Abstract:
The present invention pertains to a pourer spout, a use of the pourer spout, a method for measuring liquid outflow from a container, and an inventory system for liquids. The invention aims at solving the problem to keep track of the volume of liquids that has been dispensed from one or several containers. Basically, this problem is solved by providing each container with a pourer spout that determines the volume of the poured fluid. This is achieved by measuring the inflow of air into the container. The invention can e.g. be used for registering the dispensed liquor in a restaurant or a bar.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The invention relates to an inventory system for liquids, a pourer spout and a method for measuring liquid outflow from a container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Traditionally, bars and other establishments serving alcohol have limited or no control over the alcohol flow, not distinguishing what kind of beverage is being sold. In a bar there is no actual quantity measurement—a bartender can steal, spill, give away, or over pour liquor without the management being able to trace the source. Currently the most common principal method for monitoring inventory and spillage is by mapping sales versus purchases and thereafter calculating profitability. A comparison is then made of real profitability contra forecast based upon the sales prices. As a rule these two figures always differ. This does not provide insight into the consumption of an individual beverage product or where spillage or waste/loss occurs. An average bar owner is losing between 5 and 15% of the bars liquor to “spillage”. 
         [0003]    Attempts have been made to control the volumes consumed by means of particular dispensing systems. 
         [0004]    US2005194402 discloses a system which includes pourer spouts. The pourer spouts estimate the volume exiting the bottle by means of a bottle tilt sensor that activates a time measurement combined with pre-programmed viscosity and flow rate values. These pourer spouts are therefore liquor dependant and can not be used for any other liquor than the one they are set up for. Another flaw with this system is that it does not actually measure the flow of the liquid, an empty bottle tilted will activate the time measurement and register that a pour has been performed even though the bottle is empty. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 3,920,149 discloses a dispensing system that uses a central unit and magnetically regulated pourers. The pourers cannot dispense unless they are used in combination with the special activator ring which is attached to the central unit. The central unit is set to a specific portion size and the activator ring regulates the flow from the bottle. The central unit can handle only one bottle at a time and that the bartender needs to pour at a predetermined location. This severely limits the bartender&#39;s flexibility. 
         [0006]    Thus, there is a need for an inventory system for liquids that is flexible, reliable, accurate and simple. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The object of the present invention is to provide an inventory system for liquids that avoids the drawbacks of the prior art. This object is achieved by the pourer spout, the method for measuring liquid outflow and the inventory system according to the enclosed claims. 
         [0008]    The pourer spout comprises an air flow measurement unit. Further, the pourer spout may comprise a sealing means, a liquid flow through passage, an air ventilation passage and a transmission unit, wherein the airflow measurement unit is adapted to measure the airflow through the air ventilation passage. The airflow measurement unit may comprise a first temperature sensor for determining a first temperature, and a second temperature sensor for determining a second temperature. The pourer spout may further comprise a heating device arranged in the air ventilation passage, wherein the heating device can be positioned inbetween the temperature sensors. Further yet, the pourer spout may comprise a data processing unit for comparing the first and second temperatures. Preferably, the pourer spout is barcode marked. 
         [0009]    The present pourer spout can be used in an inventory system for liquids. This system comprises, apart from one or several pourer spouts, at least one bar terminal, at least one barcode scanner and at least one signal receiver adapted for communication with said pourer spout. Optionally, the system also comprises a central server. This system can integrate a pourer spout and a corresponding container by alternately reading the barcode on the pourer spout and a barcode on the container. 
         [0010]    According to the invention, the method determines liquid outflow from a container, by measuring the flow of air through said air ventilation passage. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a side view of the pourer spout in cross section 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a back side view of the pourer spout in  FIG. 1   
           [0013]      FIGS. 3-5  illustrate the integration of a pourer spout with a corresponding bottle 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a table illustrating the result of the integration in  FIGS. 3-5   
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The purpose of the system according to the present invention is to hinder theft, giveaways and spill, thus greatly decreasing an establishment&#39;s liquor costs. 
         [0016]    The present invention provides an inventory system for liquids, a tool for tracking and storing information. By utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), pourer spouts, bottles and inventory are combined in a wireless network. Integrated into the system is an inventory software that records which beverages have been poured and in what quantities, enabling the management to see detailed statistics over all alcohol dispensed. 
         [0017]    The system comprises pourer spouts, a receiver, a barcode scanner, and a bar terminal. Optionally, a central server can be used to collect information from a plurality of bar terminals. The pourer spouts have several functions that separate them from traditional pourer spouts; they have an integrated barcode, the ability to measure the volume poured, and they are able to transmit this information. 
         [0018]    A fundamental principle behind the present system is the fact that no work routines need to be altered when the system is in use. This makes the system serviceable in any type of bar no matter the size or establishment type. Separating the system into the different components and being able to buy them as separate products enables a bar owner to compose a package suited for the his/her specific needs. For example, a smaller bar can buy a pack of pourer spouts, a receiver, a barcode scanner, a software license and run the system on an available computer. A larger business with multiple bars may need several packs of pourers, several receivers and barcode scanners, and a bar terminal for every bar along with their respective licenses, and a central server. 
         [0019]    The system process begins with a request from the customer. Once a drink is ordered, the bartender pours the customer a beverage. Briefly, this activates the pourer spout, which transmits information of the sale including the pourer spout identification number and volume to a bar terminal via a receiver. After handing the customer the requested drink, the bartender charges and uses the cash register as usual. Bartenders will work as before as there is no need to diverge from current procedures. The special features of the pourer spout are invisible to customers and lets the bartenders do their job unsupervised. All events sent by the pourer spouts via the receivers to the software are presented in real time for monitoring and analyzing by management. 
         [0020]    A pourer spout is connected to a corresponding liquor bottle in the bar terminal by scanning the barcodes on the pourer spout and the bottle respectively, this is hereafter referred to as barcode integration. Generally, a barcode is present on all liquor bottles sold. If not, separate labels with barcode markings may be attached to bottles without barcodes. Since every pourer spout has a unique identification number, the bar terminal will recognize every pourer spout&#39;s signals and associate them with the corresponding spirit. Pouring a drink results in the bar terminal receiving the information sent by the pourer spout; pourer spout identification number and amount of liquor leaving the bottle. The bar terminal then stores this data together with a timestamp and the liquor brand. Since all bottles in the bar are equipped with pourer spouts, the bar terminal attains a complete overview of all liquor dispensed in the bar. If there are more than one bar terminal, information from the terminals is forwarded to a central server that monitors the inventory status of all spirits in the bars, supporting management in controlling and maintaining inventory levels. 
         [0021]    The flow measurement according to the present invention is based on measuring the airflow into the bottle. The volume of the air flowing into the bottle is equivalent to the volume of the liquid exiting the bottle. In fact, prior art pourer spouts do not actually measure any flow, neither a liquid flow nor an airflow, instead, the liquid flow is calculated from information regarding liquid viscosity, bottle tilt and/or pouring time. The present way of measuring is independent of the liquor viscosity, i.e. the pourer spout can be attached to any bottle in the bar, without being specifically programmed. The present barcode integration and identification of spirits enables this function by allowing easy transfer of pourer spouts from one bottle to another. A further advantage of measuring the airflow is that there are no moving parts that can be subject to mechanical jamming, and no liquid flow measuring means that can be subject to clogging. The bartender can work as usual, free pour and handle the bottles without obstacles. 
         [0022]    The system helps in managing liquor businesses more effectively by recording the fluid flow out of the bottles. Bar owners know exactly who&#39;s pouring what and when, giving them the power to better control inventory, reduce over pours and theft, track bar stock, and overall reduce liquor costs. The system instantly provides information on how much bartenders are serving to their customers. 
         [0023]    Below, the system is described as having several pourer spouts but only one bar terminal. In larger establishments, several bar terminals, all communicating with the central server, can be put to use. For instance, an establishment can have bar terminals in the restaurant, in the night club and on the terrace etc. Several bar terminals can also be arranged in the same bar. 
       Flow Measurement 
       [0024]    The volume of liquid exiting the bottle is determined by measuring the volume of air replacing the liquid in the bottle. By using this air-measuring technique, the liquid flow rate out of the bottle as well as the liquid type can be disregarded. One pourer spout can be used for any kind of liquid, regardless of the viscosity, temperature, etc. 
         [0025]    One possible method for the airflow measurement is briefly described below. A heating element injects a minute constant amount of heat into a flow measurement section of the air ventilation pipe. Two temperature sensors, positioned symmetrically upstream and downstream of the heat source respectively, detect the temperature difference between their positions in the flow measurement section, thus providing basic information about the distribution of the caloric energy in the air. This is the fundamental information needed to subsequently calculate the actual total flow. 
         [0026]    This method has advantages in terms of high accuracy, low power consumption, short response time (in the order of a few milliseconds), short power-up time, wide operating temperature range, high mechanical shock resistance, essentially no vibration sensitivity, low price and small size. In addition to the wide temperature operating range, changes in liquid and air viscosity due to high or low temperatures have a negligible effect on the measurement. 
         [0027]    Further, this method for measuring the volume of a liquid exiting a bottle is not limited to bottles. The pourer spout can easily be adapted for use with any kind of rigid liquid enclosing container. 
         [0028]    Apart from the calorimetric principle, there are several other possible solutions at hand for measuring the airflow. The invention shall not be limited to a specific airflow measurement method. Alternative solutions include providing the flow measurement section with a paddle wheel or a venturi meter. 
       The Pourer Spout 
       [0029]    The main function of the pourer spout, apart from assisting the user in accurately dispensing the liquid, is to measure the volume of liquid exiting a bottle or a similar container, and to transmit the measured amount together with the pourer spout identification number to a receiver unit connected to the bar terminal. This requires the pourer spout to comprise four specific parts; a volume measuring unit, a data processing unit, a RFID transmission unit and a battery. 
         [0030]    The following detailed description of the pourer spout, with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , is to be considered as a non-limiting example of a preferred embodiment according to the invention. 
         [0031]    The pourer spout comprises a liquid flow passage, through which liquid is dispensed. from the bottle as indicated at A 1 . The liquid flow through passage is preferably in the form of a pipe  6  running through the pourer spout. The liquid flow pipe  6  reaches from inside the bottle neck, through the pourer spout, and to the outside of the pourer spout. Inside the bottle neck, the liquid flow pipe  6  runs parallel with the bottle neck axis and ends close to the inner surface of the pourer spout. Preferably, the liquid flow pipe  6  ends on the same level as said surface. Within the pourer spout, a curvature causes the liquid flow pipe  6  to diverge from the bottle neck axis. With regard to the bottle neck axis, the liquid flow pipe  6  extends obliquely from the outer side of the pourer spout. The outer end of the liquid flow pipe  6  extends from the outer surface of the pourer spout, thereby facilitating the liquid dispensing operation. 
         [0032]    The pourer spout further comprises an air ventilation passage to allow air to enter the bottle as indicated at A 2 . The air ventilation passage is provided in order replace the liquid that leaves the bottle through the liquid flow through passage  6  with air. Said passage is preferably in the form of an airflow pipe  7 , in accordance with the liquid flow through pipe  6  mentioned above. The air pipe  7  runs through the pourer spout in essentially the same manner as the liquid pipe  6 . One important difference is the fact that the air pipe  7  reaches further into the bottle than does the liquid pipe  6 . Preferably. the air pipe  7  extends all the way through the bottle neck and into the bottle body. It is essential that the air pipe  7  extends further into the bottle than the liquid pipe  6 . The pressure difference, upon pouring, between the inner opening of the air pipe  7  and the liquid pipe  6  ensures that the liquid exits through the liquid pipe  6  and not through the air pipe  7 . The pressure must be lower at the inner opening of the air pipe  7  than at the inner opening of the liquid pipe  6 . This relationship should be important to all pouring spouts, but in the present case, the outer end of the air ventilation passage  7  does not have to extend from the surface of the pourer spout. In the present embodiment, the air pipe  7  exhibits a right angle within the pourer spout and forms an opening  11  ( FIG. 2 ) in the side wall of the pourer spout outside the bottle neck. 
         [0033]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , the pourer spout is provided with a barcode  10  in order to enable the barcode integration, as will be described in detail later. 
         [0034]    The pourer spout may also be furnished with a tilt switch  4 , allowing the electronic equipment to enter a “sleep” mode when the bottle, and thus the pourer spout, is put in an upright position. Subsequent pouring affects the tilt switch  4  that activates the electronic equipment in the pourer spout. 
         [0035]    Adjacent the upper side of a sealing cork  9 , preferably a rubber cork, which tightly seals the interface between the pourer spout and the bottle, a switch  5  for bottle on/off detection is arranged. When the pourer spout is put on a bottle by pressing the rubber cork  9  down the bottle neck, the switch  5  for bottle on/of detection is pushed in by the bottle rim, wherein the electronics in the pourer spout are activated and the sending of a signal containing an “on bottle” message to the terminal receiver is triggered. When a pourer spout is removed from a bottle, the switch  5  for bottle on/of detection is deactivated and an “off bottle” message is sent to the terminal. With the switch in “off bottle” mode, the electronics are set in a “deep sleep” mode to minimize power consumption. 
         [0036]    A battery  1  providing the electronic components with power is integrated into the pourer spout. 
         [0037]    To meet the physical requirements, all electronic parts of the pourer spout are encapsulated in a plastic cover  8  making it insensitive to impacts and water immersion. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment of the invention, the airflow through the air ventilation passage  7  is measured by means of the calorimetric principle. According to this, a low effect heating element heats the air in the air ventilation passage  7 . A first temperature sensor determines the temperature of the incoming air upstream of the heating element. A second temperature sensor determines the temperature of the air downstream of the heating element. The temperature sensors and the heating element are arranged in the airflow measurement unit  3  in  FIG. 1 . The temperatures determined by the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are compared by a data processing unit (DPU)  12  in a microchip. The DPU  12  comprises an AD converter, a microprocessor, and a memory, all of which are standard components. By means of the values from the first and second temperature sensors, the DPU  12  can determine the speed of the airflow, and thus the volume of air entering the bottle. The air volume entering the bottle equals the volume of liquid exiting the bottle. Subsequently, this volume information is transferred from the data. processing unit  12  to an RFID transmission unit  2 , also present in the microchip, and sent to the RFID receiver. 
         [0039]    According to other embodiments of the invention, the airflow through the air ventilation passage is determined by a paddle wheel or a venturi meter. 
       The Bar Terminal 
       [0040]    The bar terminal receives information from the pourer spout via a signal receiver, connected to the bar terminal. More specifically, the RFID transmission unit  2  of the pourer spout provides the bar terminal via a RFID receiver unit with volume measurement data together with a pourer spout identification number. 
         [0041]    Further, a barcode scanner S 1  is connected to the bar terminal. By means of this scanner S 1 , the user can furnish the bar terminal with the identification number of the pourer spout and also the article number of the corresponding bottle (barcode integration). 
         [0042]    In an optional central server information from several bar terminals can be collected and analysed collectively. 
       Barcode Integration 
       [0043]    After all parts, i.e. the bar terminal, the receiver, the barcode scanner, the pourer spouts and, optionally, the central server, have been properly set up and connected and the software has been installed, the pourer spouts can be paired together with the corresponding bottles. This action is performed by using the barcode scanner to read the barcodes of the pourer spouts and the bottles respectively. The system has a build in intelligence that allows the user to read the barcode of a first pourer spout, and successively the barcode of the corresponding first bottle, where after the pourer spout and the bottle are matched together in the system. If, instead, the barcode of the bottle is read first, the system awaits a barcode containing a pourer spout identification number coming next. Thus, at set up, the user scans the barcodes of the corresponding pourer spouts and the bottles alternately, and the system automatically pairs the pourer spouts and the bottles together. This integration procedure can of course be carried out either before or after the pourer spouts have been attached to the bottles, but preferably, in a first step, all bottles are provided with pourer spouts where after, in a second step, the barcode integration is quickly performed. 
         [0044]    If the barcode integration is omitted, i.e. a pourer spout is attached to a bottle without reading the barcodes of the pourer spout and the bottle respectively, subsequent pouring will nevertheless result in the pourer spout measuring the poured volume and transmitting this information together with the pourer spout identification number to the terminal. The terminal will in this case not be able to tell what kind of liquor that has been dispensed. However, it is possible to afterwards supply the terminal with information regarding what kind of liquor that has been poured by performing a later barcode integration. 
         [0045]    When a bottle has been emptied, the user removes the pourer spout from the bottle and arranges it on a new bottle. Upon barcode integration of the pourer spout and the new bottle, the system registers that a new bottle has been introduced. As mentioned above, the integration can be carried out independently of the order in which the barcodes of the pourer spout and the bottle are read. 
         [0046]    An illustrative non-limiting example of how the barcode integrations can be performed is described below, with reference to  FIGS. 3-6 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 3  shows a container/bottle C 1  (hereafter referred to as bottle) neck and a part of a bottle body. A pourer spout P 1  carrying a barcode is pushed down into the bottle C 1  neck. 
         [0048]    In  FIG. 4 , the pourer spout P 1  is tightly arranged in the bottle C 1  neck and kept there by sealing means in the form of a rubber cork  9 . The bottle carries a barcode. A barcode scanner S 1  reads the barcode on the pourer spout P 1 . 
         [0049]    The next step of the barcode integration is shown in  FIG. 5 , where the barcode of the bottle is read by the barcode scanner S 1 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  illustrates the result of the barcode integration. The first two tables show the pourer spouts P 1 -P 8 , and the bottles C 1 -C 8 , that have been registered in the system. Finally, the third and lowermost table lists how the pourer spouts have been integrated with the bottles. In this example, the barcode of pourer spout P 1  was read by the barcode scanner S 1  in succession before the barcode of bottle C 1  was read ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ), thus, the P 1  is connected to C 1  in the lower table of  FIG. 6 . Again, the order in which the barcodes of the pourer spouts and the bottles are registered is not important; hence, the actions of  FIGS. 4 and 5  in the example above can change place. The two barcodes should be scanned within a reasonable time interval, in the range of e.g. 0.5 to 5 seconds. This time interval is adjusted to the individual needs of the integration procedure.