Beverage dispenser with advanced portion control and point-of-sale integration

Abstract

A beverage dispensing system is configured to facilitate communication between a point of sale terminal and a beverage dispenser for receiving and fulfilling beverage orders. The dispensing system includes a conversion server that maps beverage orders between point of sale entry data and beverage dispenser recipe data. An automatic portion control (APC) assembly includes a mass sensor configured to determine a mass of a cup resting thereon. Using the mass of the cup, the dispenser makes a cup size prediction and performs a portion control dispensing operation. Based on the cup size prediction, a user interface is modified to allow for faster interaction. The APC assembly is positioned beneath a nozzle of the beverage dispenser and includes a removable platform assembly magnetically coupled to a mass sensor assembly. The mass sensor assembly includes a load cell or other mass sensor.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 040,962, filed June 18, 2020, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Establishing communication between a point of sale (POS) device and a beverage dispenser facilitates displaying and fulfilling beverage orders on the beverage dispenser. One example of using communication between a POS and a dispenser is shown in U.S. Publication 2014 / 0040055, commonly owned by Quartarone et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Automated beverage dispensing systems facilitate the automated fulfillment of beverages, but require supporting equipment to facilitate the automated filling of beverages. One example of an automated beverage dispenser is shown in U.S. Patent No. 9,227,830, commonly owned by Angus et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0005] SUMMARY

[0006] In a first aspect of the disclosure, a beverage dispenser includes a nozzle configured to dispense one or more beverage ingredients. The beverage dispenser includes a user interface configured to receive a selection of a beverage for dispensing. The beverage dispenser includes a mass sensor configured to measure a mass of a cup placed thereon. The beverage dispenser includes a plurality of pumping or metering devices, each configured to supply a beverage ingredient from an ingredient source to the nozzle. The beverage dispenser includes a controller configured to determine a volume of the beverage to be dispensed from the nozzle based on the measured mass of the cup and to instruct one or more of the plurality of pumping or metering devices to dispense the volume of the beverage from the nozzle.

[0007] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is further configured to determine a volume of the cup based on the measured mass of the cup and its contents.

[0008] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is further configured to stop dispensing the beverage from the nozzle in response to determining that the measured mass of the cup does not change by more than a threshold amount within a predetermined time interval before the volume of the beverage is dispensed.

[0009] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is further configured to stop dispensing the beverage from the nozzle in response to determining that the measured mass of the cup substantially decreases before the volume of the beverage is dispensed.

[0010] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is configured to determine the volume of the cup using a first cup detection algorithm that assumes the cup is an empty cup and a second cup detection algorithm that assumes the cup contains contents.

[0011] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is configured to determine a preliminary cup size prediction using the first cup detection algorithm, the preliminary cup size prediction selecting each cup size having a mass within a matching threshold of the measured mass of the cup.

[0012] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is configured to determine the volume of the cup after selecting a cup size from the selected cups of the preliminary cup size prediction that has a minimum absolute difference between the mass of the selected cup and the measured mass of the cup.

[0013] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is configured to compare the measured mass of the cup to a list of known cup masses for different cup sizes using the second cup detection algorithm, the list of known cup masses determined based on an expected mass of each of the different cup sizes when filled with ice and an expected fraction of each of the different cup sizes expected to be filled with ice.

[0014] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is configured to determine a preliminary cup size prediction that selects each cup size associated with the list of known cup masses having a mass within an upper matching threshold and a lower matching threshold of the measured mass of the cup.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is configured to determine the volume of the cup after selecting a cup size from the selected cups of the preliminary cup size prediction that has a minimum percentage absolute difference between the mass of the selected cup and the measured mass of the cup.

[0016] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the user interface is configured to display a cup size based on the determined volume of the cup.

[0017] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the user interface is configured to receive a selection of a different cup size.

[0018] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the mass sensor is located below the nozzle.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the mass sensor includes a platform assembly detachably coupled to a mass sensor assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the platform assembly includes a cup stand, a central fluid diverter, and a drain.

[0021] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the central fluid diverter includes a magnetic insert.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the mass sensor assembly includes a magnet holder holding a magnet therein, the magnet holder coupled to a sensor body, and the magnet holder positioned in alignment with the magnetic insert.

[0023] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the sensor body includes a load cell, wherein the load cell includes a first end coupled to a housing of the mass sensor assembly and a second end coupled to the magnet holder.

[0024] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the load cell includes one or more strain gauges.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the mass sensor assembly includes a control board electrically coupled to the strain gauges.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the selection of the beverage to dispense includes a size of the cup.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the disclosure, the controller is further configured to determine that a measured mass of the cup is within a valid mass range for the size of the cup.

[0028] These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description of the drawings taken in conjunction with the detailed description below, in which like reference numerals represent like parts.

[0030] Figure 1 An exemplary system block diagram of a beverage dispensing system suitable for use with various embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 2An exemplary user interface with a selected order and a selected beverage to be dispensed within the order is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 An exemplary user interface with a second selected order and a selected beverage with a special indication is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 Another exemplary user interface prior to detecting a cup is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 5 A flowchart of an exemplary process is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 A top view of a drip tray with an automatic portion control (APC) assembly is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the APC assembly with respect to line A-A in Figure 6 is shown.

[0037] Figure 8 An isometric internal view of a mass sensor assembly of the APC assembly is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 9 An exploded view of the mass sensor assembly in Figure 8 is shown.

[0039] Figure 10 A platform assembly of the APC assembly is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 11 An exploded view of the platform assembly is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 12 A base of the drip tray is shown that is suitable for use with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 13 An enlarged view of the base of the drip tray in Figure 12 is shown.

[0043] Figure 14 An exemplary beverage dispenser system suitable for use in implementing several embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 15 An exemplary fluid circuit with a positive displacement pump suitable for use in implementing several embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 16 An exemplary fluid circuit with static mechanical flow controls suitable for implementing several embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0046] Figure 17 An exemplary fluid circuit with dynamic mechanical flow controls and flow meters suitable for implementing several embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0047] Figure 18 An exemplary fluid circuit with multiple independent control paths originating from a single ingredient source suitable for implementing several embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0048] Figure 19 An exemplary block diagram of a control architecture for a beverage dispenser suitable for implementing several embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0049] Figure 20 An exemplary computer system suitable for implementing several embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] At the outset, it should be appreciated that the illustrative implementations of one or more embodiments described below can be implemented, for example, using any number of technologies to achieve the disclosed systems and methods. Accordingly, the disclosure should not be limited to the illustrative implementations described below, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. The use of the phrase "and / or" indicates that any one or any combination of the listed items can be used. For example, "A," "B," and / or "C" means "A," or "B," or "C," or "A and B," or "A and C," or "A and B and C."

[0052] The following is directed to Figures 1 to 20 A beverage dispensing system for receiving orders and facilitating order fulfillment is detailed. The beverage dispensing system can be configured to facilitate communication between a point of sale (POS) terminal and a beverage dispenser for receiving and fulfilling beverage orders. The dispensing system can include a conversion server that maps beverage orders between POS entered data and beverage dispenser recipe data. Accordingly, staff is saved time as beverage orders received at the POS terminal are communicated to the dispenser.

[0053] The beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser with an automatic portion control system, allowing staff to fill without looking at the dispenser. In embodiments, the automatic portion control system includes a mass sensor configured to determine the mass of a cup resting thereon. Using the mass of the cup, the dispenser can make cup size predictions and assist portion control dispensing operations. For example, the mass of the cup can be used to determine how much beverage to dispense to fill the cup. The system can be further configured to estimate cup size and modify the user interface (UI) of the beverage dispenser (e.g., highlight or show only beverages within an order that correspond to the predicted cup size) to allow for faster UI interactions when filling beverage orders.

[0054] Example systems and methods are described herein for facilitating processes between receiving beverage orders and fulfilling beverage orders. For example, a beverage dispensing system receives beverage orders from point-of-sale terminals and communicates the beverage orders to beverage dispensers. The beverage dispensers can include cup prediction and portion control algorithms, such that the beverage dispensers can detect and determine cup sizes and dispense beverages without staff supervision. Such functionality allows staff to save time and more efficiently fulfill orders. The disclosed systems and methods can be used with a variety of beverage dispensers.

[0055] As generally understood, beverage selections can be made through a touchscreen user interface on a point-of-sale device or other typical beverage user interface selection mechanisms (e.g., buttons). The selected beverage, including any selected flavor additives, can then be dispensed from the beverage dispenser after the beverage dispenser receives further dispensing commands through a separate user interface. For example, a dispense button on a touchscreen user interface on the beverage dispenser or through interaction with a separate dispense mechanism like a pour button (electromechanical, capacitive touch, or other) or a pour lever.

[0056] While various examples of staff serving beverage dispensers are provided herein, it is contemplated that weight sensors, cup prediction and portion control algorithms, and other features described herein can be used in other beverage dispenser systems. For example, weight sensors, as well as cup prediction and portion control algorithms, can be used on any portion control dispenser. Likewise, weight sensors, as well as cup prediction and portion control algorithms, can be used on automated beverage dispensers, like the automated beverage dispensers shown in Angus et al. commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 9,227,830.

[0057] Figure 1An exemplary system block diagram of a beverage dispensing system 100 according to various embodiments of this disclosure is shown. The dispensing system 100 includes a point-of-sale (POS) terminal 102, a mapping server 110, a dispenser network server 118, and a beverage dispenser 122. As generally described, the beverage dispensing system 100 links the POS terminal 102 with the beverage dispenser 122 for receiving and fulfilling beverage orders. The beverage dispenser 122 may be placed in a retail outlet, such as, but not limited to, a restaurant, shopping mall, stadium, or any other public or private location where consumers can purchase beverages from the beverage dispensing system 100. The POS terminal 102 may be located in the retail outlet where the beverage dispenser 122 is located. In some embodiments, the POS terminal 102 may be a user's telephone, computer, or other personal terminal used to place orders via a mobile application or through a website.

[0058] POS terminal 102 receives a beverage order 108, which is converted into a dispenser instruction 120 via mapping server 110 and dispenser network server 118. Beverage dispenser 122 receives the dispenser instruction 120 and fulfills the beverage order 108. POS terminal 102 can be any type of user interaction terminal, such as a conventional cash register, touchscreen terminal, or similar order input device commonly found in fast-service restaurants and other types of retail stores. Instructions or requests can be entered by staff, customers, or any other person. Although in Figure 1 The diagram shows only one POS terminal 102, but it should be understood that multiple such terminals may be used in the beverage dispensing system 100. Other components and configurations are envisioned in this disclosure.

[0059] POS terminal 102 has a user interface (UI) 104, such as a touchscreen user interface, keyboard and display, or any other conventional POS user interface. In the example shown, UI 104 is a touchscreen. UI 104 may have one or more menu screens, each with one or more icons 106 for receiving selections of items to be included in an order, such as one or more beverage selections. Icons 106 may include any number of beverage icons. These beverage icons may relate to any type, flavor, or size of beverage. POS terminal 102 receives selections via UI 104 through icons 106 for generating a beverage order 108. In some embodiments, beverage icons may include beverages poured from a device other than beverage dispenser 122, such as iced coffee or milkshakes. However, such beverage orders can still be included in a beverage order and displayed on the beverage dispenser, as discussed below. In various embodiments, beverage order 108 may be part of or a subset of a larger customer order that also includes other items such as food selections. Beverage order 108 may be stripped from or otherwise separated from a larger customer order. Beverage order 108 may include one or more beverages, each with an associated size (e.g., small, medium, large, etc.) and optional special instructions (e.g., no ice, less ice, or more ice). POS terminal 102 transmits the generated beverage order 108 to mapping server 110 via network 112. Network 112 may be one or more networks, such as the Internet, a local wired or wireless network of a retail store, a distributor network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or any other network or communication path used for communication between devices. In various embodiments, different devices may communicate with each other using different networks or direct wired or wireless communication links. In some embodiments, POS terminal 102 is directly connected to beverage dispenser 122 (as shown by the dashed line between the POS terminal and the beverage dispenser), for example, via an Ethernet cable or other hardwired or wireless connection for transmitting beverage orders directly from POS terminal 102 to beverage dispenser 122.

[0060] Typically, a POS terminal has a menu screen organized from general options to specific options. For example, a first screen or a portion of a screen may include a first icon in icon 106 for receiving the selection to include a beverage as part of an order. A second screen or a portion of a screen may include a second icon in icon 106 for receiving the selection of the beverage's brand (e.g., cola, orange, lemon, or brand recognition, etc.). A third screen or a portion of a screen may include a third icon in icon 106 for receiving the selection of one or more modifiers for the beverage (e.g., cherry, grape, other flavorings, limited-edition ice, etc.). For example, a beverage order 108 may include Cherry Cola with lemon-flavored additives as a Coca-Cola + Cherry + Lemon beverage. Other POS terminals may have different menu screens.

[0061] Mapping server 110 facilitates the conversion between beverage order 108 and dispenser instruction 120. Beverage order 108 is converted into mapped beverage order 116 because beverage order 108 is created based on a modifier (e.g., sugar-free cola plus cherry plus vanilla), and beverage dispenser 122 fulfills the recipe-based order based on dispenser instruction 120. Mapping server 110 includes a mapping table 114 for conversion between POS terminal 102 and beverage dispenser 122. Mapping table 114 may be different or different mapping tables (not shown) may be provided, depending on the dealership where POS terminal 102 is located or the type of POS terminal 102 used. Mapping server 110 receives beverage order 108 via network 112 and converts beverage order 108 into mapped beverage order 116. For example, mapping server 110 can convert a Coca-Cola + cherry + lemon beverage from beverage order 108 into cherry cola with lemon flavoring additive in mapped beverage order 116. Cherry cola has a specific recipe that is used by beverage dispenser 122 to dispense this beverage. In various implementations, the mapped beverage order 116 may include a beverage code and one or more of zero, one, or more flavor codes. For example, instead of including Cherry Cola in the mapped beverage order 116, the beverage code may be a numeric or alphanumeric string corresponding to Cherry Cola. The mapping server 110 sends the mapped beverage order 116 to the distributor network server 118 via network 112.

[0062] Dispenser network server 118 receives mapped beverage order 116 and transmits dispenser instruction 120 accordingly. Dispenser network server 118 sends dispenser instruction 120 to beverage dispenser 122 via network 112.

[0063] Beverage dispenser 122 receives dispenser instruction 120 and is used to fulfill an order. Beverage dispenser 122 may include nozzle 126 and user interface (UI) 124. For example, the user interface may be a touchscreen user interface. Beverage dispenser 122 may have various possible user interface screens, wherein associated icons (not shown) are displayed on UI 124. Nozzle 126 is configured to dispense one or more beverages from beverage dispenser 122, for example, by mixing two or more ingredients together to form the dispensed beverage.

[0064] The beverage dispenser 122 includes a drip tray 128 with an Automatic Portion Control (APC) assembly 130 positioned below a nozzle 126. The APC assembly 130 includes a mass sensor used by the beverage dispenser 122 to detect cups and predict cup size, and implements an advanced portion control algorithm, as described below, that allows staff to dispense beverage orders unattended. The beverage dispenser 122 may have cup detection and advanced portion control algorithms for filling cups to the desired level regardless of whether they are partially filled with liquid, contain variable amounts of ice, or are empty. This provides staff with greater flexibility to unattended dispenser 122 while filling selected beverages.

[0065] Although POS terminal 102 is shown transmitting beverage orders to beverage dispenser 122 via network 112, mapping server 110, and dispenser network server 118, in various embodiments, POS terminal 102 can communicate directly with beverage dispenser 122 via direct wired or wireless communication. In such embodiments, beverage dispenser 122 can locally maintain mapping table 114 for mapping beverage orders or beverage selections to dispenser instructions. Alternatively or additionally, beverage orders can be entered directly on the user interface 126 of beverage dispenser 122. That is, POS terminal 102 can be implemented on the user interface 126 of beverage dispenser.

[0066] While the foregoing description pertains to entering beverage orders on beverage dispenser 122, APC component 130 can be used with any beverage dispenser that receives size selection on the beverage dispenser's user interface 126. This includes, for example, a standard staff service dispenser where each nozzle dispenses a different beverage and uses a size selection button in the portion control dispensing operation, or any other beverage dispenser where portion control dispensing is desired. Other types of beverage dispensers are envisioned in this disclosure.

[0067] Figure 2An exemplary screen 200 that can be displayed on user interface 124 is shown. Screen 200 has a navigation area 202, an order area 204, and a beverage details area 206. Navigation area 202 has a current order tab 208, a past order tab 210, and a notification tab 212. The currently selected tab is highlighted or otherwise has a different appearance than the other tabs. In the example shown, the current order tab 208 is bold to indicate that the current order tab 208 is selected.

[0068] When the current order tab 208 is selected, the order area 204 displays a list of beverage orders 214 to be fulfilled. Each beverage order 214 is associated with an order identifier (ID) 216 and includes one or more beverages 218 to be fulfilled for the beverage order 214. Each of the beverages 218 identifies the brand and size of the beverage to be filled. The currently selected order in the beverage orders 214 is highlighted or otherwise has a different appearance than other beverage orders 214. In the example shown, the currently selected beverage order 215 is shown along with order ID 216 such as the currently selected #3143. The currently selected beverage 219 in the beverages 218 is highlighted or otherwise has a different appearance than other beverages 218. In the example shown, the currently selected beverage 219 is a large Sprite.

[0069] The beverage details area 206 displays details of the currently selected beverage. In the example shown, order identifier 216 and selected beverage 219 are shown. The cup size prediction area 220 includes multiple cup size icons (e.g., large, medium, small, extra small), wherein the highlighted icon 222 indicates that the beverage dispenser 122 predicts the size of the cup positioned on the APC assembly 130 below the nozzle 126, as described in more detail below. In the example shown, the beverage dispenser 122 has detected the cup on the APC assembly 130 and predicted it to be large, as indicated by the large cup icon highlighted in the cup size prediction area 220.

[0070] User interface 124 displays information and allows staff to override the cup prediction algorithm or decide which beverage should be served. The predicted cup is indicated by a highlighted icon 222. In some implementations, the predicted cup size determines which beverages 218 are selectable (e.g., if a large cup is detected, only large beverages 218 within beverage order 214 will be selectable). Other beverages 218 may be grayed out or otherwise unresponsive to selection. In the example shown, two small beverages in the currently selected order 319 are grayed out to prevent selection of these small beverages when beverage dispenser 122 has detected the presence of a large cup. In various implementations, if an incorrect size is predicted, UI 124 can receive a selection for the correct cup size in the cup size prediction area 220. For example, after a large cup is placed on APC component 130, if beverage dispenser 122 predicts the cup to be a medium-sized cup, a selection of the large cup icon in the cup size prediction area 220 can be received to change the highlighted icon in the cup size prediction area 220 from the medium cup icon to the large cup icon. Alternatively or additionally, after a large cup is placed on the APC component 130, if the beverage dispenser 122 predicts the cup as a medium-sized cup, the highlighted icon in the cup size prediction area 220 may change from a medium-sized cup icon to a large cup icon when a beverage 218 of a different size (e.g., large) is selected.

[0071] In various embodiments, the volume of each of the cup sizes is a configured value on the beverage dispenser 122. For example, some retailers may have a 42-ounce large cup size, while others may have a 48-ounce large cup size. The volume of each cup size is configured accordingly depending on the retailer where the beverage dispenser 122 is placed. For example, U.S. Patent No. 8,306,655, granted November 6, 2012, entitled "Methods for Providing Portion Control Programming in a Product Forming Dispenser," discloses a configuration screen for configuring variables of a portion control algorithm for the beverage dispenser 122, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These variables may include cup size names (e.g., small, medium, large, etc.) and corresponding volumes (e.g., fluid ounces in each cup size), the amount of ice used in the distribution store (e.g., no ice, 1 / 4 full, 1 / 2 full, 3 / 4 full, full), ice type (e.g., no, granular, flake, crushed, cube), the number of times each type of beverage (e.g., low foam, medium foam, high foam) is replenished (e.g., 0, 1, 2), the delay between replenishments, and other such configuration settings for the portion control algorithm.

[0072] The beverage details area 206 also displays special instructions 224, such as no special instructions, no ice, less ice, medium ice, or more ice. Based on these special instructions, staff can adjust the amount of ice in the cup for order fulfillment. Other additional information supplied from or transmitted by the POS can be displayed in the beverage details area 206.

[0073] The order details area 206 also displays a touch-to-pour button 226. The touch-to-pour button 226 is only displayed if a cup has been detected and its size has been determined by the cup size prediction algorithm of the beverage dispenser 122. After the staff confirms that the order details area 206 is correct, the staff presses the touch-to-pour button 226 and dispenses the selected beverage 218 from the selected beverage order 214 from the nozzle 126 on the beverage dispenser 122. Alternatively or additionally, after selecting beverage 218, the selected beverage 218 from the selected beverage order 214 is dispensed from the nozzle 126 on the beverage dispenser 122.

[0074] After the selected beverage 218 has been successfully filled (e.g., without errors and without premature removal of the cup), the selected beverage 218 may turn gray or otherwise have a distinctive appearance or be accompanied by an icon (e.g., a check mark) to indicate that the beverage 218 has been filled. In the example shown, the mini Coca-Cola Zero and mini BARQ beverages are grayed out, indicating that these beverages may have been poured out or are currently unavailable for dispensing.

[0075] After all beverages 218 in beverage order 214 have been filled, beverage order 214 can be removed from order area 204. In some embodiments, beverage order 214 can be removed from order area 204 after a predetermined time amount (e.g., 1 to 10 seconds) has been successfully filled. In some embodiments, an “x” button or other icon (not shown) can be selected after beverages 218 in beverage order 214 have been filled. This disclosure envisions other display arrangements and manipulations of the current order in order area 204, such as those described in U.S. Publication No. 2014 / 0040055, filed August 6, 2012, “Systems and Methods for Dispensing Products Selected at Remote Point-of-Sale Devices,” which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0076] After selecting the Past Orders tab 210, the order area 204 can be updated to display a predetermined number of past orders. Past orders can be arranged chronologically by order receipt or order fulfillment. In various implementations, users can scroll through the list of past orders. The ability to navigate to past orders facilitates easy refills.

[0077] After selecting the notification tab 212, the order area 204 can be updated to display notifications regarding ingredients or components of the beverage dispenser 122 (such as identification of ingredients that need to be replaced). In various embodiments, the order area 204 may additionally include one or more food orders and serve as an integrated order monitoring system or bump screen. The notification tab 212 may also display additional notifications or alerts from other devices in the retail store, such as those described in U.S. Publication No. 2020 / 0034784, filed July 30, 2019, “Product Inventory Management for Product Dispensers at Venue,” by Schwarber et al., and U.S. Publication No. 2019 / 0359470, filed September 8, 2017, by Joshi et al., which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0078] Figure 3 An exemplary screen 300 that can be displayed on user interface 124 is shown. Similar reference numerals indicate similar parts described above. In the example shown, different currently selected orders 215 and different currently selected beverages 219 are illustrated. Specifically, with Figure 2 In contrast to order #3143 in the example, order #3142 was selected. The currently selected beverage 219 is also a large Sprite, but includes a special instruction 224 instructing staff to fill the glass with a small amount of ice (e.g., less than the standard amount). Although a large glass with the standard amount of ice is heavier than a large glass with a small amount of ice, the glass detection algorithm is still able to predict that the glass is a large, as indicated by the highlighted icon 222.

[0079] Figure 4An exemplary screen 400, which can be displayed on a user interface 124 prior to cup detection, is shown, illustrating various embodiments applicable to this disclosure. Similar reference numerals denote similar parts described above. In the example shown, the currently selected order 215 is displayed in the order area 204. Accordingly, the order ID 216 is displayed in the beverage details area 206. However, when no beverage is selected, no beverage is displayed in the beverage details area 206, nor is a special indicator 224 or touch pour button 226 shown. As illustrated in the cup size prediction area 220, no cup size icon is highlighted. Therefore, the beverage dispenser 122 does not detect any cup.

[0080] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary process 500 performed by a beverage dispenser 122 according to various embodiments of this disclosure is provided. At 502, the beverage dispenser 122 detects a cup. For example, the APC component 130 may run a cup detection algorithm in response to determining that the APC component 130 is empty (e.g., the cup is not present on the APC component 130) based on a measured stable mass close to zero (e.g., within a predetermined fraction of the lightest cup, such as less than or equal to 10%, 25%, or 50% of the lightest cup's mass). The cup detection algorithm monitors mass readings from the APC component 130 until the measured mass stabilizes at a non-zero value (e.g., a non-zero value greater than a predetermined fraction of the lightest cup, such as greater than or equal to 90% of the lightest cup's mass). In some embodiments, mass is determined to be stable when fluctuations in the measured mass value are within a predetermined range of existing measured values ​​(e.g., the measured masses differ from each other by no more than 10% within a 500 ms period). Other determinations of stable measured values ​​are contemplated in this disclosure.

[0081] At step 504, the beverage dispenser 122 uses a cup detection algorithm to predict the cup size based on measured mass and displays the predicted cup size on UI 124 (e.g., a corresponding cup size icon is displayed in the cup size prediction area 220 with a highlighted icon 222). In some embodiments, two different cup detection algorithms are used: one for detecting empty cups and one for detecting cups with ice. In various embodiments, both algorithms are used and the prediction with the smallest difference (relative or absolute, as discussed below) from the expected value is selected.

[0082] Based on the assumption that the detected cup is empty, the first cup detection algorithm uses measured mass to predict the cup size. Based on the known mass of each cup available in the store (e.g., determined by calibration or configuration of beverage dispenser 122), a matching threshold can be used to compare only the measured mass from APC component 130 with a list of known cup masses to establish an effective range for each cup (e.g., within 5%, 10%, 20%, or other fractions of each known mass for each cup). Based on the matching threshold, cups of different sizes may have overlapping effective mass ranges. The matching threshold is a configurable variable within beverage dispenser 122 (e.g., emptyMatchTreshold). An initial cup size prediction is performed, selecting each cup size within the matching threshold of the measured mass. Beverage dispenser 122 determines the absolute difference between the measured mass and the target mass for each of the selected cups and sorts the cups selected in the initial cup size prediction according to this absolute difference. The cup size with the smallest absolute difference is selected as the predicted cup size.

[0083] Based on the assumption that the detected cup contains ice, the second cup detection algorithm uses a measured mass to predict the cup size. This is conceptually similar, but a bit more complex because the amount of ice in the cup can vary considerably. To explain this, there exists a setting called expectedIceFillPercent, which indicates how full the cup should be at that particular retailer (e.g., the ice filling configuration discussed above). Using this filling percentage, the density of the ice, and the volume of the cup, the typical mass of the expected ice in the cup is determined by the following formula:

[0084] m ice =V cup *expectedIceFillPercent*d ice Equation (1)

[0085] Where, m ice V is the expected mass of the cup when filled with the expected amount of ice at the dealership. cup This refers to the volume of the cup, and expectedIceFillPercent is the amount of ice that the distributor expects the staff to fill the cup with (e.g., 1 / 4 full, 1 / 2 full, 3 / 4 full, full, etc.), and d ice It is the density of ice.

[0086] However, the shape and size of the ice used in a retail store can vary greatly, affecting the packing density of the ice in the glass. For example, large ice blocks leave more gaps, and therefore a glass filled to the top may only be 70% full by mass. To explain this, there are measurements of the mass (m) of a glass when it is full of ice. fullIceGramsThe calibration process. For example, beverage dispenser 122 can be configured with calibrated m fullIceGrams Value. Therefore, the typical mass of a glass containing ice is determined by the following formula:

[0087] m cupWithIce =m cup +(m fullIceGrams *expectedIceFillPercent), Equation (2)

[0088] Where, m cupWithIce It is the expected mass of the cup when filled with the expected amount of ice at the dealership, m cup Let m be the known mass of the cup. fullIceGrams This refers to the mass of the glass when it is filled with ice at the retail store, and expectedIceFillPercent is the amount of ice that the retail store staff are expected to fill the glass with (e.g., 1 / 4 full, 1 / 2 full, 3 / 4 full, full, etc.), and d ice It is the density of ice.

[0089] When a cup is manufactured, there are some small variations in its mass. Generally, this variation is small and likely evenly distributed around the cup's typical mass. However, when filled with ice, it is very easy to underfill (e.g., placing less ice than expected in the cup), especially for larger cups. Using a uniform distribution around the expected mass of the cup when filled with the expected amount of ice, the measurement of a larger cup underfilled with ice will overlap with that of a smaller cup filled with the expected amount of ice. To explain this, separate upper and lower matching thresholds (e.g., upperIceMatchPercent) are used when comparing the measured mass from APC component 130 to the expected mass of a cup with ice. The upper and lower matching thresholds are expressed as percentages rather than absolute masses, which allows the effective mass range to scale automatically as the mass increases, such as in cases where a larger cup has a significantly larger amount of ice and therefore the mass difference in ice is greater than in a smaller cup.

[0090] The measured mass from APC component 130 can be compared to a list of known cup masses with ice using upper and lower matching thresholds to establish a valid range for each cup. A preliminary cup size prediction is performed, selecting each cup size within the upper and lower matching thresholds of the measured mass. Beverage dispenser 122 determines the percentage absolute difference between the measured mass and the target mass for each of the selected cups with ice and sorts the cups selected in the preliminary cup size prediction according to this percentage absolute difference. The cup size with the smallest percentage absolute difference value is selected as the predicted cup size. Using a percentage absolute difference, in contrast to the absolute difference used in the first cup detection algorithm, has the effect of normalizing the value of each comparison. For example, a 5-gram absolute difference on a small cup can be a larger percentage absolute difference than a 15-gram absolute difference on a large cup.

[0091] Running the first and second cup detection algorithms produces robust cup predictions in practical use. While the second cup detection algorithm may incorrectly predict the smaller cup if the larger cup is underfilled with ice, causing it to match the quality of a smaller cup filled with ice, as described above, the predicted cup size is clearly displayed on UI 124. At 506, the user can optionally override the predicted cup size by selecting the correct cup size (if desired) (e.g., selecting the correct cup size icon from the cup size prediction area 220). Due to the first and second cup detection algorithms, the beverage dispenser 122 is able to identify cups placed on the platform, determine whether a cup contains ice, and use the corresponding volume of the identified cup to calculate the remaining volume in the cup, as described in more detail below. In various implementations, upon detecting that a cup is filled with an amount of ice different from the configured ice filling amount (e.g., after receiving a selection of the correct cup size), a notification may be displayed on UI 124 to inform staff that they have served too little or too much ice.

[0092] In some implementations, instead of using the cup detection algorithm discussed above, the user can simply select the correct cup size icon from the cup size prediction area 220 or select a beverage with a size corresponding to the cup placed on the APC 130. In this implementation, the cup verification algorithm verifies whether the measured quality of the cup placed on the APC component 130 is within the valid range of the selected cup size. For example, the cup verification algorithm verifies that:

[0093] M empty <M measured <M full Equation (3)

[0094] Among them, M empty M is the expected mass of the selected cup size. measuredThe measured mass of the cup placed on the APC 130 is M. full This is the expected mass when the selected cup size is filled with ice and / or beverage. In embodiments where the cup size is the opposite of the cup size prediction, one or more of 502 to 506 may be omitted.

[0095] At 508, beverage dispenser 122 modifies UI 124 to highlight beverage 218 corresponding to the predicted cup size (e.g., highlight, circle, or otherwise emphasize beverage 218 corresponding to the predicted cup size, or gray out, hide, or otherwise de-emphasize beverage 218 that does not correspond to the predicted cup size). At 510, beverage dispenser 122 receives the selection of the currently selected beverage 219 corresponding to the predicted cup size.

[0096] At 512, the beverage dispenser 122 uses one or more advanced portion control algorithms to pour the currently selected beverage 219 to fill the cup to the desired level, regardless of whether the cup contains variable amounts of ice and / or is partially filled with liquid, or is empty.

[0097] The algorithm used by the beverage dispenser 122 based on the mass measurement detected by the APC component 130 is based on the known volume (V) of the empty cup placed on the APC component 130. cup ) and mass (m cup The beverage dispenser 122 can simply pour the currently selected beverage 219 to fill the cup's volume.

[0098] V pour =V cup Equation (4)

[0099] Among them, V pour The volume of the currently selected beverage 219 to be poured by the beverage dispenser 122, and V cup This refers to the volume of the cup placed on the APC component 130. It's rarely desirable for the beverage dispenser 122 to continuously pour to the top of the cup, so the fillPercent setting, which can be configured on the beverage dispenser for each cup size, indicates how full the cup should be at the end of pouring. A typical value for the fill percentage setting is 93%, which leaves enough room to place the lid on the cup without pushing the ice down and overflowing. Other fill percentage values ​​can be used. If the beverage dispenser 122 determines that the cup is overflowing based on a measured mass from the APC 130 that the cup is not increasing, or if the beverage dispenser determines that the cup has been removed based on a measured mass from the APC 130 that the cup has decreased, the beverage dispenser 122 can dispense the currently selected beverage 219 until the dispensed volume equals the calculated volume to be poured.

[0100] However, if the cup is not empty, the beverage dispenser 122 takes into account the volume of the cup's contents. For example, if the cup was partially filled from a previous pour but does not contain ice, the beverage dispenser 122 determines the mass of the cup and its contents as m based on the mass measurement provided by the APC component 130. total Based on the density (d) of the beverage bev The beverage dispenser can calculate the pouring volume as follows:

[0101] m contents =m total -m cup Equation (5)

[0102] V contents =m contents *d bev Equation (6)

[0103] V pour =V cup -V contents Equation (7)

[0104] Where, m contents It is the mass of the contents of the cup, m total The total mass of the cup and its contents, measured by APC component 130, and m cup It refers to the mass of the cup, such as the known mass V of the cup determined based on the cup detection algorithm discussed above. contents It is the volume of the contents contained within the cup, d bev V is the density of the beverage contents in the cup. cup It refers to the volume of the cup, such as the known volume of the cup determined based on the cup detection algorithm discussed above, and V pour The volume of the currently selected beverage 219 to be poured from the nozzle 126 by the beverage dispenser 122.

[0105] By d bev Replacing the density with that of ice, equations 5 through 7 can also be applied to cups containing ice. It turns out that, generally, the density of either ice or water can be used in all cases without significant error. This is due to the typical shape of the cup. A typical paper cup is narrow at the bottom and wider at the top. This means that as the cup is filled, a given increment of fill requires a larger volume. By the time the cup reaches the top, the surface area is large enough that a few grams of liquid will not significantly alter the fill line. Since the main ingredient in every beverage is water and a typical cup is pre-filled with ice, the actual density differences of other ingredients are negligible in practical use.

[0106] The beverage dispenser 122 may additionally dispense one or more lids to allow foam to dissipate and ensure the cup is filled with the currently selected beverage. An example of a lid configuration relating to the operation of the beverage dispenser and lid is described in U.S. Patent No. 9,227,830, "Automated Beverage Dispensing System with Ice and Beverage Dispensing," issued January 5, 2016, by Angus et al., which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0107] Almost as important as knowing the volume to be poured into the cup is knowing when to stop pouring. There are two common reasons to stop pouring before the calculated pour volume is reached. The first is because the cup is smaller than predicted and the beverage is overflowing. The second is because the cup was removed from the APC assembly 130 before pouring was complete. In both cases, product is being dispensed by the beverage dispenser 122, resulting in wasted product flowing down the drain. Accordingly, the beverage dispenser 122 includes a stop algorithm for determining when to cease pouring.

[0108] In the first stopping algorithm, the beverage dispenser 122 determines that the cup is smaller than predicted and that beverage is overflowing. The beverage dispenser 122 monitors the mass of the cup over time during pouring, as measured by the APC component 130. When it is determined that the mass of the cup changes by no more than a threshold amount within a predetermined time interval (e.g., 200 ms), the beverage dispenser 122 determines that the cup is no longer being filled with additional liquid and is therefore overflowing.

[0109] In the second stopping algorithm, beverage dispenser 122 determines that the cup is no longer present on APC assembly 130. Beverage dispenser 122 monitors the mass of the cup over time during pouring, as measured by APC assembly 130. When it is determined that the mass of the cup has decreased significantly (e.g., APC assembly 130 measures zero mass after pouring has begun), the beverage dispenser determines that the cup is no longer present on APC assembly 130.

[0110] At step 514, beverage dispenser 122 uses a “complete” indicator on UI 124 to indicate that the beverage has been fulfilled. For example, after successfully filling the selected beverage 218 (e.g., without errors and the cup not being removed prematurely), the selected beverage 218 may be grayed out or otherwise have a unique appearance or accompanying icon (e.g., a check mark) to indicate that beverage 218 has been filled. At step 516, once all beverages in the order have been fulfilled, beverage dispenser 122 removes the order from the display's UI 124.

[0111] Figure 6A top view of a drip tray 128 with an APC assembly 130 according to various embodiments of this disclosure is shown. The drip tray 128 includes a lid 602 having one or more slots or openings passing through it to facilitate the discharge of liquid and ice from the beverage dispenser 122. The lid 602 is flat to allow a cup to be placed on it without tipping over. Fluid flowing through the lid 602 is directed to a discharge port 606 of the drip tray 128. The lid 602 is removable to allow staff to clean the drip tray 128. The lid 602 includes an aperture 608 sized to receive a portion of the APC assembly 130 passing through it. The APC assembly 130 is positioned on the lid 602 below the nozzle 126. The APC assembly 130 is configured to receive a cup on the APC assembly. The APC component includes a mass sensor configured to measure the mass of a cup placed thereon for use in the cup detection and advanced portion control algorithms described above.

[0112] Figure 7 Showing about Figure 6 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the APC assembly 130 along line AA. The APC assembly 130 includes a platform assembly 702 and a mass sensor assembly 704. The platform assembly 702 includes a cup holder 706, a central fluid distributor 710, and a drain 708. In the example shown, the drain 708 circumferentially surrounds the central fluid distributor 710. Excess fluid from spills, drips, or over-pouring of the beverage flows down the cup holder 706, through the drain 708, and / or through the fluid distributor 710, and flows from front to back to the drip tray 128 and then to the drain 606. Accordingly, flow accumulation on the APC assembly 130 is prevented, thereby ensuring accurate readings from the mass sensor. A magnetic insert 712 is included within the central fluid distributor 710 (e.g., a steel insert or other ferrous material).

[0113] The mass sensor assembly 704 includes a magnet holder 714 in which a magnet 716 is positioned. The magnet 716 is positioned to align with the magnetic insert 712 of the central fluid distributor 710. Accordingly, the magnet 716 removably holds the platform assembly 702 to the mass sensor assembly 704 via the magnetic insert 712. Thus, the platform assembly 702 can be periodically removed from the beverage dispenser 122 to clean the platform assembly 702 and to provide access for cleaning the drip tray 128.

[0114] The base 718 of the drip tray 128 includes an aperture 720 sized to receive a portion of the mass sensor assembly 704. The aperture 720 in the base 718 of the drip tray 128 is aligned with an aperture 608 in the tray cover 602. A fluid-sealing membrane 722 spans the aperture 720 between the base 718 and the magnet holder 714 to ensure that fluid cannot travel to contact the mass sensor assembly 704. The fluid-sealing membrane 722 is a flexible membrane with one or more circumferential grooves 726 to facilitate vertical displacement without negatively impacting the sensitivity of the mass sensor assembly 704. In various embodiments, the membrane 722 includes a central cap 724 positioned between the magnet 716 and the magnetic insert 712 to reduce wear on the membrane 722. In various embodiments, the center cap 724 is a hard plastic having one or more features for positioning the magnet holder 714 and the center fluid diverter 710 to ensure proper alignment between the magnet 716 and the magnetic insert 712.

[0115] While the example described above uses magnetic insert 712 and magnet 716 to center platform assembly 702 and connect the platform assembly to mass sensor assembly 704, this disclosure contemplates other connection mechanisms, such as torsion locking features, screws, bolts, or other removable connection mechanisms known to those skilled in the art.

[0116] Figure 8 An isometric internal view of the mass sensor assembly 704 of the APC assembly 130, which is applicable to various embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 9 Showing Figure 8 An exploded view of the mass sensor assembly 704. The mass sensor assembly 704 includes a housing 802, a load cell assembly 804, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 806.

[0117] The load cell assembly 804 includes a load cell 902 coupled to a magnet holder 714. In the illustrated example, the magnet holder 714 is secured to a first end 904 of the load cell 902 via one or more screws 906 and washers 908. A housing 802 is coupled to a second end 910 of the load cell 902 via one or more screws 912. The first end 904 of the load cell 902 is in the opposite longitudinal direction to the second end 910. Accordingly, the load cell 902 extends out of the housing 802 such that a load applied to the magnet holder 714 causes displacement of the first end 904 of the load cell 902. An overload protection stud 918 extends from the housing 802 to prevent displacement of the first end 904 beyond a predetermined distance. In the illustrated example, the overload protection stud 918 is a screw extending from the housing.

[0118] One or more strain gauges 914 are positioned on the load cell 902 between a first end 904 and a second end 910, such as at the center of the load cell 902. In the example shown, two strain gauges 914 are used on the side of the load cell 902 in a direction opposite to the displacement direction of the first end 904 of the load cell 902. The strain gauges 914 include one or more wires 916 electrically connected to the PCBA 806 for generating a measurement of the mass of a cup placed on the cup holder 706. The PCBA 806 communicates electrically with the controller of the beverage dispenser 122 for the cup detection and portion control dispensing algorithm described above. Although the PCBA 806 is shown as being located within the housing 802, in various embodiments, the PCBA 806 may be located elsewhere, either inside or outside the beverage dispenser 122.

[0119] Although the mass sensor assembly 704 is described above as having a weighing sensor for measuring the mass of a cup placed on the APC assembly 130, this disclosure contemplates other mass sensors besides a weighing sensor, such as capacitive, hydraulic, or pneumatic mass sensors.

[0120] Figure 10 Platform component 702 of APC component 130, which is applicable to various embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 11 An exploded view of a platform component 702, applicable to various embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. The platform component 702 includes a platform housing 1102, a magnetic insert 712, and a cover 1104. The cover 1104 retains the magnetic insert 712 within the platform housing 1102. The platform housing 1102 includes the elements referenced above. Figure 7 The described components include a cup holder 706, a central fluid distributor 710, and a drain 708. The cup holder 706 includes an inclined surface 1002 sloping towards the drain 708 and a plurality of ridges 1004. In the illustrated example, four ridges 1004 are provided. In some embodiments, more or fewer ridges 1004 may be used. In some embodiments, ridges 1004 may be provided around the entire circumference of the inclined surface 1002. The ridges 1004 raise the base of a cup placed on the cup holder 706 above the inclined surface 1002, allowing fluid to flow between the base of the cup and the inclined surface 1002. Additionally, the ridges 1004 taper in the opposite direction to the slope of the inclined surface. Accordingly, the ridges 1004 are not sloped and provide a flat surface on which the cup rests. For example, the ridges 1004 are thickest at the drain 708 and taper towards the cup holder 706. Therefore, a cup placed on cup holder 706 can remain in a flat orientation, even though it is on the sloping surface 1002.

[0121] Although the cup holder 706 is described as having an inclined surface 1002 and a ridge 1004, this disclosure envisions other configurations for the cup holder 706. For example, instead of the ridge, one or more recesses may be placed on the inclined surface 1002 and guide fluid toward the discharge port 708.

[0122] Figure 12 A base 718 for a drip tray 128, applicable to various embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 13 Showing Figure 12 An enlarged view of the base 718 of the drip tray 128. The cover 724 of the membrane 722 has a groove 1302 to facilitate the discharge of liquid from the cover 724 into the membrane 722 and into the discharge port 606.

[0123] Figure 14 An exemplary beverage dispenser system 1400 suitable for implementing several embodiments of this disclosure is shown. For example, beverage dispenser 122 can be implemented as beverage dispenser system 1400. As shown, beverage dispenser system 1400 is configured as a chilled beverage dispenser. This disclosure contemplates other configurations of the beverage dispenser, such as a plug-in chilled beverage dispenser, a reverse-motorized beverage dispenser, a remotely recirculating beverage dispenser, or any other beverage dispenser configuration.

[0124] The beverage dispenser system 1400 includes a rear chamber system 1406 and a front chamber system 1402 having a beverage dispenser 1404. The beverage dispenser 1404 includes a user interface 1408, such as a touchscreen display, to facilitate the selection of the beverage to be dispensed. The user interface 1408 may employ various screens to facilitate user interaction on the beverage dispenser 1404 and / or to receive user profiles through interaction with the user's mobile device 1452, such as those described in co-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 485,826 entitled "Product Categorization User Interface for a Dispensing Device," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0125] After receiving a beverage selection via user interface 1408, the pour button 1410 can be activated to dispense the selected beverage from beverage dispenser 1404 via nozzle 1414. For example, the pour button 1410 can be an electromechanical button, a capacitive touch button, or other user-selectable button to activate beverage dispenser 1404 to dispense the beverage. Although shown as a button, the pour button 1410 can alternatively be implemented as a lever or other mechanism to activate beverage dispenser 1404 to dispense the beverage. Figure 14As shown, the pour button 1410 is separate from the user interface 1408. In some embodiments, the pour button 1410 may be implemented as a selectable icon in the user interface 1408.

[0126] In some embodiments, the beverage dispenser may also include an ice rod 1414. When activated, the ice rod 1414 causes the beverage dispenser 1404 to dispense ice through an ice trough (not shown). For beverage dispensers without a freezer, such as reverse electric beverage dispensers or remote recirculating beverage dispensers, the ice rod 1414 may be omitted.

[0127] The beverage dispenser 1404 can be secured via a main door 1416 and a dispensing door 1418. The main door 1416 and the dispensing door 1418 can be secured via one or more locks. In some embodiments, these locks are both locks and keys. In some embodiments, the lock on the dispensing door 1418 can be opened via an RFID reader (not shown) that reads an authorized ingredient package 1428. The main door 1416 can secure the electronics of the beverage dispenser 1404, including one or more controllers 1420. The dispensing door 1418 can secure the dispensing compartment housing the dispensing matrix 1424.

[0128] The ingredient matrix 1424 includes a plurality of slots 1426 for receiving ingredient packets 1428. In various embodiments, the ingredient packet 1428 may be a micro-ingredient cartridge. The micro-ingredient cartridge may be a single cartridge or a dual-cartridge cartridge, as described in co-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14 / 209,684 entitled “Beverage Dispenser Container and Carton” and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 494,427 entitled “Container Filling Systems and Methods”, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Figure 14 As shown, the ingredient matrix 1424 has three ingredient drawers. One or more drawers can slide back and forth along tracks to periodically agitate the ingredients contained in the drawers. Other configurations of the ingredient matrix 1424 are possible, such as via one or more static towers and / or stirred ingredient towers.

[0129] Each ingredient packet 1428 may include an RFID tag, an accessory 1430, and an accessory seal 1432. The accessory seal 1432 may be removed before installation into the beverage dispenser 1404. During installation, the accessory 1430 may engage with a probe (not shown) in the slot 1426 and the ingredients contained in the ingredient packet 1428, providing fluid communication between the probe and these ingredients. The ingredient matrix 1424 may also include one or more large-volume micro-ingredient packets 1434, such as for one or more micro-ingredient sweetener sources.

[0130] The beverage dispenser 1404 may also include a carbonator (not shown) for receiving water and carbon dioxide to produce carbonated water. The beverage dispenser 1404 may also include one or more heat exchangers (not shown), such as a cold plate, for cooling one or more ingredients contained in or received by the beverage dispenser 1404. In some embodiments, one or more of the micro-particles dispensed via nozzle 1412 are not cooled via a heat exchanger or otherwise maintained at ambient temperature. Larger quantities dispensed via nozzle 1412 are typically cooled via a heat exchanger prior to dispensing.

[0131] The back chamber system 1406 is typically located in a back chamber, away from the front chamber system 1402, such as a storage area in a retail location. The back chamber system 1406 includes a water source 1436, such as a municipal water supply providing pressurized freshwater. Water received via the water source 1436 can be filtered or otherwise treated by a water treatment system 1438. The treated water can optionally be pressurized to a desired pressure by a water booster 1440 and supplied to beverage dispensers. A carbon dioxide source 1442 can supply carbon dioxide to beverage dispensers 1404.

[0132] One or more bulk ingredient sources 1444 may be located in the rear chamber. Bulk ingredients from each bulk ingredient source 1444 may be supplied to the beverage dispenser 1404 via a pump 1446. The pump 1446 may be a controlled gear pump, diaphragm pump, BIB pump, or any other suitable pump for supplying bulk ingredients to the beverage dispenser 1404. The rear chamber system 1406 may also include a rack having one or more storage locations 1448 for spare micro-ingredients and one or more storage locations 1450 for spare bulk ingredients.

[0133] Beverage dispenser 1404 may include one or more network interfaces for communicating directly with devices in the anteroom or backroom, with devices in the anteroom or backroom on a local area network (LAN), or with devices located remotely from the beverage dispenser system 1400 via a wide area network (WAN) connection. For example, beverage dispenser 1404 may include networking devices such as a near field communication (NFC) module, Bluetooth module, WiFi module, cellular modem, Ethernet module, etc. Beverage dispenser 1404 may communicate directly or via LAN with a user's mobile device 1452 or point-of-sale (POS) device 1454 to receive the user's beverage selection or user profile to configure beverage dispenser 1404 to dispense one or more beverages based on the beverage selection or user profile. The user profile may include favorite beverages stored for the user, mixed or blended beverages created or stored by the user in their profile, and / or one or more beverage preferences, such as preferred nutritional levels. The beverage dispenser 1404 can also communicate via WAN 1456 to communicate with one or more remote servers 1458 to receive software updates, content updates, user profiles, or beverage selections via the remote servers 1458.

[0134] Figures 15 to 17 Exemplary fluid loops 1500 to 11600 are shown, from the ingredient sources 1502, 1602, and 1702 of a beverage dispenser 1404 to a nozzle 1412, and including pumping or metering devices. The beverage dispenser 1404 may include zero, one, or more... Figures 6 to 8 The fluid loop shown is illustrated. For each ingredient source, the beverage dispenser 1404 may include... Figures 6 to 8 One of the fluid circuits shown. For example, each of the pumping or metering devices 108, 110, 112 can be implemented as follows: Figures 6 to 8 One of the fluid circuits shown is a fluid circuit.

[0135] Figure 15An exemplary fluid circuit 1500 with a positive displacement pump 1510 is shown, suitable for implementing several embodiments of this disclosure. The fluid circuit 1500 provides a fluid path from a dispensing source 1502 to a nozzle 1412. The dispensing source 1502 may be a micro-dispensing source or a large-volume dispensing source housed in a dispensing matrix 1424 of a beverage dispenser 1404, located away from the beverage dispenser 1404 in the front chamber (e.g., adjacent to the beverage dispenser 1404 or below the counter where the beverage dispenser 1404 is located) or located in the rear chamber. The positive displacement pump 1510 can meter a predetermined volume or flow rate of dispensing from the dispensing source 1502 to the nozzle 1412. The positive displacement pump 1510 may be a piston pump, a controlled gear pump, a peristaltic pump, a nutating pump, a diaphragm pump, or other such positive displacement pumps for metering a fixed flow rate volume of fluid in each cycle of the pump.

[0136] The fluid circuit 1500 may optionally include a sold-out sensor 1404 for detecting when the ingredient source 1502 is emptied. When the ingredient source 1502 is positioned away from the beverage dispenser 1404, the fluid circuit 1500 may also optionally include an auxiliary pump 1506 for providing a pressurized supply of beverage ingredients to the beverage dispenser 1404. Within or adjacent to the beverage dispenser 1404, the fluid circuit 1500 may include a pressure regulator 1508 such that the inlet of the positive displacement pump 1510 receives a lower pressure or zero pressure supply of beverage ingredients. The fluid circuit 1500 may also optionally include a shut-off valve 1412 configured to remain closed when no ingredients are being dispensed to prevent beverage ingredients from dripping from the nozzle 1412.

[0137] Figure 16 An exemplary fluid circuit 1600 with a static mechanical flow control 1608 is illustrated, suitable for implementing several embodiments of this disclosure. The static mechanical flow control 1608 receives pressurized beverage ingredients from a dispensing source 1602 and supplies a fixed flow rate of beverage ingredients to a nozzle 1412. The static mechanical flow control 1608 can be calibrated via a positioning screw for configuring the flow rate of the static mechanical flow control 1608. A shut-off valve 1610 downstream of the static mechanical flow control 1608 can be actuated to open and close to dispense beverage ingredients from the nozzle 1412 or to prevent dispensing beverage ingredients.

[0138] The ingredient source 1602 can be a micro- or macro-sized ingredient source housed in an ingredient matrix 1424 of the beverage dispenser 1404, located away from the beverage dispenser 1404 in the anteroom (e.g., adjacent to the beverage dispenser 1404 or below the counter where the beverage dispenser 1404 is located) or in the stern. The ingredient source 1602 can also be a municipal water supply 536 or other pressurized ingredient source. When the ingredient source 1602 is not pressurized, the fluid loop 1600 can include a pump 1606 for pressurizing beverage ingredients from the ingredient source 1602. The pump 1606 can be any pump suitable for pressurizing beverage ingredients from the ingredient source 1602, such as a BIB pump, a CO2-driven pump, a controlled gear pump, or a positive displacement pump. The fluid loop 1600 may also optionally include a sold-out sensor 1604 for detecting when the ingredient source 1602 is emptied.

[0139] Figure 17 An exemplary fluid circuit 1700 with a dynamic mechanical flow control 1708, a flow meter 1710, and a shut-off valve 1712, suitable for implementing several embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. The dynamic mechanical flow control 1708 receives pressurized beverage ingredients from a dispensing source 1702 and supplies an adjustable flow rate of beverage ingredients to a nozzle 1412. The dynamic mechanical flow control 1708 may include a variable-size orifice that is adjusted based on control signals provided by one or more controllers 520 to dynamically change the flow rate of beverage ingredients supplied to the nozzle 1412. A flow meter 1710 downstream of the dynamic mechanical flow control 1708 measures the flow rate of beverage ingredients supplied by the dynamic mechanical flow control 1708 and provides a feedback loop to the dynamic mechanical flow control 1708 to control the variable-size orifice. The shut-off valve 1712 downstream of the dynamic mechanical flow control 1708 can be actuated to open and close to dispense or prevent dispensing beverage ingredients from the nozzle 1412.

[0140] Ingredient source 1702 may be a micro- or macro-ingredient source housed in an ingredient matrix 1424 of beverage dispenser 1404, located away from beverage dispenser 1404 in the anteroom (e.g., adjacent to beverage dispenser 1404 or below the counter where beverage dispenser 1404 is located) or in the stern. Ingredient source 1702 may also be municipal water supply 536 or other pressurized ingredient source. When ingredient source 1702 is not pressurized, fluid loop 1700 may include a pump 1706 for pressurizing beverage ingredients from ingredient source 1702. Pump 1706 may be any pump suitable for pressurizing beverage ingredients from ingredient source 1702, such as a BIB pump, CO2 driven pump, controlled gear pump, or positive displacement pump. Fluid loop 1700 may also optionally include a sold-out sensor 1704 for detecting when ingredient source 1702 is emptied.

[0141] Although Figures 15 to 17 The components of fluid circuits 1500 to 11600 are shown in a specific order, but any order of the components described above can be used. For example, shut-off valve 1712 may be upstream of flow meter 1710. Other variations will be readily identifiable to those skilled in the art. Additionally, one or more heat exchangers (not shown) may be used in… Figures 15 to 17 The heat exchanger can be located anywhere in the fluid circuit. It can include a freezer, water bath, cold plate, or remote recirculation system.

[0142] Figure 18 An exemplary fluid loop 1800 with multiple independent control paths from a single ingredient source 1802 to a nozzle 1412 is illustrated, suitable for implementing several embodiments of this disclosure. The fluid loop 1800 includes a manifold 1804 for supplying beverage ingredients to each of these independent control paths. Each path includes pumping or metering devices 1806, 1808, 1810 for supplying beverage ingredients from the ingredient source 1802 to the nozzle 1412. The pumping or metering devices 1806, 1808, 1810 can be configured to... Figures 15 to 17 Any of the fluid loops 1500 to 1700 shown. A wider range of flow rates is possible through multiple independent paths from the ingredient source 1802 to the nozzle 1412, compared to using any one of the pumps or metering devices 1806, 1808, and 1810. For example, for a first flow rate of beverage ingredients from the ingredient source, only one of the pumps or metering devices 1806, 1808, and 1810 can be activated. For a second flow rate of beverage ingredients from the ingredient source, multiple pumps or metering devices 1806, 1808, and 1810 can be activated.

[0143] Figure 19 Exemplary block diagrams are shown of a control architecture 1900 that can be used to control a beverage dispenser 1404, applicable to several embodiments of implementing this disclosure. Figure 19 As shown, the control architecture 1900 may include a core dispensing module (CDM) 1906, a human-machine interface (HMI) module 1904, a user interface (UI) 1902, and a machine bus (MBUS) 1005. The HMI 1904 may connect to or otherwise interface with and communicate with at least one external device (e.g., a mobile device 1452 or a POS 1454) outside the beverage dispenser 1404. The HMI 1904 may also control and update the display screen on the UI 1902. The CDM 1906 may control the flow of multiple pumps and / or valves 1910 in the beverage dispenser 1404 according to a recipe to mix and dispense the product (e.g., a beverage) from the beverage dispenser 1404.

[0144] Beverage ingredients (e.g., micro-ingredients, macro-ingredients, and / or diluents) can be combined to dispense a variety of products, which may include beverages or blended beverages (i.e., finished beverage products) from beverage dispenser 1404. However, beverage dispenser 1404 can also be configured to dispense beverage ingredients individually.

[0145] An example of a control architecture 1900 for a beverage dispenser 1404 may be described in U.S. Serial No. 61 / 987,020, filed May 1, 2014, entitled “Dispenser Control Architecture,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. MBUS 1005 can facilitate communication between HMI 1904 and CDM 1906 via one or more API calls. HMI 1904, MBUS 1005, and CDM 1906 may collectively include common core components implemented as hardware or a combination of hardware and software, which can be adapted to provide custom functionality in the beverage dispenser 1404. The beverage dispenser 1404 may further include memory storage devices and a processor. An example of UI 1902 may be described in U.S. Serial No. 61 / 877,549, filed on September 13, 2013, entitled “Product Categorization User Interface for a Dispensing Device,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0146] UI 1902 can detect which area of ​​the touchscreen has been touched by the user (e.g., user 108). In response, UI 1902 can send HMI 1904 data about the touch location on the touchscreen. In response, HMI 1904 can interpret this received data to determine whether to cause UI 1902 to display a different UI screen or to issue a command to CDM 1906. For example, HMI 1904 can determine that the user has touched the portion of the touchscreen corresponding to a beverage brand. In response, HMI 1904 can issue a command to CDM 1906 to pour the corresponding beverage brand. In response to receiving the command to pour the corresponding beverage brand, CDM 1906 then issues a command via one or more control buses 1908 to the pumping or metering device 1910 to obtain the beverage ingredients required to dispense the beverage brand. Alternatively, HMI 1904 can determine that the user has touched the portion of the touchscreen corresponding to a request for another screen. In response, HMI 1904 can cause UI 1902 to display the requested screen.

[0147] In some embodiments, the UI 1902 in the beverage dispenser 1404 can be used to select and individually dispense one or more beverages. These beverages can be dispensed as beverage components in a continuous pouring operation, thereby continuing to dispense one or more selected beverage components while the user actuates the pouring input, or in a batch pouring operation, wherein a predetermined volume of one or more selected beverage components (e.g., one ounce at a time) is dispensed. The UI 1902 can be addressed via various methods to select and dispense beverages. For example, a user can interact with the UI 1902 via touch input to navigate one or more menus from which to select and dispense beverages. As another example, a user can use an on-screen keyboard or a physical keyboard (not shown) on the beverage dispenser 1404 to type codes to navigate one or more menus from which to select and dispense beverages. As yet another example, a user can interact with the HMI 1904 via the user interface of an application on a mobile device 1452.

[0148] The UI 1902, which may include a touchscreen and a touchscreen controller, can be configured to receive various commands from a user (i.e., consumer input) in the form of touch input in response to receiving the aforementioned commands, generate graphical output, and / or perform one or more operations (e.g., via HMI 1904 and / or CDM 1906) in conjunction with the beverage dispenser 1404. The touchscreen driver in the HMI 1904 can be configured to receive consumer input or customer input and generate events (e.g., touchscreen events), which can then be transmitted to the operating system of the HMI 1904 via the controller.

[0149] The beverage dispenser 1404 can communicate with one or more external devices (e.g., mobile device 1452 or POS 1454). In some embodiments, communication between the beverage dispenser 1404 and the external devices can be accomplished using any number of communication technologies, including but not limited to near-field wireless technologies via communication interfaces, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and other wireless or wired communication standards or technologies.

[0150] Figure 20 Exemplary computer systems 2000 suitable for implementing several embodiments of this disclosure are shown. For example, one or more components or controller components of POS terminal 102, mapping server 110, dispenser network server 118, beverage dispenser 122, or beverage dispenser 504 may be implemented as computer system 2000. In some embodiments, one or both of HMI 1904 and CDM 1906 may be implemented as computer system 2000.

[0151] It should be understood that the logical operations described herein with respect to the various figures can be implemented as (1) on a computing device (e.g.,Figure 11 (1) A series of computer-implemented actions or program modules (i.e., software) running on the computing device described herein, (2) interconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules (i.e., hardware) within the computing device, and / or (3) a combination of software and hardware of the computing device. Therefore, the logical operations discussed herein are not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software. Implementation is a matter of choice depending on the performance and other requirements of the computing device. Therefore, the logical operations described herein are referred to differently as operations, structural devices, actions, or modules. These operations, structural devices, actions, and modules may be implemented in software, firmware, dedicated digital logic, and any combination thereof. It should also be understood that more or fewer operations may be performed than those shown in the figures and described herein. These operations may also be performed in a different order than those described herein.

[0152] refer to Figure 20 This document illustrates an example computing device 2000 on which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. For example, each of the content source, key server, segmentation server, cache server, and client device described herein can be implemented as a computing device, such as computing device 2000. It should be understood that the example computing device 2000 is merely one example of a suitable computing environment on which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. Optionally, computing device 2000 can be a known computing system, including but not limited to personal computers, servers, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, networked personal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframes, embedded systems, and / or distributed computing environments comprising multiple of any of the aforementioned systems or devices. Distributed computing environments enable remote computing devices connected to communication networks or other data transmission media to perform various tasks. In a distributed computing environment, program modules, applications, and other data can be stored on local and / or remote computer storage media.

[0153] In some embodiments, computing device 2000 may include two or more computers that communicate with each other to collaborate in performing tasks. For example, but not in a restrictive manner, applications may be partitioned in a way that allows simultaneous and / or parallel processing of applications. Alternatively, data processed by an application may be partitioned in a way that allows different portions of a dataset to be processed simultaneously and / or in parallel by two or more computers. In some embodiments, computing device 2000 may employ virtualization software to provide the functionality of multiple servers that are not directly integrated into computing device 2000. For example, virtualization software may provide twenty virtual servers on four physical computers. In some embodiments, the functionality disclosed above may be provided by executing one or more applications in a cloud computing environment. Cloud computing may include providing computing services via network connections using dynamically scalable computing resources. Cloud computing may be supported at least in part by virtualization software. Cloud computing environments may be established by an enterprise and / or may be rented from third-party providers as needed. Some cloud computing environments may include cloud computing resources owned and operated by the enterprise as well as cloud computing resources rented and / or leased from third-party providers.

[0154] In its most basic configuration, the computing device 2000 typically includes at least one processing unit 2020 and system memory 2030. Depending on the exact configuration and type of the computing device, the system memory 2030 can be volatile (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), non-volatile (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.) or some combination of both. Figure 20 The most basic configuration is illustrated by dashed line 2010. Processing unit 2020 can be a standard programmable processor that performs the arithmetic and logical operations required to operate computing device 2000. Although only one processing unit 2020 is shown, multiple processors may exist. Therefore, while instructions can be discussed as being executed by a processor, these instructions may be executed simultaneously, sequentially, or otherwise by one or more processors. Computing device 2000 may also include a bus or other communication mechanisms for transferring information between the various components of computing device 2000.

[0155] The computing device 2000 may have additional features / functions. For example, the computing device 2000 may include additional storage devices, such as removable storage device 2040 and non-removable storage device 2050, including but not limited to disks, optical discs, or magnetic tapes. The computing device 2000 may also include multiple network connections 2080 that allow the device to communicate with other devices, such as through the communication paths described herein. The multiple network connections 2080 may take the form of: modems; modem groups; Ethernet cards; Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface cards; serial interfaces; token ring cards; Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) cards; Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) cards; radio transceiver cards, such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), and / or other air interface protocol radio transceiver cards; and other known network devices. The computing device 2000 may also have multiple input devices 2070, such as a keyboard, keypad, switch, dial pad, mouse, trackball, touchscreen, voice recognizer, card reader, paper tape reader, or other known input devices. It may also include multiple output devices 2060, such as a printer, video monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD), touchscreen display, monitor, speaker, etc. Additional devices may be connected to a bus to facilitate data communication between components of the computing device 2000. All these devices are well known in the art and do not require detailed discussion herein.

[0156] Processing unit 2020 can be configured to execute program code encoded in a tangible computer-readable medium. A tangible computer-readable medium refers to any medium capable of providing data that causes computing device 2000 (i.e., the machine) to operate in a particular manner. Various computer-readable media can be used to provide instructions to processing unit 2020 for execution. Examples of tangible computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, volatile, non-volatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technique for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. System memory 2030, removable storage device 2040, and non-removable storage device 2050 are examples of tangible computer storage media. Examples of tangible computer-readable recording media include, but are not limited to, integrated circuits (e.g., field-programmable gate arrays or application-specific integrated circuits), hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, floppy disks, magnetic tapes, holographic storage media, solid-state devices, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROMs, digital multi-discs (DVDs) or other optical storage devices, magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tapes, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices.

[0157] Importantly for both electrical and software engineering fields, functionality that can be implemented by loading executable software into a computer can be translated into a hardware implementation using known design rules. The decision between implementing a concept in software or hardware typically depends on considerations of design stability and the number of units to be produced, rather than any issues involved in the conversion from the software domain to the hardware domain. Generally, designs still subject to frequent changes are preferably implemented in software because redeveloping a hardware implementation is far more expensive than redeveloping a software design. Stable designs that will be mass-produced are often preferably implemented in hardware (e.g., with application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) because hardware implementations may be cheaper than software implementations for large-scale production runs. Typically, a design can be developed and tested in software form and then translated into an equivalent hardware implementation in an ASIC hardwired with the software instructions using known design rules. Just as a machine controlled by a new ASIC is considered a specific machine or device, a computer programmed and / or loaded with executable instructions can also be considered a specific machine or device.

[0158] In an example implementation, the processing unit 2020 may execute program code stored in the system memory 2030. For example, a bus may carry data to the system memory 2030, from which the processing unit 2020 receives and executes instructions. Data received by the system memory 2030 may optionally be stored on a removable storage device 2040 or a non-removable storage device 2050 before or after execution by the processing unit 2020.

[0159] It should be understood that the various techniques described herein can be implemented in combination with hardware or software, or in a combination thereof where appropriate. Therefore, the methods and apparatus of the subject matter currently disclosed, or certain aspects or parts thereof, can take the form of program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in a tangible medium, such as a floppy disk, CD-ROM, hard disk, or any other machine-readable storage medium, wherein when the program code is loaded into and executed by a machine such as a computing device, said machine becomes an apparatus for practicing the subject matter currently disclosed. In the case of executing program code on a programmable computer, the computing device typically includes a processor, a storage medium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. One or more programs can implement or utilize the processes described in conjunction with the subject matter currently disclosed, for example, by using an application programming interface (API), reusable controls, etc. Such programs can be implemented in a high-level procedural language or an object-oriented programming language to communicate with a computer system. However, if desired, the programs can be implemented in assembly language or machine language. In any case, the language can be a compiled language or an interpreted language, and it can be combined with hardware implementations.

[0160] This document may describe embodiments of methods and systems with reference to block diagrams and flowcharts of methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer program products. It should be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowcharts, as well as combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be loaded onto a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment to create a machine, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing equipment, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowchart blocks.

[0161] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of writing comprising computer-readable instructions for performing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device, thereby producing a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable device, provide steps for performing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts.

[0162] Therefore, the blocks in block diagrams and flowcharts support combinations of means for performing a specified function, combinations of steps for performing a specified function, and program instruction means for performing a specified function. It should also be understood that each block in a block diagram and flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in block diagrams and flowcharts, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based computer system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs a specific function or step.

[0163] While several embodiments have been provided in this disclosure, it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be implemented in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. The examples of this invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the invention is not limited to the details given herein. For example, various elements or components may be combined or integrated in another system, or certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

[0164] Furthermore, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the technologies, systems, subsystems, and methods described and illustrated as discrete or separate in various embodiments may be combined or integrated with other systems, modules, technologies, or methods. Other objects shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating with each other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through an interface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically, mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions, and modifications can be determined by those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A beverage dispenser, comprising: A nozzle configured to dispense one or more beverage ingredients; A user interface configured to receive a selection for beverage dispensing; A mass sensor configured to measure the mass of a cup placed thereon; A pumping or metering device configured to supply beverage ingredients from an ingredient source to the nozzle for dispensing the beverage; as well as The controller is configured to (i) determine the volume of the cup based on the known mass of the empty cup, the measured mass of the cup and its contents, the density of the contents of the cup, and the filling percentage of the contents of the cup, (ii) determine the volume of the beverage to be dispensed from the nozzle based on the determined volume of the cup and its contents, and (iii) instruct the pumping or metering device to dispense the volume of the beverage from the nozzle.

2. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The contents of the cup include ice.

3. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The controller is further configured to stop dispensing the beverage from the nozzle before the volume of the beverage has been dispensed, in response to determining that the measured mass of the cup has changed by no more than a threshold amount within a predetermined time interval.

4. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The controller is further configured to stop dispensing the beverage from the nozzle in response to determining that the measured mass of the cup has decreased significantly before the volume of the beverage has been dispensed.

5. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the volume of the cup using a first cup detection algorithm assuming the cup is empty and a second cup detection algorithm assuming the cup contains contents.

6. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The controller is configured to use the first cup detection algorithm to determine an initial cup size prediction, the initial cup size prediction selecting each cup size having a mass within a matching threshold of the measured mass of the cup.

7. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the volume of the cup after selecting the cup size that minimizes the absolute difference between the mass of the selected cup and the measured mass of the cup from the preliminary cup size prediction.

8. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The controller is configured to use the second cup detection algorithm to compare the measured mass of the cup with a known list of cup masses for different cup sizes, the known list of cup masses being determined based on the expected mass of each of the different cup sizes when filled with ice and the expected fraction of ice to be filled for each of the different cup sizes.

9. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein, The controller is configured to determine an initial cup size prediction, which selects each cup size associated with the known cup mass list and having a mass within an upper and lower limit matching threshold of the measured mass of the cup.

10. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The controller is configured to determine the volume of the cup after selecting the cup size from the selected cups predicted from the initial cup size, and finding the cup size with the smallest absolute percentage difference between the mass of the selected cup and the measured mass of the cup.

11. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The user interface is configured to display the cup size based on the determined volume of the cup.

12. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 11, wherein, The user interface is configured to accept selections of different cup sizes.

13. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The mass sensor is located below the nozzle.

14. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The mass sensor includes a platform assembly that is detachably coupled to the mass sensor assembly.

15. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 14, wherein, The platform components include a cup holder, a central fluid distributor, and an outlet.

16. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein, The central fluid splitter includes a magnetic insert.

17. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The mass sensor assembly includes a magnet holder holding a magnet, the magnet holder being coupled to the sensor body and positioned to align with the magnetic insert.

18. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 17, wherein, The sensor body includes a weighing sensor, wherein the weighing sensor includes a first end connected to a housing of the mass sensor assembly and a second end connected to the magnet holder.

19. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The selection of the beverage to be dispensed includes the size of the cup.

20. The beverage dispenser as claimed in claim 19, wherein, The controller is further configured to determine the measured mass of the cup within the effective mass range of the cup's dimensions.

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