Patent Description:
Beverage dispensers are used in a variety of venues. A common type of beverage dispenser found in service industry venues are self-serve beverage dispensers. Users of self-serve beverage dispensers are able to handle refilling and modifying of beverage orders without hindering the venue's time and resources. In addition to being more efficient, providing refills at a discounted price or at no value is a good marketing tool for the venue.

Beverage dispensers are also continuing to improve technology, allowing venues to better control variability and access to beverages. Having a self-serve beverage dispenser option allows venues to streamline a portion of the service they are providing. For example, soda dispensers and/or coffee dispensers in a restaurant allow for employees of the restaurant to focus on food preparation and customer service, as opposed to constantly refilling beverages for the customers.

However, unfettered access to the beverage dispenser also provides a series of concerns. For example, self-serve beverage dispensers are difficult to monitor and may limit a venue to choosing between employee handling of refills or unlimited refills without any form of regulation or compensation.

Additionally, government regulations in certain geopolitical locations may require a venue to limit an amount of the refills that are provided. Traditional methods of regulating a quantity of dispensed beverages, such as using a radiofrequency identification device (RFID) affixed to a cup, can be both expensive and burdensome in manufacturing.

Venues that are providing self-serve beverage dispensers, such as the service industry, are searching for solutions that are both affordable and efficient. In the scenario of long-term use beverage vessels, such as ceramic coffee cups, higher cost is less of an issue. However, when the venue is evaluating a method for providing inexpensive and disposable beverage vessels, existing technology is cost prohibitive.

Additionally, modifications to existing self-serve beverage dispensers should provide some level of uniformity so that user interaction with the beverage dispensers does not require a learning process across common dispensers. Not only are existing technologies cost prohibitive, as previously described, dispenser use is not sufficiently intuitive. Accordingly, modified and new dispensers that support a regulated number of servings should be intuitive, thereby supporting more efficient consumer usage and acceptance.

Beverage dispensers, vending machines, and coolers allow for one user interaction at a time, including an end-to-end transaction from selection to delivery of the ordered product. Such beverage dispensers are often located in noisy venues, such as, food courts, arenas, restaurants, convenience stores, and grocery stores. User interfaces of dispensers and other beverage machines can be slow, especially given a total number of beverage choices for consumers and complexity of machines for service people and technicians. As such, there is a need to improve user interaction with dispensers, vending machines, and coolers to support consumer, service personnel, and technician usage.

<CIT> discloses a method for conducting refill of a beverage container i.e. bottle, which involves determining whether beverage container is permitted to be refilled based on information stored in a user account, and refilling the container based on said determination. A wireless signal is transmitted via a wireless communication module in the beverage container, where the wireless communication module comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) module.

<CIT> discloses a system having a beverage dispenser comprising micro-ingredients to create a predetermined beverage, where the micro-ingredients include natural and artificial flavors, flavor additive, natural and artificial color and high potency artificial sweetener. A reading device comprises a bar code reader, and a radio frequency identifier (RFID) reading/writing device reads or receives data. A container i.e. vessel, receives the predetermined beverage, and a data storage medium comprises a tag i.e. RFID tag, provided with data. The tag is positioned on the container.

<CIT> discloses a system having a self-service vending machine e.g. beverage dispenser (<NUM>), with a controller (<NUM>) for selectively dispensing goods. A token reader is linked to the controller. A set of tokens (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) includes a set of access data. The token reader reads the access data. The token reader provides the read access data to the controller. The controller dispenses a unit of goods based on the read access data. A data storage element comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (<NUM>).

<CIT> discloses a method involving providing a capacitive surface sensor. A capacitive information carrier (<NUM>) is provided in which first information pattern is encoded within the characteristics of an electrically conductive pattern. The characteristics of the electrically conductive pattern are modified due to external conditions to encode a second information pattern. The capacitive information carrier is brought into contact with a capacitive surface sensor in which second information pattern is capacitively detected by the capacitive surface sensor.

The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing beverages according to claims <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Dispenser machines or dispensers ("machines") that provide beverages for use by consumers are configured with respective wireless communication devices and readers with which a machine-readable medium may be read. The machines are configured to determine an available balance for a user from data that is delivered via the machine-readable medium. The machine-readable medium includes conductive ink used for storing and delivering data specific to an available balance for a specific user. In conditions where the available balance is sufficient for dispensing the beverage, the machine dispenses a controlled amount of the beverage such that unlimited dispensing is prevented. As a result, a machine controls the amount of dispensed beverage a user may access without increasing the available balance. Furthermore, the machine may also secure the machine-readable medium until dispensing of the beverage is complete, thus preventing the user from initiating the dispensing and then removing the machine-readable medium before an updated balance has been written. The machine may also read biometric parameters, such as finger prints, facial features, or vocal sounds, to verify that a same user is operating the machine for each beverage dispensing associated with the machine-readable medium. The controlling of the dispensed beverage allows a venue to provide users with greater than one use per beverage vessel while preventing unlimited refilling of the beverage. The machine may also respond to voice commands from different types of users, such as customers, operators, and service technicians, where each type of user may use different libraries to perform different tasks (e.g., order beverage, validate user, check inventory, check operational status, etc.).

To avoid the shortcomings of the conventional system, the present invention includes a machine for dispensing beverages. The machine includes a reader configured to read data representative of an available balance for a user to obtain beverages from the machine from a machine-readable medium and electronics. The electronics are configured to receive the data from the machine-readable medium in response to the user positioning the machine-readable medium within reading distance of the reader, enable the user to dispense a beverage into a vessel, and update the available balance of the machine-readable medium that reduces or prevents the user from dispensing unlimited beverages.

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures,
wherein:.

The machine-readable media described with reference to <FIG>, the machine-readable medium described with reference to <FIG>, the vessel described with reference to <FIG>, the beverage dispensing system and mobile device described with reference to <FIG>, the beverage dispensing methods described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the electronics described with reference to <FIG>, the respective machines or systems described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, and the lip movement described with reference to <FIG> are merely presented as exemplary embodiments falling outside the scope of the present invention as claimed.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a machine <NUM> that dispenses consumer products, such as beverages, to consumers is shown. The machine <NUM> is dispenser. In an embodiment, the beverages may be soft-drinks, fruit beverages, still beverages, water, and so on. The machine <NUM> may be placed in a venue such as, but not limited to, retail stores, grocery stores, restaurants, malls, sports venues, airports, walkways, or any other public or private location at which a consumer may purchase a consumer product, such as a beverage, from the machine <NUM>.

The machine <NUM> includes a dispenser <NUM> and a reader <NUM> for reading machine-readable indicia, and, optionally, a user interface <NUM> with which a user may interface, a cavity in which the user may pour beverages, and a button <NUM> that may enable the user to start and stop pouring the beverage. A user may place a vessel <NUM> inside the cavity beneath a nozzle <NUM>, and press the button <NUM> to pour a selected beverage via the user interface <NUM>. A machine-readable medium ("MRM") <NUM> is placed on, in, or sufficiently close to the reader <NUM>. The machine <NUM> may include at least one biometric sensor 116a, 116b (collectively <NUM>) that may be configured to gather biometric data of the user. Biometric data may be referred to as biometric parameters. The machine <NUM> may also include electronics (see <FIG>, for example) including a processor that is electronically communicative with the reader <NUM>, the user interface <NUM>, the biometric sensor <NUM>, such as a camera or image sensor, and the button <NUM>, so as to read/write to the machine-readable medium <NUM> and control operation of the machine <NUM>.

The reader <NUM> includes an electromagnetic reader. The reader <NUM> is configured to read data from the machine-readable medium <NUM> and communicate the data to the processor. The data is representative of an available balance for the user to obtain beverages from the machine <NUM>. To be consistent with rules or regulations, the data may set any initial balance or threshold rate of dispensing. The data may be loaded onto the machine-readable medium <NUM> at a point-of-sale location or any other location designated by the venue in which the machine <NUM> resides. The processor then uses the data to determine whether the available balance exists for the user to dispense the beverage. In a condition that the available balance is sufficient for dispensing the beverage, the processor enables the dispenser <NUM> to dispense a beverage selected by the user, and deducts a beverage or volume of fluid dispenses. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the processor may communicate to the dispenser <NUM> through various electronic connections as well as wireless communication networks. One of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the processor may communicate a number of messages to the dispenser <NUM> that may allow the dispenser <NUM> to dispense the beverage into the vessel <NUM>. The number of messages may include, but are not limited to, a specific amount of the beverage to be dispensed, a constant dispensing of the beverage up to a threshold so long as the user continues to press the button <NUM>, and other similar dispensing control methods. The processor communicates a new available balance to the reader <NUM> to be written to the machine-readable medium <NUM>.

The biometric sensor <NUM> may include any type of biometric sensor, including, but not limited to, a camera to perform facial recognition, microphone to perform voice recognition, and fingerprint reader to perform fingerprint analysis. Biometric data of the user may include image data (e.g., 2D and/or 3D image data) of a user captured by a camera. The biometric data may include raw data, processed data, and/or metadata derived from the raw data. One of skill in the art will appreciate that a number of methods may be used to obtain biometric data of the user. For example, an integrated front facing camera may capture an image of the user, a sound recording sensor may capture a voice clip of the user, or a fingerprint scanner may obtain a fingerprint in response to the user sliding or holding their finger to the fingerprint scanner. The biometric sensor <NUM>, and/or others described herein, may be a front facing camera configured for facial recognition. Biometric sensor <NUM> of <FIG>, and others described herein, may be depicted as a fingerprint scanner configured for obtaining fingerprints. Biometric sensor <NUM> of <FIG>, and others described herein, may be a microphone configured for sensing or capturing voice signals (e.g., voice commands) from users of the dispenser <NUM>. One of skill in the art will appreciate that biometric sensors as described herein may include any known or future developed biometric sensor.

In one embodiment, the machine <NUM> may include two or more biometric sensors 116a, 116b. The two or more biometric sensors 116a, 116b may be cameras or image sensors and may be configured to synchronize so that a three-dimensional image of the user is obtained. In other embodiments, a single biometric sensor <NUM> may obtain a two-dimensional image of the user. In yet other embodiments, such as biometric sensor <NUM> of <FIG>, the biometric sensor <NUM> may include a display screen that may be configured to give a visual representation of an image being scanned by the biometric sensor <NUM>, such as, but not limited to, an image of the user. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any of the embodiments of a biometric sensor described herein may be interchangeable and equally represented by the specific embodiment depicted.

The dispenser <NUM> may associate gathered biometric data of a first user with a user profile in response to the first user accessing the dispenser <NUM> with the machine-readable medium <NUM> a first time of use. In one embodiment, the user profile may be further associated with the machine-readable medium <NUM>. The user profile may not identify a specific individual, but rather use a biometric identifier of a user and associate other information, such as a vessel identifier, machine usage history, etc., with that biometric identifier. The user profile may be stored in a data repository of other user profiles of a machine or in a central location (e.g., on the cloud). The dispenser <NUM> may compare future gathered biometric data of a future user associated with the machine-readable medium <NUM> with the gathered biometric data of the first user to verify that the future user attempting to access the dispenser <NUM> with the machine-readable medium <NUM> is the first user (e.g., the same user who used a cup with the machine-readable medium <NUM>). In response to verifying that the future user and the first user are a same user, the dispenser <NUM> may allow dispensing of the consumer product. Alternatively, in response to failing to verify that the future user and the first user are the same user, the dispenser <NUM> may provide a notification to the future user and prevent dispensing of the consumer product. By preventing dispensing, fraudulent usage of the dispenser <NUM> may be prevented. And, by verifying the same user, the dispenser <NUM> may monitor a user and regulate dispensing amounts of beverage to comply with local regulations.

The dispenser <NUM> represents any of a variety of beverage dispensers such as, but not limited to, those discussed hereinabove. Generally, the dispenser <NUM> may be connected to a pump control (not shown). The pump control may serve as an intermediary between the processor and the dispenser <NUM>. In other embodiments, the dispenser <NUM> may be connected to a valve with a switch. The switch may be configured to be toggled in response to the user placing the machine-readable medium <NUM> within reading distance of the reader <NUM>. The toggled switch may then allow the valve to open and the beverage may begin to dispense. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are a variety of ways to control the dispenser <NUM>. For example, a retrofitted machine may be formed by the dispenser <NUM> or a conventional dispenser, such as a one, two, six, eight or <NUM> nozzle dispenser, and the switch and the valve may be to allow for controlled dispensing of the beverage by reading and writing to a machine-readable medium <NUM> of respective users. In another embodiment, for example, the reader <NUM> may be originally built into the machine <NUM>.

The reader <NUM> may be any of a variety of active or passive sensors. Active sensors may be used in a condition that the machine-readable medium <NUM> is an active component. Similarly, passive sensors may be used in a condition that the machine-readable medium <NUM> includes passive components. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that both active and passive sensors, as well as active and passive components, may accomplish the same or similar function of electromagnetically communicating between the reader <NUM> and the machine-readable medium <NUM>. In some embodiments, the reader <NUM> may be mounted on machine <NUM>. In other embodiments, the reader <NUM> may be external to the machine <NUM> and electrically coupled to the machine <NUM> by a cable or wireless communicative channel. Additionally, the reader <NUM> may be configured to be mounted in a variety of locations on the machine <NUM>. In embodiments falling within the scope of the present invention as claimed, for example, such as those described in reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the reader <NUM> is configured to sense the machine-readable medium <NUM> as the medium <NUM> passes under the nozzle <NUM>, with the medium <NUM> being coupled to the vessel <NUM>. The reader <NUM> may be located at a front edge (e.g. bottom front edge) of the cavity.

The user interface <NUM> may be any device used for communicating between the user and the machine <NUM>. In one embodiment, the user interface <NUM> may include a display for displaying messages from the machine <NUM> to the user. In <FIG>, the user interface <NUM> is configured to display a message in French (translated to English, "You have reached your limit please, buy another beverage") as an illustration of a message to the user. In some embodiments, the display may be a touchscreen display, and may be used to receive input commands from the user. Additionally and/or alternatively, the user interface <NUM> may include any of a screen, mouse, built-in keyboard, external keyboard, soft-keyboard, remote control, buttons, and/or any other device that a user may employ to interact with the machine <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the user interface <NUM> may be any of the hereinabove described technologies as well as any other user interface technology. In some embodiments, the reader <NUM> is part of the user interface <NUM>. For example, the user interface <NUM> and the reader <NUM> may be part of a mobile application on a mobile device. Alternative embodiments of the machine <NUM>, the reader <NUM>, the user interface <NUM>, and the machine-readable medium <NUM> are described in further detail hereinbelow with reference to <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the machine <NUM> may be a retrofitted beverage dispenser (also referred to as a legacy system). The retrofitted beverage dispenser may experience limited electrical and mechanical modification. The reader <NUM> and machine-readable medium <NUM> may be implemented external to the retrofitted beverage dispenser.

The machine <NUM> may be located in a variety of locations in the venue. In some embodiments, the machine <NUM> may be located behind a service counter, where an employee of the venue interacts with machine <NUM> on behalf of the user. In some embodiments, the machine <NUM> may be configured to provide free samples, at a substantially low volume, to the user. In some embodiments, the user may purchase the machine-readable medium <NUM> from the venue and the machine-readable medium <NUM> is a read/write device. The machine-readable medium <NUM> may be used on a multitude of machines that operate substantially similar to the machine <NUM>. Additionally, control of the machine-readable medium <NUM> may be performed over a network, such as the Internet, in a "cloud" configuration.

The cloud may be any network, device, or combination of devices configured to provide data to the user. The cloud may include storage devices that store content requested by users at the machine <NUM>. The cloud may include any variety of routers, servers, bridges, switches, and combinations of such devices that provide connectivity between the machine <NUM>, storage devices, and other machines (e.g. dispensers).

The vessel <NUM> may be any beverage container, such as, but not limited to, cups, glasses, thermoses, mugs, bottles, and any other device that holds a beverage for a user to drink. The vessel <NUM> may include any shape, size, or volume. If the machine is configured to dispense other consumable items, such as foodstuffs, alternative vessel configurations may be utilized. In one embodiment, the vessel <NUM> may include a readable attribute that may be configured to be read by the machine to verify that the vessel <NUM> is a vessel belonging to the vendor. The readable attribute may include, but is not limited to, a special color, an identification on an exterior portion of the vessel <NUM>, a vendor logo, a unique picture, or any other attribute that may be read by the machine.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a machine <NUM> that provides consumer products, such as beverages, to consumers is shown. In some embodiments, machine <NUM> may include a dispenser nozzle <NUM>, a reader <NUM>, a user interface <NUM>, a cavity <NUM>, a button <NUM>, and a biometric sensor <NUM>. The machine <NUM> may represent an alternative embodiment of the machine <NUM> of <FIG>. The reader <NUM> may be configured to detect a machine-readable medium as it enters the cavity <NUM>. The machine-readable medium is coupled to a vessel, such as a cup, as further described herein. As the vessel passes an opening on a user facing side of the machine <NUM>, the machine-readable medium passes a field detectable by the reader <NUM>. The opening may define an edge of the cavity <NUM>. Once the vessel is inside the cavity <NUM>, the user may set the vessel on a platform or base, or simply hold, within the cavity <NUM>, and initiate dispensing of a selected beverage via the user interface <NUM> and button <NUM>, for example.

The reader <NUM> may be configured to be out of sight and substantially on the edge of the cavity <NUM> defined by the opening. In one embodiment, the reader <NUM> may be electronically communicative with electronics internal to machine <NUM>. In one embodiment, the reader <NUM> may be positioned anywhere along the edge of the opening of the cavity <NUM>. In another embodiment, the reader <NUM> may be positioned at any location substantially close to the dispenser nozzle <NUM>. In other embodiments, the reader <NUM> may either be on an external portion of the edge or internal to the edge and visibly shielded.

More specifically, as the user passes the vessel into the cavity <NUM>, the reader <NUM> identifies the machine-readable medium that is coupled to the vessel. The reader <NUM> communicates data from the machine readable medium to the electronics of the machine <NUM>. The electronics of the machine <NUM> determines if an available balance exists that is sufficient for the user to obtain a beverage or at least a portion thereof. In a condition that the available balance is sufficient, the electronics communicates to the dispenser nozzle <NUM> to dispense the beverage in response to the user pressing the button <NUM>. The user may interact with the user interface <NUM> to identify a specific beverage to be dispensed. In one embodiment, the user interface <NUM> may also communicate a status to the user. The status may be any variety of messages, such as, but not limited to, that the available balance is insufficient to dispense a full beverage, that the beverage is currently being dispensed, that a particular beverage has run out, that the user has reached a threshold of dispensed beverage that defines a limit of an amount of dispensed beverage permitted per interaction, and/or any other message that is appropriate between the machine <NUM> and the user who is attempting to obtain the beverage.

In one embodiment, the electronics of the machine <NUM> may be configured to collect a biometric parameter of the user via the biometric sensor <NUM>, receive data from a machine-readable medium in response to the machine-readable medium being in communication distance of the reader <NUM>, associate the biometric parameter with the machine-readable identifier to form a biometric identifier and machine-readable identifier pair. After a first dispensing, the electronics of the machine <NUM> may be configured to determine whether the machine-readable identifier and biometric parameter collected for subsequent dispensings match the machine-readable identifier and biometric parameter pair. If the pair match, the electronics of the machine <NUM> may be further configured to enable the user to dispense a beverage into a vessel if an available balance exists.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a machine <NUM> that provides consumer products, such as beverages, to consumers is shown. In some embodiments, machine <NUM> may include at least two dispenser nozzles 302a and 302b (collectively <NUM>), at least one reader 304a and 304b (collectively <NUM>), a user interface <NUM>, and at least one cavity <NUM>. In one embodiment, the machine <NUM> may include at least two (in this case three) biometric sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> to provide redundancy, optional, or multiple biometric parameters in verifying consumer identity. The machine <NUM> may represent an alternative embodiment of the machine <NUM> of <FIG>. The reader(s) <NUM> are configured to detect a machine-readable medium coupled to a vessel, as the machine-readable medium enters the cavity(s) <NUM>. As the vessel passes an opening on a user-facing side of the machine <NUM>, the machine-readable medium passes s a field detectable by the reader(s) <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the reader(s) <NUM> may be configured to be associated with a same number of dispenser nozzles <NUM>. As the vessel passes one of the readers, electronics internal to the machine <NUM> operate the respective dispenser nozzle <NUM> and prevent the other dispenser nozzles from dispensing a beverage unless another machine-readable medium with an available balance is detected by another reader. In another embodiment, passing any of the readers <NUM> may allow the user to operate any of the dispenser nozzles <NUM>. The readers <NUM> and dispenser nozzles <NUM> may be housed in the cavity <NUM>. In another embodiment, sets of readers <NUM> and dispenser nozzles <NUM> may be housed in respective cavities <NUM>.

In one embodiment of a use of the machine <NUM>, the user may approach the machine <NUM> with the vessel. As the user passes the vessel into the cavity <NUM>, a first reader of the at least one reader <NUM> identifies the machine-readable medium that is coupled to the vessel. The first reader communicates data from the machine-readable medium to the electronics of the machine <NUM>. The electronics of the machine <NUM> determine if an available balance exists that is sufficient for the user to obtain the beverage.

In a condition that the available balance is sufficient, the electronics cause a selected beverage to be dispensed from a dispenser nozzle that positionally corresponds with the first reader. The user may further interact with the user interface <NUM> to select a specific beverage to be dispensed. In one embodiment, the user interface <NUM> may also communicate a status to the user.

With regard to <FIG>, illustrations of a beverage vending system <NUM> inclusive of machines 402a and 402b (collectively <NUM>) that vend consumer products, such as beverages, to consumers are shown. The machines <NUM> may represent an alternative embodiment of the machine <NUM> of <FIG>. The machines <NUM> may be new and have an reader integrated therein or be a retrofitted beverage vending machine with an added reader.

In one embodiment, the machine 402a may include a mounted reader <NUM>, a first mounted biometric sensor <NUM> (e.g., camera with an optional electronic display for user alignment), and a second mounted biometric sensor <NUM> (e.g., microphone). The mounted reader <NUM> may be installed on the machine 402a and configured to read a machine-readable medium. The first and second mounted biometric sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be installed on the machine 402a and configured to obtain biometric data of the consumer. In an embodiment, a processor (not shown) operating in the machine 402a may be configured to communicate with the mounted reader <NUM>. In another embodiment, the processor may be internal to the mounted reader <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the processor may be internal to the first mounted biometric sensor <NUM>.

In another embodiment, the machine 402b may be electronically communicative with an external reader <NUM> for reading a machine-readable indicia, a first external biometric sensor <NUM> (e.g., fingerprint reader), and a second external biometric sensor <NUM> (e.g., microphone). The electronic communication may include at least three cables 408a, 408b, and 408c (collectively <NUM>) that are physically and electrically connected to the machine 402b on respective first ends and the external reader <NUM>, the first external biometric sensor <NUM>, and the second biometric sensor <NUM> on respective second ends opposite the first ends. In another embodiment, the electronic communication may include a wireless network communication. The first and second mounted biometric sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are shown to be mounted to the machine 402a with the mounted reader <NUM> and the first and second external biometric sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are shown to be electronically communicative with the machine 402b that is electronically communicative with the external reader <NUM>. One of skill in the art will appreciate that combinations of external and mounted components are interchangeable (e.g. an external reader and a mounted biometric sensor; a mounted reader and an external biometric sensor).

Retrofitting the machines 402a and/or 402b may provide a solution to updating beverage vending machines that are currently in use or in production. Presenting a consistent approach to the user may allow venues to accommodate machine-readable mediums and control dispensing of the beverage. In one embodiment, the machines <NUM> may be vending machines and the amount of beverage dispensed per transaction may be measured in bottles or cans instead of volume or vessels. In another embodiment, the amount of beverage dispensed per transaction may be measured by time, calories, sugar, or any other measurable parameter of the beverage.

In one embodiment of a use of the machines <NUM>, the user may place a machine-readable medium within reading distance of either of the readers <NUM>, <NUM>. The readers <NUM>, <NUM> communicate data from the machine-readable medium to a processor operating in the respective machine 402a or 402b. The biometric sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may communicate biometric data of the user to the processor. The processer may determine if the user is a correct or same user associated with the machine-readable medium, and determines if an available balance exists that is sufficient for the user to obtain the beverage. In a condition that the available balance is sufficient and the user is the correct user, the processor causes the machine 402a or 402b to dispense a selected beverage in response to the user pressing a button corresponding to a specific beverage. In a condition that the available balance is insufficient, a message may be displayed on a user interface mounted to the respective machine 402a or 402b and/or another notification signal, such as an audible notification, may be generated to alert the user of the insufficiency.

With regard to <FIG>, illustrations of a beverage dispensing system <NUM> inclusive of a machine 502a and 502b (collectively <NUM>) that provides consumer products, such as beverages, to consumers are shown. The machines <NUM> represents an alternative embodiment of the beverage dispenser machine <NUM> of <FIG> that includes a retrofitted beverage dispensing machine.

In one embodiment, the machine 502a includes a mounted reader <NUM>, a first mounted biometric sensor <NUM> (e.g., camera with optional electronic display), and a second mounted biometric sensor <NUM> (e.g., microphone). The mounted reader <NUM> is installed on the machine 502a and configured to read a machine-readable medium. The first and second mounted biometric sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may be installed on the machine 502a and configured to obtain biometric data of the consumer. In one embodiment, a processor may be installed into the machine 502a, and may be configured to communicate with the mounted reader <NUM>. In another embodiment, the processor or another processor may be internal to the mounted reader <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the processor may be internal to the mounted biometric sensor <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the machine 502b is electronically communicative with an external reader <NUM>, a first external biometric sensor <NUM> (e.g., fingerprint reader), and a second external biometric sensor <NUM> (e.g., microphone). The electronic communication may include at least three cables 508a, 508b, and 508c (collectively <NUM>) that are physically and electrically connected to the machine 502b on respective first ends and the external reader <NUM>, the first external biometric sensor <NUM>, and the second external biometric sensor <NUM> on respective second ends opposite the first ends. In another embodiment, the electronic communication may be a wireless network communication. The first and second mounted biometric sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are shown to be mounted to the machine 502a with the mounted reader <NUM> and the first and second external biometric sensors <NUM> and <NUM> are shown to be electronically communicative with the machine 502b that is electronically communicative with the external reader <NUM>. One of skill in the art will appreciate that combinations of external and mounted components are interchangeable (e.g. an external reader and a mounted biometric sensor; a mounted reader and an external biometric sensor).

Retrofitting the machines 502a and/or 502b may provide a solution to updating beverage dispensing machines that are currently in use or in production. Presenting a consistent user interface and experience may allow venues to accommodate machine-readable mediums and control dispensing of the beverage. In one embodiment, the machines <NUM> may be a dispenser, and the amount of beverage dispensed per transaction may be measured by a sensor positioned substantially near dispensing nozzles associated with various beverage brands.

In one embodiment of a use of the machines <NUM>, the user may approach the machines <NUM> with the machine-readable medium and a vessel (e.g., cup). The user may place the machine-readable medium within reading distance of one of the readers <NUM>, <NUM>. The readers <NUM>, <NUM> communicate data from the machine-readable medium to the processor. The biometric sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may communicate biometric data of the user to the processor. The processer may determine if the user is a correct user associated with the machine-readable medium and determines if an available balance exists that is sufficient for the user to obtain the beverage. As an example, the processor may identify a user for a first usage of the vessel and confirm the same user using the vessel each machine usage thereof. If it is determined that the available balance is sufficient and the user is the correct user, the processor communicates to the machines <NUM> to dispense the beverage in response to the user pressing a lever or other pour mechanism corresponding to a specific beverage and associated nozzle.

In one embodiment, the processor may toggle a switch that controls a valve that enables pouring of the beverage. The processor may further toggle the switch back after a threshold volume of beverage is dispensed. If a determination is made that the available balance is insufficient, the processor prevents dispensing of a beverage, such that the user pressing the lever does not initiate dispensing of the beverage. The processor writes data back to the machine-readable medium, where the data may include volume poured and/or a number of bottles or cans dispensed. As a result, varying amounts of the beverage may be dispensed without "charging" the user with a full beverage (e.g., dispensing half of a glass at one instance and the remaining half of the glass at a later instance, as opposed to a whole glass or amount of beverage). In writing back the data to the machine-readable medium, the data may be written back on a periodic or aperiodic basis while the user is pouring the beverage. In other words, the data may be written back in real-time as a beverage is being poured (e.g., based on volume), thereby more accurately writing portions of beverages onto the machine-readable medium (e.g., <NUM> oz.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a point-of-sale (POS) system <NUM> that supports purchases of products, such as beverages, to consumers is shown. The POS system <NUM> may include a point-of-sale (POS) device <NUM> and machine-readable mediums and/or wireless communications devices 604a-604d (collectively <NUM>).

The point-of-sale device <NUM> may be any device configured to receive payment for a product or service, and capable of increasing an available balance for dispensing a beverage. For example, in one embodiment, the point-of-sale device <NUM> may be a cash register. The point-of-sale device <NUM> may be communicative with the cloud. Via the cloud, the point-of-sale device <NUM> may be configured to be part of a network of point-of-sale devices that may be located in various venues (e.g., one or more retailers, such as a restaurant chain or in a food court). The point-of-sale device <NUM> is configured to receive payment and communicate an increase in available balance to the machine-readable medium <NUM> (e.g., wirelessly).

In an embodiment, the user may purchase at least one beverage at the point-of-sale device <NUM>. The user may pay for the beverage with any of a variety of payment methods, such as, but not limited to, cash, credit card, debit card, check, automated payment systems, coupons, mobile device payment systems, payment applications, or any other method of payment. In one embodiment, the user may have the machine-readable medium <NUM> in his or her possession for use at the point-of-sale device <NUM>. In another embodiment, the user may obtain the machine-readable medium <NUM> at the point-of-sale device <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any method of paying for and obtaining a product may be used in the POS system <NUM>. In an embodiment, the point-of-sale device <NUM> may be an automated machine operated by a consumer.

The machine-readable medium 604c is disposed on the vessel <NUM>, and a number of credits may be disposed thereon, so purchase of the vessel <NUM> may not need additional reading or writing at the POS system <NUM>. Alternatively, to prevent theft, the machine-readable medium 606c may require writing after purchase. A variety of configurations and mediums may be used.

In an embodiment, a biometric sensor <NUM> may obtain biometric data of the user at the point-of-sale device <NUM>. The point-of-sale device <NUM> may be configured to associate the biometric data of the user with the machine-readable medium <NUM> and/or with a user profile locally or remotely, for example, in the cloud. Machines may have access to the user profile and may verify user identity with the biometric data of the user obtained at the point-of-sale device <NUM>.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a beverage dispenser <NUM> that provides beverages consumers is shown. The beverage dispenser <NUM> includes a machine <NUM> having a reader <NUM> that may be accessible to a user <NUM>. The user <NUM> may approach the machine <NUM> with a purpose of purchasing a beverage. Prior to approaching the machine <NUM>, the user <NUM> may have acquired a machine-readable medium for use with the machine <NUM>. In one embodiment, the user <NUM> may acquire the machine-readable medium at a point-of-sale device, such as a point-of-sale device <NUM> of <FIG>. After acquiring the machine-readable medium at the point-of-sale device <NUM>, the user <NUM> may receive the machine-readable medium, and may proceed to the machine <NUM>.

With regard to <FIG>, illustrations of machine-readable mediums that may be used in purchasing consumer products, such as beverages, by consumers are shown. In one embodiment, the machine-readable medium may include a card <NUM> that is configured to be inserted into the reader <NUM>. The user <NUM> may purchase the card <NUM> (e.g., amusement park ticket) at a point-of-sale device prior to approaching the machine <NUM>. In another embodiment, the user may already own the card <NUM>, and the machine <NUM> may be configured to utilize a balance on the card <NUM>. The card <NUM> may include a unique identifier, such as a ticket number, that may be written onto an electromagnetic stripe <NUM>, a radiofrequency identification (RFID) chip <NUM>, or any other electromagnetic medium usable with a card payment device. The reader <NUM> may be configured to read the unique identifiers. In reading the unique identifiers, the reader <NUM> may obtain data representative of an available balance for the user <NUM> to obtain beverages from the machine <NUM>. The machine <NUM> may also be configured to write a new balance, using the reader <NUM>, to the machine-readable medium. In one embodiment, where the machine-readable medium is the card <NUM>, the reader <NUM> may be a card reader.

In some embodiments, the card <NUM> may include graphics <NUM>. The graphics <NUM> may include advertising material of the venue. Additionally, the graphics <NUM> may include any of a variety of visual graphics such as, but not limited to, advertising material for a beverage, advertising material provided by, and potentially paid for by, a third party, identification graphics of the venue, graphics unique to the user <NUM>, advertising material for a card provider, or any other suitable card graphic. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a surface of the card <NUM> may be used to provide any of a variety of graphics <NUM> and that any visual graphic may not affect the functionality of the card <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the card <NUM> may include a credit card associated with the user <NUM>. The machine <NUM> may identify a credit card identifier and deduct a unit each time a beverage is poured. A time limit may also be established during which the user may pour beverages using any of the machine-readable medium options.

In another embodiment, the machine-readable medium may include a coupon <NUM>. The coupon <NUM> may be configured to be associated with just one beverage or may be configured to be associated with more than just one beverage depending on a number of fuses within the coupon <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the reader <NUM> may produce a signal strength at a threshold sufficient to blow a fuse in the coupon <NUM>. The reader <NUM> may be configured to communicate to the machine <NUM> to dispense the beverage only in a condition that the coupon <NUM> includes an intact fuse. After the dispensing of the beverage and blowing the fuse in the coupon <NUM>, the coupon <NUM> may not be utilized for further dispensing of the beverage. For example, in another embodiment, the coupon <NUM> may experience multiple blown fuses by the reader <NUM>.

With regard to <FIG>, illustrations of embodiments of a machine-readable medium that are used in purchasing consumer products, such as beverages, by consumers are shown. With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a machine-readable medium <NUM> inclusive of (i) a chip <NUM> coupled to an adhesive strap <NUM> and (ii) an antenna <NUM> coupled to the strap <NUM> that is used in purchasing consumer products, such as beverages, by consumers is shown. The machine-readable medium <NUM> may be coupled to a vessel. In one embodiment, the machine-readable medium <NUM> is disposed on a bottom surface of the vessel. The machine-readable medium <NUM>, however, may be disposed onto any visible or nonvisible portion (e.g. between a material that forms a bottom surface) of the vessel, such that a reader may identify, read from, and write to the machine-readable medium <NUM>. The reader may be configured to output an electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy may be above a threshold to cause an electronic device, such as the chip <NUM>, a fuse, or other electronic component, on or in an electrical path with the machine-readable medium <NUM> to break causing the machine-readable medium <NUM> to no longer be used for dispensing beverages.

The machine-readable medium <NUM> may be any of a variety of intelligent labels, such as, but not limited to, RFID inlays, ultrahigh frequency RFID inlays, high-frequency inlays, near field communication inlays, or any other machine-readable medium. An example of a provider of intelligent labels may be Avery Dennison. In one embodiment, the chip <NUM> may include an integrated circuit. The chip <NUM> may also be a read/write chip. The data may include a count, volume, date/time, and/or other information to control beverage fills and refills (e.g., number of refills in an hour). One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many solutions exist for storing, reading, and writing data to a chip that may be disposed on a consumer product. Any such solution may be reasonably implemented as a machine-readable medium in the disclosed embodiments, as described herein.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a conductive ink system <NUM> used in purchasing beverages by consumers, according to the present invention as claimed, is shown. The conductive ink system <NUM> may include conductive ink counters 902a-902c (collectively <NUM>). The conductive ink counter <NUM> includes configurations of conductive ink 904a-904c (collectively <NUM>). Numbers zero through five are shown as an illustration of how the various configurations of the conductive ink <NUM> may represent an available beverage balance. However, the numbers may or may not be seen in application of the conductive ink system <NUM>. The conductive ink <NUM> is configured to be disposed on a vessel. However, the numbers would not appear on the vessel. A reader of a machine configured to dispense beverages is configured to identify the available balance by the configuration of the conductive ink <NUM> i.e., by reading the orientation of electrons within the ink, without requiring a visual representation of the numbers.

In a first state, the conductive ink counter 902a may be configured such that the electromagnetic orientation of the conductive ink 904a indicates that five beverages may be dispensed. In a second state, a user may have dispensed two beverages, and the conductive ink counter 902b may be configured such that the conductive ink 904b indicates that three beverages may be dispensed. In a third state, a user may have dispensed the remaining three beverages, and the conductive ink counter 902c may be configured such that the conductive ink 904c indicates that no beverages may be dispensed and that the available balance is now zero. The conductive ink <NUM> may be further configured to indicate a volume decrement according to a maximum volume allocated. Continuous decrement during a pour is concurrently written to the conductive ink <NUM> such that at any time a pour is stopped an amount remaining is indicated by the conductive ink <NUM>.

With regard to <FIG>, illustrations of vessels 1000a and 1000b (collectively <NUM>) used in purchasing consumer products, such as beverages, by consumers is shown. The vessels <NUM> may include a machine-readable medium coupled to the vessel <NUM>. The machine-readable medium may be any of a variety of readable mediums such as, but not limited to, a bubble code <NUM> or a chip <NUM>. The chip <NUM> may be the chip <NUM> of the machine-readable medium <NUM> of <FIG>. The bubble code <NUM> may be a series of resonant structures. Depending on a resonant frequency, one may create a signature. In one embodiment, a feature of the bubble code <NUM> may be that the bubble code <NUM> may be read without line of site. The bubble code <NUM> may be conductive ink or a thin film and may be configured to be read and/or modified in response to a reader of a machine configured to dispense beverages outputting an electromagnetic energy above a threshold.

The machine-readable medium coupled to the vessel 1000a may be read by the reader as a user passes the vessel 1000a within reading distance of the reader. In one embodiment, the vessel 1000a may be purchased at a venue just prior to the user dispensing the beverage. In another embodiment, the vessel 1000a may be a long-term use vessel that may be brought to the venue by the user. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many methods of using vessels to provide consumer products, such as beverages, to consumers may be reasonably implemented into the beverage dispensing systems discussed herein.

The vessels <NUM> may be configured for one-time use or may be configured for multiple use scenarios. Furthermore, the vessels <NUM> may be configured to be modifiable such that the venue may set a number of uses that corresponds with a purchase made by the user. As such, the machine-readable medium may be writable in addition to being readable.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a beverage dispensing system <NUM> that provides consumer products, such as beverages, to a consumer is shown. The beverage dispensing system <NUM> may include a machine <NUM> that is configured to be communicative with a mobile device <NUM>. The mobile device <NUM> may be operated by a user <NUM> through the use of a mobile application <NUM>. The machine <NUM> may be further configured to visually communicate with the user <NUM> through a user interface <NUM>. The communication between the machine <NUM> and the mobile device <NUM> may be a wireless communication through a wireless communication network.

The mobile device <NUM> is shown to be executing the mobile application <NUM> that may be developed with an SDK, as understood in the art. The mobile application <NUM> may be produced by one or more publisher of mobile apps, and may be configured to utilize any type of communication protocol or device that is specific to the machine <NUM>. For example, the machine <NUM> may be communicated by the mobile device <NUM> along with other metadata that the respective mobile application <NUM> may utilize. In an embodiment, the mobile device <NUM> may include at least one of a first sensor <NUM>, a second sensor <NUM>, a third sensor 1118a, and a fourth sensor 1118b for obtaining biometric data of the user <NUM>. In one embodiment, the first sensor <NUM> may be an integrated front facing camera. The front facing camera may be a camera that is internal to the mobile device <NUM> and be used to capture images of the user <NUM>. In one embodiment, the second sensor <NUM> may be a fingerprint scanner. The fingerprint scanner may be a hardware component of the mobile device <NUM>, and be configured to obtain an image or data points of a fingerprint of the user <NUM>, as understood in the art. In one embodiment, the third sensor 1118a and fourth sensor 1118b (collectively <NUM>) may be integrated microphones. The integrated microphones may be hardware components of the mobile device <NUM>, and be configured to obtain recordings of a voice of the user <NUM>, as understood in the art.

In one embodiment, the mobile device <NUM> may be configured to communicate the biometric data in a raw format to the machine <NUM>. In another embodiment, the mobile device <NUM> may be configured to communicate data derived from the raw format of the biometric data. In yet another embodiment, the mobile device <NUM> may be configured to verify user identity entirely in the mobile application <NUM>.

In an embodiment of a use of the beverage dispensing system <NUM>, the user <NUM> may approach the machine <NUM> to purchase a beverage. The user <NUM> may open the mobile application <NUM> on the mobile device <NUM>. The mobile application <NUM> may include a method of selecting a beverage to be dispensed in a condition that an available balance is sufficient for dispensing the beverage. The available balance may be associated with the user and may be a balance stored locally on the mobile device <NUM> or, alternatively, stored in a remote location, such as the cloud. The balance may be a total number of beverages, fluid ounces, milliliters, or otherwise, and may have an associated time period. Once the user <NUM> has selected a beverage to be dispensed, the mobile application <NUM> may communicate with electronics internal to the mobile device <NUM> that a message may be sent to the machine <NUM> indicating that the beverage may be dispensed. The machine <NUM> may indicate to the user, via the user interface <NUM>, that a request has been received, and that the request has been processed. The machine <NUM>, in response to receiving a communication from the mobile device <NUM> of a selected beverage, may enable the user to dispense the beverage. The mobile device <NUM> may include a variety of devices, such as personal computers, cellular phones, tablets, laptops, televisions, gaming consoles, and/or other devices. An amount dispensed may be written back to the device in real-time such that when the user completes beverage dispense a correct amount remaining may be recorded.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of an electrical schematic of a machine <NUM> that is used for dispensing consumer products, such as beverages, to a consumer is shown. A user may introduce a medium <NUM>, such as the machine-readable medium discussed hereinabove, to the machine <NUM>. The machine <NUM> includes a read/write sensor <NUM> and a processor <NUM>, pump controls <NUM>, and, optionally, a display <NUM>. The machine <NUM> may be electronically coupled to a biometric sensor <NUM> and a microphone <NUM>. In one embodiment, the biometric sensor <NUM> may be internal to the machine <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include memory <NUM>. The read/write sensor <NUM> is configured to communicate data <NUM> to the processor <NUM>. The data <NUM> is data that is received from, or read from, the medium <NUM>. The biometric sensor <NUM> may be configured to communicate biometric data <NUM> to the processor <NUM>. The biometric data <NUM> may be biometric data (e.g., image, fingerprint data, etc.) of the user that is obtained in response to the user being within reading distance of the biometric sensor <NUM>. The microphone <NUM> may be configured to communicate biometric audio data <NUM> to the processor <NUM>. The biometric audio data <NUM> may be biometric audio data (e.g., voice recording, vocal tones, vocal vibrations, etc.) of the user that is obtained in response to the user being within reading distance of the microphone <NUM> and speaking recognizable commands and/or dialogue.

In operation, the processor <NUM> is configured to be electronically communicative with the read/write sensor <NUM>, the pump controls <NUM>, and, optionally, the display <NUM>, and the biometric sensor <NUM>. The data <NUM>, the biometric data <NUM>, and the biometric audio data <NUM> may be stored in the memory <NUM>. Furthermore, modifications to the data <NUM>, such as an updated available balance, may also be written to the memory <NUM>. In one embodiment, the processor <NUM> may be referred to as a central processor unit (CPU). The processor <NUM> may be implemented as one or more CPU chips, one or more cores (e.g., a multi-core processor), or may be part of one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and/or digital signal processors (DSPs). The processor <NUM> may be configured to implement any of the processes described herein, and may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or combinations thereof.

The read/write sensor <NUM> is configured to be electronically communicative with the medium <NUM>. The read/write sensor <NUM> reads data from the medium <NUM>. The read/write sensor <NUM> then communicates the data <NUM> to the processor <NUM>. Furthermore, the read/write sensor <NUM> is further configured to receive communication from the processor <NUM>. In response to the communication from the processor <NUM>, the read/write sensor <NUM> writes data to the medium <NUM>. The processor <NUM> receives beverage balance data from the medium <NUM>, deducts a beverage value (such as volume) from the beverage balance, and writes a new beverage balance to the medium <NUM>.

The pump controls <NUM> are configured to receive a communication from the processor <NUM> indicating that a beverage may be dispensed. The pump controls <NUM> are further configured to control a beverage dispenser. The pump controls <NUM> are configured to initiate, pause, and terminate dispensing of the beverage. Furthermore, the pump controls <NUM> may be configured to communicate to the processor <NUM> that the dispensing of the beverage is completed, that there has been an error in the dispensing of the beverage, or any other of a variety of messages.

The display <NUM> may be configured to be electronically communicative with the processor <NUM>. The display <NUM> may be configured to display representations of data to the user. The display <NUM> may display in color or monochrome and may be equipped with a touch sensor based resistive and/or capacitive technologies. The display <NUM> may be further configured to be an input device that may allow the user to input commands to the processor <NUM>. In the case that the display <NUM> includes a touch sensor, the display <NUM> may also be considered an input device. In addition to and/or in the alternative, an input device including a mouse, built-in keyboard, external keyboard, television remote control, gaming console controller, and/or any other device that a user may employ to interact with the machine <NUM> may be configured to be used in connection with the processor <NUM> and the display <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of methods for communicating between the user and the machine <NUM>.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a flow diagram of a beverage dispensing method <NUM> for providing consumer products, such as beverages, to a consumer is shown. The beverage dispensing method <NUM> may start at step <NUM> in response to a user initiating a beverage dispensing request by placing a machine-readable medium within reading distance of a reader of a machine configured to dispense beverages.

At step <NUM>, the reader reads data representative of an available balance for the user to obtain beverages from the machine-readable medium. The reading the data may be in response to the user positioning the machine-readable medium within reading distance of the reader. The machine determines whether the available balance is sufficient to dispense the beverage before enabling the user to dispense the beverage. At step <NUM>, biometric data may be obtained from the user. User identity may be verified by comparing the biometric data with previously stored biometric data of a previous user associated with the machine-readable medium. Obtaining the biometric data may be in response to the user positioning a biometric source, such as, but not limited, an eye or retina, face, voice sample, a fingerprint, or otherwise, within reading distance of a biometric sensor. The machine may determine whether the user is the previous user before enabling the user to dispense the beverage. At step <NUM>, the machine enables the user to dispense the beverage into the vessel. During the beverage dispense, the machine, at step <NUM>, updates the available balance of the machine-readable medium which may reduce or prevent the user from dispensing unlimited beverages, and exit at step <NUM>.

The machine is configured to dispense the beverage only when the machine-readable medium is within reading distance of the reader. For example, if the user initiates dispensing the beverage but removes the machine-readable medium from reading distance of the reader before the dispensing of the beverage has been completed, the machine pauses and/or terminates the remainder of the dispensing. However, because the amount has been continually written to the machine-readable medium the correct balance remains on the machine-readable medium.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a flow diagram of a beverage dispensing method <NUM> for providing consumer products, such as beverages, to consumers is shown. The beverage dispensing method <NUM> may start <NUM> in response to a user initiating a beverage dispensing request by placing a machine-readable medium within reading distance of a reader of a machine configured to dispense beverages.

Once the user has placed the machine-readable medium within reading distance of the reader of the machine, the machine may read the machine-readable medium at step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the machine may determine if a valid identification exists on the machine-readable medium. Step <NUM> may identify the biometric parameter a first time the user accesses the machine and validate subsequent biometric readings against the biometric parameter to verify that the user is a same user. In a condition that a valid identification exists, the machine may determine if the user is using the machine-readable medium for a first time at step <NUM>. In a condition that first use is determined, the machine may capture user biometric data at step <NUM>. The biometric data may be associated with a biometric parameter of a user such as, but not limited to, facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any biometric parameter may serve a similar function as those described herein. In a condition that the machine determines the user is not first using the machine-readable medium, the machine may capture and verify subsequent biometric readings against the biometric parameter to validate that the user is a same user at step <NUM>. The machine, at step <NUM>, may determine if the biometric data is valid and that the user is the same user. In a condition that the biometric data is valid, the machine may allow pouring and/or dispensing of the beverage at step <NUM>. Alternatively, returning to the condition that first use is determined and the machine initially captured user biometric data at step <NUM>, the machine may also proceed to step <NUM> to allow pouring and/or dispensing of the beverage. The machine, at step <NUM>, may write an update to the machine-readable medium. The update may be written in real-time as the beverage is being dispensed, or may be written upon completion of the dispensing. The machine may return to step <NUM> where the machine-readable medium may be read again and a determination of continued beverage dispensing may be made. In a condition that a valid identification is not established at step <NUM> the machine may send an error message to the user at step <NUM> and may exit <NUM> the beverage dispensing method <NUM>. Additionally, in a condition that the biometric data is determined to be invalid at step <NUM>, in other words, the user is not a same user associated with a first pour associated with the machine-readable medium, the machine may send an error message to the user at step <NUM> and may exit <NUM> the beverage dispensing method <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of control methods for controlling valid identifications and available balances may exist and that each of the methods would fit into the method <NUM> discussed hereinabove with respect to controlling dispensed beverages.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a flow diagram of a beverage dispensing process <NUM> for providing and regulating output of consumer products, such as beverages, is shown. The beverage dispensing process <NUM> may start at step <NUM> and then receive an order or other command from a user at a device at step <NUM>, where the order or other command may be from a voice command of a user. The device may include a natural language processing device (e.g., general or signal processors) that may process the voice command, at step <NUM>, voice commands in the form of natural language captured by the device during the order by the user at step <NUM>. At step <NUM>, the beverage dispensing machine may determine if the order and/or captured recording is valid. In one embodiment, the determination may include searching for trigger words (e.g., names of brands, ingredients, flavors, etc.) that initiate an ordering process at the beverage dispensing machine. In one embodiment, the determination may include evaluating a recording to determine if a quality of the recording is sufficient for natural language processing.

In response to the beverage dispensing machine determining that the recording of a voice command is invalid, the machine may request additional input at step <NUM>. In one embodiment, the additional input may include more precise ingredients or commands. In one embodiment, the additional input may include more clarity or volume so that the order is better received by the machine. In an embodiment, digital signal processing filter(s) that reduce background noise may be utilized to better process speech commands of the user in noisy environments may be utilized. In response to a valid order determination at step <NUM>, the machine may communicate an order confirmation to the user at step <NUM>. The machine may then communicate the order to a controller at step <NUM>. The controller may be configured to operate the beverage dispensing machine so that the order may then be fulfilled at step <NUM>. For example, the controller may configure the machine to dispense a beverage with requested ingredient(s). The beverage dispensing method <NUM> may then end at step <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing process <NUM> may be a process for receiving an order by a consumer from an electronic device capable of communicating with the beverage dispensing machine, displaying and/or repeating the order to the consumer, receiving a vend/pour command, and asking the consumer if they would like another order. The electronic device may be a smartphone of the user, tablet positioned on tables, or wall of a venue, or otherwise. The machine may either or both present visual and audio communications for a user to respond either or both via the user interface being displayed and via a microphone with speech. The beverage dispensing machine may set a timer to a threshold of time so that when the threshold of time has been reached, the machine may reset and wait for a next consumer. Otherwise, the machine may continue to process orders from the consumer.

With respect to <FIG>, an illustration of a schematic of electronics of a beverage dispensing system <NUM> that is used for providing consumer products, such as beverages, and processing language is shown. The beverage dispensing system <NUM> may include a controller <NUM>, an order management system <NUM>, such as HMI, a point-of-sale (POS) <NUM>, various different machine controls (e.g., push buttons touch screens, etc.) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and the controls may provide for ordering. A database <NUM> configured to store recipes, inventories, orders, customer IDs, vessel IDs, and so on executed may be on the machine <NUM>.

The database <NUM> may include one or more libraries of user commands that are phonetically distinct from one another to avoid users of different aspects of the system <NUM> from accessing and/or performing unauthorized commands. For example, a consumer who desires to select and dispense beverages should not have the ability to access usage, inventory, or maintenance data. Similarly, an operator who is responsible for maintaining inventory of beverage ingredients may not be provided access to maintenance records. Therefore, the system <NUM> may determine a user type, and thereafter limit access to a proper library of user commands associated with the user type.

In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing system <NUM> may include a natural language processing unit (NLP) <NUM>. In another embodiment, the NLP <NUM> is a cloud-based NLP in electrical communication with the beverage dispensing system <NUM>. In yet another embodiment, the NLP <NUM> may be local to the dispensing system <NUM>, but be external so that multiple dispensing systems within a venue may share the NLP <NUM>. The NLP <NUM> may be electrically communicative with input devices, such as microphones 1620a - 1620n (collectively <NUM>).

In one embodiment, the HMI <NUM> may be electrically communicative with inputs, such as at least one of a camera <NUM>, a proximity sensor <NUM>, a speaker <NUM>, and a wireless communication device <NUM>. In one embodiment, at least one of the microphones <NUM>, the camera <NUM>, the proximity sensor <NUM>, the speaker <NUM>, and the wireless communication device <NUM> may be disposed internal and/or attached to hardware of the beverage dispensing system <NUM>. One of skill in the art will appreciate that any mixture of internal and external components is understood.

Inputs, such as the microphones <NUM>, camera <NUM>, proximity sensors <NUM>, and speakers <NUM>, may be configured to receive voice commands from a user, as further described herein. A wireless device or other electronic device that is wired that has pre-existing order may connect to the beverage dispenser for submission of an order. The wireless communication device <NUM> may include a modem for connecting to a device via a wireless technology, such as, but not limited to, BLE, Wi-Fi, and NFC. The inputs may be electrically communicative with the NLP <NUM>, either onboard, local, or external in a cloud, or with the HMI <NUM>. The HMI <NUM> may create a recipe from order data and the database <NUM>. The recipe may be sent to the controller <NUM> for fulfillment.

The controller <NUM> may include one or more processors or control devices. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be in a beverage dispensing machine and electrically communicative with dispenser controls <NUM> of the beverage dispensing machine. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be in a beverage vending machine and electrically communicative with vending controls <NUM> of the beverage vending machine. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be in a cooler and electrically communicative with cooler controls <NUM> of the cooler. In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> may be electrically communicative with other controls <NUM>, such as frozen beverage machine controls, of the beverage dispensing system <NUM>. The controller may also be electrically communicative with the POS <NUM> and any associated payment systems to complete pay-for-product transactions.

The beverage dispensing system <NUM> may include additional controls and databases, such as, but not limited to, inventory, error states, sold out protocols, alerts, crew mode, technician mode, or any other order systems known to those of skill in the art, such as product ordering, service/repair work-order creation, and restrictions for various types of users (e.g., a diabetic cannot receive a high glycemic index beverage, etc.).

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a machine <NUM> that dispenses consumer products, such as beverages, inclusive of language processing hardware is shown. The machine <NUM> may include electrical components, such as those of the beverage dispensing system <NUM> of <FIG>. The machine <NUM> may include a dispenser <NUM>, a display <NUM>, a button <NUM>, microphones 1708a - 1708n (collectively <NUM>), such as the microphones <NUM> of <FIG>, a headphone jack <NUM>, a haptic feedback device <NUM>, a speaker <NUM>, such as the speaker <NUM> of <FIG>, and cameras 1716a - 1716n (collectively <NUM>), such as the camera <NUM> of <FIG>.

The display <NUM> may be configured for user interfacing. The microphones <NUM> may be disposed around the display <NUM> to enable producing recordings (e.g., high-quality recordings) of commands from a user nearest the machine <NUM>. The headphone jack <NUM> may be configured to provide audio to a user having visual impairments in a condition of the machine <NUM> not having the speaker <NUM>. The speaker <NUM> nay be a directional speaker that may be heard by a user standing substantially in front of and within a specific range of the dispenser <NUM>. The haptic feedback device <NUM> may be a brail pad for use by deaf and/or blind users.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a flow diagram of a beverage dispensing process <NUM> for providing and regulating output of consumer products, such as beverages, using natural language processing is shown. The beverage dispensing process <NUM> may start at step <NUM>. An order may be received from a user at a beverage dispensing machine at step <NUM> by capturing a voice of the user during the order. The beverage dispensing machine may include a natural language processing device that may process, at step <NUM>, natural language captured by the device during the order by the user at step <NUM>. Steps <NUM> - <NUM> may be the same or similar to steps <NUM> - <NUM> of <FIG>.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of lip movement 1900a, 1900b, 1900c (collectively <NUM>) by a user 1902a, 1902b, 1902c (collectively <NUM>) that may be imaged, processed, and used by a machine in response to an environment having background noise above a threshold that allows the machine to process language of the user is shown. The user may move their lips 1904a, 1904b, 1904c (collectively <NUM>) and/or eyes 1906a, 1906b, 1906c (collectively <NUM>) in a manner that may allow a camera and processor to estimate orders and/or commands by the user <NUM>. Lip movements <NUM> may correspond to a language or directly to corresponding orders and/or commands understandable by the machine. The machine may utilize lip movement analysis in environments where background noise may be too difficult to overcome and the machine may not be able to identify the user <NUM> from others standing in line or at a proximate machine.

In an embodiment, the machine may determine an identify of the user, not necessarily who the user is, but that the user is a same user as previously used the machine, by identifying or "fingerprinting" frequencies, such as formant frequencies, of the user's voice. The knowledge of the user's identity and past history of using the machine (e.g., beverage dispenses) may, in combination of reading the user's lips, help with presenting selection options (e.g., refill), and performing commands (e.g., display past orders). The use of voice recognition may be used to manage dispensing quantities to comply with regulations and/or reduce fraud may also be performed in the same or similar manner as previously described.

With regard to <FIG>, an illustration of a machine <NUM> that dispenses consumer products, such as beverages, in response to voice commands is shown. The machine may be approached by a user <NUM>. The machine may include a dispenser <NUM> with which the user <NUM> may interface. The user may place a vessel <NUM> in a cavity <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> and substantially below a nozzle <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> may further include a display <NUM> with which the user <NUM> may use to interact with electronics internal to the dispenser <NUM>.

The user <NUM> may initiate an order by speaking a command <NUM> inclusive of command words and ingredients. The command words may include, but are not limited to, "pour," "dispense," "stop pouring," "mix," "light ice," and other commands appreciated by those of skill in the art. One of skill in the art will also appreciate that commands specific to the dispenser <NUM> may be programmed and modified. In response to an order command <NUM> by the user <NUM>, the dispenser <NUM> may communicate a message <NUM> on the display <NUM>. In one embodiment, the message <NUM> may include confirming the command <NUM> by the user <NUM>. In one embodiment, the message <NUM> may include a request for confirmation by the user <NUM> that a representation of the command <NUM> also communicated on the display <NUM> is consistent with the command <NUM>. In one embodiment, the message <NUM> may include a notification that pouring is about to commence and/or has already commenced. One of skill in the art will appreciate that a number of communications may be appropriate for interfacing with the user <NUM>. In one embodiment, the user <NUM> may speak further commands that control stopping and starting the pouring of the beverage, similar to pushing a pour button as referenced hereinabove with regards to <FIG>.

With regard to <FIG>, a machine <NUM> that dispenses consumer products, such as beverages, in response to voice commands to existing hardware solutions for natural language processing is shown. A user <NUM> may approach a dispenser <NUM> of the machine <NUM> with a vessel <NUM> to initiate an order by speaking an order command <NUM>, such as described in <FIG>. In one embodiment, the order command <NUM> may be a command understood by existing hardware and/or software solutions for natural language processing, such as, but not limited to, natural language processing applications in mobile devices and dictation applications. One of skill in the art will appreciate that a number of natural language processing applications exist and are equally suited for implementation internally or externally to the machine <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the user <NUM> may speak the order command <NUM> into a wearable device <NUM>. The wearable device <NUM> may include a processing unit configured to create order data in response to the order command <NUM>. The processing unit may be further configured to send an order signal representative of the order data to the dispenser <NUM> via a wireless communication. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the wearable device <NUM> may be any mobile device inclusive of natural language processing.

With regard to <FIG>, a machine <NUM> that dispenses consumer products, such as beverages, in response to voice commands by a user <NUM> is shown. The machine <NUM> may include a dispenser <NUM>, a display <NUM>, nozzles 2208a, 2208b (collectively <NUM>) for dispensing the beverage, and content detection cameras 2210a, 2210b (collectively <NUM>) for detecting a presence of a vessel <NUM> and data representative of contents of the vessel <NUM>.

The user <NUM> may place the vessel <NUM> in a cavity <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> substantially under one of the nozzles <NUM>. The user <NUM> may initiate and order by speaking an order command <NUM>, such as the order command <NUM> of <FIG>, into a microphone 2220a - 2220n (collectively <NUM>) of the dispenser <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> may communicate a message <NUM> that may include information regarding the order on the display <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> may be configured to receive commands throughout fulfillment of the order. In one embodiment, the user <NUM> may speak a supplemental command <NUM> after pouring of the beverage has been initiated, such as, but not limited to, a request to top off the vessel <NUM> with the beverage, a request to change ingredients of the beverage for a remaining portion of the pour, and others understood by those of skill in the art.

In one embodiment, the content detection cameras <NUM> may be configured to determine a content level of the vessel <NUM>. The content detection cameras <NUM> may communicate the content level to electronics of the dispenser <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> may respond to supplemental commands <NUM> based on the content level. In one embodiment, the content level may be used by the dispenser <NUM> to automate a pour that reaches a desired threshold of filling up the vessel <NUM> (e.g., <NUM>% full, reaching a demarcation inside the vessel <NUM>, etc.).

With regard to <FIG>, a beverage vending system <NUM> inclusive of a machine <NUM> that dispenses consumer products in response to voice commands by a user <NUM> is shown. The machine <NUM> may include a display <NUM>. The user <NUM> may speak and order command <NUM> to the machine <NUM> that initiates an order. The machine <NUM> may include advertisements <NUM> on the display <NUM>. In one embodiment, the advertisement <NUM> may be associated with a beverage option at the machine <NUM>. The user <NUM> may select a beverage in response to the advertisement <NUM>. In one embodiment, the advertisement <NUM> may related to a subject not associated with the beverage vending system <NUM>.

In response to the user <NUM> speaking the order command <NUM>, the machine <NUM> may dispense a vessel <NUM> inclusive of the user's preference into a receiving cavity <NUM> of the machine <NUM>. In one embodiment, additional commands may be associated with the advertisement <NUM> (e.g., "I'll try that" may initiate an order of a beverage displayed in the advertisement <NUM>). One of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety of commands exist that relate an order to an advertisement.

With regard to <FIG>, a machine <NUM> that dispenses consumer products, such as beverages, that is operable by a technician <NUM> in response to voice commands is shown. The machine <NUM> may include a dispenser <NUM>, a speaker <NUM> for communicating messages to the technician <NUM>, and a camera <NUM> for detecting that the technician <NUM> has entered a field-of-view of the camera <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the dispenser <NUM> may detect that the technician <NUM> has entered the field-of-view of the camera <NUM>. In response to detecting the technician <NUM>, the dispenser <NUM> may initiate a service message <NUM> to the technician <NUM>. In one embodiment, the technician <NUM> may initiate a request for the service message <NUM>. The service message <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, purchase history of beverages, highly requested ingredients, shortages of ingredients, operational metadata, performance errors, electronic errors, mechanical errors, ingredient modification recommendations, and others understood by one of skill in the art. The technician <NUM> may speak follow-up commands <NUM> that initiate follow-up responses <NUM> by the dispenser <NUM>. The follow-up commands <NUM> and follow-up responses <NUM> may address topics communicated in the service message <NUM> as well as new topics.

In one embodiment, the service message <NUM> may be used for taking inventory, product planning, or receiving diagnostics, which may include, but are not limited to, expired products, fast moving products, slow moving products, adding more of a fast moving product, removing a portion of a slow moving product, reporting errors, reporting mechanical issues, reporting theft attempts, and others understood by one of skill in the art.

With regard to <FIG>, a machine <NUM> that dispenses consumer products, such as beverages, that is operable by venue personnel <NUM> in response to voice commands is shown. The machine may include a dispenser <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> may communicate an auditory message <NUM> to the venue personnel <NUM> a number of operational messages, such as, but not limited to, an ingredient is sold out and needs to be replace, as well as others understood by one of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the venue personnel <NUM> may be identified by a biological parameter, such as, but not limited to voice recognition, voice signature analysis, frequencies of vocal commands, facial recognition, a fingerprint, and others as described hereinabove with regards to <FIG>. In one embodiment, the venue personnel may be identified by spoken personal information (e.g., birthdate, social security number, a previously set personal identification number (PIN), a previously set password or passphrase, etc.). One of skill in the art will appreciate that a number of security methods exist for access by a specified user. Furthermore, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the methods of identification described herein with regards to <FIG> may be used to identify a particular user, or type of user (e.g., consumer, technician, etc.). In one embodiment, a privileged type of user (e.g., technician, operator, venue personnel, etc.) may be established by an administrator command. The dispenser <NUM> may be configured to enter administrator mode in response to a pre-determined command, or set of commands.

A process may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process corresponds to a function, its termination may correspond to a return of the function to the calling function or the main function.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed here may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both.

Embodiments implemented in computer software may be implemented in software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. A code segment or machine-executable instructions may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to and/or in communication with another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc..

The actual software code or specialized control hardware used to implement these systems and methods is not limiting of the invention. Thus, the operation and behavior of the systems and methods were described without reference to the specific software code being understood that software and control hardware can be designed to implement the systems and methods based on the description here.

When implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. The steps of a method or algorithm disclosed here may be embodied in a processor-executable software module which may reside on a computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium. A non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable media includes both computer storage media and tangible storage media that facilitate transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transitory processor-readable storage media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such non-transitory processor-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible storage medium that may be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer or processor. Disk and disc, as used here, include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory processor-readable medium and/or computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

Claim 1:
A system for providing beverages, said system comprising:
a vessel (<NUM>) comprising a machine-readable medium (<NUM>, 904a-904c), wherein the machine-readable medium comprises conductive ink (<NUM>, 904a-904c) representing an available balance for a user to obtain beverages, wherein the conductive ink is disposed in a configuration (904a-904c) on the vessel representative of the available balance; and
a machine (<NUM>) for dispensing beverages, the machine comprising:
a. a reader (<NUM>) configured to read data representative of the available balance for the user to obtain beverages from the machine from the machine-readable medium, wherein the reader is configured to read the data representative of the available balance by reading an orientation of electrons within the conductive ink; and
b. electronics (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to:
i. receive the data from the machine-readable medium in response to the machine-readable medium being in communication distance of the reader;
ii. enable the user to dispense a beverage into the vessel;
iii. update the available balance of the machine-readable medium, wherein the electronics are configured to continuously update the available balance by concurrently writing the balance, with dispensing of the beverage, to the machine-readable medium; and
iv. prevent the user from dispensing unlimited beverages based on the data representative of the available balance.