Liquid distribution system, comprising at least one distribution terminal

Abstract

Title: Liquid distribution system, comprising at least one distribution terminal The invention relates to a liquid distribution system, comprising at least one distribution terminal (1) for at least one liquid, and mobile computer units (2), and a computer application (3) intended to be loaded by the mobile computer units (2) comprising first communication means (51), the distribution terminal (1) including second communication means (52) capable of communicating with the first communication means (51) and including a computer box (4) configured to exchange with the mobile computer units (2) via the computer application (3), the computer box (4) being configured to receive a distribution request from one of the mobile computer units (2),and the dispensing terminal (1) comprising a liquid dispensing means (14) coupled to the computer box (4) to authorize or not the dispensing of liquid. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1,

Description

Title of the invention: Liquid distribution system, comprising at least one distribution terminal

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of a liquid distribution system.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a system aimed at enabling the distribution of liquids via a distribution terminal.

[0003] At events that bring people together in one place, it is common to offer drinks.

[0004] Beverage distribution systems are therefore being set up for these events. The managers of these systems want solutions that are quick and easy to administer, while allowing users to quickly access their drinks.

[0005] Dispensing systems are known comprising terminals at which people can obtain the distribution of a liquid. This makes it possible to avoid mobilizing a particular person to distribute the drinks.

[0006] The improvement of such distribution systems, in particular to overcome improvable simplicity, or a deficient user experience, is sought.

[0007] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0008] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a distribution system of simpler drink than what is permitted by the prior art.

[0009] The invention also aims to provide such a distribution system allowing its users to benefit from an improved user experience compared to the prior art.

[0010] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which has as its subject a system for distributing liquids, comprising at least one terminal for distributing at least one liquid, and mobile computer units,

[0011] characterized in that it comprises a computer application intended to be loaded by the mobile computer units comprising first communication means,

[0012] the distribution terminal including second communication means capable of communicating with the first communication means and including a computer box configured to exchange with the mobile computer units via the computer application,

[0013] the computer box being configured to receive a distribution request in originating from one of the mobile computer units,

[0014] and in that the dispensing terminal comprises a liquid dispensing means coupled to the computer box to authorize or not the dispensing of liquid.

[0015] Mobile computing units correspond, for example, to smartphones.

[0016] The distribution system thus allows a user to obtain a distribution of a drink using his mobile computer unit on which he will have previously loaded a computer application, and done what is necessary to request the distribution of a drink.

[0017] The system thus offers particularly appreciable autonomy to the user who wishes to obtain a drink, but also to the manager of the distribution system who does not have to call on a person to serve the drink.

[0018] By employing the users' mobile computing unit, the communication means of the mobile computing unit are utilized, as well as the ability of such a mobile computing unit to make dematerialized payments.

[0019] The user experience is thereby enhanced compared to what is possible in the prior art, and the autonomous distribution of the drink is thereby simplified.

[0020] Preferably, the distribution system comprises a computer platform including said computer application intended to be loaded by mobile computer units, the platform comprising third communication means capable of communicating with the first communication means and the second communication means.

[0021] Any new user must then connect to the computer platform to load the computer application onto their mobile computer unit in order to be able to obtain a drink distribution via the system.

[0022] Advantageously, the computer platform comprises at least one database of mobile computer units listing at least one identification code of each mobile computer unit, a mobile computer unit being capable of identifying itself with the computer platform by transmitting its identification code via the computer application.

[0023] In this way, the distribution of drinks is more secure, in order to avoid, or at least limit, the fraudulent obtaining of a distribution of drinks.

[0024] According to a preferred characteristic, the computer platform is configured to receive the distribution request with an identification code, to transmit the distribution request to the computer box of the distribution terminal in the event of authentication of the identification code.

[0025] The security of beverage distribution is then improved.

[0026] According to a preferred variant, the dispensing terminal comprises a measuring device intended to emit digital data relating to a quantity of liquid dispensed.

[0027] The dispensing of a beverage can then be carried out more precisely.

[0028] According to a preferred solution, the computer box is configured to transmit to the computer platform the digital data relating to a quantity of liquid distributed.

[0029] The computer platform can thus learn the quantity of liquid that has been distributed and store it.

[0030] Advantageously, the computer platform is coupled to a computer payment system.

[0031] The computer payment for the distribution of the drink can thus be carried out, prior to the distribution of a drink, or after the distribution of the drink depending on the quantity which has been precisely distributed.

[0032] According to an advantageous characteristic, the computer platform is configured to calculate an amount to be paid based on the digital data relating to a quantity of liquid distributed and to transmit the amount to be paid to the computer payment system.

[0033] System management and user experience are made easier and simpler.

[0034] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given as an illustrative and non-limiting example, and the single figure:

[0035] [Fig-1] Figure one is a schematic representation illustrating the system of dis delivery of a beverage according to the invention.

[0036] [Fig.l] illustrates a liquid distribution system.

[0037] The distribution system comprises, according to the present embodiment: - at least one distribution terminal 1 of at least one liquid; - 2 mobile computer units; - a computer platform 6.

[0038] According to other conceivable embodiments, the system may comprise a plurality of distribution terminals 1, in particular with different types of liquid to be distributed, and / or not comprise a computer platform 6.

[0039] According to the present embodiment, the distribution terminal 1 comprises: - gas supply means 11, for example a carbon dioxide bottle; - a reserve of liquid 12, for example a beer barrel; - a refrigeration unit 13; - a means of distributing liquid 14, in particular formed by an elec- trovanne; - a measuring device 15 designed to emit digital data relating to a quantity of liquid dispensed, the measuring device 15 comprising in particular a flow meter; - a dispensing nozzle 18 through which the liquid is dispensed; - electronic processing means 16; - a display screen 17;

[0040] The previously described dispensing terminal 1 is suitable for dispensing beer. This dispensing terminal can however be configured to dispense other types of beverage. In such cases, the gas supply means can be deactivated, and the refrigeration unit 13 can be deactivated or adjusted to bring the liquid to a predetermined temperature other than that at which a beer is to be dispensed.

[0041] The distribution terminal 1 also comprises a computer box 4.

[0042] This computer box 4 is integrated into the distribution terminal 1.

[0043] This computer box 4 has: - the liquid distribution means 14, in particular formed by a solenoid valve; - the measuring device 15 designed to emit digital data relating to a quantity of liquid dispensed, the measuring device 15 comprising in particular a flow meter; - electronic processing means 16; - the display screen 17;

[0044] The computer box 4, by being integrated into the distribution terminal 1, thus allows the distribution terminal 1 to include the components of the computer box 4.

[0045] This makes it possible in particular to equip a pre-existing distribution device with the computer box 4 in order to form a distribution terminal 1.

[0046] The distribution system also comprises a computer application 3 which is intended to be loaded by the mobile computer units 2.

[0047] The computer box 4 is configured to exchange with the mobile computer units 2 via the computer application 3.

[0048] For this purpose, the distribution system also comprises communication means to enable data communication, illustrated by arrow 50, between the different elements of the system.

[0049] More precisely, each mobile computing unit 2 comprises first communication means 51, the distribution terminal 1 comprises, that is to say it includes, second communication means 52, and the computing platform 6 comprises third communication means 53.

[0050] These means of communication correspond for example to electronic components- Ironics designed to enable the establishment of data communication via telecommunications protocols such as “near field communication”, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or, without limitation, telecommunications protocols used in mobile telephone networks.

[0051] The first communication means 51, the second communication means 52, and the third communication means 53 are designed to allow communication to be established between these means.

[0052] The computer box 4 is configured to receive a distribution request from one of the mobile computer units 2.

[0053] The computer application 3 is designed to allow the transmission of this distribution request via the mobile computer unit 2.

[0054] Thanks to such a distribution request, if it is authorized by the distribution system, the liquid distribution means 14 which is coupled to the computer box 4 authorizes the distribution of liquid.

[0055] In the absence of such a request, or if it is refused, the dispensing means does not authorize the dispensing of liquid.

[0056] The computer platform 6 includes said computer application 3 which is intended to be loaded by mobile computer units 2.

[0057] For example, the distribution terminal 1 can present information 71 intended to be read by a user or by the mobile computer unit 2 of a user, in order to lead to the installation of the computer application 3 on the mobile computer unit 2.

[0058] For example, this information 71 may correspond to a QR code.

[0059] This information 71 can also form a means of identifying the distribution terminal 1 once the computer application 3 is loaded onto the mobile computer unit 2.

[0060] The computer platform 6 comprises at least one database 61 of the mobile computer units 2. This database 61 lists the mobile computer units 2 on which the computer application 3 is loaded, and activated. In other words, once the computer application 3 is loaded on a mobile computer unit 2, the user can create a user account for the system which leads to the registration of the mobile computer unit 2 in the database.

[0061] This database 61 lists at least one identification code of each mobile computing unit 2. The database 61 may list other information relating to the mobile computing unit 2.

[0062] In use, a mobile computing unit 2 can identify itself to the computing platform 6 by transmitting its identification code via the computer application 3. This occurs in particular when a user, by means of the computer application 3 loaded on his mobile computer unit 2, wishes to obtain a distribution of a liquid.

[0063] For this purpose, the computer platform 6 can serve as an intermediary between the mobile computer unit 2 and the computer box 4, and is configured to receive the dispensing request with the identification code. Then, the computer platform 6 is configured to transmit the dispensing request to the computer box 4 of the dispensing terminal 1 in the event of authentication of the identification code. This makes it possible to secure the dispensing of a liquid by the dispensing terminal 1.

[0064] As mentioned previously, the dispensing terminal 1 comprises a measuring device 15 intended to transmit digital data relating to a quantity of liquid dispensed. The computer box 4 is then configured to transmit to the computer platform 6 the digital data relating to a quantity of liquid dispensed.

[0065] The dispensing terminal may be configured to allow free dispensing of liquid, then a determination of the freely obtained quantity of dispensed liquid via the measuring device 15.

[0066] The dispensing terminal 1 can also be configured to authorize the dispensing of a predetermined quantity of liquid, then once this quantity has been reached, measured by the measuring device 15, to stop the dispensing of liquid.

[0067] According to the present embodiment, the computer platform 6 is coupled to a computer payment system. This computer payment system corresponds, for example, to those made available by banking establishments.

[0068] It is conceivable that the user issues a distribution request for a predetermined volume of liquid, the acceptance of this request by the computer box 4 can then be subject to the receipt of a validation of a payment by means of the computer payment system.

[0069] Alternatively, the computer platform 6 is configured to calculate an amount to be paid based on the digital data relating to a quantity of liquid distributed, and to transmit the amount to be paid to the computer payment system. The computer application is then designed to ensure the completion of a prepayment, the exact amount of which will be regularized following the distribution of the liquid.

[0070] As mentioned previously, the dispensing terminal 1 comprises a screen 17. The dispensing system can be configured so that indications are displayed on the screen 17 in order to guide a user in obtaining a drink (dose of liquid).

[0071] The distribution system can also be configured so that these indications are also displayed on the computer application 3.

[0072] The computer application 3 advantageously comprises a distribution terminal location map 1. This location map allows the user to find out which locations have a distribution terminal.

[0073] The computer application may also include: - a real-time tracking function of user consumption, based on the requested liquid distribution; - a user consumption moderation function, advantageously coupled with the user consumption real-time monitoring function; - a function of offering another user a liquid distribution credit via a distribution terminal 1; - a function for sending alert notifications when determining possible abuse of consumption, based on the requested liquid distribution; - a sales card displaying the liquid(s) that can be obtained from a terminal, associated with their prices.

[0074] The real-time tracking function may involve the presence, in the computer application 3, of an interface for entering physiological parameters of the user in order to enter in particular the sex and weight of the user in order to determine an estimated blood alcohol level.

[0075] The moderation function may involve the presence, in the computer application 3, of an input interface allowing the user to enter a maximum quantity of alcohol that can be distributed, determined for example in doses of alcohol. In the case where this function is coupled with the real-time monitoring function, the input interface may also allow the user to enter a maximum blood alcohol level not to be exceeded by the estimated blood alcohol level. The moderation function then blocks any additional distribution of an alcoholic liquid, requested via the computer application 3 of the user's mobile computer unit 2.

[0076] Thanks to the system according to the invention, a user can quickly serve himself a liquid, completely independently, by making a payment via the computer application 3 loaded on his mobile computer unit 2. The manager of the distribution terminal 1 then sees his administration of his distribution service simplified.

Claims

Claims

1. Liquid distribution system, comprising at least one distribution terminal (1) for at least one liquid, and mobile computer units (2), characterized in that it comprises a computer application (3) intended to be loaded by the mobile computer units (2) comprising first communication means (51), the distribution terminal (1) including second communication means (52) capable of communicating with the first communication means (51) and including a computer box (4) configured to exchange with the mobile computer units (2) via the computer application (3), the computer box (4) being configured to receive a distribution request from one of the mobile computer units (2), and in that the distribution terminal (1) comprises a liquid distribution means (14) coupled to the computer box (4) to authorize or not the distribution of liquid.

2. Liquid distribution system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a computer platform (6) including said computer application (3) intended to be loaded by mobile computer units (2), the computer platform (6) comprising third communication means (53) capable of communicating with the first communication means (51) and the second communication means (52).

3. Liquid distribution system according to claim 2, characterized in that the computer platform (6) comprises at least one database (61) of the mobile computer units (2) listing at least one identification code of each mobile computer unit (2), a mobile computer unit (2) being capable of identifying itself with the computer platform (6) by transmitting its identification code via the computer application (3).

4. Liquid distribution system according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the computer platform (6) is configured to receive the distribution request with an identification code, and to transmit the distribution request to the computer box (4) of the distribution terminal (1) in the event of authentication of the code identification.

5. Liquid dispensing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the dispensing terminal (1) comprises a measuring device (15) intended to emit digital data relating to a quantity of liquid dispensed.

6. Liquid distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that the computer box (4) is configured to transmit to the computer platform (6) the digital data relating to a quantity of liquid distributed.

7. Liquid distribution system according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the computer platform (6) is coupled to a computer payment system.

8. Liquid distribution system according to claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the computer platform (6) is configured to calculate an amount to be paid based on the digital data relating to a quantity of liquid distributed and to transmit the amount to be paid to the computer payment system.

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