Smart beverage systems, devices, and methods of use thereof

Abstract

A method for making and / or dispensing a beverage is provided. For example, a beverage may be selected from a user interface of a beverage dispensing device (100). A beverage pressure value may be provided. A package (120) containing a beverage preparation ingredient (122) may be inserted into a beverage dispensing device (100). The type of package inserted may be detected. A package pressure value for the inserted package may be determined based on the type of the inserted package. If the package pressure value corresponds to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing device may inject liquid into the inserted package at the beverage pressure value. If the package pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing device may inject liquid into the inserted package at the package pressure value. The selected beverage and / or the modified beverage may be dispensed into the drinking vessel.

Description

This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application (application number: 202080047813X; invention name: smart beverage system, equipment and method of use thereof).

[0001] Cross-references to related patent applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 865,419, filed on June 24, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Background Art

[0002] High pressure brewing devices and related beverage preparation machines are known. Conventional brewing devices make beverages based on a user's physical interaction with the brewing device. Most conventional brewing devices simply make and dispense beverages and do not include any means of receiving or transmitting information about the use of the brewing device. There is a need for a brewing device that is capable of receiving information from one or more electronic devices, such as a user's smartphone or tablet. Such information may help to enhance the user's experience with the coffee machine in a number of ways. Summary of the invention

[0003] A system, device and / or method for making and dispensing beverages may be provided. For example, a beverage may be selected from a beverage menu on a user interface of a beverage dispensing device. The beverage dispensing device may make the selected beverage. A beverage pressure value may be provided. A package containing beverage preparation ingredients may be inserted into the beverage dispensing device. The type of the inserted package may be detected. The package pressure value of the inserted package may be determined based on the type of the inserted package. If the package pressure value corresponds to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing device may inject liquid into the inserted package at the beverage pressure value to make the selected beverage. If the package pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing device may inject liquid into the inserted package at the package pressure value according to the adjusted instruction to make a modified beverage. The selected beverage and / or the modified beverage may be dispensed into a drinking vessel.

[0004] In one aspect, the beverage pressure value may be high pressure or low pressure and / or the beverage package pressure value may be high pressure or low pressure. In an example, if the beverage package pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the processor may adjust the instruction without indicating the adjustment to the user. If the beverage package pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, an audio and / or visual indication may be provided when the processor adjusts the instruction. The modified beverage may be related to a beverage previously selected by a user of the beverage dispensing device. The processor may determine the modified beverage by machine learning techniques.

[0005] On the one hand, a beverage dispensing system may include a beverage dispensing device. A user interface may display a beverage menu including a variety of beverages that can be dispensed by the beverage dispensing device. A bag holder may be configured to hold a beverage bag containing a beverage ingredient. A memory device may include instructions for making each beverage listed in the beverage menu, the instructions including a beverage pressure value at which a liquid is injected into the beverage bag during beverage formation. A processor may be configured to detect the type of beverage bag held in the bag holder and determine the bag pressure value of the beverage bag. When a user selects a beverage from the beverage menu on the user interface, the processor may determine whether the beverage pressure value corresponds to the bag pressure value. If the bag pressure value corresponds to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing device may be configured to inject liquid into the beverage bag to make a beverage with the beverage pressure value. If the bag pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the processor may be configured to adjust the instructions so that the beverage dispensing device injects liquid into the beverage bag with the bag pressure value to prepare a modified beverage.

[0006] In one aspect, a method for customizing a beverage menu for a beverage dispensing device may be provided. The method may include displaying a menu including a plurality of beverage options on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, wherein the plurality of beverage options are customized based on the availability status of a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type at a geographic location; receiving a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type having an unavailable status at the geographic location into the beverage dispensing device; updating the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type received into the beverage dispensing device from an unavailable status to an available status; and causing the beverage menu to display one or more additional beverage options that can be produced using the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type updated from an unavailable status to an available status.

[0007] On the one hand, the beverage dispensing system may include a beverage dispensing device. A user interface may display a menu including a variety of beverage options, wherein the available state of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type at a geographical location is used to customize the multiple beverage options. A bag holder may be configured to receive a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type, and the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type is included in at least one of the available state or the unavailable state at the geographical location. The processor may be configured to update the state of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type from an unavailable state to an available state when the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type receives the unavailable beverage preparation ingredient packaging type in the bag holder. The user interface may display one or more additional beverage options that can be produced using the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type that is updated to an available state from an unavailable state.

[0008] In one aspect, a method for customizing a beverage menu for a beverage dispensing device may be provided. The method may include indicating to a processor of the beverage dispensing device which of a plurality of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types are available packaging and which of a plurality of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types are unavailable packaging; displaying a customized menu on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, the menu including a plurality of beverage options that can be produced using the packaging indicated as available; receiving the packaging indicated as unavailable into the beverage dispensing device, the processor of the beverage dispensing device determining that the received packaging indicated as unavailable is a newly indicated packaging as available; and updating (e.g., automatically updating) the customized menu via the processor of the beverage dispensing device to include one or more additional beverage options that can be produced using the newly indicated packaging as available.

[0009] In one aspect, a method for producing a customized beverage using a beverage dispensing device may be provided. The method may include receiving a first beverage preparation ingredient package via a beverage dispensing system, the beverage dispensing device being in operative communication with a server; causing the beverage dispensing device to inject a first volume of liquid into the first beverage preparation ingredient package to form a first non-customized beverage and dispensing the first non-customized beverage into a drinking vessel; receiving a second beverage preparation ingredient package via the beverage dispensing system, the second beverage preparation ingredient and the first beverage preparation ingredient forming a beverage that is not a default beverage of the beverage dispensing device; causing the beverage dispensing device to inject a second volume of liquid into the second beverage preparation ingredient package to form a second non-customized beverage; dispensing the second non-customized beverage into the first beverage in the drinking vessel, thereby forming a customized beverage; and transmitting data related to the customized beverage from the beverage dispensing device to the server.

[0010] In one aspect, a beverage dispensing system may include a beverage dispensing device in operative communication with a server. The package holder may be configured to receive a first beverage preparation ingredient package and a second beverage preparation ingredient package, the second beverage preparation ingredient and the first beverage preparation ingredient forming a beverage that is not a default beverage for the beverage dispensing device. The processor may be configured to: cause the beverage dispensing device to (1) inject a first volume of liquid into the first beverage preparation ingredient package to form a first non-customized beverage and (2) dispense the first non-customized beverage into a drinking vessel; cause the beverage dispensing device to inject a second volume of liquid into the second beverage preparation ingredient package to form a second non-customized beverage and dispense the second non-customized beverage into the first beverage in the drinking vessel to form a customized beverage; and cause data related to the customized beverage to be transmitted from the beverage dispensing device to the server.

[0011] In one aspect, a method for customizing a beverage dispensed from a beverage dispensing device may be provided. The method may include selecting a first beverage type to be produced and dispensed by a beverage dispensing device from a plurality of beverage types, the beverage dispensing device including a processor operably connected to a memory device that stores default instructions for making a beverage of the first beverage type. The default instructions may include a preset capacity and a preset concentration; receiving, via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, at least one of: (1) adjusting the concentration of the beverage to a modified concentration that is lower than or higher than the preset concentration; (2) adjusting the volume of the beverage to a modified volume that is lower than or higher than the preset volume; causing the beverage dispensing device to produce and dispense a beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the modified concentration or the modified volume; associating the beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the modified concentration or the modified volume with a user of the beverage dispensing device; and storing an association of the user with the beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the modified concentration or the modified volume.

[0012] In one aspect, a beverage dispensing system may be provided. A memory device may be configured to store default instructions for making a beverage of a beverage type, the default instructions comprising a preset capacity and a preset concentration. A processor may be operably connected to the memory. The beverage dispensing device may include a user interface configured to receive (1) an indication of a beverage type to be produced and dispensed by the beverage dispensing device, and (2) at least one of a beverage concentration of a modified concentration that is lower or higher than a preset concentration; or a beverage capacity of a modified capacity that is lower or higher than a preset capacity. The processor may be configured to cause the beverage dispensing device to produce and dispense a beverage of the beverage type having at least one of a modified concentration or a modified capacity.

[0013] In one aspect, a method for soliciting user feedback while making and dispensing a beverage using a beverage dispensing device can be provided. The method includes causing the beverage dispensing device to produce or dispense a beverage; while the beverage dispensing device is producing the beverage or dispensing the beverage, displaying one or more questions via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device; receiving responses to the one or more questions from a user of the beverage dispensing device via the user interface; and storing the responses on a memory device.

[0014] In one aspect, a beverage dispensing system may be provided. A processor may be configured to cause a beverage dispensing device to produce a beverage. A user interface of the beverage dispensing device may be configured to display one or more questions while the beverage dispensing device is producing a beverage or dispensing a beverage; and receive responses to the one or more questions. A memory device may be operably coupled to the processor and configured to store responses to the one or more questions.

[0015] In one aspect, a method for providing fault information related to a beverage dispensing device may be provided. The method includes attempting to start a beverage dispensing device to produce and dispense a beverage, the beverage dispensing device being unable to operate due to the occurrence of a fault; automatically transmitting fault information related to the occurrence of the fault from the beverage dispensing device to an electronic device, the fault information including a fault identifier, a date and time related to the occurrence of the fault, and a date and time related to a repair of the fault; determining an efficiency of the repair of the fault based on the fault information; and storing the efficiency of the repair of the fault on a memory device.

[0016] In one aspect, a beverage dispensing system may be provided. The beverage dispensing device may include a user interface for receiving instructions for operating the beverage dispensing device. The processor may be configured to detect that the beverage dispensing device is unable to operate due to the occurrence of a fault; cause fault information related to the occurrence of the fault to be transmitted from the beverage dispensing device to the electronic device, the fault information including a fault identifier, a date and time related to the occurrence of the fault, and a date and time related to a repair of the fault; determine an efficiency of the repair of the fault based on the fault information; and store the efficiency of the repair of the fault on a memory device.

[0017] In one aspect, a method of tracking a response to a failure of a beverage dispensing device may be provided. The method may include displaying an indication on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device related to a failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; receiving an input on the user interface requesting a failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; providing information related to a failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device via the user interface; receiving an indication via the user interface related to clearing a failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and storing an indication related to a failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device via a memory device.

[0018] In one aspect, a beverage dispensing system may be provided. The beverage dispensing device may include a user interface configured to: display an indication related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and receive an input requesting information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; provide information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and receive an indication related to clearing a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device. The memory device may be configured to store an indication related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device.

[0019] In one aspect, a method for configuring a beverage dispensing device may be provided. The method may include receiving an instruction via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device to start a configuration activity on the beverage dispensing device; identifying another beverage dispensing device whose position is proximate to the position of the beverage dispensing device; determining an identification of another beverage dispensing device whose position is proximate to the position of the beverage dispensing device; receiving configuration information associated with another beverage dispensing device whose position is proximate to the position of the beverage dispensing device; and storing the configuration information associated with the other beverage dispensing device on a memory device.

[0020] In one aspect, a beverage dispensing system may be provided. A beverage dispensing device having a first position may be provided, the beverage dispensing device including a user interface configured to receive an indication to initiate a configuration activity on the beverage dispensing device. A processor may be configured to: identify another beverage dispensing device having a second position proximate to the first position of the beverage dispensing device; determine an identification of another beverage dispensing device having a second position proximate to the first position of the beverage dispensing device; receive configuration information associated with another beverage dispensing device having a second position proximate to the first position of the beverage dispensing device. A memory device may be configured to store configuration information associated with another beverage dispensing device.

[0021] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an example beverage dispensing device that can perform one or more operations as described herein.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example system in which a user device communicates with an example beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0024] Figure 3 is another example system diagram in which a beverage preparation machine communicates with one or more devices, such as a server, a mobile device, and another beverage preparation machine.

[0025] Figure 4 is an example process for a beverage dispensing apparatus to receive a beverage selection.

[0026] Figure 5 is an example process for updating the menu of a beverage dispensing device based on inventory.

[0027] Figures 6A-6Dis an example user interface in which a beverage dispensing device determines that beverage packages are in stock.

[0028] Figure 7 is an example process by which a user can produce a beverage based on one or more packages.

[0029] Figure 8 is an example process for customizing the strength and / or volume of a beverage.

[0030] Fig. 9 is an example user interface for a beverage dispensing device including user responses.

[0031] Fig.10 An example process for configuring a beverage dispensing device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0033] The description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are considered part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is only for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top" and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the direction shown in the drawings being described or discussed at the time. These relative terms are only for convenience of description and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a specific direction unless explicitly stated. Terms such as "attach", "fix", "connect", "couple", "interconnect" and the like refer to a relationship in which structures are fixed or connected to each other directly or indirectly through intermediate structures, as well as both removable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless otherwise explicitly stated. In addition, the features and advantages of the present invention are explained by reference to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should not be expressly limited to such exemplary embodiments, which show some possible non-limiting combinations of features that can exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0034] As used throughout, ranges are used as shorthand for describing each value within a range. Any value within a range can be selected as the endpoint of the range. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If a definition in the present disclosure conflicts with a definition in the cited reference, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0035] Features of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The computer programs described herein are not limited to any particular embodiment and may be implemented in an operating system, an application program, a foreground or background process, a driver, or any combination thereof. The computer programs may be executed on a single computer or server processor or on multiple computers or server processors.

[0036] The processors described herein may be any central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, microcontroller, computing or programmable device or circuit configured to execute computer program instructions (e.g., code). The various processors may be embodied in any suitable type of computer and / or server hardware (e.g., desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet, cellular phone, etc.), and may include all common auxiliary components required to form a functional data processing device, including but not limited to buses, software and data storage, such as volatile and non-volatile memory, input / output devices, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), removable data storage, and wired and / or wireless communication interface devices (including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, local area network, etc.).

[0037] The computer-executable instructions or programs (e.g., software or code) and data described herein may be programmed into and tangibly embodied in a non-transitory computer-readable medium that may be accessed and retrieved by a corresponding processor configured and directed as described herein. The processor performs the desired functions and processes by executing the instructions encoded in the medium. A device containing a programmable processor configured as such non-transitory computer-executable instructions or programs may be referred to as a "programmable device" or "device," and multiple programmable devices in communication with each other may be referred to as a "programmable system." It should be noted that a non-transitory "computer-readable medium" as described herein may include, but is not limited to, any suitable volatile or non-volatile memory, including random access memory (RAM) and its various types, read-only memory (ROM) and its various types, USB flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage devices (e.g., internal / external hard disks, floppy disks, tapes, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, optical disks, ZIP™ drives, Blu-ray discs, etc.), which may be written and / or read by a processor operably connected to the medium.

[0038] In certain embodiments, the present invention may be embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and apparatus such as processor-based data processing and communication systems or computer systems for implementing those processes. The present invention may also be embodied in the form of software or computer program code in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, which, when loaded into and executed by a data processing and communication system or computer system, configures the processor to create specific logic circuits configured to perform the processes.

[0039] Reference is now made to the drawings. Figure 1 1 is an example beverage preparation machine 100. The beverage preparation machine 100 can be a home machine or a commercial machine (e.g., located in a commercial or public place). The beverage preparation machine 100 can prepare one or more types of beverages, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, milk, soup, etc. The beverage preparation machine 100 can prepare a beverage by passing water (e.g., hot water or cold water) or another liquid through a beverage bag (e.g., beverage bag 120). The beverage bag 120 can contain an ingredient (e.g., ingredient 122). The ingredient 122 can be a flavor ingredient for preparing a beverage. For example, the ingredient 122 can be ground coffee, tea, chocolate, or milk powder.

[0040] The beverage preparation machine 100 can mix two or more ingredients, such as water and milk powder. The beverage preparation machine 100 can perform the infusion of ingredients, such as infusion of ground coffee or tea with water. One or more ingredients 122 can be provided in loose form, agglomerated powder form, liquid form and / or concentrated form. A carrier or diluent liquid (such as water) can be mixed with one or more ingredients to form a beverage. One or more ingredients can be inserted into the beverage preparation machine 100 via a beverage bag, which can be formed by, for example, aluminum, plastic or paper shell to hold the ingredients 122.

[0041] The beverage preparation machine 100 may include a water tank 103 accessible via a lid 102 on the top of the device 100. The beverage preparation machine 100 may include a container compartment 105 (e.g., a package holder, a package receiver, a package holder, etc.) for receiving a beverage mix package (e.g., a beverage package 120). The container compartment may have a door (e.g., door 104). The beverage preparation machine 100 may include an outlet, such as outlet 109 ( Figure 1 ) or exit 153( Figure 2 ), for dispensing and / or holding beverages and / or beverages (e.g., liquids) can pass through the outlet. The outlet 109 / 153 can be any known structure for dispensing and / or holding beverages, such as a nozzle, a spout, a conduit, a valve, a tube, a hole, etc. The outlet 109 / 153 can accommodate a beverage bag. In an example, the outlet 109 / 153 can form part of the beverage bag itself. The outlet 109 / 153 can be configured to dispense one or more beverages flavored by one or more beverage bags (e.g., beverage bag 120).

[0042] The beverage preparation machine 100 may include a box 106, which is located below the container compartment and receives the beverage mixing package after use. The box 106 is received in a cavity formed in the beverage preparation machine 100 and is removed to empty. A removable drip tray 108 is arranged at the bottom of the beverage preparation machine 100. The drip tray 108 includes a grid that forms a support surface to support a vessel (e.g., a cup) when the device 100 dispenses the beverage into the vessel. The tray portion of the drip tray 108 is located below the grid for collecting any overflow through the grid. The beverage preparation machine 100 may have a user interface 110 in the form of a display screen, a speaker, etc. The beverage preparation machine 100 may include a plurality of selection buttons 112. The user may interact with the device 100 (e.g., control its function) via the user interface 110 and / or one or more selection buttons 112. For example, the user may select a beverage making parameter via a soft key displayed on the display and / or by selecting a button 112.

[0043] As described herein, the user interface 110 may be a display configured to display information to the user based on user preference data. In other examples, the user interface 110 may be or may include a speaker, a microphone, a button, or one or more other elements for providing information to or receiving information from the beverage preparation machine 100. The information presented to the user (e.g., personalized content) may include the user's favorite beverages, sports content, stock content, weather content, advertisements for the user of the beverage preparation machine 100, etc. that can be used for distribution / purchase. The content provided to the user may include information that can make the user of the beverage preparation machine 100 feel good. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 may provide jokes and / or trivia / jokes that the user may like through the user interface. In an example, the beverage preparation machine 100 may provide information related to the user's workplace and / or health content (e.g., exercise information, nutritional information), which may be of interest to the user of the beverage preparation machine 100.

[0044] The beverage preparation machine 100 may include a communication interface 126. The communication interface 126 may be configured to communicate (e.g., wirelessly, wiredly) with one or more devices (e.g., a user device, a server, another beverage preparation machine, one or more Internet of Things (IoT) devices, etc.). For example, the communication interface 126 may include an antenna configured to communicate with one or more devices via NFC, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless technologies.

[0045] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example system 200 in which a beverage preparation machine 100 ( Figure 1) communicates with the electronic device 202. The electronic device 202 may be one or more electronic devices, such as a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone or a tablet) or an Internet of Things device. In some examples, the electronic device 202 may be a server 250. One or more processes may be performed by the beverage preparation machine 100 and / or the electronic device 202. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 may perform one or more determinations described herein and / or the server 250 may perform one or more determinations described herein. In examples where the server 250 performs one or more determinations, the server 250 may provide the determinations to the beverage preparation machine 100. Although Figure 2 The beverage preparation machine 100 is shown in communication with a single electronic device 202 and a single server 250, it being understood that this is for illustration purposes only and that the beverage preparation machine 100 may be in communication with one or more electronic devices and one or more servers.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the beverage preparation machine 100 may include an outlet, such as the outlet 153 ( Figure 2 ) or Exit 109 ( Figure 1 ). The beverage preparation machine 100 can communicate with one or more servers 250 through the network 220. The beverage preparation machine 100 can communicate with one or more databases (e.g., database 160) through the network 220 or without the network 220. The server 250 can communicate with the beverage preparation machine 100 through wireless signals or wired signals. The server 250 may include a processor and a computer-readable medium (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) connected to the processor. The processor can execute computer-executable program instructions stored in the memory. The computer-executable program instructions may include any number of application programs.

[0047] As described herein, the electronic device 202 can be any device capable of communicating (e.g., electronic communication) with the beverage preparation machine 100. The beverage preparation machine 100 and the electronic device 202 can communicate via wire, wireless, via an external device (e.g., a USB device), etc. Example electronic devices 202 can include a user device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, etc.), another beverage preparation machine, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a server, etc. As understood by those skilled in the art, an IoT device can be any device that transmits data to another device (or person) via the Internet. IoT devices can include sensors (e.g., wireless sensors), software, actuators, computer devices, etc. Example IoT devices can include smart lights, doors, keys, refrigerators, cabinets, water supply systems (e.g., water filtration systems), thermometers and / or thermostats, GPS devices, televisions, etc.

[0048] The beverage preparation machine 100 can communicate with one or more electronic devices 202 to provide information to the electronic device 202 and / or receive information from the electronic device 202. The information provided to the electronic device 202 from the beverage preparation machine 100 may include status information of the beverage preparation machine 100. The status may include a fault status, a power status, etc. of the beverage preparation machine 100. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 may indicate to the electronic device 202 that the beverage preparation machine 100 is experiencing a fault and / or may experience a fault in the future. The beverage preparation machine 100 can identify the fault. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 can identify the fault by name, code (e.g., code number), type, priority, solution, estimated resolution time, etc. The beverage preparation machine 100 can notify the user of the existence of the fault by one or more communication methods, such as by SMS message, phone, email, display (e.g., a message displayed on the user interface 156 of the beverage preparation machine 100), etc.

[0049] The beverage preparation machine 100 may take action (e.g., automatically take action) to correct the fault. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 may take action to correct the fault based on the permission and / or acknowledgment provided by the user. For example, when a fault is detected, the beverage preparation machine 100 may request the user's permission to correct the fault. In other examples, the beverage preparation machine 100 may take action to correct the fault without the user's permission, such as automatically correcting the fault. The user may indicate which faults can be automatically corrected and which faults require the user's acknowledgment and / or permission. The beverage preparation machine 100 may identify a method for correcting the fault. The beverage preparation machine 100 may indicate a method for correcting the fault to a user, a technician, etc. of the beverage preparation machine 100.

[0050] The beverage preparation machine 100 may specify which faults can be corrected by the user and which faults require correction by a technician. The beverage preparation machine 100 may notify one or more persons and / or entities of the state of the beverage preparation machine 100, which may be specified during configuration of the beverage preparation machine 100. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 may be configured to send only fault information requiring a highly technical solution to a technician and / or only fault information requiring a less highly technical solution (e.g., such as a machine restart) to a user of the beverage preparation machine 100.

[0051] The beverage preparation machine 100 may provide (e.g., present to a user or technician) an action that may correct the fault. The beverage preparation machine 100 may save (e.g., record) fault information, maintenance information, etc. in a database or another storage element, such as the memory 154. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 may store information related to the fault, the amount of time the fault caused the beverage preparation machine 100 to be inoperable, the severity of the fault, the party that corrected the fault, and / or the method for correcting the fault. Although the examples provided herein describe a beverage preparation machine 100 that provides information related to the beverage preparation machine 100, it should be understood that these examples are for illustration purposes only. The examples may include another device (e.g., a server 250) that provides information related to the beverage preparation machine 100.

[0052] The beverage preparation machine 100 may indicate (e.g., to the electronic device 202) the power status of the beverage preparation machine 100, such as whether the beverage preparation machine 100 is powered on, powered off, receiving power via a main power source (e.g., an AC circuit), receiving power from a backup power source (e.g., through a DC circuit), etc. The beverage preparation machine 100 may indicate (e.g., to the electronic device 202) the inventory status of the beverage preparation machine 100. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 may indicate the number of beverage packets in stock and / or purchased, the number of beverage packets used, etc. The beverage preparation machine 100 may indicate when beverage packets should be repurchased, for example, based on the inventory information.

[0053] The beverage preparation machine 100 can provide information related to the location and / or environment of the beverage preparation machine 100. The location information can be determined via a location sensor 180, such as a GPS sensor 172, a geolocation sensor, etc. The location information can include the GPS location of the beverage preparation machine 100, the geographic location information of the beverage preparation machine 100, the relative location information of the beverage preparation machine 100, etc. The location information of the beverage preparation machine 100 can be determined via crowd sensing, wherein the location of other (e.g., near the beverage preparation machine 100) devices updates the location information of the beverage preparation machine 100. The location of the beverage preparation machine 100 can be determined by a geolocation method. Geolocation can be used to determine the location of the beverage preparation machine 100 in an area, such as within a building. For example, geolocation can be used to triangulate Wi-Fi signals within a building to determine the location within the building.

[0054] The location of the beverage preparation machine 100 may be associated with a room, a hallway, a building, etc. For example, when the location of the beverage preparation machine 100 is determined within a building (e.g., by geolocation, GPS, crowd sensing), the location of the beverage preparation machine 100 within the building may be associated with a room (e.g., a conference room, a lounge, a cafeteria, a hallway, etc.). The location and / or association information may be provided to the electronic device 202, the server 250, etc. In other examples, the location information (e.g., latitude / longitude information, address information, association information, etc.) may be determined by a device external to the beverage preparation machine 100 (e.g., the server 250) and / or provided to the electronic device 202 or another device.

[0055] Information about the environment in which the beverage preparation machine 100 is located can be determined. The environmental information may include temperature information of the environment in which the beverage preparation machine 100 is located (e.g., temperature information inside and / or outside the building in which the beverage preparation machine 100 is located), humidity information, precipitation information (e.g., sunlight, snow, rain, etc.), etc. The environmental information may be determined by an environmental sensor 182 in the beverage preparation machine 100, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a precipitation sensor, etc. The environmental information may be determined from outside the beverage preparation machine 100, such as by a server 250, by a weather forecast service, etc.

[0056] Information related to personal preferences (e.g., personal preferences of a user of the beverage preparation machine 100) can be determined. For example, a user's coffee preferences can be determined. Coffee preferences can be based on the day of the week, the time of day, etc. Preferences can be determined by the user's input, such as the user identifying her preferences or the beverage preparation machine 100 determining the user's preferences through the user's beverage selection. Beverage selections can be made from one or more days. For example, a user can select a beverage within 7 days. The beverage preparation machine 100 can associate beverage selections (e.g., within a 7-day period) with the user. The beverage preparation machine 100 can list beverage preferences, for example, from the most desired beverage to the least desired beverage.

[0057] The beverage preparation machine 100 can associate the beverage selection with the user by the user providing (e.g., physically providing, for example, through the user interface 156) the user's identification. In other examples, the beverage preparation machine 100 can associate the user's identification by the electronic device 202 associated with the user. For example, when the user selects a beverage, the beverage preparation machine 100 can determine the user's identification by determining that the user's electronic device 202 is closest to the beverage preparation machine 100 when selecting the beverage. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 can provide the identification protection of the user of the beverage preparation machine 100, so that the user's name can be protected. Such protection may include users associated with a unique code (rather than the user's name). In other examples, the beverage preparation machine 100 can gather two or more users and hide the users so that the users obtain a certain degree of anonymity.

[0058] As described herein, the beverage preparation machine 100 can be associated with a user via the user's electronic device 202. The beverage preparation machine 100 can receive information about one or more users (e.g., users of the beverage preparation machine 100), for example, via the electronic device 202. Based on the information provided on the user's electronic device 202, the beverage preparation machine 100 can receive calendar information for one or more users. The beverage preparation machine 100 can determine the date, time, type (e.g., business, personal), and / or duration of an event based on the user's calendar. The event may include business / personal meetings, arrival / departure times, etc.

[0059] The beverage preparation machine 100 can determine the type of day the user is having based on the user's calendar information. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 can determine whether the user is expected to have a busy day, a stressful day, a short / long day, etc. based on the number of meetings scheduled for the user and / or the number of meeting participants. The beverage preparation machine 100 can recommend beverages to one or more users based on the type of day the user expects (e.g., predicts). For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 can identify beverages that can relax the user, the user is expected to have a stressful day, beverages that can focus the user's attention on meetings with those people the user is reporting to, beverages that can make the user feel energized to get through a long day, etc.

[0060] Artificial intelligence techniques (e.g., machine learning techniques) can be used to determine the type of day the user is determined (e.g., predicted). For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 can determine that the user will have back-to-back meetings. Based on artificial intelligence techniques, the beverage preparation machine 100 can determine that the user may be tired, mentally exhausted, etc., and will benefit from functional beverages (e.g., caffeinated beverages, green tea beverages, electrolyte-containing beverages, etc.). The beverage preparation machine 100 can recommend beverages to keep the user awake, reduce and / or relieve the stress the user is under, energize the user, etc. In some examples, the beverage preparation machine 100 can dispense (e.g., automatically dispense or mix) beverages that are determined to be beneficial to the user.

[0061] In other examples, the beverage preparation machine 100 may activate a vending display mode when a user approaches the beverage preparation machine 100. The vending display mode may display elements that a user uses when selecting a beverage and / or may recommend beverages to a user of the beverage preparation machine 100, for example via a user interface.

[0062] The beverage preparation machine 100 can determine that the user is nearby through a proximity sensor, through a beacon signal, etc. The beverage preparation machine 100 can determine other eating and / or drinking behaviors that may be beneficial to the user. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 can recommend that the user drink a certain amount of water (for example, if the user drinks a lot of coffee) because coffee is a known diuretic and it is known that too much coffee can cause dehydration. In an example, when the user is close, the recommendation can be provided by the beverage preparation machine 100. In other examples, the beverage preparation machine 100 can indicate to the user (for example, by reminding) that the user should drink certain beverages through the user's electronic device 202. For example, the beverage preparation machine 100 can send an SMS message to the user through the electronic device 202, which message is time for the user to drink coffee in the afternoon, the user should drink water, etc.

[0063] Reference Figure 2As described herein, the system 200 includes an electronic device 202 that communicates with the beverage preparation machine 100 via a network 220. In some examples, the network 220 may be the Internet. In other examples, the network 220 may be Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, etc. The network 220 may include one or more wired and / or wireless communication networks. For example, when the electronic device 202 is within a predetermined distance of the beverage preparation machine 100, the electronic device 202 (e.g., a user device and / or an IOT device) may communicate with the beverage preparation machine 100 via a Bluetooth protocol. The electronic device 202 may communicate with the beverage preparation machine 100 based on a user command and / or the electronic device 202 may automatically communicate with the beverage preparation machine 100. For example, based on a schedule (e.g., every 1 hour), based on the electronic device 202 and the beverage preparation machine 100 being close to each other (e.g., within another predetermined location), based on an event (e.g., a scheduled meeting), etc., the electronic device 202 may automatically communicate with the beverage preparation machine 100.

[0064] refer to Figure 2 , the electronic device 202 may include a user interface 204, a memory 206, a central processing unit (CPU) 208, a graphics processing unit (GPU) 210, an image capture device 214, and / or a display 212. The user interface 204 may allow the user to interact with the electronic device 202. In an example, the user interface 204 may be a display. For example, the user interface 204 may be a display including soft keys for providing information to the user. In an example, the user interface 204 may include hard keys or no keys at all (e.g., the user interface 204 may be a display, such as display 212). In other examples, the user interface 204 may be an external hardware keyboard configured to communicate with the IOT device 204 via a wired or wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth keyboard), an external mouse, or any other user input device.

[0065] The memory 206 may store instructions that can be executed on the CPU 208 and / or GPU 210. The instructions may include machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the CPU 208 and / or GPU 210, cause the CPU 208 and / or GPU 210 to perform various actions. The memory 206 may store instructions that, when executed by the CPU 208 and / or GPU 210, cause the CPU 208 and / or GPU 210 to enable the user interface 204 to interact with the user. For example, the executable instructions may enable the user interface to display one or more prompts to the user (via the display 212), and / or accept user input. For example, the instructions stored in the memory 206 may enable the user to select the type of beverage (e.g., coffee) to be dispensed from the beverage preparation machine 100. The user may utilize the user interface 204 to arrange future coffee brewing by selecting the type of coffee to be brewed and the brewing date and time. In other examples, the user may utilize the user interface 204 to click, hold, or drag a cursor to define one or more coffee brewing parameters (e.g., temperature, ounces to be dispensed, etc.).

[0066] The CPU 208 and / or the GPU 210 may be configured to communicate with the memory 206 to store data to the memory 206 and read data from the memory 206. For example, the memory 206 may be a computer-readable non-transitory memory device, which may include volatile (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) or non-volatile (e.g., battery-backed RAM, flash memory (FLASH), etc.) memory. The image capture device 214 may be configured to capture an image. The image may be an identifier of the beverage preparation machine 100, such as a serial number associated with the beverage preparation machine 100 or a QR code associated with the beverage preparation machine 100.

[0067] The system 200 comprises a beverage preparation machine 100. Figure 2 , beverage preparation machine 100 may include CPU 152, memory 154, GPU 150, user interface 156, communication interface 158, and image capture device 174. As described herein, CPU 152 and / or GPU 150 may form a processor alone or in combination with a microprocessor, microcontroller, computer programmable device, or circuit.

[0068] The memory 154 may be configured to store instructions executable on the CPU 152 and / or the GPU 150. The instructions may include machine-readable instructions that, when executed by the CPU 152 and / or the GPU 150, cause the CPU 152 and / or the GPU 150 to perform various actions. The CPU 152 and / or the GPU 150 may be configured to communicate with the memory 154 to store data to and read data from the memory 154. For example, the memory 154 may be a computer-readable, non-transitory memory device that may include any combination of volatile (e.g., random access memory (RAM)) or non-volatile memory (e.g., battery-backed RAM, flash memory, etc.) memory.

[0069] The user interface 156 may be configured to allow a user of the beverage preparation machine 100 to interact with the beverage preparation machine 100. For example, the user interface 156 may include a user input device, such as an interactive portion of the display 110 (e.g., a "soft" key displayed on the display 110), a selection button 112, an external hardware keyboard configured to communicate with the beverage preparation machine 100 via a wired or wireless connection, an external device, or any other user input device.

[0070] The communication interface 158 may be configured to enable the beverage preparation machine 100 to communicate (e.g., interface) with one or more devices internal or external to the beverage preparation machine 100. For example, the communication interface 158 may be configured to enable the beverage preparation machine 100 to interface with the electronic device 202, one or more other electronic devices (e.g., one or more other beverage preparation machines 100), and / or a beverage dispensing database 160. The beverage dispensing database 160 may store information related to coffee consumption, such as a user's coffee preferences, the location of the beverage preparation machine 100, etc. The information stored in the beverage dispensing database 160 may be used to provide a unique coffee experience for one or more users of the beverage preparation machine 100.

[0071] The image capture device 174 can be configured to capture an image. The image can be an identifier of the beverage preparation machine 100 and / or a container receiving a beverage from the beverage preparation machine 100 (e.g., a serial number or QR code associated with the beverage preparation machine 100 and / or the container). The image can be an identifier of a vessel, such as a cup, a mug, or other container for holding a beverage. The image can be the shape of the vessel. For example, the image capture device 174 can be configured to capture an image of a previously modulated beverage so that the beverage preparation machine 100 can simulate an image of a previously modulated beverage. As an example, the beverage preparation machine 100 can attempt to modulate coffee based on the image according to color (e.g., with a limited amount of sugar or cream), filling amount, etc. The image capture device 174 can be configured to take an image of the beverage to identify the name of the beverage, the ingredients of the beverage, the modulation time, and other parameters of the beverage (e.g., the temperature of the modulated beverage).

[0072] Image capture device 174 can be configured to capture images of the outside and / or inside of the vessel. For example, image capture device 174 can be configured to capture images of the inside of the vessel so that the images can be used to determine the internal capacity of the vessel. For example, one or more elements (e.g., processor, server, measurement sensor 176 and / or control unit 162) can determine the capacity of the inside of the container based on the image of the inside of the container. Image capture device 174 can be configured to capture images in a digital format having a plurality of pixels.

[0073] Although the image capture device 174 is Figure 2 100, in other examples, the image capture device 174 may be internal and / or external to the beverage preparation machine 100. For example, the image capture device 174 may be implemented as a camera coupled to the electronic device 202. The image capture device 174 may be implemented as a webcam coupled to the electronic device 202 and configured to communicate with the electronic device 202. The image capture device 214 may be implemented as a digital camera configured to transmit digital images to the electronic device 202 and / or the beverage preparation machine 100. For example, such transmission may be performed via a cable, wireless transmission, network 220, and / or physical memory card device transmission (e.g., SD card, flash memory card, etc.).

[0074] The beverage preparation machine 100 may include a control unit, such as a control unit 162. The control unit 162 may be configured to control one or more beverage operations of the beverage preparation machine 100. The control unit 162 may be configured to control brewing of the beverage preparation machine 100 based on input received from the communication interface 158 and / or the user interface 156. In an example, the control unit 162 may be located inside the beverage preparation machine 100 and / or outside the beverage preparation machine 100.

[0075] Figure 3 2 is an example system 300 including one or more beverage preparation machines 100 and / or one or more electronic devices 202. Figure 3 As shown, the beverage preparation machine 100 can communicate with an IOT device, such as a lighting device 203. The system 300 may include one or more servers 350 that communicate with one or more beverage preparation machines 100. The server 350 may be configured with an operating system that can run one or more applications. The application may be configured to provide services to the beverage preparation machine 100 and / or one or more electronic devices 202. The server 350 may be a data server, a network server, a cloud computing device, etc. The system 300 may include one or more users 370 of the beverage preparation machine 100 (e.g., a beverage drinker, a maintenance person of the beverage preparation machine 100, etc.). The beverage preparation machine 100, the electronic device 202 (e.g., a user device) and / or the server 350 may communicate with each other via a network (e.g., a network 220).

[0076] The user 370 may interact with the beverage preparation machine 100 in one or more ways. For example, the user may interact with the beverage preparation machine 100 to receive beverages and / or contents from the beverage preparation machine 100, to provide input (e.g., inventory information, contents information, fault information, etc.) to the beverage preparation machine 100, etc. In such an example, the user 370 may interact with the beverage preparation machine 100 to request maintenance of the beverage preparation machine 100, request cleaning of the beverage preparation machine 100, request storage of supplies required for use of the beverage preparation machine 100, etc. The user may interact with the beverage preparation machine 100 using one or more electronic devices by physically actuating buttons on the beverage preparation machine 100 (soft keys or actual keys on the display 112), etc. For example, the user 370 may use one or more electronic devices to request maintenance, cleaning, supply, etc. of the beverage preparation machine 100 by physically actuating buttons on the beverage preparation machine 100, etc.

[0077] A pack tolerance may be provided for errors. As described herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 may be configured to accept one or more types of packages (e.g., beverage mix packages). The package may include ingredients mixed with a liquid (e.g., water) for producing a beverage. Different pressures may be applied to the ingredients to produce different beverages. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may be configured to accept high-pressure packages and / or low-pressure packages. High-pressure packages may be used to make beverages such as cappuccino, while low-pressure packages may be used to make beverages such as coffee (which may require slow dripping of water to drip on coffee powder).

[0078] Figure 4An example process is shown in which the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 receives a beverage selection that may be inconsistent with a package provided to the beverage dispensing apparatus 100. Although FIG. 4 focuses on an inconsistency in the pressure of the selected beverage and the pressure associated with the package provided to the apparatus, such inconsistency is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 may be configured to handle one or more other types of inconsistencies.

[0079] At 302, a user may select a desired beverage, for example, via the beverage dispensing device 100. As an example, the user may select a desired beverage (e.g., cappuccino) via one or more selection buttons 112 or via a graphical user interface (e.g., a soft button of a graphical user interface). The beverage dispensing device 100 may have instructions for producing the selected beverage. The instructions may include a pressure value, such as a beverage pressure value for the selected beverage.

[0080] At 304, a user may provide (e.g., insert) a drink mix package to the beverage dispensing apparatus 100, e.g., into a package holder of the beverage dispensing apparatus 100. The drink mix package may include beverage preparation ingredients. The drink mix package may have a type, e.g., a type of beverage produced via the drink mix package.

[0081] The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine a type associated with the received beverage mix package and / or a value associated with the received beverage mix package (e.g., a beverage package pressure value). The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine whether the beverage selected by the user (e.g., beverage type) is consistent with the beverage mix package (e.g., beverage mix package type) provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine whether a value associated with the selected beverage (e.g., beverage pressure value) is consistent with a value associated with the received beverage mix package (e.g., beverage package pressure value).

[0082] For example, at 306, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine whether the beverage selected by the user is associated with a value (e.g., a beverage pressure value) that is consistent with a value (e.g., a beverage package pressure value) of a package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. In some examples, the selection provided by the user may relate to a package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100, for example, may be consistent with a package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. As shown at 308, for example, if the selection provided by the user is consistent with the package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100, the beverage dispensing device 100 may inject the liquid into the package. The beverage dispensing device 100 may inject the liquid into the package according to the instructions of the selected beverage (e.g., according to the beverage pressure value).

[0083] In other examples, the selection provided by the user may not be related to (e.g., may not be consistent with) the package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, if the beverage dispensing device 100 determines that the beverage pressure value associated with the selection provided by the user by the beverage dispensing device 100 is inconsistent with the beverage package pressure value provided by the beverage mixing package, the beverage dispensing device 100 may inject the liquid into the package. At 310, the beverage dispensing device 100 may inject the liquid into the package at a pressure at which the package is configured to receive the liquid, such as at the beverage package pressure value. The pressure at which the package is configured to receive the liquid may be different from the pressure previously determined by the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the pressure at which the package receives the liquid may be related to a beverage, a popular beverage, etc. previously selected by a user of the beverage dispensing device. At 312, the beverage dispensing device 100 may dispense the liquid at that pressure.

[0084] When the beverage pressure value determined by the beverage dispensing device 100 (or selected by the user) and the beverage package pressure value associated with the beverage mixing package are inconsistent, the beverage dispensing device 100 can perform one or more actions (e.g., other actions) provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide an indication of the inconsistency, such as a visual indication (e.g., through the display screen 110), an audio indication (e.g., a beep), etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 can provide the indication audibly through the speaker 134. In an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide (e.g., display) one or more options for how the beverage dispensing device 100 can resolve the problem that the selection provided by the user is inconsistent with the package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. In such an example, the user can select an option, the beverage dispensing device 100 can determine (e.g., automatically determine) an option, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 can automatically determine an option based on a timer, for example, if the user does not select an option within a predetermined time.

[0085] As provided herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 can create / produce a beverage when the selection provided by the user is inconsistent with the package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. As another example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can create / produce a beverage based on trends. The beverage dispensing device can produce popular (e.g., most popular) beverages based on the user's selection and / or the package provided by the user. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can determine the beverage to be produced based on the user's selection, the package provided, and / or the previous selection (e.g., by a specific user, a user with a similar taste to the user, etc.). The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine the beverage to be produced based on the user's selection, the package provided, user surveys, research (e.g., digital research, for example, based on Internet searches), etc.

[0086] The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine the beverage to be produced based on artificial intelligence. For example, based on the ingredients contained in the provided package and / or the selected beverage, the beverage dispensing device 100 can determine which beverage can be produced using the supplied package. For example, the beverage selection may have a specific taste. Artificial intelligence methods (e.g., machine learning methods) can be used to determine one or more beverages that are similar to the beverage selected by the user (e.g., have a similar taste) that can be produced (e.g., produced with the supplied package). For example, the model can be trained by one or more users of one or more beverage dispensing devices 100. The model can be trained regularly, such as every day, every week, and every month. The user can input one or more packages that produce a taste similar to one or more other packages into the model. One or more beverage dispensing devices 100 can access similar packages via a network (e.g., network 220).

[0087] The beverage dispensing device 100 can be configured to ensure that the beverage determined to be produced by the beverage dispensing device 100 is produced in a safe manner. For example, it may be unsafe to produce a high-pressure beverage using a low-pressure package. The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine that the beverage that can be produced by the package provided by the user is also consistent with the user's selection (e.g., has a consistent taste). The beverage dispensing device 100 can also or alternatively determine that a beverage with a consistent taste is safe to produce.

[0088] As provided herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide an indication that the user's selection is inconsistent with the supplied package. Providing inconsistent indications will alleviate the user's confusion. In addition to providing inconsistent indications, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide indications of beverages that can be produced with the package. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can display one or more beverages that are consistent with the provided package (e.g., a package provided by the user that is inconsistent with the user's selection). The user can select a beverage from the display screen 110 using one or more buttons 112, a graphical user interface, etc. Based on the selected beverage, the beverage dispensing device 100 can display (e.g., only display) beverages that are safe for production.

[0089] As described herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage even if the user selects a beverage to be produced that is different from the package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, for the selection of cappuccino and / or Americano, it is expected that the package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100 will be a high-pressure espresso package. If a cappuccino beverage is selected and a low-pressure coffee package is inserted as the package, the beverage dispensing device 100 can brew filtered coffee. In another example, if an Americano is selected and a low-pressure coffee package is inserted, the beverage can be sold as regular coffee. As a result, the beverage produced by the beverage dispensing device 100 can be a beverage that may be similar to (e.g., similar to the definition adopted by the appliance) being sold.

[0090] As described herein, beverage selections may be input via a user interface, such as display 110. For example, a beverage may be selected from a soft button on a menu (e.g., a beverage menu). A package may be inserted into beverage dispensing device 100. The package may contain ingredients, such as beverage preparation ingredients. Beverage dispensing device 100 may detect the type of package inserted, the identification of the package, the ingredients provided by the package, beverages that may be produced by the package, etc. The type of inserted package may include the pressure of the package (e.g., high pressure, low pressure), the flavor of the package, the expiration date of the package, the popularity of the package (e.g., popular beverages may be made from the ingredients provided in the package, etc.).

[0091] The beverage dispensing device 100 may include a beverage pressure valve, such as a pressure valve 132. The pressure valve 132 may be used to produce one or more (e.g., different) pressure beverages. For example, the pressure valve 132 may be used to produce high-pressure beverages and / or low-pressure beverages. The pressure valve 132 may be set based on the pressure used for the beverage. For example, if a high-pressure beverage is to be produced, the beverage pressure valve 132 may be set to a high-pressure setting. If a low-pressure beverage is to be produced, the beverage pressure valve 132 may be set to a low-pressure setting. The beverage dispensing device 100 may monitor the setting of the beverage pressure valve 132. The beverage dispensing device 100 may monitor the setting of the beverage pressure valve 132 via a beverage pressure detector (e.g., a beverage pressure sensor, such as a pressure sensor 130). For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine the setting of the pressure valve 132 before producing the beverage. The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine (e.g., ensure) that the setting of the pressure valve 132 is consistent with the beverage to be produced. The beverage dispensing apparatus 100 can determine (eg, ensure) that the setting of the pressure valve 132 results in the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 safely producing a beverage as described herein.

[0092] As described herein, if the setting of the pressure valve 132 is inconsistent with the beverage to be produced (e.g., a beverage produced based on a package provided to the beverage dispensing apparatus 100), one or more actions can be performed. For example, if the setting of the pressure valve 132 is inconsistent with the beverage to be produced, an indication can be provided to the user that a beverage (e.g., a beverage consistent with the provided package) can be produced, etc. In an example, a beverage is consistent with the provided package if it tastes similar to the provided package, has a similar pressure (e.g., high / low pressure) to the provided package, and one or more other parameters similar to the provided package.

[0093] The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine a beverage pressure (e.g., a beverage pressure value) based on a package (e.g., an inserted beverage package). The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine whether the package pressure value corresponds to the beverage pressure value. As described herein, if the package pressure value corresponds to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing device may provide (e.g., inject) liquid to the inserted package. The beverage dispensing device may provide (e.g., inject) liquid to the inserted package at the beverage pressure value. The beverage pressure value may correspond to a beverage pressure suggested (e.g., recommended or required) for the package. The suggested beverage pressure may be provided by instructions on the package, by instructions received remotely (e.g., by a server, a user device, etc.), by instructions stored on the beverage dispensing device, etc. The instructions may be related to the pressure suggested (e.g., recommended or required) for making a beverage selected by the user. In other examples, the instructions may relate to the pressure suggested (e.g., recommended or required) for making a beverage associated with a package provided by the user.

[0094] As described herein, a beverage selected by a user may not require (e.g., use) the same pressure associated with a bag provided by the user. If the pressure suggested (e.g., required) by the bag does not correspond to the pressure of the beverage selected by the user, the beverage dispensing device 100 can correct the beverage to be made. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage different from the beverage selected by the user. In such an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide (e.g., inject) a liquid into an inserted bag at a pressure suggested (e.g., recommended or required) by the bag provided by the user. The pressure suggested (e.g., required) by the bag can produce a beverage different from the beverage selected by the user. The pressure suggested (e.g., required) by the bag can produce a beverage consistent with the bag provided by the user. The beverage dispensing device 100 can dispense a beverage consistent with the bag provided by the user.

[0095] As described herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage that is consistent with the pressure suggested (e.g., required) by the package provided by the user. The beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage that is consistent with the package requirements (e.g., pressure requirements) provided by the user and is related to the beverage selected by the user. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage that is consistent with the package provided by the user and is related to the flavor, mix, or other category of the beverage selected by the user. The beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage that is consistent with the package provided by the user and is, in an example, related to (and not identical to) the beverage selected by the user without providing an indication to the user.

[0096] The beverage dispensing device 100 can provide an indication that the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage that is consistent with the requirements of the package (e.g., pressure requirements) and different from the package of the beverage selected by the user (related, not exactly the same, etc.). The beverage dispensing device 100 can allow the user to select one or more beverages, which can be related to (and not exactly the same as) the requirements of the beverage selected by the user. The beverage dispensing device 100 can allow the user to input another beverage, for example, through a text box, through a user device, voice, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 can allow the user to terminate the beverage dispensing device 100 from making a beverage different from the selected beverage. In such an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can attempt to produce the beverage selected by the user at the pressure recommended by the package (e.g., required). The beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage selected by the user (e.g., a modified beverage).

[0097] Smart beverage menu customization can be provided. The beverage dispensing device 100 can be configured to determine the beverages that can be produced (e.g., beverage options). For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can be configured to determine the beverages that can be produced based on the package (e.g., beverage package, beverage preparation ingredient packaging, etc.) provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine the beverages that can be produced based on the identification of the package, such as by a barcode, QR code, image, name, etc. provided on the package. The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine (e.g., automatically determine) the beverage to be produced based on the identification of the package. The beverage dispensing device 100 can be based on the user's beverage consumption history, the beverage consumption of others (e.g., popular beverages produced for others and / or consumed by others), and the weather (e.g., hot, cold, rainy, sunny) at the location of the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can produce one or more mixtures of beverages based on artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning), based on chemistry (e.g., based on random classification, it can be considered that one or more ingredients can be chemically mixed well together), etc.

[0098] The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide an indication of a beverage to be produced and / or the beverage dispensing device 100 may provide an indication of an option (e.g., through a menu) of a beverage that may be produced. Option (e.g., custom) may be provided based on the availability status of a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type located near the beverage dispensing device 100. The availability status may include whether the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type is in stock and / or whether the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type is out of stock. The inventory status of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type may include a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type located near the beverage dispensing device 100 and / or provided by the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type. The out of stock status of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type may include a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type (e.g., out of stock) that is not located near the beverage dispensing device 100. In other examples, the out of stock status of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type may include a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type that is in stock but not provided by the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type. For example, although the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type may be used by the beverage dispensing device, the beverage dispensing device may be programmed to not provide the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type when producing and / or dispensing beverages.

[0099] The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide an availability status (e.g., in-stock, out-of-stock indication) via a display / speaker on the beverage dispensing device 100, via a user device, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide the indication after the package is provided (e.g., inserted) into the beverage dispensing device 100. In an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may provide the indication before the package is provided (e.g., inserted) to the beverage dispensing device 100, for example, by the user providing an identification of the package before providing the package to the beverage dispensing device 100.

[0100] Figure 5An example process for updating a menu (e.g., a beverage menu) based on ingredient inventory is shown. The beverage dispensing device 100 can provide an indication of a beverage to be produced based on one or more packages (e.g., ingredients) corresponding to the beverages that are present. At 402, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide an indication of the beverage to be produced based on the availability (e.g., in stock) and / or unavailability (e.g., out of stock) of one or more packages (e.g., ingredients). The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine whether the package (e.g., ingredient) is available (e.g., in stock) and / or unavailable (e.g., out of stock) through local indications and / or remote indications. Examples of local indications that a package is in stock may include a supplier / consumer of the package indicating that the package is in stock (or out of stock), a sensor of the beverage dispensing device 100 determining that the package is in stock and / or out of stock (e.g., through a barcode, QR code, etc. of the package). Examples of remote indications that a package is in stock may include the beverage dispensing device 100 receiving inventory notifications / updates via a remote server, such as server 260 (e.g., a cloud server). The remote server may be based on when one or more packages are added to inventory, consumed, removed from inventory (e.g., due to poor package sales, expiration), etc.

[0101] At 404, the beverage dispensing device 100 may provide an indication of the stock packages. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may provide a beverage menu based on the stock packages. The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide a beverage menu based on the available ingredients (e.g., stock). The beverage dispensing device 100 may continue to determine whether one or more packages are in stock or out of stock. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine whether one or more packages are in stock based on a period of time (e.g., every 10 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, etc.). The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine whether the package is in stock by user input and / or by sensors such as barcode sensors, QR code sensors, optical cameras, etc. At 406, the beverage dispensing device 100 may receive a package that is determined (e.g., previously determined) to be out of stock. The beverage dispensing device 100 may update the status of the package. For example, the package may be determined (e.g., marked) as out of stock, and the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine (e.g., subsequently determine) that the package is in stock, for example, by reading a barcode of the package (e.g., an inserted package). At 408, the beverage menu may be updated (e.g., permanently updated) to include the inserted package. For example, the beverage menu may be updated to include beverages that may be produced by the inserted package.

[0102] Figures 6A-6D An example user interface is shown in which a package is determined to be out of stock and the beverage dispensing device 100 determines (e.g., subsequently determines) that the package is in stock. Fig. 6AAs shown, the beverage dispensing device 100 displays (e.g., via the display 110) the packages that are in stock (House Blend, Morning Roast, Hazelnut, English Breakfast, Milk Froth) and the packages that are not in stock (Chai Spice, Hot Chocolate, French Vanilla). Figure 6B , the beverage dispensing device 100 shows beverages that can be produced based on stock packages. For example, Americano, cappuccino, latte, and drip coffee can be produced when packages of homemade blend, morning roast, hazelnut, English breakfast, milk foam, etc. are in stock. The beverage dispensing device 100 can provide an indication of the beverage to be produced based on the package corresponding to the beverage in stock.

[0103] Figure 6C The beverage dispensing device 100 is shown to be updated (e.g., the display 110 is updated) when a package previously determined to be out of stock is determined to be in stock. For example, hot chocolate has been updated from out of stock (in Fig. 6A in) becomes in stock (in Figure 6C in). Fig.6D , the beverage dispensing device 100 is updated to display the beverages that can be produced based on the stock package. For example, Fig.6D The menu has been updated to show that hot chocolate is on the menu because hot chocolate has been determined to be in stock. Having the beverage dispensing device 100 continuously monitor packages (e.g., packages indicated as in stock and / or out of stock) can reduce the need to reconfigure the beverage dispensing device 100, for example, when a location of the beverage dispensing device 100 desires to order an extended range of packages (e.g., at a later date and / or time).

[0104] As described herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide a menu (e.g., a beverage menu). The menu can be specific to the beverage dispensing device 100, for example, the menu can include information specific to the beverage dispensing device 100 located at a specific location (e.g., a geographic location). The menu can include location-related information, such as an identification of the location of the beverage dispensing device 100, the location of one or more packages used by the beverage dispensing device 100, where additional packages can be found (e.g., in another room, building, or retailer), etc.

[0105] The beverage dispensing device 100 can display (e.g., on the display 110) a menu. The menu can include one or more beverage options. The beverage options can be customized based on the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type. For example, the beverage options can be customized based on the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type stored in a geographic location (e.g., a geographic location associated with the beverage dispensing device 100) and / or available for the beverage dispensing device 100.

[0106] The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine that a package identified as out of stock may be in stock. For example, a package identified as out of stock can be provided to (e.g., inserted into) the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine that a package identified as out of stock is in stock, for example, based on a package provided to (e.g., physically provided to, such as inserted into) the beverage dispensing device 100, which is detected by the beverage dispensing device 100, etc. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can determine that the package is in stock by electronic reading of the package. The electronic reading can be by RFID reading, image recognition, or other electronic reading of a tag, QR code, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 can update (e.g., automatically update) a menu of the beverage dispensing device 100 based on the package in stock. The beverage dispensing device 100 can update the menu to include an out of stock package (e.g., a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type) that can be used by the beverage dispensing device 100 to identify (e.g., previously identified).

[0107] As described herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 can receive information related to a package (e.g., a beverage package). The information related to the package can include an indication of which packages (e.g., a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type) are in stock packages and which packages of a plurality of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types are out of stock. The beverage dispensing device 100 can provide an indication of the status of the package (e.g., inventory status, out of stock status) (e.g., by displaying text / images, audio, etc. via the display 110). The beverage dispensing device 100 can store the indication of the status of the package, for example, for determining a beverage that can be produced.

[0108] A menu (e.g., a customized menu) may include beverage options based on the state of the package. For example, a menu may include beverage options that may be based on the state of the package, such as beverage options that may be obtained using a stock package.

[0109] As described herein, one or more packages may be identified as out of stock. The beverage dispensing device 100 may receive (e.g., subsequently receive) a package identified as out of stock. As described herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine that a package identified as out of stock is inserted into the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 may update the package to be in stock (e.g., new in stock). The beverage dispensing device 100 may permanently update the package to be in stock, or the beverage dispensing device 100 may temporarily (e.g., once) correct the status of the package in stock. The beverage dispensing device 100 may update the custom menu to include one or more additional beverage options, which may be automatically performed with a new stock package using a processor of the beverage dispensing device. In an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine a location of the beverage dispensing device 100 that is available near a package out of stock. The location may be another beverage dispensing device, a store that sells the package, etc.

[0110] The beverage dispensing device 100 can continuously update (e.g., correct) the status of the package (e.g., inventory status). For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can correct the status of the package from out of stock to in stock, as described herein. The beverage dispensing device 100 can also or alternatively correct the status of the package from in stock (e.g., last updated to in stock) to out of stock. For example, if the package is removed from the beverage dispensing device 100 before producing a beverage, if the package is determined to be empty after producing the beverage, if the package is removed from the beverage dispensing device 100 before a predetermined time (e.g., within 30 seconds), the beverage dispensing device 100 can update the status of the package (e.g., the package was last updated to be in stock) to out of stock. In such an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can update the beverage menu based on the package determined to be out of stock.

[0111] Customized beverage combinations can be provided. The beverage dispensing device 100 can produce beverages based on one or more packages (e.g., beverage packages). For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce beverages based on a single package. The beverage produced from a single package may be known (e.g., previously known). For example, if the beverage dispensing device 100 produces a beverage with a single cappuccino package, the user should expect the beverage to have a taste corresponding to the single package. In other examples, the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce beverages based on more than one package. If the beverage dispensing device 100 produces a beverage with more than one package, the user may not know what the combination of these packages will taste like.

[0112] Figure 7 An example process is shown in which a user can produce a beverage based on one or more packages. For example, at 602, a user can provide a single package and the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a beverage based on the single package. When a single package is used to produce a beverage, the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., the display 110 of the beverage dispensing device 100) can indicate to the user that a beverage (e.g., a non-customized beverage) has been produced. For example, a certain volume of liquid can be injected into a beverage preparation ingredient package to form a non-customized beverage. The beverage dispensing device 100 can indicate that a beverage is produced and provide a message to the user that the beverage can be removed from the beverage dispensing device 100.

[0113] At 604, the user may provide another package (e.g., a second or subsequent package) and the beverage dispensing device 100 may produce a beverage based on the other package. For example, although the beverage dispensing device 100 may indicate that a beverage can be produced by a single beverage package (e.g., a single beverage preparation ingredient package), the beverage dispensing device 100 may not need to remove the beverage package. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may allow a container (e.g., a beverage preparation ingredient package, a cup, etc.) to remain in the beverage dispensing device 100 after the beverage is produced. When the container (e.g., the first beverage preparation ingredient package) remains in the beverage dispensing device 100, the beverage dispensing device 100 may allow another package (e.g., a second or subsequent package) to be used. The beverage dispensing device may inject a second volume of liquid into the second beverage preparation ingredient package to form a second non-customized beverage. The first package (e.g., beverage preparation ingredient package) and the second (e.g., subsequent) package may form a beverage (e.g., a customized beverage). The customized beverage formed by the first package and the second package may not be recognized as a default beverage by the beverage dispensing device.

[0114] At 606, the beverage dispensing device 100 can determine a beverage that can be produced using a first package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100 and a second package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage that can be produced by the first package and the second package (e.g., a combination of the first package and the second package) can be added to the menu (e.g., added to the menu as a default beverage). The default beverage can be provided to the user of the beverage dispensing device 100 through the menu. For example, package A can produce a beverage and the beverage from package A can be dispensed into a container. Thereafter, package B can produce a beverage and the beverage from package B can be dispensed into a container (e.g., the same container as the dispensed package A). Package A and package B can contain similar ingredients, different ingredients, or a combination of similar and different ingredients. In another example, package A and package B can produce a beverage and the beverages from package A and package B can be dispensed (e.g., dispensed simultaneously) into a container.

[0115] If two or more packages are used in the same container to produce a beverage, then at 608, the beverage dispensing device 100 may identify the produced beverage as a customized beverage. The customized beverage may be identified based on the names of the two or more packages (e.g., the customized beverage may be identified by the combination of packages A and B), based on the names of the ingredients of the two packages (e.g., the customized beverage may be identified by the combination of packages A and B), etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 may store information related to the customized beverage. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may store the identification of the customized beverage, the frequency of producing the customized beverage, the time / day / date of producing the customized beverage, the user rating of the customized beverage, etc. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may request the user to provide an indication of satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the customized beverage.

[0116] The beverage dispensing device 100 may include a customized beverage as a default (e.g., standard) beverage, for example, if the customized beverage becomes popular (e.g., if the frequency of making the customized beverage with the beverage dispensing device is above a predetermined value) and / or if the customer beverage receives favorable feedback from users of the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 may send and / or store information related to the customized beverage to a network (including a host server on the network). For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may send information to the host server so that the customized beverage can be added as a default / standard beverage to one or more beverage dispensing devices 100 in different locations.

[0117] As described herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 can monitor and / or store beverages produced by the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, a package (e.g., a beverage preparation ingredient package) can be provided to (e.g., inserted into) the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can communicate with a server, such as a server 260 (e.g., a cloud server) via the network 220. The beverage dispensing device 100 can provide usage information to the server 260, provide beverage consumption information to the server 260, provide customized beverages to the server (e.g., identification, popularity, ratings of customized beverages), etc.

[0118] The user can activate the beverage dispensing device 100 to produce a beverage, for example, by injecting a certain volume of liquid into a package (e.g., a single beverage preparation ingredient package). Injecting the liquid into the package can form a non-customized beverage. The non-customized beverage can be dispensed into a container, such as a drinking vessel / cup. Another package (e.g., a beverage preparation ingredient package) can be inserted into the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can inject another volume of liquid into another beverage preparation ingredient package. The beverage dispensing device 100 can dispense a beverage containing two packages. Dispensing the two packages into the drinking vessel may result in the production (e.g., formation) of a customized beverage. The customized beverage may include a recipe (e.g., a recipe of a beverage ingredient) for making a customized beverage.

[0119] Information related to the customized beverage (e.g., a recipe of the customized beverage, an identification of the customized beverage, etc.) can be stored at the beverage dispensing device 100 and / or transmitted to one or more external devices. For example, the information related to the customized beverage can be sent to a user device, a server, another beverage dispensing device 100, etc. The information related to the customized beverage can be sent to the user device, the server, another beverage dispensing device 100 based on the frequency at which the customized beverage is made and / or requested. For example, when the frequency of making and / or requesting customized beverages exceeds a predetermined frequency, the menu of the beverage dispensing device can be updated to display the customized beverages that exceed the predetermined frequency.

[0120] The beverage dispensing device 100 can identify available (e.g., in stock) packages. The beverage dispensing device 100 can identify beverages (e.g., custom beverages) that can be produced based on one or more (e.g., two) available packages. The beverage dispensing device 100 can, for example, display (e.g., automatically display, such as on the display 110) a menu based on the available packages. The menu can include one or more beverage options that can be made using the packages (e.g., available beverage preparation ingredient packages).

[0121] The beverage dispensing device 100 and / or an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, etc.) can monitor the frequency of requesting and / or producing customized beverages. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 and / or an external device can identify when the request for a customized beverage reaches, exceeds, and / or falls below a predetermined value (e.g., a frequency value). The beverage dispensing device 100 and / or an external device can identify when the feedback for a customized beverage reaches, exceeds, and / or falls below a predetermined value (e.g., a user satisfaction value). The beverage dispensing device 100 and / or an external device can classify customized beverages based on the frequency of requests and / or user satisfaction. For example, a request for a customized beverage that exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., a frequency value, a user satisfaction value) can indicate that the customized beverage is a popular beverage that can be put into general circulation. A request for a customized beverage that is below a certain value may indicate that the customized beverage is not a popular beverage and should not be put into general circulation (or should be deleted from it). Based on the request and / or production of the customized beverage, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide updated instructions (e.g., through a menu). The beverage dispensing apparatus 100 may automatically update the indication, or the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 may update the indication based on an event, time, duration, or the like.

[0122] Beverage customization can be provided. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide one or more beverages and / or beverage types. Each beverage type can be associated with a modulation cycle (e.g., a predetermined / default modulation cycle). The modulation cycle can deliver capacity (e.g., the capacity of the beverage) and / or concentration (e.g., the concentration of the beverage). In an example, the capacity and / or concentration of the modulation cycle can be predetermined (e.g., predetermined based on the modulation cycle and / or based on a package provided to the beverage dispensing device 100). The beverage dispensing device 100 is adjustable so that the capacity and / or concentration of the beverage to be produced can be corrected. For example, a user can select a beverage and / or beverage type and provide (e.g., insert) a package for the selected beverage and / or beverage type. The beverage dispensing device 100 can be customized to produce one or more types of beverages (e.g., beverage type) based on the selected beverage, selected beverage type and / or package provided by the user.

[0123] Customization of beverages may include beverage capacity adjustment and / or beverage concentration adjustment. The beverage dispensing device 100 may store predetermined values ​​related to minimum and / or maximum capacity and / or concentration, although in an example the beverage dispensing device 100 may receive predetermined values ​​related to minimum and / or maximum capacity and / or concentration via one or more external devices (e.g., user devices, servers, etc.). The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide beverages (e.g., predetermined beverages) based on predetermined values ​​and / or the beverage dispensing device 100 may provide beverages with adjusted values ​​of the capacity, concentration, etc. of the produced beverages. The adjusted values ​​may produce beverages with higher capacity and / or higher concentration than the predetermined beverage, beverages with lower capacity and / or lower concentration than the predetermined beverage, or any combination thereof.

[0124] Beverages with a higher capacity and / or higher concentration than a predetermined beverage, a lower capacity and / or lower concentration than a predetermined beverage, or any combination thereof can be stored for later use. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can produce a customized beverage that can have a lower capacity and / or a higher concentration than a predetermined (e.g., default) beverage. Customized beverages can be produced for one or more users of the beverage dispensing device 100 in more than one case. A request for a customized beverage can indicate that the customized beverage is (or can become) a popular beverage. The beverage dispensing device 100 and / or an external device (e.g., a server, a user device, etc.) can determine that the customized beverage is (or can become) a popular beverage.

[0125] In an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 and / or an external device can indicate that a customized beverage should be a default beverage. A customized beverage can become a default beverage based on a location (e.g., only the beverage dispensing device 100 is in a location similar to the location where the customized beverage was originally requested and / or most requested) and / or can become a default beverage based on the frequency (e.g., high frequency) of requesting a customized beverage. In other examples, a customized beverage may become a default beverage for one or more other locations, such as for all beverage dispensing devices 100 located in an area or for all beverage dispensing devices 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can indicate that a beverage previously called a customized beverage with a capacity and / or concentration different from the default capacity and / or concentration can be called a default beverage. Such an indication can result in filling (e.g., consistent filling) a container when the user does not need a capacity and / or concentration of a customized beverage.

[0126] In an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can create (e.g., dynamically create) a modulation cycle. The modulation cycle can be based on a template and / or can be adjusted for a selected capacity and / or concentration. For example, the capacity of the beverage can be adjusted by adjusting (e.g., extending, shortening) the residence time. The adjusted residence time can adjust the pressure of the liquid provided by the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the adjusted residence time can reduce the pressure provided by the beverage dispensing device 100. The concentration of the beverage can be adjusted. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can create (e.g., automatically create) a strong modulation cycle. The beverage dispensing device 100 can create (e.g., automatically create) a strong modulation cycle based on a template modulation cycle that can be associated with a package to be modulated. The modulation cycle can reduce and / or increase the flow rate of the liquid dispensed by the beverage dispensing device 100 to increase / reduce the capacity and / or concentration of the beverage. The modulation cycle can reduce and / or increase the residence time of the liquid dispensed by the beverage dispensing device 100 to increase / reduce the capacity and / or concentration of the beverage.

[0127] As described herein, customized beverages may be dispensed from the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, a user may select a beverage (e.g., a beverage type). A user may select a beverage type from one or more beverage types. A user may wish that the beverage type be produced and / or dispensed by the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 may store instructions (e.g., default instructions) for making beverages of the beverage type, but in an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may receive instructions (e.g., default instructions) for making beverages of the beverage type from one or more external devices (e.g., a user device or a server). Instructions (e.g., default instructions) may include preset (e.g., predetermined) volumes and / or preset (e.g., predetermined) concentrations.

[0128] Figure 8 An example process for customizing the strength and / or volume of a beverage is shown. For example, at 702, the beverage dispensing device 100 may receive instructions for producing a beverage by user selection and / or by receiving a package for producing the beverage. At 704, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine the strength and / or volume of the beverage (e.g., a preset strength and / or volume). The beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., the display 110) may display the strength and / or volume of the beverage to be produced.

[0129] At 706, the beverage dispensing device 100 (via button 112) may receive an instruction to correct and / or adjust the concentration and / or volume of the beverage. The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine whether the adjusted concentration and / or volume is a safe concentration and / or volume. The concentration of the beverage may be corrected to be lower or higher than a preset (e.g., predetermined) concentration of the beverage. The volume of the beverage may be corrected to be higher or lower than a preset (e.g., predetermined) volume. At 708, the beverage dispensing device 100 may be configured to produce and / or dispense a beverage having a certain concentration and / or volume (e.g., a corrected concentration and / or corrected volume). For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may be configured to produce and / or dispense a beverage having a concentration and / or volume different from a preset (e.g., predetermined) concentration and / or volume. A beverage having a concentration and / or volume different from a preset concentration and / or volume may be determined to be a beverage that is a customized beverage. The beverage dispensing device may associate a beverage having a corrected concentration and / or corrected volume with a user of the beverage dispensing device. Information related to beverages having a concentration and / or volume different from the preset concentration and / or volume (e.g., information on the association of a user with a beverage having a modified concentration or a modified volume) may be stored, for example, in database 160. In an example, information related to beverages having a concentration and / or volume different from the preset concentration and / or volume may be received, for example, via an external device. The stored and / or received information may be used to produce beverages having a concentration and / or volume different from the preset concentration and / or volume (e.g., a customized beverage).

[0130] A user survey may be provided. A user may wish that the beverage dispensing device 100 produce a beverage as described herein. It may take some time for the beverage dispensing device 100 to produce a beverage from the selection of the beverage to the production of the beverage. The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide information and / or receive information from a user of the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide information and / or receive information from a user of the beverage dispensing device 100 during the time it takes the beverage dispensing device 100 to produce a beverage, before the beverage dispensing device 100 produces a beverage, and / or after the beverage dispensing device 100 produces a beverage. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., the display 110) may provide information to a user of the beverage dispensing device 100 while producing a beverage.

[0131] The information provided to and / or received from a user of the beverage dispensing device 100 may include survey information, beverage recommendation information, package inventory information, time information, date information, weather information, sports information, inventory information, etc. The information provided by the beverage dispensing device 100 and / or received by the beverage dispensing device 100 is configurable. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may provide information based on a user of the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine which user is using the beverage dispensing device 100 through manual input from the user. In other examples, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine the user based on the user's user device (e.g., a smart phone).

[0132] The beverage dispensing device 100 may also or alternatively receive input from a user. The beverage dispensing device 100 may receive input from a user via manual input (e.g., via button 112) and / or via a user device of the user. For example, the user device of the user may communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the beverage dispensing device 100. In such an example, the user may input information into the user device and the user device may send (e.g., wirelessly, via Bluetooth, the Internet, etc.) the information to the beverage dispensing device 100.

[0133] The beverage dispensing device 100 can store information received from the user and / or can send the information to an external device. The external device can be a server 160 (e.g., a cloud server), another beverage dispensing device 100, an inventory management device, an online store, etc. Based on the input provided by the user, the beverage dispensing device 100 can order additional (or fewer) packages. For example, if the user input requires a specific beverage, the beverage dispensing device 100 can order (e.g., automatically order) packages that can be used to produce the required beverage. On the contrary, if the user provides an unwanted specific beverage, the beverage dispensing device 100 can order (e.g., automatically order) fewer packages for producing unwanted beverages or remove packages that produce unwanted beverages from inventory.

[0134] The beverage dispensing device 100 may, for example, survey the user via the display 110 or via an application on the user's user device (e.g., a standard survey). The user survey may relate to the operation of the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., the ease of operating the beverage dispensing device 100), may relate to beverages produced by the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., which beverages are preferred and / or which the user does not like), etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide follow-up questions based on the responses provided by the user. For example, if the user provides that the beverage dispensing device 100 is difficult to operate, the beverage dispensing device 100 may request the user to provide suggestions for making the beverage dispensing device 100 easier to operate and / or the beverage dispensing device 100 may ask how the beverage dispensing device 100 is difficult to operate.

[0135] The beverage dispensing device 100 may request an open-ended response. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may pose a question and provide a text box that allows the user to provide a free-form answer. The beverage dispensing device 100 may ask a true or false question, may ask the user to provide a rating (e.g., a rating of one or more features of the beverage dispensing device 100, a rating of one or more beverages produced by the beverage dispensing device 100, etc.) based on a rating (e.g., a rating of 1-10). Fig. 9 As shown, an example user interface (eg, display 110 ) may include user responses to yes / no questions or the like.

[0136] As described herein, a user may receive a survey via the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a display 110 of the beverage dispensing device 100), via an application on a user's user device, via an SMS message, an email message, etc. The user may provide responses to the survey via the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a button 112 of the beverage dispensing device 100), via an application on a user's user device, a text message, an email, etc. The survey may be provided via video and / or audio. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may provide the survey via text and may receive the user's response via audio (e.g., via the user's voice).

[0137] As described herein, the beverage dispensing device 100 can solicit feedback from a user of the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can solicit feedback when making and / or dispensing a beverage. The beverage dispensing device 100 can be actuated (e.g., started) to produce and / or dispense a beverage. For example, the user can actuate the beverage dispensing device 100 to produce a beverage through a button action of the beverage dispensing device 100 and / or through an application on the user's user device (e.g., a smart phone).

[0138] The beverage dispensing device 100 may include peripheral devices, such as a display 110, a microphone 136, a speaker 134, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 may display one or more questions on the display 110, for example, while the beverage dispensing device 100 makes and / or dispenses a beverage and / or before / after the beverage dispensing device 100 makes and / or dispenses a beverage. The beverage dispensing device 100 may receive responses to the one or more questions from a user of the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may receive responses via a microphone 136, a button 112, a soft key (e.g., via a key displayed on the display 110, etc.) of the beverage dispensing device 100. The responses may be stored on the beverage dispensing device 100 and / or transmitted to one or more external devices.

[0139] Service response tracking may be provided. The beverage dispensing device 100 may experience a failure (e.g., an error). The failure may be due to the beverage dispensing device 100 being unable to perform an action. The failure may be determined to be a hard failure or a soft failure (e.g., a failure other than a hard failure). A hard failure may require correction by a technician, while a soft failure may require correction by the beverage dispensing device 100 or a user of the beverage dispensing device 100. During a soft failure, the beverage dispensing device 100 may continue to operate (e.g., operate with limited functionality). A failure (e.g., a hard failure, a soft failure) may occur when the beverage dispensing device 100 receives an input (e.g., an input to dispense a beverage), and the beverage dispensing device 100 may be unable to process the input.

[0140] When a fault occurs in the beverage dispensing device 100, the beverage dispensing device 100 may provide a fault indication. The fault indication may be provided by the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., provided by the display 110 of the beverage dispensing device 100, provided via an audio tone of the speaker 134, etc.) and / or the fault indication may be provided via an external device, such as a user device of a user of the beverage dispensing device 100. The indication may include an identification of the fault, the severity of the fault, the type of fault, the cause of the fault, a possible correction of the fault, etc. The indication may include contact information of a person who can correct the fault, although in an example the beverage dispensing device 100 may contact (e.g., automatically contact) and / or arrange for a person to correct the fault. The contact information may be related to a user of the beverage dispensing device 100, a technician (e.g., a maintenance person), a manufacturer, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 may receive and / or provide updates on the fault (e.g., the status of the fault). The update may be used to correct the fault (e.g., a fault that is occurring) and / or the update may be used to prevent one or more faults.

[0141] When a fault is encountered, an indication of the fault can be transmitted from the beverage dispensing device 100 to a device external to the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a user device, a server, etc.). The indication can be transmitted automatically. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can transmit (e.g., automatically transmit) the indication. The indication of the fault can be associated with information such as enhanced information. The information can be transmitted to a server (e.g., an external server, such as server 260), a user device, an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a user (e.g., a consumer of a beverage provided by the beverage dispensing device 100), a technician), etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 can provide time and / or date information related to the fault, such as the time when the fault occurred, confirmation of the time of reporting the fault, the estimated time to repair the fault, the fault status, the type of fault, a message from / sent to a user of the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a customized message), etc.

[0142] The beverage dispensing device 100 can display and / or provide (e.g., transmit) a fault in one or more ways. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can display (e.g., initially display) and / or transmit a fault code. The code is associated with the fault. An auxiliary source such as a reference source can be used (e.g., required) to interpret the code to determine the fault and / or resolve the fault. In an example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can display the information (e.g., all information) required to determine the actual fault and / or resolve the fault.

[0143] The beverage dispensing device 100 may allow a user and / or maintenance personnel of the beverage dispensing device 100 to determine information (e.g., additional information) about the fault, for example, by additional actions. As an example, a user and / or maintenance personnel (e.g., a technician) of the beverage dispensing device 100 may press an indicator on the beverage dispensing device 100 to provide an initial fault and / or report or to provide additional information related to the fault and / or report. The beverage dispensing device 100 may display (e.g., display on a touch screen) buttons, such as cancel / finish / clear buttons, so that actions can be performed on the beverage dispensing device 100. A button (e.g., a clear button) may be provided so that a fault can be cleared, evaluated, transmitted, etc.

[0144] As described herein, a fault may be provided to a user / technician local to the beverage dispensing device 100. A fault may be provided to a user / technician remote from the beverage dispensing device 100. A user / technician may resolve the fault locally and / or remotely. For example, a user may locally see that a fault has occurred in the beverage dispensing device 100. A user may interact with the beverage dispensing device 100 to determine the cause of the fault and / or a user may use an external device (e.g., a server or user device, including an application of the user device) to determine the cause of the fault. A user may use a user device (e.g., an application of the user device) to correct the fault. A user and / or a technician may interact remotely with the beverage dispensing device 100 to resolve the fault. For example, a user and / or a technician may turn off and / or turn on the beverage dispensing device 100 to clear a fault in the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide a fault report (e.g., an update report) based on actions taken by the user / maintenance personnel.

[0145] The beverage dispensing device 100 may record and / or provide (e.g., send) information related to the fault. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may record and / or transmit the identification of the fault (e.g., name, type, etc.), the cause of the fault, the remedial measures for the fault, the user of the beverage dispensing device 100 during the fault, the person who corrected the fault, the time / date of the fault, the duration of the beverage dispensing device 100 being inoperable during the fault (if any), the time / date of repairing the fault, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 may determine and / or store the efficiency of the fault repair based on the fault information. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may determine the efficiency of the fault repair by determining the identification of the fault and the time it takes to repair the fault. The beverage dispensing device 100 may receive feedback information related to the fault from a user of the beverage dispensing device, for example via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device.

[0146] Information related to the fault can be transmitted to one or more external devices, such as a server, a database, a user device, another beverage dispensing device 100, an Internet of Things device, etc. The fault information can be collected and / or used (e.g., collected and / or used by one or more other beverage dispensing devices, technicians, manufacturers, etc.) to establish response times, fault frequencies, corrective actions, etc. For example, a beverage dispensing device 100 that has more faults than another beverage dispensing device may indicate that there is a more serious problem with the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., the type of beverage dispensing device 100). The beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., the type of beverage dispensing device 100) can be removed from the cycle to facilitate the user and / or determine the cause of the fault. In other examples, the corrective action for resolving the fault can be shared with one or more other beverage dispensing devices, technicians, and / or manufacturers, which can reduce the maintenance time of another beverage dispensing device.

[0147] In one example, for example, due to a fault, the beverage dispensing device 100 may be inoperable. The beverage dispensing device 100 may transmit (e.g., automatically transmit) a fault signal indicating that a fault has occurred. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may send a fault signal indicating that a fault has occurred to an operator of the beverage dispensing device 100, a maintenance person of the beverage dispensing device 100, a storage depot, etc. The fault signal may include one or more pieces of information, such as the type of fault, the date of occurrence of the fault, the time of occurrence of the fault, the expected date of correction of the fault, the expected time of correction of the fault, the location of the beverage dispensing device 100 that has suffered the fault, etc. Information related to an operable beverage dispensing device may be provided by the beverage dispensing device 100 so that a user can continue to receive beverages when a fault occurs in the beverage dispensing device 100.

[0148] A user and / or maintenance personnel of the beverage dispensing device 100 may receive information from or send information to the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, a user and / or maintenance personnel of the beverage dispensing device 100 may receive information from or send information to a user interface (e.g., the display 110) of the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, a maintenance personnel of the beverage dispensing device 100 may transmit information to the beverage dispensing device 100. The information may be provided to the user of the beverage dispensing device 100 in one or more ways, such as by displaying the information on the display 110 of the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, a maintenance personnel may send information to the beverage dispensing device 100 that the maintenance personnel is aware of the fault and an estimated time that the beverage dispensing device 100 will be repaired (e.g., a fault experienced by the beverage dispensing device 100 is expected to be repaired soon).

[0149] The beverage dispensing device 100 may send information related to the fault and / or receive information related to the fault to another beverage dispensing device 100, a user device (e.g., an application on the user device), an IoT device, a server, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 may send information related to the fault and / or receive information related to the fault electronically. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may send information related to the fault and / or receive information related to the fault via an SMS message, an email message, etc.

[0150] Responses to faults of the beverage dispensing device 100 may be tracked. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may track the number of times the beverage dispensing device 100 experiences one or more faults (including identification of the faults experienced), the amount of time before the fault is confirmed (e.g., by maintenance personnel of the beverage dispensing device 100), the amount of time before the fault is corrected, information provided to and / or from maintenance personnel of the beverage dispensing device 100, user satisfaction with how the maintenance personnel resolved the fault, and the like. For example, upon correcting the fault, the beverage dispensing device 100 may request the user to provide a user satisfaction level with the maintenance personnel. The beverage dispensing device 100 may provide an open-ended request for user satisfaction (e.g., via a text box), may provide a true / false request, may provide a yes / no request, and the like. The request for user satisfaction may be provided via the beverage dispensing device 100, via a user device (e.g., an application on the user device), and the like.

[0151] As described herein, the fault may be cleared. For example, the user and / or maintenance personnel may clear the fault by activating a button on the display screen to clear an indicator on the display screen, the user and / or maintenance personnel may clear the fault via a user device, etc. Fault information including the type of fault, the time / date of the fault, and / or the time / date of the fault correction may be stored and / or provided to one or more external devices, such as a user device or a server. The fault information may be stored locally by the beverage dispensing apparatus 100 and / or the fault information may be stored remotely (e.g., on a remote server, a user device, etc.).

[0152] A configurable demonstration mode may be provided. The beverage dispensing device 100 may be configurable. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may be configured during setup (e.g., initial setup). Setup of the beverage dispensing device 100 may be performed via a user interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI may be provided via the beverage dispensing device 100 (via the display 110 of the beverage dispensing device 100) and / or the GUI may be provided via a device external to the beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the GUI may be provided via an application provided on a user device (e.g., a smart phone).

[0153] The GUI can provide step-by-step instructions for the user to set up the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 and / or an external device (e.g., a user device) can provide a demonstration (e.g., a demo) for setting up the beverage dispensing device 100. The GUI can provide instructions (e.g., or step-by-step instructions), prompts (e.g., pop-up instructions, schematics), guides, etc. The GUI can explain how the beverage dispensing device 100 and / or the package can be set, how the beverage dispensing device 100 works (e.g., works together), etc. The GUI can provide information before the initial setup, before the production of the beverage, and / or during the production of the beverage. The GUI can provide other information, such as help information. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 can provide a video of how to use the beverage dispensing device 100, for example, with one or more (e.g., one or more different) packages. As an example, the GUI can provide a video of how to make a double-pack beverage with the beverage dispensing device 100.

[0154] The use of the GUI may be configurable. For example, the demonstration mode may be configurable such that the configuration mode is always on, always off, on for a predefined duration (e.g., a predefined number of days, weeks, hours, number of vending machines, etc.). The configuration of the GUI is beneficial because the beverage dispensing device 100 may be used in different settings. For example, a user of the beverage dispensing device 100 in a closed location (e.g., an office) may require a short demonstration of use as the user (e.g., the same user) adapts to the new machine. In contrast, a user of the beverage dispensing device 100 in a semi-public location (e.g., an airport lounge, a hotel, etc.) may require a long demonstration of use as the user (e.g., different users) varies, and therefore a long introduction to the settings and / or use of the beverage dispensing device 100 is required.

[0155] A location configuration of the beverage dispensing device 100 may be provided (e.g., based on the location of the beverage dispensing device 100). The beverage dispensing device 100 may be configured for a specific user, a specific location, a specific time duration, etc. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 may be configured to recommend one or more types of beverages in the summer, one or more types of beverages (e.g., different beverages) in the winter, etc.

[0156] The configuration of the beverage dispensing device 100 can be based on a single beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a single beverage dispensing device that is different from the beverage dispensing device 100), based on a group of beverage dispensing devices, based on the location where one or more beverage dispensing devices are located, etc. For example, when housed in a certain location (e.g., within an office where another beverage dispensing device 100 is located), the beverage dispensing devices can be similarly configured (e.g., similar to another beverage dispensing device 100) because users within a certain location may have similar preferences and / or tastes.

[0157] The beverage dispensing device 100 can be configured based on the type of service provided at a location, such as beverage dispensing services provided in an office and / or beverages that are typically provided at a geographic location during a particular season. For example, employees in an office environment may have similar tastes in beverages, employees in the financial industry may have similar tastes in beverages, and employees in an engineering unit may have similar tastes in beverages. The beverage dispensing device 100 can be configured using one or more pieces of information provided in a configuration file. Example information provided in the configuration file may include a password for a user of the beverage dispensing device 100, a beverage identifier provided by the beverage dispensing device 100, payment settings, error and / or activity logs associated with the beverage dispensing device 100, timed events (e.g., when one or more filters of the beverage dispensing device 100 have been replaced), and the like.

[0158] The configuration of the beverage dispensing device 100 can be based on one or more categories provided herein. For example, when setting up the beverage dispensing device 100, the beverage dispensing device 100 can request the type of building in which the beverage dispensing device 100 is to be set, the type of work performed by the user of the beverage dispensing device 100, the age of the user of the beverage dispensing device 100, the climate of the area accommodating the beverage dispensing device 100, etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 can be configured based on the information provided to the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can receive configuration information from an external device such as an external server. The configuration information can receive configuration information and / or download configuration information. The beverage dispensing device 100 can download (e.g., automatically download) configuration information. The beverage dispensing device 100 can download configuration information based on events (e.g., download events of users), durations (e.g., weekly), trends (e.g., users use the beverage dispensing device 100 less), etc.

[0159] The beverage dispensing device 100 may replace another beverage dispensing device 100. When replacing a beverage dispensing device 100, it may be desirable that the replaced beverage dispensing device 100 is configured in the same manner (e.g., has the same information) as the replaced beverage dispensing device 100. For example, it may be desirable that the replaced beverage dispensing device 100 has the same settings (e.g., is similarly configured) as the replaced beverage dispensing device 100. This may be desirable so that the user of the replaced beverage dispensing device 100 is not inconvenienced by replacing the beverage dispensing device 100.

[0160] Configuration information can be provided to the replaced beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the configuration information can be copied from the replaced beverage dispensing device 100 to the replaced beverage dispensing device 100 via a wireless network, a wired network, an intermediate device, etc. The configuration information can be directly copied to the replaced beverage dispensing device 100 and / or the configuration can be indirectly copied to the replaced beverage dispensing device 100. For example, the configuration information can be copied to a memory stick and / or a personal digital assistant (PDA) and then provided to (e.g., downloaded to) the replaced beverage dispensing device 100. In addition, or alternatively, the configuration information can be stored on a server (e.g., a cloud server). The beverage dispensing device 100 can receive the configuration information, for example, by downloading the configuration information from a server, from the replaced beverage dispensing device 100, from a user device, etc.

[0161] Information related to the beverage dispensing device 100 can be used to help receive configuration information. For example, name information of the beverage dispensing device 100, location information of the beverage dispensing device 100, etc. can be used to assist in receiving configuration information.

[0162] The beverage dispensing device 100 may include a positioning device, such as a global positioning system (GPS) device 138. The GPS device 138 can be used to determine the location of the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine whether the beverage dispensing device 100 has moved, for example, by comparing the current location of the beverage dispensing device 100 and the previous location of the beverage dispensing device 100. The beverage dispensing device 100 can determine the location of one or more other beverage dispensing devices. Based on the location of the beverage dispensing device 100 and the one or more other beverage dispensing devices, the beverage dispensing device 100 can determine that the beverage dispensing device 100 is adjacent to one or more other beverage dispensing devices (e.g., one or more beverage dispensing devices that replace the beverage dispensing device 100).

[0163] The replaced beverage dispensing device may have an identification device (e.g., an electronic identification device, such as an RFID device), which the replaced beverage dispensing device can use to associate with the replaced dispensing device. For example, the replaced beverage dispensing device can scan the electronic identification device on the replaced beverage dispensing device and receive (e.g., automatically receive) configuration information. The replaced beverage dispensing device can download the configuration information received from the replaced beverage dispensing device.

[0164] Fig.10An example process for configuring a beverage dispensing device 100 is shown. At 902, a user may configure the beverage dispensing device 100. A device (e.g., beverage dispensing device 100, server, etc.) may determine the location of one or more beverage dispensing devices (e.g., beverage dispensing devices from which the beverage dispensing device 100 will receive configuration information). For example, a replacement beverage dispensing device may determine the location and / or configuration information of the replaced beverage dispensing device and / or the location of the replaced beverage dispensing device.

[0165] At 904, during configuration (e.g., initial configuration) of a beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a replacement beverage dispensing device), a location of the beverage dispensing device 100 may be determined. At 906, a device (e.g., a beverage dispensing device, a user device, a server, etc.) may determine whether one or more devices (e.g., other devices, such as another beverage dispensing device) are configured and / or have been configured at and / or near the location where the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a replacement beverage dispensing device) is being configured. If one or more beverage dispensing devices are configured and / or have been configured at the same location of the replacement beverage dispensing device 100, the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., the replacement beverage dispensing device 100) may request whether the configuration information of the beverage dispensing device 100 to be replaced should be used for the replacement beverage dispensing device 100. If it is indicated (e.g., by a user or technician of the beverage dispensing device) that the previous configuration should not be applied to the replacement beverage dispensing device 100, the configuration information of the previous beverage dispensing device 100 may not be transmitted to the replacement beverage dispensing device. At 908, if it is indicated that a previous configuration should be used for the replacement beverage dispensing device, the configuration information of the previous beverage dispensing device 100 may be transmitted and / or saved to the beverage dispensing device 100. At 910, an indication of the configuration may be provided by the beverage dispensing device 100, such as whether the configuration was successful, when the configuration occurred, and / or where the configuration information came from.

[0166] The beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a replaced beverage dispensing device) can copy configuration information from one or more beverage dispensing devices. For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a replaced beverage dispensing device) can copy configuration information from one or more beverage dispensing devices based on location information (e.g., location information of the replaced beverage dispensing device and / or location information of the beverage dispensing device to be replaced). For example, the beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a replaced beverage dispensing device) can copy configuration information from one or more beverage dispensing devices based on proximity, etc., based on the fact that the replaced beverage dispensing device 100 and the beverage dispensing device 100 to be replaced are in substantially the same location. For example, the configuration of the nearest beverage dispensing device 100 can be used for the replaced beverage dispensing device 100.

[0167] As described herein, a beverage dispensing device 100 (e.g., a replacement beverage dispensing device 100) can receive and / or download (e.g., automatically receive and / or download) configuration information, for example, based on location (e.g., GPS) information. The GPS information can include location information of the replacement beverage dispensing device and / or location information of one or more other beverage dispensing devices. The beverage dispensing device 100 can download configuration information based on events (e.g., a user's download event), duration (e.g., weekly), trends (e.g., a user uses the beverage dispensing device 100 less often), etc. The beverage dispensing device 100 can indicate that the configuration has been downloaded (e.g., successfully downloaded). The beverage dispensing device 100 can indicate the device from which the beverage dispensing device 100 receives the configuration information.

[0168] Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific examples including currently preferred modes for implementing the present invention, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are multiple variations and permutations of the above-described systems and techniques. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be broadly interpreted as described in the appended claims.

[0169] A method for producing and dispensing beverages, comprising: receiving a selection of a beverage via a user interface of a beverage dispensing device, wherein the beverage dispensing device comprises a processor and a memory device, the memory device comprising instructions for producing the selected beverage, the instructions comprising a beverage pressure value; receiving a beverage package containing beverage preparation ingredients into the beverage dispensing device; detecting the type of the beverage package via the processor of the beverage dispensing device; determining, via the processor of the beverage dispensing device, a beverage package pressure value of the beverage package based on the type of the beverage package received into the beverage dispensing device; wherein: (1) if the beverage package pressure value corresponds to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing device injects liquid into the beverage package at the beverage pressure value according to the instructions to produce the selected beverage; (2) if the beverage package pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the processor adjusts the instruction, and the beverage dispensing device injects liquid into the beverage package at the beverage package pressure value according to the adjusted instruction to produce a modified beverage; and dispensing the selected beverage or the modified beverage into a drinking vessel.

[0170] Wherein the beverage pressure value is high pressure or low pressure, and wherein the beverage package pressure value is high pressure or low pressure.

[0171] Wherein if the beverage packet pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the processor adjusts the instructions without indicating the adjustment to the user.

[0172] Wherein if the beverage packet pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, at least one of an audio or visual indication is provided when the processor adjusts the instructions.

[0173] Wherein the revised beverage relates to a beverage previously selected by a user of the beverage dispensing device.

[0174] Wherein the processor determines the revised beverage through machine learning techniques.

[0175] A beverage dispensing system, comprising: a beverage dispensing device, comprising: a user interface for displaying a beverage menu, the menu including a plurality of beverages that can be dispensed by the beverage dispensing device; and a package holder configured to hold a beverage package containing beverage ingredients; a memory device containing instructions for making each beverage listed in the beverage menu, the instructions including a beverage pressure value at which liquid is injected into the beverage package during beverage formation; a processor configured to detect the type of beverage package held in the package holder and determine a package pressure value for the beverage package; wherein, when a user selects a beverage from the beverage menu on the user interface, the processor determines whether the beverage pressure value corresponds to the package pressure value; and wherein: (1) if the package pressure value corresponds to the beverage pressure value, the beverage dispensing device is configured to inject liquid into the beverage package at the beverage pressure value to prepare the beverage; and (2) if the package pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the processor is configured to adjust the instructions so that the beverage dispensing device injects liquid into the beverage package at the package pressure value to make a modified beverage.

[0176] Wherein the beverage pressure value is high pressure or low pressure, and wherein the beverage package pressure value is high pressure or low pressure.

[0177] Wherein if the beverage package pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, the processor adjusts the instructions without instructing the user to make the adjustment.

[0178] Wherein if the beverage packet pressure value does not correspond to the beverage pressure value, providing at least one of an audio or visual indication when the processor adjusts the instructions.

[0179] Wherein the revised beverage relates to a beverage previously selected by a user of the beverage dispensing device.

[0180] Wherein the processor determines the revised beverage through machine learning techniques.

[0181] Wherein the processor is located within the beverage dispensing device.

[0182] Wherein the processor is located external to the beverage dispensing device.

[0183] A method for customizing a beverage menu of a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: displaying a menu including multiple beverage options on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, wherein the multiple beverage options are customized based on the status of available beverage preparation ingredient packaging types at a geographic location; receiving a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type having an unavailable status at the geographic location into the beverage dispensing device; updating the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type received into the beverage dispensing device from an unavailable status to an available status; and causing the beverage menu to display one or more additional beverage options that can be produced using the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type that has been updated from an unavailable status to an available status.

[0184] The geographical location of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type is close to the location of the beverage dispensing equipment.

[0185] The beverage dispensing device identifies the received beverage preparation ingredient packaging type via at least one of a barcode, a QR code, or an image associated with the received beverage preparation ingredient packaging type.

[0186] Wherein an available status and an unavailable status of a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type are updated via a sensor of the used beverage dispensing device which identifies the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type.

[0187] The available state includes the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type being in stock and provided by the beverage dispensing device, and the unavailable state includes the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type being (1) out of stock on the beverage dispensing device or (2) in stock on the beverage dispensing device but not provided by the beverage dispensing device.

[0188] A beverage dispensing system, comprising: a beverage dispensing device, comprising: a user interface that displays a menu including a plurality of beverage options, wherein the plurality of beverage options are customized based on an available status of a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type at a geographic location; a package holder configured to receive a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type, the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type including at least one of an available status or an unavailable status at the geographic location; a processor configured to update the status of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type from an unavailable status to an available status when the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type receives an unavailable beverage preparation ingredient packaging type into the package holder; and wherein the user interface displays one or more additional beverage options that can be produced using the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type that is updated from an unavailable status to an available status.

[0189] Wherein the geographical location of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type is proximate to the location of the beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0190] Wherein the beverage dispensing device identifies the received beverage preparation ingredient packaging type by at least one of a barcode, a QR code or an image associated with the received beverage preparation ingredient packaging type.

[0191] The usable status and unusable status of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type are updated via a sensor of the beverage dispensing device identifying the use of the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type.

[0192] The available state includes a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type that is in stock and provided by the beverage dispensing device, and the unavailable state includes a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type that is (1) not in stock on the beverage dispensing device or (2) in stock on the beverage dispensing device but not provided by the beverage dispensing device.

[0193] Wherein the processor is located external to the beverage dispensing device.

[0194] A method for customizing a beverage menu for a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: indicating to a processor of the beverage dispensing device which of a plurality of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types are available packaging and which of a plurality of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types are unavailable packaging; displaying a customized menu on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, the customized menu including a plurality of beverage options that can be produced using the packaging indicated as available; receiving the packaging indicated as unavailable into the beverage dispensing device, the processor of the beverage dispensing device determining that the received packaging indicated as unavailable is a newly indicated as available packaging; and automatically updating the customized menu by the processor of the beverage dispensing device to include one or more additional beverage options that can be produced using the newly indicated as available packaging.

[0195] Wherein the customized menu is permanently updated when the processor of the beverage dispensing device recognizes the inserted unusable package as a package newly indicated as available.

[0196] Wherein the processor is configured to remove one or more additional beverage options made using the newly indicated as available package when the newly indicated as available package is removed from the beverage dispensing device within a predetermined time period.

[0197] A method for producing customized beverages using a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: receiving a first beverage preparation ingredient package through a beverage dispensing system, the beverage dispensing device being in operative communication with a server; causing the beverage dispensing device to inject a first volume of liquid into the first beverage preparation ingredient package to form a first non-customized beverage and dispensing the first non-customized beverage into a drinking vessel; receiving a second beverage preparation ingredient package via the beverage dispensing system, the beverage formed by the second beverage preparation ingredient and the first beverage preparation ingredient being not a default beverage of the beverage dispensing device; causing the beverage dispensing device to inject a second volume of liquid into the second beverage preparation ingredient package to form a second non-customized beverage; dispensing the second non-customized beverage into the first beverage in the drinking vessel to form a customized beverage; and transmitting data related to the customized beverage from the beverage dispensing device to the server.

[0198] Also included is displaying a menu on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, the menu including a plurality of customized beverages prepared using the stocked beverage preparation ingredient packages.

[0199] Also included is monitoring the frequency with which the custom beverage is made with the beverage dispensing device, and when the frequency exceeds a predetermined frequency, the beverage dispensing device identifying the custom beverage as a new default beverage for the beverage dispensing device.

[0200] Therein the menu is automatically updated to display the new default beverage for the beverage dispensing device.

[0201] The data related to the customized beverage includes a recipe for making the customized beverage.

[0202] It also includes tracking how often custom beverages are made using beverage dispensing equipment.

[0203] A beverage dispensing system comprises: a beverage dispensing device that is operably in communication with a server, the beverage dispensing device comprising a package holder configured to receive a first beverage preparation ingredient package and a second beverage preparation ingredient package, the second beverage preparation ingredient and the first beverage preparation ingredient forming a beverage that is not a default beverage of the beverage dispensing device; a processor configured to: cause the beverage dispensing device to (1) inject a first volume of liquid into the first beverage preparation ingredient package to form a first non-customized beverage and (2) dispense the first non-customized beverage into a drinking vessel; cause the beverage dispensing device to inject a second volume of liquid into the second beverage preparation ingredient package to form a second non-customized beverage and dispense the second non-customized beverage into the first beverage in the drinking vessel, thereby forming a customized beverage; and cause data related to the customized beverage to be transmitted from the beverage dispensing device to the server.

[0204] Also included is a display configured to display a menu on the user interface, the menu including a plurality of customized beverages prepared using the stock beverage preparation ingredient package.

[0205] Wherein the processor monitors the frequency with which the custom beverage is made with the beverage dispensing device and when the frequency exceeds a predetermined frequency, the beverage dispensing device identifies the custom beverage as a new default beverage for the beverage dispensing device.

[0206] Wherein the menu is automatically updated to display a new default beverage for the beverage dispensing device.

[0207] The data related to the customized beverage includes a recipe for making the customized beverage.

[0208] Wherein the processor is configured to track the frequency with which customized beverages are prepared using the beverage dispensing device.

[0209] A method for customizing a beverage dispensed from a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: selecting a first beverage type to be produced and dispensed by the beverage dispensing device from a plurality of beverage types, the beverage dispensing device comprising a processor operably connected to a memory device storing default instructions for making a beverage of the first beverage type, the default instructions comprising a preset capacity and a preset concentration; receiving via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device at least one of: (1) adjusting the concentration of the beverage to a corrected concentration that is lower than or higher than a preset concentration; (2) adjusting the capacity of the beverage to a corrected capacity that is lower than or higher than a preset capacity; causing the beverage dispensing device to produce and dispense a beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the corrected concentration or the corrected capacity; associating the beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the corrected concentration or the corrected capacity with a user of the beverage dispensing device; and storing the association of the user with the beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the corrected concentration or the corrected capacity.

[0210] Also included is identifying a first beverage type having at least one of a revised concentration or a revised volume as a default beverage.

[0211] A beverage dispensing system comprises: a memory device configured to store default instructions for making a beverage of a beverage type, the default instructions including a preset capacity and a preset concentration; a processor operably connected to the memory; and a beverage dispensing device comprising a user interface configured to receive (1) an indication of a beverage type to be produced and dispensed by the beverage dispensing device, and (2) at least one of a corrected concentration of the beverage having a concentration lower than or higher than a preset concentration; or a corrected capacity of the beverage having a capacity lower than or higher than a preset capacity; wherein the processor is configured to cause the beverage dispensing device to produce and dispense a beverage of the beverage type having at least one of a corrected concentration or a corrected capacity.

[0212] Wherein the processor is configured to identify a first beverage type having at least one of a revised concentration or a revised volume as a default beverage.

[0213] Wherein the processor is located external to the beverage dispensing device.

[0214] A method for soliciting user feedback when making and dispensing beverages using a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: causing the beverage dispensing device to produce or dispense a beverage; displaying one or more questions through a user interface of the beverage dispensing device while the beverage dispensing device is producing or dispensing the beverage; receiving responses to the one or more questions from a user of the beverage dispensing device via the user interface; and storing the responses on a memory device.

[0215] Wherein the response is received by at least one of a user actuating a button on a user interface of the beverage dispensing apparatus or a user providing audio to a microphone of the beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0216] Wherein the one or more questions are yes / no questions corresponding to a plurality of buttons, one of the plurality of buttons corresponding to a yes response and another of the plurality of buttons corresponding to a no response.

[0217] Wherein the beverage dispensing device comprises a user interface having a touch screen, responses are received by the user touching different parts of the touch screen.

[0218] Also included is a server in operable communication with the beverage dispensing apparatus, the server including the memory device.

[0219] A beverage dispensing system comprises: a processor configured to cause a beverage dispensing device to produce a beverage; a user interface of the beverage dispensing device configured to: display one or more questions when the beverage dispensing device produces a beverage or dispenses a beverage; and receive responses to the one or more questions; and a memory device operably connected to the processor and configured to store responses to the one or more questions.

[0220] Wherein the response is received by at least one of a user actuating a button on the user interface or a user providing audio to a microphone of the beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0221] Wherein the one or more questions are yes / no questions corresponding to a plurality of buttons, one of the plurality of buttons corresponding to a yes response and another of the plurality of buttons corresponding to a no response.

[0222] The beverage dispensing device includes a user interface having a touch screen, and responses are received by the user touching different parts of the touch screen.

[0223] Also included is a server in operable communication with the beverage dispensing apparatus, the server including the memory device.

[0224] The method includes: attempting to start a beverage dispensing device to produce and dispense a beverage, and the beverage dispensing device does not work due to a fault; automatically transmitting fault information related to the occurrence of the fault from the beverage dispensing device to an electronic device, the fault information including a fault identifier, a date and time related to the occurrence of the fault, and a date and time related to fault repair; determining the efficiency of the fault repair based on the fault information; and storing the efficiency of the fault repair on a memory device.

[0225] Wherein the electronic device is at least one of a user device, a server, or another beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0226] Wherein the electronic device is a user device, the fault signal is sent to the user device as a text message or an email.

[0227] Also included is displaying a fault message on a display screen of the beverage dispensing device.

[0228] Also included is receiving feedback information related to the fault from a user of the beverage dispensing device via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device.

[0229] The fault information includes at least one of an estimated date when the fault is expected to be repaired or an estimated time when the fault is expected to be repaired.

[0230] Also included is displaying a customized message related to the fault from a technician of the beverage dispensing device on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device.

[0231] A beverage dispensing system comprises: a beverage dispensing device, comprising a user interface for receiving instructions for operating the beverage dispensing device; a processor configured to: detect that the beverage dispensing device is unable to operate due to a fault; cause fault information related to the fault to be transmitted from the beverage dispensing device to an electronic device, the fault information including a fault identifier, a date and time related to the fault occurrence, and a date and time related to fault repair; determine the efficiency of the fault repair based on the fault information; and store the efficiency of the fault repair on a memory device.

[0232] Wherein the electronic device is at least one of a user device, a server, or another beverage dispensing apparatus.

[0233] Wherein the electronic device is a user device, the fault signal is sent to the user device as a text message or an email.

[0234] Also included is displaying the fault information on a display screen of the beverage dispensing device.

[0235] Therein a user interface of the beverage dispensing device receives feedback information related to the fault from a user of the beverage dispensing device.

[0236] The fault information includes at least one of an estimated date when the fault is expected to be repaired or an estimated time when the fault is expected to be repaired.

[0237] Also included is displaying a customized message related to the fault from a technician of the beverage dispensing device on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device.

[0238] A method for tracking a response to a failure of a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: displaying an indication related to a failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device; receiving an input requesting information related to a failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device on the user interface; providing information related to a failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device through the user interface; receiving an indication via the user interface to clear the indication related to the failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and storing the indication related to the failure of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device through a memory device.

[0239] The beverage dispensing device comprises a storage device.

[0240] Wherein the beverage dispensing device is in operable communication with a server including a memory, the beverage dispensing device provides information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device to the server.

[0241] Also included is providing instructions, via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, on how to resolve a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device.

[0242] The instructions are provided through a video demonstration of how to troubleshoot a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device.

[0243] A beverage dispensing system comprises: a beverage dispensing device, which includes a user interface, which is configured to: display an indication related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; receive an input requesting information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; provide information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and receive an indication to clear the indication related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and a memory device, which is configured to store the indication related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device.

[0244] Wherein said beverage dispensing device comprises said storage device.

[0245] Also included is a server, wherein the beverage dispensing device is in operable communication with the server, the beverage dispensing device providing information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device to the server.

[0246] A method for configuring a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: receiving an indication to start a configuration activity for the beverage dispensing device through a user interface of the beverage dispensing device; identifying another beverage dispensing device whose position is close to the position of the beverage dispensing device; determining the identification of another beverage dispensing device whose position is close to the position of the beverage dispensing device; receiving configuration information associated with another beverage dispensing device whose position is close to the position of the beverage dispensing device; and storing the configuration information associated with the other beverage dispensing device on a memory device.

[0247] Also included is a server, wherein the beverage dispensing device is in operable communication with the server, the beverage dispensing device receiving from the server an identification of another beverage dispensing device that is located adjacent to a location of the beverage dispensing device.

[0248] Also included is a server, wherein the server includes the memory device.

[0249] Wherein receiving configuration information associated with another beverage dispensing apparatus and storing the configuration information is based on an input provided to the beverage dispensing apparatus indicating that the beverage dispensing apparatus received the configuration information.

[0250] It also includes providing information related to the configuration of the beverage dispensing device through a user interface, the information related to the configuration of the beverage dispensing device including whether the configuration of the beverage dispensing device is successful, when the configuration of the beverage dispensing device starts, or at least one of an identification of another beverage dispensing device from which the configuration information is derived.

[0251] Wherein the configuration information relates to at least one of a user of the beverage dispensing device, a location of the beverage dispensing device or a service provided by the beverage dispensing device.

[0252] Wherein the location of the beverage dispensing apparatus includes at least one of a type of building in which the beverage dispensing apparatus will be located or a climate of an area in which the beverage dispensing apparatus will be located.

[0253] Wherein the beverage dispensing device receives configuration information based on an event, a duration or a trend.

[0254] A beverage dispensing system comprises: a beverage dispensing device having a first position, the beverage dispensing device comprising a user interface, the user interface being configured to receive an instruction to start a configuration activity on the beverage dispensing device; a processor being configured to: identify another beverage dispensing device having a second position, the second position being proximate to the first position of the beverage dispensing device; determine an identification of another beverage dispensing device having a second position proximate to the first position of the beverage dispensing device; receive configuration information associated with another beverage dispensing device having a second position proximate to the first position of the beverage dispensing device; and a memory device being configured to store configuration information associated with another beverage dispensing device.

[0255] Also included is a server, wherein the beverage dispensing device is in operable communication with the server and receives from the server an identification of another beverage dispensing device having a second location proximate to the first location of the beverage dispensing device.

[0256] Also included is a server, wherein the server includes the memory device.

[0257] Therein, the receiving of configuration information associated with another beverage dispensing device and the storing of the configuration information are based on an input provided to the beverage dispensing device indicating that the beverage dispensing device receives the configuration information.

[0258] Wherein, the user interface is also configured to provide information related to the configuration of the beverage dispensing device, and the information related to the configuration of the beverage dispensing device includes at least one of the following: whether the configuration of the beverage dispensing device is successful, when the configuration of the beverage dispensing device starts, or an identifier of another beverage dispensing device from which the configuration information originates.

[0259] Wherein the configuration information relates to at least one of a user of the beverage dispensing device, a first location of the beverage dispensing device or a service provided by the beverage dispensing device.

[0260] The first location of the beverage dispensing device comprises at least one of a global positioning system (GPS) location of the beverage dispensing device, a location of a building where the beverage dispensing device is located, or a climate of an area where the beverage dispensing device is located.

[0261] Wherein the beverage dispensing device receives configuration information based on an event, a duration or a trend.

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing device, comprising: a processor configured to cause the beverage dispensing apparatus to produce a beverage; The user interface of the beverage dispensing device is configured to: indicating one or more problems when the beverage dispensing device is producing a beverage or dispensing a beverage; and receiving a response to the one or more questions; and A memory device is operably coupled to the processor and configured to store responses to the one or more questions.

2. The beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: The response is received by at least one of a user pressing a button on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device or a user providing audio to a microphone of the beverage dispensing device.

3. A beverage dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the one or more questions are yes / no questions corresponding to a plurality of buttons, one button of the plurality of buttons corresponding to a yes response and another button of the plurality of buttons corresponding to a no answer.

4. The beverage dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the beverage dispensing device includes a user interface having a touch screen, and the response is received by a user touching different parts of the touch screen.

5. The beverage dispensing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a server in operable communication with the beverage dispensing apparatus, the server comprising the memory device.

6. A method for soliciting user feedback when using a beverage dispensing device to make and dispense a beverage, the method comprising: causing the beverage dispensing device to produce or dispense a beverage; while the beverage dispensing device is producing a beverage or dispensing a beverage, displaying one or more questions via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device; receiving, via the user interface, a response to the one or more questions from a user of the beverage dispensing apparatus; and The response is stored on a memory device.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the response is received by at least one of a user pressing a button on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device or a user providing audio to a microphone of the beverage dispensing device.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more questions are yes / no questions corresponding to a plurality of buttons, one button of the plurality of buttons corresponding to a yes response and another button of the plurality of buttons corresponding to a no answer.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the beverage dispensing device includes a user interface having a touch screen, and the responses are received by a user touching different portions of the touch screen.

10. The method of claim 6, further comprising a server in operable communication with the beverage dispensing apparatus, the server including the memory device.

11. A beverage dispensing system comprising: Beverage dispensing equipment, comprising: a user interface that displays a menu including a plurality of beverage options, wherein the plurality of beverage options are customized based on the availability of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types at a geographic location; and a package holder configured to receive a beverage preparation ingredient package type that includes at least one of an available state or an unavailable state at the geographic location; and a processor configured to update a status of the beverage preparation ingredient package type from an unusable status to an usable status when the beverage preparation ingredient package type receives an unusable beverage preparation ingredient package type into the package holder; wherein the user interface displays one or more additional beverage options producible using the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type updated from the unavailable state to the available state.

12. A method for customizing a beverage menu of a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: displaying a menu including a plurality of beverage options on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, wherein the plurality of beverage options are customized based on availability of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types at a geographic location; receiving into the beverage dispensing apparatus a beverage preparation ingredient packaging type having an unusable status at the geographic location; updating the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type received into the beverage dispensing device from the unusable state to the usable state; and The beverage menu is caused to display one or more additional beverage options that can be produced using the beverage preparation ingredient packaging type updated from the unavailable state to the available state.

13. A method for customizing a beverage menu of a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: indicating to a processor of the beverage dispensing apparatus which of a plurality of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types are available packaging and which of a plurality of beverage preparation ingredient packaging types are not available packaging; displaying a customized menu on a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, the customized menu including a plurality of beverage options that can be produced using the packaging indicated as available; receiving a package indicated as unusable into the beverage dispensing device, a processor of the beverage dispensing device determining that the received package indicated as unusable is a new package indicated as available; and The customized menu is automatically updated via a processor of the beverage dispensing apparatus to include one or more additional beverage options producible using the new packaging indicated as available.

14. A beverage dispensing system comprising: A beverage dispensing device comprising a user interface for receiving instructions for operating the beverage dispensing device; and A processor configured to: detecting that the beverage dispensing device is inoperable due to a fault; causing transmission of fault information associated with the occurrence of the fault from the beverage dispensing apparatus to the electronic device, the fault information including a fault identifier, a date and time associated with the occurrence of the fault, and a date and time associated with repair of the fault; Determining the efficiency of fault repair according to the fault information; and The efficiency of the fault repair is stored on a memory device.

15. A method of providing fault information associated with a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: attempting to start the beverage dispensing device to produce and dispense a beverage, the beverage dispensing device being unable to operate due to a malfunction; automatically transmitting fault information associated with the occurrence of the fault from the beverage dispensing device to the electronic device, the fault information including a fault identifier, a date and time associated with the occurrence of the fault, and a date and time associated with repair of the fault; Determining the efficiency of fault repair according to the fault information; and The efficiency of the fault repair is stored on a memory device.

16. A beverage dispensing system comprising: A beverage dispensing device comprising a user interface configured to: displaying an indication related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; receiving an input requesting information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; providing information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and receiving an indication to clear an indication associated with a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and A memory device is configured to store an indication related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device.

17. A method of tracking a response to a malfunction of a beverage dispensing device, the method comprising: displaying, on a user interface of a beverage dispensing device, an indication related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; receiving input on the user interface requesting information related to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; providing, via the user interface, information relating to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; receiving, via the user interface, an indication to clear an indication associated with a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device; and An indication relating to a malfunction of the beverage dispensing device or a report of the beverage dispensing device is saved via a memory device.

18. A beverage dispensing system comprising A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a display; Network Interface Memory; as well as A processor configured to detecting an operation being performed by the beverage dispensing apparatus or an operation being performed on the beverage dispensing device; determining a demonstration mode state of the beverage dispensing device based on at least one of: an operating state of the beverage dispensing device, a configuration state of the beverage dispensing device, a dispensing state of the beverage dispensing device, a beverage requested from the beverage dispensing device, a number of sales performed by the beverage dispensing device, or a predetermined period of demonstration mode time, the demonstration mode being at least one of positive or negative; When the demonstration mode state is "positive", selecting at least one demonstration corresponding to the operation; as well as The selected at least one presentation is initiated via at least one of the display or the network interface.

19. A method of providing a demonstration of an operation performed by a beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: detecting an operation being performed by the beverage dispensing apparatus or an operation being performed on the beverage dispensing device; determining a demonstration mode state of the beverage dispensing device based on at least one of: an operating state of the beverage dispensing device, a configuration state of the beverage dispensing device, a dispensing state of the beverage dispensing device, a beverage requested from the beverage dispensing device, a number of sales performed by the beverage dispensing device, or a predetermined period of demonstration mode time, the demonstration mode being at least one of positive or negative; When the demonstration mode state is "positive", selecting at least one demonstration corresponding to the operation; as well as The selected at least one presentation is initiated via at least one of a display of the beverage dispensing device or a network interface of the beverage dispensing device.

20. A beverage dispensing system comprising Beverage dispensing equipment, including a user interface displaying a beverage menu including a plurality of beverages that can be dispensed by the beverage dispensing device; as well as A package holder for fixing a beverage package containing a beverage ingredient; a memory device containing instructions for making each beverage listed in the beverage menu, the instructions including a beverage brew cycle for forming the beverage; as well as a processor configured to detect the type of the beverage package being secured in the package holder and determine a beverage package brewing cycle; wherein, when a user selects a beverage from the beverage menu on the user interface, the processor determines whether the beverage brewing cycle is consistent with the package brewing cycle; and Wherein: (1) if the package brewing cycle corresponds to the beverage brewing cycle, the beverage dispensing device is configured to use the beverage brewing cycle to make a beverage; and (2) if the package brewing cycle does not correspond to the beverage brewing cycle, the processor is configured to adjust the instructions to use the package brewing cycle to make a modified beverage.

21. A method of producing and dispensing a beverage comprising receiving a selection of a beverage via a user interface of a beverage dispensing device, wherein the beverage dispensing device comprises a processor and a memory device, the memory device comprising instructions for producing the selected beverage, the instructions comprising a beverage brewing cycle; receiving a beverage package containing beverage making ingredients into the beverage dispensing apparatus; detecting, by a processor of the beverage dispensing device, a type of the beverage package; determining, by a processor of the beverage dispensing device, a beverage brewing cycle of the beverage package according to the type of the beverage package received into the beverage dispensing device; Wherein: (1) if the packaged brewing cycle corresponds to the beverage brewing cycle, the beverage dispensing device uses the beverage brewing cycle to make the selected beverage; and (2) if the packaged brewing cycle does not correspond to the beverage brewing cycle, the processor adjusts the instructions to use the packaged brewing cycle to make a modified beverage; and dispenses at least one of the selected beverage or the modified beverage into a drinking vessel.

22. A beverage dispensing system comprising: a beverage dispensing device in operative communication with the server, the beverage dispensing device comprising a package holder configured to receive a first beverage preparation ingredient package and a second beverage preparation ingredient package, the second beverage preparation ingredient and the first beverage preparation ingredient forming a beverage that is not a default beverage for the beverage dispensing device; and A processor configured to: causing the beverage dispensing apparatus to (1) inject a first volume of liquid into the first beverage preparation ingredient package to form a first non-customized beverage and (2) dispense the first non-customized beverage into a drinking vessel; causing the beverage dispensing apparatus to inject a second volume of liquid into the second beverage preparation ingredient package to form a second non-customized beverage and to dispense the second non-customized beverage into the first beverage in the drinking vessel to form a customized beverage; and Data related to the customized beverage is caused to be transmitted from the beverage dispensing device to the server.

23. A method of producing a customized beverage using a beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a first beverage preparation ingredient package via the beverage dispensing system, the beverage dispensing device being in operable communication with a server; causing the beverage dispensing apparatus to inject a first volume of liquid into the first beverage preparation ingredient package to form a first non-customized beverage and to dispense the first non-customized beverage into a drinking vessel; receiving via the beverage dispensing system a second beverage preparation ingredient package, the second beverage preparation ingredient and the first beverage preparation ingredient forming a beverage that is not a default beverage for the beverage dispensing apparatus; causing the beverage dispensing apparatus to inject the second volume of liquid into the second beverage preparation ingredient package to form a second non-customized beverage; dispensing the second non-customized beverage into the first beverage in the drinking vessel to form a customized beverage; and Data related to the customized beverage is transmitted from the beverage dispensing device to the server.

24. A beverage dispensing system comprising: a beverage dispensing device having a first position, the beverage dispensing device comprising a user interface configured to receive an indication to initiate a configuration activity on the beverage dispensing device; The processor configuration is: identifying another beverage dispensing device having a second location proximate to the first location of the beverage dispensing device; determining an identification of the further beverage dispensing device having a second location proximate to the first location of the beverage dispensing device; receiving configuration information associated with the other beverage dispensing device having a second location proximate to the first location of the beverage dispensing device; and A memory device is configured to store said configuration information associated with the further beverage dispensing apparatus.

25. A method of configuring a beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: receiving, via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device, an indication to begin a configuration activity on the beverage dispensing device; identifying another beverage dispensing device that is located proximate to the location of the beverage dispensing device; determining an identification of the further beverage dispensing device which is located proximate to the location of the beverage dispensing device; receiving configuration information associated with the other beverage dispensing device that is located proximate to the location of the beverage dispensing device; and Said configuration information associated with the further beverage dispensing apparatus is stored on a memory device.

26. A beverage dispensing system comprising: a memory device configured to store default instructions for making a beverage of the beverage type, the default instructions including a preset volume and a preset strength; a processor operably coupled to the memory; and A beverage dispensing device, comprising a user interface configured to receive at least one of (1) an indication of the type of beverage produced and dispensed by the beverage dispensing device, and (2) a concentration of the beverage that is a modified concentration that is lower or higher than the preset concentration; or a volume of the beverage that is a modified volume that is lower or higher than the preset volume; Wherein, the processor is configured to cause the beverage dispensing apparatus to produce and dispense a beverage of the beverage type having at least one of the corrected concentration or the corrected volume.

27. A method of customizing a beverage dispensed from a beverage dispensing apparatus, the method comprising: selecting a first beverage type from a plurality of beverage types to be produced and dispensed by the beverage dispensing apparatus, the beverage dispensing apparatus comprising a processor operably coupled to a memory device storing default instructions for making a beverage of the first beverage type, the default instructions comprising a preset volume and a preset strength; At least one of the following is received via a user interface of the beverage dispensing device: (1) the concentration of the beverage is a corrected concentration that is lower or higher than the preset concentration; (2) the volume of the beverage is a corrected volume that is lower or higher than the preset volume; causing the beverage dispensing apparatus to produce and dispense a beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the revised concentration or the revised volume; associating a beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the revised concentration or the revised volume with a user of the beverage dispensing device; and An association of the user with a beverage of the first beverage type having at least one of the revised strength or the revised volume is stored.

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