900  may be displayed in response to the “Help” user control  230  which is shown in  FIGS. 2-7  (discussed above). Turning now to  FIG. 19A , the user interface  1900  shows instructions  1915  and an associated display  1910  of the dispensing device  10  to facilitate guiding the user through a series of steps for selecting and dispensing a product. The user interface  1900  also includes a user control  1905  for returning to a previous screen on the dispensing device  10 . 
       FIGS. 19B-19D  shows the user interface  1900  displaying additional instructions for selecting and dispensing a product including instructions  1925  ( FIG. 19B ) for retrieving ice for a beverage, instructions  1935  for selecting a beverage and instructions  1945  for dispensing a beverage. Each of the instructions  1925 ,  1935  and  1945  shown in the user interface  1900  may be accompanied by displays  1920 ,  1930  and  1940  which illustrate the instructions to a consumer. 
       FIG. 19E  shows the user interface  1900  after the final instruction for selecting and presenting a product has been displayed as shown in  FIG. 19D . The user interface  1900  includes a display  1950  illustrating a dispensed product, a user control  1960  for returning back to an initial or “Start Menu” on the dispensing device  10  (from which a consumer may apply the previously viewed instructions  1915 ,  1925 ,  1935  and  1940  to select and dispense a product, and a user control  1965  for replaying the previously displayed instructions  1915 ,  1925 ,  1935  and  1940  (as well as the associated displays  1910 ,  1920 ,  1930  and  1940  which illustrate the aforementioned instructions). 
       FIG. 20  is a flow diagram illustrating a routine  2000  for providing a product categorization user interface on the dispensing device  10 , in accordance with an embodiment. When reading the discussion of the routines presented herein, it should be appreciated that the logical operations of various embodiments of the present invention are implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or program modules running on a computing device or system and/or (2) as interconnected machine logical circuits or circuit modules within the computing device or system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performance requirements of the computing device or system implementing the invention. Accordingly, the logical operations illustrated in  FIG. 20  and making up the various embodiments described herein are referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts or modules. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that these operations, structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented in software, in firmware, in hardware, in special purpose digital logical, and any combination thereof without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention as recited within the claims set forth herein. 
     The routine  2000  begins at operation  2005 , where the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 , may display a product category menu in a user interface from which a consumer may initiate the selection of a product for dispensing from the dispensing device  10 . In one embodiment, the product category menu may include the display of different product categories and further display a scrolling list of available products for selection within each of the different product categories, in the user interface. As discussed above, the product categories may include all of a number of available beverage brands, a caffeine-free beverage category, a featured category associated with beverages tied to one or more promotional or advertising campaigns, a flavor category in which beverages are organized corresponding to a particular fruit flavor and a low-calorie or low-calorie/no calorie beverage category. Other types of product categories may also be utilized. 
     From operation  2005 , the routine  2000  continues to operation  2010 , where the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 , may receive a selection of a product category from the product category menu displayed in the user interface, as described above at operation  2005 . 
     From operation  2010 , the routine  2000  continues to operation  2015 , where the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 , may display a sub-menu corresponding to the selected product category selected at operation  2010 . For example, the sub-menu may include a selection of beverages corresponding to a particular fruit flavor (e.g., cherry) which corresponds to the selection of a flavor category received from the product category menu at operation  2010 . 
     From operation  2015 , the routine  2000  continues to operation  2020 , where the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 , may receive a selection of a product from the sub-menu displayed at operation  2015 . As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2B , in one embodiment, a product may be selected directly from the main product category menu displayed in the user interface  200  via a selection of a scrolling user interface element displayed within a product category (e.g., the scrolling user interface elements  260 A- 260 E,  265 A- 265 E,  270 A- 270 E and  275 A- 275 E) or via selection of the user control  250 . 
     From operation  2020 , the routine  2000  continues to operation  2025 , where the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 , may receive an action request corresponding to the product selected from the sub-menu at operation  2020 . For example, the application  35  may receive a request to dispense a selected beverage from the dispensing device  10 . 
     From operation  2025 , the routine  2000  continues to operation  2030 , where the application  35  executing on the dispensing device  10 , may execute the requested action in response to the action request received at operation  2025 . For example, the application  35  may instruct the dispensing device  10  to dispense a selected beverage or display nutritional facts associated with a selected beverage in a user interface. From operation  2030 , the routine  2000  then ends. 
       FIG. 21  is a simplified block diagram of a dispensing device  10  with which various embodiments may be practiced. In a basic configuration, the dispensing device  10  may comprise a computing device which includes at least one processing unit  2102  and a system memory  2104 . Depending on the configuration and type of computing device, system memory  2104  may comprise, but is not limited to, volatile (e.g. random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g. read-only memory (ROM)), flash memory, or any combination. System memory  2104  may include an operating system  2105  and the application  35 . The operating system  2105  may be suitable for controlling the dispensing device  10 ′s operation. 
     The dispensing device  10  may have additional features or functionality. For example, the consumer electronic device  20  may also include additional data storage devices (not shown) which may be removable and/or non-removable such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, solid state storage devices (“SSD”), flash memory or tape. The dispensing device  10  may also have input device(s)  2112  such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pen, a sound input device (e.g., a microphone), a touch input device, etc. Output device(s)  2114  such as a touchscreen display, speakers, a printer, etc. may also be included. The aforementioned devices are examples and others may be used. Communication connection(s)  2116  may also be included and utilized to connect to the Internet (or other types of networks) as well as to remote computing systems. 
     Various embodiments, for example, may be implemented as a computer process (method), a computing system, or as an article of manufacture, such as a computer program product or computer readable media. The computer program product may be a computer storage media readable by a computer system and encoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computer process. 
     The term computer readable media as used herein may include computer storage media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information (such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data) in hardware. The system memory  2104  is an example of computer storage media (i.e., memory storage.) Computer storage media may include, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information and which can be accessed by the dispensing device  10 . Any such computer storage media may also be part of the dispensing device  10 . Computer storage media does not include a carrier wave or other propagated or modulated data signal. 
     The term computer readable media as used herein may also include communication media. Communication media may be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” may describe a signal that has one or more characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media may include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media.